Friday was a regular day, nothing spectacular, no unexpected news, just a regular day.

 I was going into my local animal shelter to do some glamour photos for the new arrivals that have come in since the last time I was there so that these forgotten souls could finally find a forever home.  We arrived at the shelter to find the usual happy business in taking care of the shelter animals, people cleaning cat boxes, volunteers taking dogs for walks, others cleaning out cages, feeding breakfast and filling water bowls.  I went about my business searching for the new cat arrivals, having already set up my camera and lighting equipment. The stage was set, and now all I needed was a shining star to photograph.

Most of the new cat arrivals tend to be withdrawn, afraid of the strange new surroundings and generally need a bit of coaxing out of their cardboard hideaways before we can pose them for their glamour headshot. I trolled the aisles and then came across Eve. 

Eve was beautiful, she had a light of intelligence and kindness emanating from her, she was forthright, loving, friendly and purring like crazy. I immediately knew that this was the perfect model. Eve was the epitome of a beautiful soul but a hard life had cursed her with the loss of an eye, tattered ears and a rough coat. My heart ached for Eve. We bundled Eve up into our arms and she purred all the way to the portrait stage, she was the perfect model, she new this was a ticket to a second chance in life and she showed us the true beauty of her soul...

That “regular” day re-emphasized what we all know but all too often don’t remember…kindness, love, forgiveness and understanding is the real beauty in this world. Let us not pass over love just because it doesn’t look like we think it should.