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My Love for Furby

Furby came into my life in June 2002. My husband has just left me after 10 years and I was going through a major depression. I was unable to make my own decisions, I was pretty much lost. Days and nights made no difference to me.

One of my girlfriends had several cats and dogs at that time. She suggested that my conditions would probably improve if I were to adopt a cat. I wouldn't end up lazing in bed, days and nights, wondering what I was supposed to do. She knew all these years I love cats, but I wasn't allowed to keep one because my husband disallowed. Strays would come to my doorsteps, and I would sneak out water and food for them. I would sit by them and play with them outside my apartment until my husband yelled at me to get in.

The decision to adopt a cat was a big one for me. I was skeptical and worried. I couldn't even take care of myself, how was I to take care of another life? I made plans to 'child-proof' my home for the safety of my new cat. I made backup plans, just in case I couldn't handle it, or if I fell sick again. Finally, I plucked up my courage to do it.

At that particular time, Furby has just been rescued by my girlfriend's mom. When they found him he was all alone, frightened and hungry. He had been crying so much that he had lost his voice. He could never meow again. My girlfriend took him in. He seemed to be the perfect 'candidate'. He showed that he was very independent. He would join in the rest of the cats and dogs in games. He would sometimes retreat under the television rack and watched the others play. Perfect for a first-time cat owner.

They brought Furby to my home. He explored quietly. He would follow me around as if the sight of me would give him security. He would be eating or drinking from his bowls, and then turned around, time and time again to see if I was still there by his side. He would sleep by me at night. We would wake together. I would bring him his fresh water and food. I would then start my day, prepare my own meals, do something for that day. No more lying in bed for days without food or water.

It was a wonderful experience to finally have my own cat! But most of all I learned so much from Furby. When I saw him frightened, I saw myself in him. He conquered his fears slowly, and I believed I could and should do so too. I saw him slowly grow up. I felt that I was able to do the most ultimate thing in life: the power to provide for others; the power to provide 'life' for Furby. I began to 'grow up' too.

The silly boy never failed to amaze me. He would greet me at the door whenever I returned home. He would kiss my face or lips to wake me up in the morning. Whenever I tend to laze in bed, he would push away my covers with his paws. He would always make sure that his claws are fully retracted so that he doesn't hurt me.

But most amazingly is how he 'bought over' my parents and sister. My parents never had any affection towards cats. My sister used to freak out when a cat is near. She's the person who would call home for help because she couldn't get home for there was a cat lying in the path on her way back. Now, she complains when Furby is not close enough to her. My dad used to think that cats were so dirty and full of diseases. Now, he would drop by my home just to see Furby, stroke him and talk to him. Sometimes my mom would just call to see how the little one is doing. She visits Furby when he was sick. Furby is now their darling. They also started to notice the cats in their neighborhood, and would tell me about them, describing them to me and telling me how much they grow day by day, and their hearts would go out to the strays living in the streets. Furby has become a cat ambassador.

Later, this wonderful boy impressed me further when I started to volunteer to foster kittens. The first kitten I took in was a 3-week old female kitten. At first Furby was frightened of her. He hasn't been around other cats for almost a year now. He growled, hissed and ran away when she tried to get near to him. It took him about 3 days to overcome his fears. Whenever I let her out of the cage, he would follow her and look out for her. When I couldn't spot her because she's too tiny, I'll just look out for Furby and there she would be. He would play with her, and was very gentle with her. Whenever she tried to eat or drink from his bowls, he wouldn't mind. It surprised me that he could handle it so well. And we believed he searched for her after she left with her adopters. He spent hours sitting in front of her empty cage.

Furby is my heart and soul. Looking at him will always motivate me to never be weak again. I wonder how much more I can provide for him. I want so much to tell him I love him with all my heart, and I wish he understands me. All I can do and I am absolutely sure of is that as long as I am alive, I will provide for him. And I will make sure that if anything was to happen to me, he will still be well taken care. For I will always love and cherish him and forever be indebted to him for changing and saving my life.