How One Cat Can Make The Whole World Just A Little Bit Better

A while ago I came across a book titled Homer’s Odyssey. I was intrigued, sure, but to be honest, I’m a little jaded when it comes to books about pets, so I didn’t really give it much of a thought.

When I realized that Homer’s Odyssey had appeared on the New York Times Bestsellers list, I and decided to give it a shot.

I won’t lie, the book had quite an impact on me. In the novel, author Gwen Cooper shares her stories about her blind cat, Homer. As someone who’s fascinated by animal conditions (this blog is evidence!), I was intrigued to learn more about how Homer lived with his condition. It was incredible.

After a long, wonderful life, Homer passed away earlier this year. When I heard, I really did feel like I had lost a friend, after “meeting” him and getting to know him through the book.

A few weeks ago Gwen wrote a piece for the Huffington Post that really touched my heart. I wanted to share excerpts with you, since I think we can all appreciate where Gwen is coming from. Perhaps it can even help inspire us in difficult or troubling times.

Gwen wrote: “From Homer I’d learned that even the most ‘imperfect’ of creatures is capable of loving with a deep and perfect love. All they need is someone to give them a chance.”

Upon learning of Homer’s death, the executive director of the Blind Cat Sanctuary sent Gwen an email, which read: “Homer and Homer’s Odyssey have made a tremendous difference in the lives of blind cats,” she wrote. “Because of Homer and his story, many shelters no longer euthanize blind cats immediately upon intake, and we’re seeing far higher adoption rates of blind cats. Please know that he’s helped save countless lives.”

Gwen continued: “Homer was just one cat. One tiny, big-hearted, irrepressible, brave and loyal little cat. Who could possibly have foreseen that he would come to mean so much to so many? Those of us who work in animal rescue believe that every animal matters. We believe that every life — no matter how small, or how steep the odds are against it — can make a difference. Every animal who’s given the chance to love and be loved can make someone else’s life better; can fill up empty places in our hearts we didn’t even know were there until they were full.

And, once in a great while, one tiny creature can have a spirit so big that it spills over and makes the whole world just a little bit better, and happier, and more inspired, than it was before. Even in the darkest places are small lights that can grow and grow until they warm us all.”