Submited by Mitzi Dico
Edited by Jayson Patalinghug
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Edited by Jayson Patalinghug
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I love animals, but I never had a
cat as a pet before. My family has always had a dog as our house companion. One day I
was asked to foster a cat from Island Rescue Organization (IRO), I just nodded
in agreement but honestly I was not excited. It might be because I was thinking
that it would be a pain in the neck on my part.
At first, I wanted to call her “Lolita”
but later on changed it to “Lola” a name of Spanish origin which meant sorrow.
It was a fitting name for a cat who suffered so much. She was thin, dirty with
fearful and watchful eyes. There were so many bald spots from her body
because of fleas and ticks that infected her skin.
Lola did not trust me. I can feel
it every time I tried to approach her. She would not allow me to touch her. She
would not even eat if I am around. She was scared and all she did was stay on
her litter box all day long.
I
was worried because I cannot help her if I cannot get her trust. How can I
clean her dirty ears? How can I feed her? How can I treat her fleas and skin disease I cannot remember how long it was before she started to hang out with
me, just one day she became comfortable with me. She became my study companion.
She would stay by my side while I'm doing my school work. She would even watch
TV with me. She has totally changed, from a non-responsive feline to a passive study
buddy to a playful brat who would not let a single say pass by without landing
on my lap.
Lola’s stay with me might have
been short-lived but it was something I would cherish for a lifetime.
Her stay with me taught me about
trust. Trust is not something you get for free. It’s something you work hard and
earn. It’s something you should not readily give to a complete stranger. It’s
something that is built through time and positive experience.
God knows what she’s been through
on the streets – probably enough for her to completely shut me out for days.
Humans may not have been kind to her but there she was giving me another
chance, another shot to prove that animals don’t necessarily have to suffer in
human hands.
Her very existence taught me about
hope. Hope that there will always be something worth cherishing at the end of every
sacrifice. That no matter how bad things are, there is still goodness in this
world. When Lola finds a home that she can call forever, only then will the
sorrowful Lola be sorrowful no more.
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Lola was rescued from the streets
of Cebu near St. Theresa’s College by Michelle and Mark Lim. She followed the
couple a few times – looking for food. The couple eventually decided to take
her in. She stayed at IRO’s Mini Rescue Center in Tayud, Consolacion and was
later fostered by Mitzi Dico. Currently, she is fostered by Annalyn Aizpuru and
is still in need of a loving home. If you would like to adopt Lola, please send
us a message at adoptiro@gmail.com.
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