About "My People are Gone"

My name is Julie Evans and I have lived in Indianapolis all of my life, both on the west and south side of town. My work history has always involved working with children of various ages as a park supervisor, a school teacher, a church nursery caregiver and a nanny. But over the last few years my interest and concern have turned to the four legged variety of children when I discovered I preferred the company of animals who are always glad to see you. In fact, my human friends and family have said that I have crossed the line and become an animal "nut". They predict that I'll end up the old lady with 9 cats, a couple of dogs and a revolving door of hamsters

My recent history with pets started with George the hamster. I couldn't believe how much this little rodent captured my heart. We could pick him up and kiss him and he would fall asleep on our laps. I spent one night sobbing and searching for him, knowing he was in peril, probably dead. That morning I heard I heard a tiny scratching sound coming from the couch. After much maneuvering and cutting into the cushions, George was happily retrieved. He later lost both of his front teeth and I kept him alive by crushing up his food and feeding him peanut butter and fruit. Lil' was our second hamster. who was rescued from a family who was about to turn her loose in their backyard.

But alas, hamsters don't live that long and backyard funerals were taking their toll. (By the way, they both had medical records at the vet). Next my son wanted a dog to love and walk and feed and let out early in the morning and clean up her poop. You know where I'm going with this. Ruby, a rescued mutt with only 16 toes, has become my dog. She's a big oaf who likes to hang out on my bed dreaming about her next walk. Kitty is my calico who was abandoned by our neighbors when they moved. I thought there was no way I could bring her in with my crazy dog, and even got very close to finding her a home (we couldn't catch her). She now is the sweetest blessing I've ever had and sleeps right next to my head, Ruby at the other end. I also have found myself involved with IndyFeral and taking care of feral cats. One, Squirrel, gave birth to kittens in my garage which I raised (O.K., their mom helped) until they were weaned and adopted. I got the mom spayed an she is still hanging around.

When I heard a story about 4 hikers and their dog stranded in a snow storm, my first thought was, "Oh no, poor dog". So my concern for animals may go a little overboard. I just call it being humane and caring for creatures who cannot take care of themselves. I feel that all animals deserve to be healthy and happy and try to do my part as much as possible. Taking care of animals is very rewarding and I only wish I had realized my calling earlier in life. You can rest assured that if you allow me into your home to care for pets, I will show them the same amount of love and care that I do my own.