A Christmas miracle, a home for Susie.

Out from under a car came a pretty tabby cat to run side by side with an elderly lady walking her blind dog. Each time Betty walked her dog the cat would come running to follow along. They soon formed a friendship and a bond. Betty gave the kitty food outside whenever she saw her and named her Susie even though we all thought “she” was possibly a “he.”

The winter was harsh and Betty was hesitant on bringing the cat inside. She always seemed to have a different excuse each time I talked with her. It was hard convincing her to bring the cat in. All the neighbors warned her somebody else would adopt the cat if she didn’t. I would have adopted Susie myself, but my apartment was too small and I already had a cat that was very territorial and would hiss at Susie.

Susie was a precious cat and anybody would be lucky to have her. She would often show off and roll around on her back looking adorable like she was saying “Hey, aren’t I cute? Can you please adopt me?” She was starved for attention and I really doubted she was a stray. I was willing to bet she was abandoned by her previous owner.

I pleaded with God in prayer to melt Betty’s heart. The newsman warned of freezing temperatures and advised everybody to bring their pets inside. Late at night, I posted a note on Betty’s door as a warning of what harsh conditions can do to an animal.

Betty showed up at my door the next day with no mention of taking the cat in, but she got my note. Another neighbor warned her of a coyote that she saw in front of the apartments, but all Betty seemed to be concerned about was her dog. I couldn’t understand how a sweet and sensitive person could be so cold. Betty and I often talked about having a farm where we could take care of stray animals. How could she not care about the harsh elements outside? Betty never had a cat before hence not knowing how to take care of one.

Susie ended up disappearing for a day and a half and Betty came crying to my door. My heart went out to her when she cried, “Susie is gone!” I told her I’d pray for her to come back. I said a prayer once before that Susie would get a home since I felt Betty didn’t deserve her, now I felt guilty that she was gone. I wanted the cat to be happy, but I wanted Betty happy as well. God answered my prayers and brought Susie back on Thanksgiving. Betty said to Susie in the sweetest tone, “Happy Thanksgiving, Susie.” But this incident didn’t scare Betty enough to bring the cat inside either. Betty was like the Pharaoh who wouldn’t let Moses’ people go.

My mom’s friend wanted to adopt Susie since she lost her cat recently. I thought maybe this would scare Betty. Her fear only lasted a short while and she still didn’t bring Susie in.

Eventually I gave up my pleas to God regarding Susie and I told myself I wasn’t going to worry about it anymore and leave it in God's hands.

God had a plan and in His own timing He showed us this miraculous plan.

There was a great storm and it rained for seven days straight. My heart went out to Susie. There wasn’t a dry place in sight and I often looked for her to no avail. My mother was sick with worry regarding Susie and didn’t sleep for two days. She prayed to God to let her know what to do.

God spoke to mom's heart. She would put Susie in her spare bedroom away from her own cat to separate them. A great storm passed through that day and mom said to me, “If you see Susie grab her.” I got out of the car after our errands and looked across the way and Susie was cold and shivering underneath a wet car. She was howling in misery. I ran to her and coaxed her slowly to mom’s place. Susie came up to me and I grabbed her and took her in. Mom made a nice warm bed for her. Susie calmed down and she loved her new surroundings.

She loved all the petting and attention my mother gave her. She also caught up on her much needed sleep. Being out in the cold rain certainly frazzled her nerves. My mother called Betty to let her know where the kitty was and Betty was appreciative, but would she have a change of heart now I wondered?

Betty had to visit Susie at least twice a day and spent a lot of time with her. She said to my mom, “She doesn’t look like she ever wants to leave.” She was so content on having a warm place to sleep and lots of attention. Betty in the meantime became jealous and my mom was getting more attached to the cat.

Betty started thinking about making a commitment and asked my mother if she could find a place in her tiny apartment for a litter box and other things needed. My mother was happy to oblige. The next day mom brought over a litter box. A place was found for Susie in Betty’s apartment. Betty said, “When can I see Susie next?” Mom said, “I’ll bring her right over.” She laid the kitty down on the couch with her blanket and she looked contented again. My mom had to leave quickly for tears were pouring from her eyes and she had to say her quick goodbyes.

To this day the kitty sleeps with Betty and the dog. They all get along smoothly and it’s a match made in heaven. The cat and the dog are quite fond of each other and even rubbed noses on occasion. We were all so happy that Susie found a home. Betty's heart softened up through God's plan, it truly was a Christmas miracle.

Matthew 25:35
"For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in."