It’s been a rough day….and I’m finally ready to call it a day. I’m exhausted, slightly grumpy and I want nothing more than to settle back in a comfy chair, kick my shoes off, close my eyes, relax and think of nothing at all.
I don’t like it when “things” get to me. You know how those “things” can be. Weather concerns (we’re near the area hurricane Isaac just visited), economy concerns, business concerns, pet health concerns, what to have for dinner.
Things.
I get grumpy where there are too many things. I feel sorry for myself and I don’t like to feel sorry for myself.
On my drive home, I pass the Clearwater Marine Aquarium, home to Winter the Dolphin, star of A Dolphin’s Tale. There are lines of people waiting to get in to see Winter and all her injured sea friends that call the Marine Aquarium home.
I think about Winter and how she has become a symbol of inspiration for so many.
You may know her story: A baby dolphin found injured, maimed by a crab trap line wrapped around and cutting into her tail, she was brought to the Marine Aquarium to be rehabilitated. Her tail had to be amputated but the plucky baby learned to compensate for her missing tail and was soon swimming with the other dolphins.
Her story, and the story of how a dedicated group of rescuers saved her and even restored her tail by inventing something that allowed her to swim normally was so inspirational, the movie A Dolphin’s Tale was made. She’s become a star and an inspiration to those who may feel that life has just too many challenges.
I’ve seen her affect on others. They are inspired after visiting, self pity gone. They come from the world-over to be inspired and they usually are.
I’m home now.
I park my car, walk into the house and I’m greeted by our office cat Q, who we brought home and she now lives with us here. 
We named her Kewpie Doll when we got her because she was the runt, a tiny black and white tuxedo kitty. She’s now know as Q, and the name suits her.
Kewpie was born with a system deficiency and has severe allergies that are controlled with special diet, vitamins and medication. We have to do a lot to keep Q symptom free, and sometimes even with all we do, we just can’t, and she suffers. She gets the equivalent of kitty hives – and they are rough on her. Her quality of life fluctuates wildly depending on her symptoms and I sometimes am concerned that the bad days outweigh the good……another big THING that gets to me.
She’s having it rough at the moment.
But then I look at Q as she races up to greet me, purring and joyous I’m back. I look at her and I’m inspired. Inspired by her will to live, to find pleasure in my company and her determination that she will coax me into a better mood whenever I’m around her.
She’s good at her job.
I smile, scoop her up and settle back in my chair, kick my shoes off, close my eyes, relax while I stroke Q, our small bundle of inspiration and think of just how I’m going to make tomorrow a truly wonderful day.
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Do you have a pet that inspires you? If you do, we want you to share your story with us! We have a new contest to celebrate the new slogan for Daily Paws. Inspired by Pets. Share your story about your inspirational pet and you could win $100. Feeling inspired to share? Click here for the details and how to enter.