Page 2 - CAS 2026 CAL

’
I m Rescued and Extraordinary

An Act of Grace

This year, there were 23 entries of extraordinary dogs and cats into the calendar The Seniors
contest, all of which are pictured in our calendar. Each one of them is unique, with Alfie stops completely during a walk to watch someone pass by. When anyone
her or his own special tale to tell. begins to pet him, he flops over for a belly rub. His mom says that he “spends more
However, certain similarities in their stories kept appearing over and over again. Many of his day on his back, looking at the family upside down.”
families spoke about the transformation of their dog or cat from a scared, poorly Harper, a 9-year-old, also savors scratches and belly rubs, tipping over on her side
treated animal to a secure and happy one. Several mentioned that their dog liked to to remind you that she is ready. She also takes mealtime quite seriously, tip-tapping
stay very, very close by—you may have seen them described as “velcro dogs.” across the floor and making purr-like sounds to say, “I’m ready for food now!”
Families also wrote about their pets’ capacity for empathy, comforting a family Reggie, 11, is half of a duet. Mom, a classically trained soprano, walked in one day,
member or even another dog or cat when they are distressed or scared. On the singing. Reggie began howling along. The two have been singing together ever since.
lighter side, it was remarkable to hear how many dogs love belly rubs, and roll over on Aaron, 12, naps on his back with his legs sticking up. He loves to sunbathe, sleeps
their back to be petted, to greet others, or to sleep! with his head on his own little pillow, and does a jumping-up-and-down, smiling and
Most noteworthy, perhaps, was the statement over and over again that their pet barking “biscuit dance” for his treats.
is a member of the family. “We’re so much more a family with her in it,” said Pearl Luna, 12, was trained to alert the family’s young son, who has diabetes, when his
Sheffer’s Mom, capturing the sentiment perfectly. blood sugar changed. Even more than that, Luna sensed when he needed her
Here are just some of our entries’ distinctive qualities: calming support, putting her head on his knee or curling up beside him.
The Young and Adult Pets Over the Rainbow Bridge
Kona has her own rocking chair on the front patio, where she enjoys watching for Mauser was adopted when her dad was waiting to start flight school. When they
squirrels and deer. first met, she was so small she could fit into the pocket of his flight suit. It became
her favorite spot, and she remained his co-pilot all of her life.
Machaut, a beautiful, long-haired cat, uses his huge paws to point to the food option
he prefers, then meows to ensure his selection has been noted. Serena spent 20 years with her mom. A petite tabby, she loved to curl up in Mom’s
lap and roll onto her back, nuzzle and knock the book out of Mom’s hands, and come
Maple Bacon appears in photo shoots for her mom’s advertising clients. She also down the stairs to welcome Mom home every day after work.
has her own Instagram page!
Taz was the comedian of the family. His talents included being an escape artist,
Every night, Marlene brings all of her toys, one by one, onto the bed, where they having impeccable table manners, and loving to shop. His mom said, “Taz made
must stay. Then she climbs into bed herself, leaving the space that remains for the every ordinary moment memorable simply by being himself.”
rest of her family.
So much of what we find extraordinary about our dogs and cats, so much of what we
Aubri is a comfort animal for a family member and cancer survivor. She goes to work cherish, is in the small, memorable things that make them who they are. That is what
with her every day. She is also an Eagles fan and “never met a food she didn’t like.” we remember most and carry with us, even when—especially when—they cross the
Winter has learned to self-soothe with her own personal “blankie.” She can also Rainbow Bridge.
sense who else needs comfort and stays by their side. When she barks, she makes What we carry in our hearts about our pets—each quirk, each endearing behavior,
“Chewbacca sounds,” and she howls long and low at ambulances. each memory—is an act of grace.
Sincerely,
Yvonne D. Neiman, Executive Director