A couple of days ago I was walking through the forest and lost in thought. Suddenly I felt strange and looked up to see a pair of large round eyes staring back at me from behind the trees. It was a small, smart looking tabby cat (with a suit that has definitely been tailored by the best tailor in the forest!). The poor cat was looking at me intently. With those innocent eyes he seemed to be trying to communicate with me. He was circling me, swishing his tail whilst trying to look all cute and dapper. He must have been planning to win over this clumsy passerby!
I am a sucker for those innocent eyes! So I set to work. I remembered that I had some left over meat from my sandwich in my bag so placed it on the floor in front of him. To my surprise he ate it all in one go! He then became the most loyal friend. He wouldn’t leave my side. He would walk alongside me with pride as if he were my bodyguard. Even when I said goodbye he walked me all the way to the end of the path.
This shows us that animals understand the language of kindness much better than we do. They know what genuine attention and love looks like. With a bit of sandwich meat, a kind look and some of your time they can turn their fear into a strong friendship.
When was the last time you showed some love to an animal who can’t speak? Have you ever had a stray or wild animal walk you home?
Today show them a little act of kindness. Whether that be a bowl of water, some seeds or a kind look. You never know, your small gesture may make their whole world feel safe.