Harriet, My Healer

Empty black square with a decorative border made of twisting green vines, orange and purple small flowers, and green leaves.
Close-up of a sleeping kitten with gray and white fur, resting on a soft surface.
Cat sitting on a wicker chair on a porch with a metal table, outdoor furniture, and a backyard with bushes and a wire fence.

Harriet came into my life via the aptly nicknamed phenomenon you may recognize as the “cat distribution system.” Simply put, one day the universe dropped a booger-covered, sick but spunky little kitten onto our family acreage, and we naturally responded with, “welcome home, little one.” Full of more personality than I ever imagined could be contained in such a tiny creature, Harry has been the star of the show from the moment she stepped into our home and our hearts.

My relationship with Harry has been less about learning lessons (though there have been some!) and more about healing. She is the first animal I took in after moving out on my own, and she has been with me through some of the happiest and hardest moments of my life. Harriet’s endless desire for snuggles and deep attunement to my emotions have brightened my life in ways I can’t even begin to describe.

A decorative black frame made of intertwined green vines with orange and purple flowers scattered throughout.
Close-up of a sleeping cat resting on a keyboard and laptop.
A person lying on a bed or couch, smiling, with a cat resting on them.

She somehow always knows the exact right time and way to help me when I’m struggling — whether it’s cuddling under the covers with me each night to help me fall asleep, sitting in my lap while I meditate or have a good cry, or even, ahem… peeing on my belongings when I’ve let the house — and my own well being — remain neglected for far too long (yes, even the ruined furniture ultimately served me in the long run).

Though her peeing days seem to be thankfully behind her — it appears I’ve learned to house-keep and tend to my own self care well enough to meet her standards — what hasn’t changed is the deep and endless love Harriet shares with us each day. I feel truly blessed that the universe chose to drop her into our lives; my heart has been fuller ever since.