Somewhere in another world, loving people are taking cats for walks in the dry, red sun of a high desert canyon. They are preparing food in small dishes with cat figures on them. They are petting and grooming and helping those who cannot help themselves.

Somewhere, there are those who have dedicated – and re-dedicated –  their lives to saving animals, one at a time.

Save a cat – save the world. They say that together we can save them all.

Why is that one furry life so important in a world gone mad with war and injustice? Because it’s where we start. The soldiers in Israel who rescued the mother cat and her kittens will tell you. The veteran who brought his Iraqi tabby home with him will tell you, too. It’s not rationalization; it’s the right thing to do. We can feel it, feel it in the depth of our true humanity. Someday we will do it for every life, across the board, the human ones as well.

Save a cat – save the world.

But what about forfeiture of spirit, the suppressing of soul? Isn’t that a little death in itself? Life is so precious, so fleeting, I can’t take it for granted that there will be a better tomorrow. Everything I’ve learned in my 60+ years tells me to strive for a better today.

As I sit like a robot in my sunlightless cubicle, I think of you, Princess Blue; of you, Gray & Pewter; of you, Eli; of you, Lightfoot; of you, Lucky; of you, Matisse; of you, Sonja; all of you.

Even the dogs.