"Frida"

When we adopted "Frida" from S.E.A.A.C.A. (South East Area Animal Control Agency) nine years ago, I never dreamed how much of an impact she would make on our lives. I've often wondered what makes humans so attached to their pets and I've come to the conclusion that we all have spiritual bonds with our pets that can not be explained.

In 1999 I hadn't really thought about getting a pet since we were living in a small apartment at the time. My partner and I were college students then and our place was small, yet, something inspired me to take a trip to the local shelter. Perhaps it was thoughts of my childhood cat "Tinkerbell" and my deep longing to have a pet in my life again. Whatever it was, there was definitely some unworldly force pulling me there.

As I walked through the shelter that was in need of a face lift at the time, I remember the feeling of sadness enveloping my soul as I heard dogs whimpering and cats meowing. Slowly I grazed down the isles of various homeless pets when my heart suddenly fell to the floor. I heard the strangest meow unlike anything I had ever heard before and without realizing it, my feet started walking so fast toward that pathetic little sound before my mind even realized where I was going. As I continued to walk toward the raspy, deep meow echoing in my ear, I stopped down the middle isle and there she was. It was like I was instantly drawn to her. One look at her big yellow-green eyes and I knew that she was mine and she knew I was hers. It was the strangest feeling. And her name came to me. in an instant I knew it had to be "Frida" because she looked just like one of the self portraits that Mexican artist Frida Kahlo had painted of herself. Kahlo is famous for portraying herself with facial hair and I couldn't resist the fact that my new kitty looked just like she had a moustache!

Now, nine years later, our bond with "Frida" is even stronger. I never could have imagined how much joy, love and silliness she would bring into our lives. Her little spirit is a constant comfort and when I think of that day that I reluctantly drove to the shelter instead of the pet store, I sigh a sigh of relief. Not only did I save my cat's life, but she in turn, saved mine.