MY TURN By Mark J. Yablonsky

Falling in love again Just last week, I was at my veterinarian’s offices getting a grooming for one of my cats when I managed to fall in love — again — with another furry little patient named Oreo that looked remarkably similar to a cat my family had had when I was a little boy. I couldn’t take my eyes off this kitten of about 12 weeks of age, and I ended up getting a big hug from her. It turns out her new owner had found her at CLAWS Cat Rescue Shelter, the Augusta-based agency that puts in tireless work and devotion to first sheltering stray cats, then finding them secure, loving homes. Funny, isn’t it? After all, in a world and society where money is the so-called name of the game, there really are people out there who try to do good for little or nothing in return. Along with food pantries and soup kitchens, there is really nothing more noble than helping defenseless little animals survive and even thrive in an otherwise cold and heartless world. What can you do in return? In this case, it’s simple: consider adopting a kitten or two of your own. Of course, not everyone can have cats, either because of allergies or difficulties with some landlords who don’t allow their tenants to have pets. But if you are in a position to adopt a furry little buddy, then every day is a good day to do it. My aunt, who’s a terrific poet, feels this way: “Love from an animal to have and to hold; it’s better than grandeur — better than gold.” Indeed, cats and dogs, you see, can’t be politicized or wooed by money like humans can. Instead, they can deal affectionately with you, provided they know you love them in return. Or as Laurie Walsh, the founder and administrator of CLAWS puts it, you’ll receive a “lifetime commitment with the promise of true, unconditional love.” Not only that, but if you have children, most will agree that a child growing up learning to love and appreciate pets can only become a better adult for it. Each year, Walsh says, CLAWS (973-875-8540) comes across about 600 stray cats, “and our adoptions have been astronomical. We get a lot of working couples who don’t want to go through the kitten syndrome, but just want to come home to someone who will give them unconditional love.” That’s really about it. Other than the understanding that cats ought never to be let outside or de-clawed, CLAWS and other agencies are waiting and hoping for a good, warm-hearted person to come along and adopt a cat. CLAWS, while they also assist in dog rescues without actually housing them, has some of the best people you’ll ever meet — many of whom are furry, little “people” in need of a good roof over their heads. Just like you and me.