Since I was a child, I’ve wanted an animal sanctuary. That was — and is – my dream job. I envisioned it as a place where not only damaged animals of all sorts but people as well could come to heal. I had a vision in my head of exactly how I wanted it to look. It was a requirement that it be in nature in the middle of nowhere, with lots of land, woods and buildings, a place that would feel like you’re walking into the arms of God. Of course, I wasn’t sure where the money would come from, but in my youthful mind, that was but a minor detail. It has become THE detail as I’ve grown older with the same dream — yet unachieved. Or perhaps not — I’ve come to find it’s all in the perception.

Because I had my dream version in my head, I almost missed the sanctuary I have, M’s Cat Room, and my pets, who are all rescue animals. These cats were all 20 shelter cats who more likely than not would have been euthanized. Most were sick and afraid when they came to me. It has been gratifying to watch them heal and learn to trust. And to play.

There have many times since taking these shelter cats, while I was scraping soupy poopy and thick snot off the cages and the walls, that I thought this rescue stuff wasn’t all it’s been cracked up to be. That I’d had a kooky dream. But I was wrong. Once I got past the body fluids, it was more than I ever thought it could be.

I realized with a shock the other day that I’m living my dream. Added to this are the unlimited opportunities my new job as program director at Animal Care and Control will provide. Yes, M’s Cat room is a smaller version of the one that’s been in my head for more years than I’ll own up to, but other than that, it is my dream. I was so caught up in what I’ve not done yet that I almost missed what has been staring at me every day.

I believe when we save animals, we create a special bond with those animals — and that on some level animals know. When I walk into that sunroom with all those little creatures, it is indeed for me like walking into the arms of God. Unconditional love and acceptance. And laughter. Sometimes all we humans have to do is open our eyes and see that we are living our dreams and to really get what a good life we have. I think the cat room is just one of the lessons that might get me that childhood sanctuary with all the bells and whistles.

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The Madison County Humane society will be having a rummage sale Saturday, Aug. 16 at the Pay Less parking lot at 29th and Main streets in Anderson. Bring any item for the sale to the Humane Society on Crystal street any Tuesday, Thursday or Saturday between the hours of 4:30 and 8 p.m. Bring the items to the building behind the shelter. Please, no clothing.

Maleah Stringer, program director of Anderson Animal Care and Control, is also president of the Animal Protection League and an animal massage therapist specializing in esoteric healing. She can be reached at maleahstringer@aol.com.