Left Behind?

Pat and I are gone for our annual four weeks of camping in eastern Washington. As usual we took our pets—two dogs and three cats. I am often asked how and why we take five animals camping with us. After traveling with small children, the “how” is easy—cats in carriers, dogs behind the seats, two litter boxes, old sheets to cover the furniture, pet toys, a vacuum cleaner (!), and a generator to run it. Neither Pat nor I tolerate pet hair, dirt or clutter, so I clean the RV daily—even in the middle of a forest!

The “why” has to do with the pets themselves. All five were rescued—four were brought home by our children. Three were lost (or abandoned) and starving. Two have physical deformities. Two were suffering from abuse. One was badly injured. One was from a shelter. One was headed for the pound and an uncertain future.

Each arrived at our house at different times and at different stages. While their breeds are obvious, we know nothing about their backgrounds. Amazingly, all five of these animals IMMEDIATELY adapted to life in a multi-pet household. Dogs and cats accepted each other from the beginning. Sure the female cats have territorial squabbles at the house—but not when confined to the limited space of an RV! It seems that all five have bonded into a pack. And most of the time, you will find all five together in the same room—the room that their master is in.

While our children still lived at home and were available to house sit, we camped with just the dogs. We started taking “boss cat” Squeak along because she made it obvious that she didn’t like being left behind when the DOGS got to go! When our children moved out of the house, we were left with the problem of what to do with the other two cats. I convinced Pat to try one camping trip with all five, and they adapted to traveling and camping together as easily as they had adapted to living in the same household. These days, all that really matters to them is that they are with “their humans” and with each other. They don’t want to be left behind!

Lost, injured, abandoned, without hope … from diverse backgrounds but rescued by the same Master … adopted into the same family … Doesn’t that sound like the church? But are we willing to accept others? Are we willing to adapt to change? Are we willing to relinquish “territorial rights?” Are we willing to embrace diversity? Are we willing to do whatever it takes to be with the Master—to not be left behind?

All five of our pets have been rescued. All five have been healed and adopted, and now they have themselves adapted and bonded. All five will be going with us wherever we go. No one will ever be left behind.

What about you?

Pastor Kit