Blind Hope

This blind cat isn't one of ours … and that's what makes her so special.  Her name is Hope.

Over the holidays, we received a number of donations from people who have disabled pets, and they told us how much their animals meant to them and sent us their photos.  I asked these wonderful folks if I could share their stories on our blog, and they all said "Yes!"  So over the next couple of weeks I'll post them for you.  Their experiences mirror everything we have found running a sanctuary for disabled animals.

Hope's heartwarming story comes from Lisa B. in San Mateo, California:

"I've looked forward to your newsletters and often laugh out loud at the stories.  But it was the picture of Ellie May on the  March cover that stole my heart and changed my life.  Soon after reading the story on Ellie May and realizing the gift that blind animals have, I adopted my first blind kitten:  Hope. 

No one at the SPCA was sure how she lost her eyes, but Hope has open sockets without eyes, and was picked up as a stray at about 1-1/2 years old.  After having many seeing-eye cats throughout my life, I can say that Hope brings me a new joy that I've never before experienced; she is the light of my life.

It's funny how they don't really realize they have a problem and think that they experience life like all other beings.  She memorized our house in about 20 minutes and literally took over.  She loves to terrorize my seeing-eye cat, Gretchen, and recently, she discovered a whole new dimension of climbing … [she] climbs up and sits on a tall stool next to me as I telecommute each morning.  She runs, and chases, and fetches small stuffed mice and drops them at my feet, waiting for me to throw them again and again … who would have thought?!

Thank you for inspiring me to take this journey.  It is the most humbling and joyful journey of my life."

Thank YOU, Lisa, for giving Hope such a loving home!

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13 responses to “Blind Hope”

  1. Colleen & Sweet Kitty Erin Avatar
    Colleen & Sweet Kitty Erin

    Lisa B, God bless you for the sweet angel you have given such a loving & normal home life to. You do give “Hope” to one wee little (very fun) kitty! Steve, thank you for devoting time & sharing these stories with us.

    Like

  2. Beverly Avatar
    Beverly

    Lisa,
    Thank you for sharing your inspiring story. May you have many, many happy years with your precious cats Hope and Gretchen.
    Bless you always…..

    Like

  3. Carla Polastro-Nigro Avatar

    Lisa, God bless you for adopting Hope and giving her a loving home! I wish you many joyful years in the company of Hope and Gretchen.

    Like

  4. Debbie Avatar
    Debbie

    Hope is a perfect name for this little beauty. Yes, Steve and Alayne have convinced me that the next animal I adopt will be a disabled one.
    Thank you for sharing this heartwarming story with us.

    Like

  5. Linda Avatar
    Linda

    Hope is simply beautiful. Thank you, Lisa, for giving her a loving home and the chance to be the normal cat she knows she is.

    Like

  6. gayle Avatar
    gayle

    What a cutie!

    Like

  7. Jamie Avatar
    Jamie

    She’s beautiful. Thank you for telling her story.

    Like

  8. ginger Avatar
    ginger

    What a wonderful story! Thanks Lisa for sharing your life & times with us, Hope & Gretchen.
    A friend gave me a book for Christmas, based on a true story, “What’s the Matter with Henry?” which cold be for any age. I was delighted to recieve it & suggest it for anyone.
    Thanks Steve, for sharing other’s stories of unique pets.
    Hugs to all,
    ginger, Tobias & Tlingit

    Like

  9. Janet in Cambridge Avatar
    Janet in Cambridge

    Thanks for sharing these stories. Being blind is so not a disability. The disability is in people not willing to try. Thanks to everyone who gave these “disabled” creatures a try.

    Like

  10. Nina Avatar
    Nina

    Steve, what a great idea to have others share their adoption stories. Lisa’s precious cat is sooo beautiful. Thanks for sharing Hope’s story.

    Like

  11. Julien Sharp Avatar

    This a great series addition to an already outstanding blog. Thanks all!

    Like

  12. Nancy Avatar
    Nancy

    Yes, thanks Alayne and Steve. Without people like you I, too, wouldn’t have the boy that I have. I was lucky enough to adopt him from a small group and he’s been a roller coaster ride for me since. I wouldn’t have it any other way.
    Oh, and don’t tell him he’s disabled, by the way. He won’t believe you.

    Like

  13. boundforglory Avatar
    boundforglory

    Hope – you must be a joy to be around; never a dull kitty moment!
    Thank you for giving her a wonderful home, Lisa.
    Because of RDR, the choice for my next pet will be based on it’s disabilility; not breed or color.
    I hope others feel moved to give a disabled or “unadoptable” pet a home. How many more wonderful disabled adoption stories are circulating in the universe? Endless….and each one builds in emotion and gratitude for the animal and the owner.
    Keep the stories going!

    Like

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