My Excellent Adventure at the Milo Foundation in Richmond CA

While visiting my family in Kensington CA I was able to participate in a new and wonderful experience with my daughter-in-law Sophie and grandchildren Ari and Connor. Every week Sophie and Ari volunteer at the Milo foundation and walk dogs. They have all kinds of dogs and cats that they have rescued from many different kill shelters. Connor who is 5, likes cats so he goes to the rooms where they have cats. Some are in cages, some are roaming free, and many are napping. I chose to go with Connor into the cat rooms because I really don’t have a cat and have had very little physical experience with them. I went inside  the room where they have a chair so I sit down with the idea I will observe my grandson interacting with the cats. He leaves after a few minutes, but I’m staying because a big beautiful black cat jumped in my lap and my hand automatically started petting the cat, then the purring began. Another multi colored cat tries to join the black cat in my lap. This black cat is very large so there is no room for another. This does not discourage the new cat which wraps itself around my right leg. I reach down and begin to also pet the new cat. More joyful purring begins. Cat #3 comes over and wants in on the purring concert so looks around to the available space and claws onto my left pant leg. Lots of pets is happening in my lap and on my legs. This is a unique and wonderful involvement with the cats. There were probably 10-12 cats in the room, which had cat trees, beds, toys, all kinds of things cats need or would want. It’s all very new to me here in this cat village but my heart is filling with such love for these furry cats. Then more cats began waking from their cat naps and came over took a sniff then went and ate or drank.

I was talking to them all. I brought in Archangels for all the cats and dogs at the Milo Foundation. The Archangels will stay with each animal forever. I couldn’t bundle them up in my arms and take them home so I thought the Archangels would be there to love and protect each of them on their journey. Being at the Milo Foundation gave me a real heart opening perspective on animals in need of homes. They have been tossed aside for any number of reasons and now depend on the kindness and generosity of strangers. I can’t sing a note, but I did sing a little to the cats. I felt so sensitive to each cat I meant that Friday in Oakland. We had our own narrative going between each of us.
I am so grateful for the surprises that life holds for us; mine was a visit to the Milo Foundation where the cats purred and my heart listened. This was a true gift for my soul.