One of my favorite aspects of volunteering at Our Companions Sanctuary is meeting animals who are true inspirations. Since Our Companions opened its first cottage for the rehabilitation of animals in 2012, I have witnessed numerous cats and dogs surpass my expectations in their ability to heal from illness, injury, and physical and emotional trauma. These animals continue to enjoy life, and continue to love themselves and others, no matter how difficult life's challenges have been for them. Despite physical limitations or past lives in which they were victims of abuse, they do not appear to think of themselves as different or damaged. These cats and dogs are healers, true angels, and amazing teachers of resilience and love to us humans. One of the most truly inspirational cats I have met during my time at Our Companions is living at the Sanctuary right now and waiting to find his forever home. His name is Teddy.
Teddy is a sweet and lovable little guy who happens to be blind as the result of a traumatic brain injury. When I first heard there was a blind cat living at the Sanctuary, I couldn't help but imagine how daunting life must have been for him. Without the ability to see his surroundings, moving into a new environment and continually being introduced to new people and animals would seem overwhelming. Teddy navigates through his environment using his memory and gets around just fine on his own. However, tasks such as getting to his food and water dishes can become difficult if these objects have been moved. Amazingly, Teddy takes all of these challenges in stride.
Despite his difficulties, Teddy is a healthy and very happy cat with a peaceful spirit.
Although Teddy cannot see people approaching him, he shows an incredibly trusting and loving nature. Teddy purrs immediately upon sensing that a loving presence is nearby, or as soon as he hears a soothing voice coming to greet him. When I first met Teddy, he placed his own precious paw in the palm of my hand. He was ecstatic as I rubbed his belly, and then proceeded to gently squeeze my fingers in his paw. My own heart melted at that moment. As I watched Teddy play that afternoon like any other cat would, a sense of lightheartedness settled in. Teddy is an angel who brings joy into the lives of everyone he meets.
Although Teddy cannot see people approaching him, he shows an incredibly trusting and loving nature. Teddy purrs immediately upon sensing that a loving presence is nearby, or as soon as he hears a soothing voice coming to greet him. When I first met Teddy, he placed his own precious paw in the palm of my hand. He was ecstatic as I rubbed his belly, and then proceeded to gently squeeze my fingers in his paw. My own heart melted at that moment. As I watched Teddy play that afternoon like any other cat would, a sense of lightheartedness settled in. Teddy is an angel who brings joy into the lives of everyone he meets.
Thank goodness Our Companions is here to help animals like Teddy, and all the people who benefit from meeting him.
Teddy is now looking for a permanent home and for the people who will love him forever. He is seeking a quiet environment with loving individuals, and would enjoy the company of other friendly cats or a gentle dog. He cannot have access to stairs. Teddy brings so much happiness wherever he goes! If you think you might like to adopt Teddy, please contact Stephanie at 860-242-9999, or by email at Stephanie@ourcompanions.org.
thank you Julie S, Sanctuary Volunteer, for telling Teddy's story!
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