Meaning of Shelter

By Jessica Thompson

I met and photographed this joyful, thankful cat at The Winnipeg Humane Society back in January. My request to spend the day at the shelter gathering material for an art exhibit/ fundraiser had been granted which meant having access to even the hardest parts of running the largest animal shelter in Manitoba.

At the time I photographed her she was in the back holding area, meaning she was not yet safe from euthanasia. I instantly fell in love with her, her enthusiasm, smiling and purring was infectious. She was grateful to be warm and fed. She showed no signs of ill will or malcontent, despite her frostbitten ears, her thin body and her containment within a cage.

This little cat showed me exactly why The Winnipeg Humane Society is a safer, kinder predicament than most. She reminded me of why The Winnipeg Humane Society deserves my community and it’s admiration, support and respect.

I wished the little happy cat luck, safety and the chance to find a new home.

I hoped for the best outcome for her but as time went by I began to feel like the little happy cat had not been one of the lucky ones. I caught myself thinking of her often, wondering what had happened and kicking myself for not doing more for her when I had the chance. I resigned myself to the conclusion that the little happy frostbitten cat had been lost forever in a society that is overrun with stray and abandoned cats. However, I knew, seeing how happy she had been, that she had at least passed on feeling what all animals should feel, compassion.

So tears of joy took me by surprise one morning in April when I saw that the precious happy cat was now available for adoption! I am beyond grateful to The Winnipeg Humane Society for keeping her safe all this time, giving her tender loving care and allowing her body to recover so that she can have a second chance.

I also want to thank The Winnipeg Humane Society for allowing me into all aspects of their shelter; I would not have grown as an artist or person if my request had not been granted.

It is lovely to now know that this special cat, who in a matter of moments taught me so much, has also been given what all animals should be given, a name.

Congrats Meela on your next step of rescue and subsequent adoption and thank you for teaching me the meaning of shelter – it is a lesson we all should learn.