This is Dexter, a rescue-cat. He was found wandering the streets of Chicago and brought to the Red Door Animal Shelter where my daughter, Maya, sometimes volunteers as a foster parent for stray cats. We call her the “Cat Whisperer” for her ability to calm and tame strays like Dexter—and he needed a lot of taming. Big, boisterous and street-smart, Dexter didn’t get along with the other cats and went stir-crazy in the crowded confines of the shelter. So Maya agreed to foster him until he settled down and a permanent family could adopt him. She brought him home to meet her sleek, tawny Siamese, Leonidas. 
I admit I didn’t like Dexter, at first. He was too rambunctious and seemed to bully our much-smaller “grand-cat,” Leonidas. But as the months passed and Maya worked her magic through love and discipline, I grew to appreciate Dexter’s unique personality. He liked to sleep in strange places, like the bathroom sink: 
Or on my son-in-law’s bass guitar: 
Or on top of my bookshelf when he came to visit: 
Or my fireplace mantel, which I had emptied as we prepared to move. It was almost as if he was volunteering to fill and decorate the barren space for me. 
At Christmas, he slept beneath my tree, as if hoping he might go home as someone’s Christmas present. 
Maya taught Dexter how to sit on command. How to play fetch with his little plastic ball. And how to play kitty-cat video games on her I-Pad. He loved those games, chasing birds or catching fish, and quickly reached level 3. 
And then one day the animal shelter called. They had found a permanent home and a family for Dexter. It happened so fast that I didn’t get to say goodbye. When Maya called to tell me the news that he was gone, I felt a hole open up inside. I realized how much I would miss him, how much I had grown to love that large, rambunctious ball of shedding, white fur. We were happy for Dexter, sad for ourselves.
Leonidas miss
ed him, too. They had become friends. Leonidas wandered through the empty rooms as if searching for Dexter, meowing plaintively. Maya felt so bad for him, she wondered if she should foster another cat. I didn’t think I could take the heartache a second time.
A week later the shelter called. Dexter was back! His new owners were unhappy and so was he. Would Maya consider taking him again? I think we all wept with joy. She told me, “If a cat can smile, then Dexter was grinning from ear-to-ear when he walked into our house.” She and her husband adopted him. Dexter belongs to them, now. He’s my beloved “grand-cat.”
I think the reason that Dexter’s story is so heart-warming is because it’s our story. In Christ, we were rescued from our former life, redeemed and made new, then adopted into the family of God. Like the psalmist, we sing, “My soul finds rest in God alone; my salvation comes from Him” (Psalm 62:1).
Welcome home, Dexter. Welcome to our family.
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What a heartwarming story, Lynn! For the first time in a long time, we are cat-less since moving to the city. It makes sense, as much as we travel, not to have a pet. But sometimes I sure miss having a cat in the house. Thankfully, we have a grand-cat (our youngest daughter’s) who, like your Dexter, has a special place in my heart. I’m so glad Dexter got to come back home!
Me, too, Deborah. My “grandcats” are coming to visit this weekend and I’m looking forward to seeing them! (My kids, too, of course.)
Oh, I was almost in tears when Dexter found a home!!!! Clever kitty sabotaging his adoption. I just bet he was grinning when he came home. He’d already figured out who he was adopting…not his fault that the humans were a bit slow in the uptake. 🙂
Ha! You’re right! Dexter is pretty smart He has us figured out.
I love this story about Dexter. Sounds like Dexter worked some magic on you as well. ;o)
He sure did, Loraine. He wormed his fuzzy way right into my heart.
What a super sweet story! I’m tearing up 🙂 So happy for all of you! Our cats have special places in our hearts.
Yes! And cats have such wonderful personalities, don’t they?
That is a wonderful story, Lynn. God know that your daughter was the right home for Dexter, just as He knows heaven is the right home for us. How are the new digs? I hope you are enjoying your new home.
In church, yesterday, the sermon was on the wheat and the weeds. Only God can take a weed and turn it into wheat. Apparently, He has gifted your daughter with that “ability” in cats.
I’m so glad God sees us as wheat and not weeds–even when I’m behaving like a weed! Our new home is wonderful! We are enjoying it so much! Especially the beach.
I will admit I am crying as I write this….reading Dexter’s story was so heartwarming and sweet—and I am beyond thrilled that Dexter is back in your lives again. He is beautiful! 🙂
Hugs, Patti Jo (who LOVES a happy ending!)
I know. I can’t imagine life without Dexter. He’s getting a big hug from me this weekend when he comes to visit. (And LOTS of cat treats!)
I’m all teary over this story, too! What a happy ending for everyone involved, most of all Dexter.
Also — there are iPad games for cats?!!! I’m astonished. The next time Dexter has an opening in his schedule, maybe he can come visit me and write my next novel.
Yes, games for cats! The app is from the “Friskies” cat food company. He plays two games, one where he chases birds and the other catching fish. But Dexter is busy helping me write my novel, Becky, so I don’t think there’s time in his schedule to help you.
awww….love this story! sniff, sniff….
Yes . . . and isn’t Dexter adorable? I’m so glad he’s home!
That’s a very sweet stpry. Years ago I had a cat who was a stray that we took in. He also loved sleeping in the bathroom sink and other odd places. He once got into the cat food and ate it all up (back when we had just taken him in). He ended up 17 pounds!! and had the biggest belly that he loved having rubbed. I just adored him, he was my buddy for years.
I think strays make such great pets. They are so appreciative of love and affection–and food!
I just got around to reading your story about Dexter. I loved it. Thanks for sharing.
You’re welcome. I thought it would make a great story for kids, too. Maybe someday.
I love this story. It is beautiful how God can use all of creation to teach us about Him. Thanks for sharing.
Yes! Isn’t it great how God teaches us if we’re listening to His voice?
Loved this story! We have kittens/cats that visit us on the farm from time to time. Sometimes they stay for good, theirs and ours.
Two of our children also have rescue cats that have become much loved members of the family.
So happy for Dexter and your family.
Yes, those strays do work themselves into our hearts. And aren’t we all strays, looking for a home …in God’s family?
So true.
What a wonderful story!!! I also loved all the pictures you have of Dexter and Leonidas. This was great! Thank you.
I know I’m biased,but I think my grand cats are beautiful. I love to see them enjoying each other and cuddling together.
Wow. Great story. I kept scrolling, enjoying what was happening, and then Dexter was gone…gone…what do you mean he is gone!!!! A black moment if I ever read one! And then WHEW! A happy ending! Like you said…just like us….adopted into the family. I do find rest in Him. Thank you for this great reminder that I am a friend of God! Blessings on your day.