Those of us who own cats and dogs are fond of saying that pets don’t hold grudges. That no matter how we might scold them or ignore them or leave them home alone, they are always glad to see us. That they are endlessly forgiving.
I used to believe this, too. Then, last winter, I took my cat for her annual physical. When a blood draw revealed an infection, we had to go back to the vet a week later for a shot. And two weeks after that we went back to confirm she was well.
Rosie was well but she was really angry. Standoffish, wary, and downright rude. When I put food in her bowl, she kept her distance. When I offered her treats, she left the room. “I know it was difficult,” I said, “but it was for your own good.”
And as I heard myself say that, I wondered whether God—if there is a God and it seemed likely in that moment—might be saying the same thing to humans? “This is for your own good, people, if you could just see the big picture.”
It took me a long time to earn Rosie’s trust again but now I know. She’s not endlessly forgiving. Maybe nobody is, except God.
