A Life Measured in Moments

Lately, I’ve found myself thinking about the very different lives experienced by our domesticated animals and the wild ones who share this world with us.

There’s a whole spectrum when it comes to animals. On one end, you have wildlife—deer, rabbits, squirrels, birds, turtles and all the other creatures simply living their lives as nature intended. Then you have our domesticated animals. And somewhere in that category are the truly spoiled ones who have become completely humanized.

My cat definitely lives in that last group.

We love our animals, spoil them, talk to them like they understand every word, celebrate their birthdays, buy them toys they may or may not care about, and give them a place in our families. And honestly, I think we should.

Their time with us is far too short.

If we are fortunate enough to share our lives with an animal, every moment we have with them should be special. They give us companionship, laughter, comfort and a kind of unconditional love that is difficult to put into words. They become family.

But living here at Buffalo Gap has also reminded me that we have a responsibility to the animals who aren’t ours.

The deer don’t belong to us. Neither do the rabbits, squirrels, birds, foxes, turtles or any of the other visitors who wander through our little piece of the world.

But they are still worth caring about.

Sometimes that means simply slowing down and letting a deer, bunny or squirrel safely cross the road.

Sometimes it means getting out of your vehicle—when it is safe to do so—to help a turtle make it across the road.

It can mean putting out fresh water when temperatures soar, leaving a little something for the birds, or simply creating a welcoming space where wildlife can find what they need.

And sometimes, caring means doing absolutely nothing except giving them room to be wild.

For me, one of the greatest gifts these animals give me is the opportunity to see the world differently. Sometimes I experience them through my camera lens, trying to capture a moment that may only last a few seconds. Other times, I put the camera down and simply watch.

Those quiet moments are some of my favorites.

A deer cautiously stepping into the yard. A rabbit hopping through the trees. A bird stopping for a drink. A squirrel busy with whatever squirrel business is apparently so important.

They remind me that not every beautiful moment needs to be captured.

Some are meant to simply be experienced.

Whether they sleep on our beds, sit beside us on the couch, fly through our yards or wander through the brush, animals have a way of making our lives richer.

So spoil the ones who call your home theirs.

Love them fiercely. Make their short time with you extraordinary.

And for the wild ones, do what you can. Slow down. Give them space. Offer water when they need it. Help when it is safe. Protect the little piece of nature around you.

Because this world isn’t just ours.

We are blessed to share it.

And here at Wild About the Gap, I think that’s something worth celebrating every single day.