Every once in a while, I get an e-mail that reaches through the computer screen and grabs me by the heart. You know the feeling: a fellow spirit connects over the ether and ”gets it” in a way that takes your breath away and restores your faith in humanity.

Dr. L is such a spirit, and she sent such an e-mail. As a sponsor of Jasper, she was generous to transfer her sponsorship to little Edward when the J-man was adopted. Dr. L’s beautiful explanation of why she chose Edward is too poignant, too moving, and too soul-deep-true not to share. You will be unsurprised to learn that Dr. L is a Professor of English, as she deploys the language most beautifully in tribute to her little lion…

“I had a cat with both of Edward’s conditions in 2010–he lived with me for five glorious months before his little lion’s heart gave out–and I will care for Edward in his honor.

“May I share a little more, as cat lover to cat lover? I found my beloved on the parking circle at the university where I teach. He was wet, cold, and painfully thin. Because of his condition, he was staggering. I knelt down in front of him, stretched out my hand, and said, “Come here, baby!” He staggered towards me. I picked him up, carried him to my car, and drove him straight to the vet’s office. I called my husband from the parking lot and said I would be bringing home a new cat. (We have six to eight rescued cats at all times, and he asked few questions.)

“The next five months were the most wonderful of my life. I named the little guy Woden, nursed him as well as I could, held him for hours at a time, and loved him as I have never loved a living creature. He would curl up in my lap and lay his head in the palm of my hand and coo like a dove, and I would whisper that I would always love and take care of him. He seemed to be walking better in the short time before I found him, first thing in the morning, dead on the bathroom floor. That’s why I think his little lion’s heart must have given out. He had such a big heart for that delicate little frame.

“Through nursing Woden, I became familiar with FIV and the neurological illnesses that so often attend it. So, when I saw little Edward, so determined and plucky and affectionate, I knew I had to help care for him.

“God bless you and the work you do! We hope to drive out to Tabby’s Place to meet you and darling Edward very soon.”

I sincerely cannot wait, Dr. L. You are a pearl among humans, and Woden’s glory lives on in your self-giving love. Edward is a king among cats to have you in his life, and we – both species – are blessed beyond measure to have you in our Tabby’s Place family.

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