Little Hannah Pearl

 When i first saw Hannah Pearl's picture on the website for my local animal shelter, the Mohawk and Hudson Humane Society, i knew she was mine. This happens to me sometimes. It's like i recognize an old friend, or know a new one is coming along... So i contacted my friend Barbara who is one of the Angels who runs the adoption room for the shelter at the local Petsmart, and made a date to meet her.

 Hannah has a "wandering eye" and seemed to have difficulty seeing certain things. But that hardly mattered. She was sweet and friendly and we liked each other so i took her home.

 After living with her for two weeks i noticed that she had a hard time doing normal kitten things, like jumping up on furniture, or playing with toys. She would try to climb and fall, try to jump up on the couch and miss it completely, run and slam into the wall... I made a wellness appointment with my wonderful vet, Dr. John White. When he asked why i brought Hannah in i told him i knew this would sound like i was "projecting" my own issues on my kitten, but i was concerned that she may have brain damage.She and her sister were found in a parking lot in a box. Anyone who could do that to two baby animals would not hesitate to give them a good hard kick. He examined her and saw the same things i saw..inability to focus, head bobbing, balance issues. I recognized these things in Hannah Pearl because i am experiencing them myself in my own head and body!

 Doc said she may or may not completely heal but the deficits she has are minor, and we both agreed she is a delightful kitten. I took her home, feeling better that i knew she was in no pain and would be alright. I think it is so amazing that we found each other this way at this time. We are both recovering and dealing with a brain injury. Who knows how hers came about...a birth issue? Or that imagined hard kick? I guess that part is not important any more. Now we will work together to get stronger and see where we stand on the other side of our healing time...She will definitely keep me on my toes. She leaps into toilets, tries to eat inedible things and runs for the door whenever it opens. She makes life a little more interesting... I just love her to pieces....