A Thank You to the Noble Doctor Pepper

A Warm Welcome at H.O.P.E. Ranch

When I walk into the front door at H.O.P.E. Ranch, I am usually greeted by a sweet, tortoise-shelled cat. I call her the Noble Doctor Pepper. She has earned that title!

She welcomes me to my appointment with a meow and leans in for a scratch on the ear. She’ll follow me into the waiting area, usually rubbing up against my leg as I sit down.

Lessons from a Feline Friend

Often, my appointments include topics about relationships – family, friends, professional, romantic, etc. I remember a lesson I learned from my sister: you can invite a cat to join you, but you cannot make it stay. Pepper continues to reiterate how important it is to let beings, animal or human, have their autonomy.

Pepper usually hops up to join me with a wiggling finger invitation. Even on the days in which I feel the enormous weight of what I bring to the office, Pepper places herself onto my torso and has a way of communicating, “You are caring for yourself just by being here. The next steps are not always going to be easy. And, you have the ability to get better.”

Practicing Gratitude

My practice of daily gratitude always includes Pepper when I have an appointment.

A Journey Toward Healing

I began my journey of mental health with Kit and H.O.P.E. Ranch nearly 20 years ago. I was a 13-year-old with so much anxiety, pain, and anger, I didn’t even know I wasn’t letting light in.

After receiving an initial diagnosis, my parents tried different therapists. I barely remember other appointments. I know they happened, and I know I. was. not. going. to. talk.

Then, I met Kit. And Honey. And the horses. And the cats. I saw the way she interacted with the animals and her patience with me. It took several sessions, but I know I made the conscious decision to trust this person. I’m so glad I did.

Carrying on a Legacy of Healing

The Noble Doctor Pepper joined the team in 2016 as a tiny baby kitten, along with her two siblings (may Bootsie rest in peace). She carries on a legacy of incredible animal-assisted therapy.

Thank you to all the animals of the past and present who help make H.O.P.E. Ranch a safe place to do the hard work.

Every visit to H.O.P.E. Ranch reminds me that healing doesn’t always come from words alone. Sometimes it comes from a quiet moment with a gentle creature who sees you exactly as you are. The Noble Doctor Pepper and the rest of the H.O.P.E. Ranch animal family remind us that love, trust, and presence are powerful forms of therapy.