And then that elevator starts its ride
And down and down I go
‘Round and ’round I go
Like a leaf that’s caught in the tide

“That Old Black Magic” by Johnny Mercer and Harold Arlen

These last couple of months, life has felt a bit like a maelstrom. The spinning doesn’t seem to stop, and there are days when it feels like the direction of its pull is ever downward. The holidays were amazing, don’t get me wrong. My daughter was home from Japan and, for those couple of weeks, everything was wonderful.

During that joyful time, this little fellow came along. He was abandoned by some [expletive deleted] and took up residence in our barn. We gradually befriended him, caught him, brought him in, and got him neutered and vetted. As always, my animals are bright spots in my days. Magic, as he decided to name himself, is one of those sparkling stars in the darkness.

I frequently suspect that I wouldn’t be here if not for my animal companions. There have been times, when my health issues have plunged me into one abyss or other, that their unconditional love and devotion has been an anchor to cling to. Young Magic, a kitten of about eight months, now contributes to my ability to hold on to the moment.

On either side of that pleasant holiday span, life has been … rough. Much of that is due to my continued health issues. Worry over struggles being faced by my family members complicates everything. It’s always one thing after another; it’s hard to shake the feeling that we just never seem to catch a break.

I’m guessing that most people reading this, in one way or other, can relate.

We lost our Missie cat in early November. She had been my dad’s kitty before he passed away, and in a large way it felt like I lost my hold on the very last of him when she died. Many friends have said she sent Magic our way, not to replace her (nothing ever could), but to make a space of his own to help fill the holes in our hearts.

The ease with which Magic has fit into our household is truly, well … magical. He and Kira, our Italian Greyhound, hit it right off. This young fellow never flinched at her playful advances, and they became quick friends. He’s gradually being introduced to the rest of the household, and (to my surprise) is catching on to the fact that the inside birds are family members. (Staying off the counters when I’m trying to fix his dinner, however, is a work in progress.)

I’ve never been a people person. In fact, at many points in my life I have drifted well into the realm of downright anti-social. Animals, though, have always been my solace. I have had pets since age four, when Percy, a sandy-tuxedo kitten born to my aunt’s cat Lady, adopted me. From that moment on, I’ve never been without animals in my life. I chose to work with animals professionally once of age to make that choice, and that has been my focus throughout my entire life. The animals who’ve shared my household are pets, and yet they are also more than pets. They are family members, confidantes, comforters, and friends. They’ve kept me going when my body has wanted to quit, and given me a reason to get out of bed in the darkest mornings. They make me laugh. Even on days when the fatigue is horrible or the pain is crippling, they find ways to bring laughter out of the depths of my soul.

When I was hospitalized in 2008 for nearly two months, it was my family, including the non-human members, that gave me the will to recover enough to go home. It was the need to be with my forever heart-dog Kai, as much as anything else, that helped to pull me through.

Now we have Kira, joined by young Magic, who are my helpers. The two miniature horses, Kestrel and Star, provide the momentum to get out in the air (even as cold as that air is right now) and be with them. The rescued starlings and cowbird, though there are days I complain, get me up and down to make sure their needs are well met.

My human family are amazing. They are my godsend, carrying me when I am unable to carry myself, and never failing to be there when I need them. They are my circle of strength. My animals flesh out that circle, adding their own special brand of love, and make that circle complete.

Perhaps many readers can relate to that, too. My work with animals over the last six decades has shown me that animals touch the hearts and lives of humans the world over. Have you ever felt that your animals give you strength in times of weakness? Have they been the light that illuminates the shadow, and allows you to see your way forward?

Feel free to leave a comment, if so. Tell me about your furry (or feathered, scaly, or finned) friends. How have they made your life better?