Spring found us busy on our three acre farm. We had blueberries to pick and freeze, a large garden to tend to and countless apples, figs and pears to pick and can. Our large German shepherd and a white cat named Marbelia comprised our animal family, along with two dozen chickens and a half dozen angora rabbits. Scores of cows, horses as well as dogs and cats filled the neighborhood homes and pastures. It wasnt long before the cat across the street had kittens and sure enough, one little female decided our farm was to be her new home. Inch by inch she claimed her new family as her own. At first she slept on the dryer in the outside garage, but after she found the cat door, Marbelias open bowl of food, and loving attention, she became a permanent member of our household. We named her Jumbalaya.

My marriage began to crumble and finally break after many years of struggle. Bitter loneliness crept in as I lay in bed night after night and cried myself to sleep. Much to my amazement, Jumbalaya would stretch her tiny kitten body across my neck and purr loudly. My tears melted into her black fur, but she didnt seem to mind one bit. There were many nights I fell asleep listening to the loud purr, purr, of my little Jumbalayas assurances that one day in the future the sun would shine again in my world. She stayed with me the duration of her 15 years, traveling from house to house, approving of my new husband and cuddling close to our newborn son. One of our sons first words was cat as he lay mesmerized, watching Jumbalaya strut across the top cushion of the couch. She would come running to nestle close to him whenever he cried, ready to join us for quiet times of cuddling and love.

Just as our pets comfort us during times of emotional trauma, they are quick to come to our rescue from physical danger also.

We raised chickens on our farm as well as produce. Spring soon melted into the summer heat. As I strode out to the chicken house to feed and water the chickens after work, I saw that their water troughs were dry. Emptying my heavy water buckets into theirs, I turned to make my exit. One of the roosters took his chance to take out his vengeance, coming from behind and spurring me violently in my thigh, all the while loudly squawking and screaming out his anger. His talon went right through my jeans and tore into my leg. Blood began to seep through my pant leg as I panicked, realizing he was coming for me once again!!! I screamed with all my might and ran for the house. My German shepherd, equal to me in weight, yet ten times my power, heard my screams and intervened. I heard the growling, barking and snarling behind me as he chased that nasty rooster off. Needless to say, that rooster didn't last another day, he was just too dangerous.

Many seasons of living have since come and gone. Through it all, my heart is filled to overflowing with similar stories of the love and devotion of my animal family.