A Cat with a Mission

Abandoned as a kitten, Einstein was nurtured by Nicole from a young age. Unlike the typical cat, he had a unique role in helping others.

One day, Nicole revealed that Einstein was, in fact, an empath. I was doubtful, believing cats merely slept and ate.

“Watch this,” she said, before feigning tears. Instantly, Einstein perked up, glaring at me as if to say, “What did you do?” He rushed over to Nicole, meowing and gently pawing at her face, only settling down when Nicole began to laugh.

“My mom experienced the same thing when she cried,” Nicole shared. That confirmed his empathetic nature to her.

Ernest Hemingway once noted, “A cat has absolute emotional honesty: human beings, for one reason or another, may hide their feelings, but a cat does not.”

Nicole, who works as a hospice nurse, had an innovative thought. Although the hospital where she worked had strict no-animal policies, she managed to sneak Einstein in to comfort a terminally ill patient. His calming presence had a remarkable effect on both the patient and the staff.

Introducing Equine Empathy

Today, the presence of therapy animals, including cats and dogs, is increasingly common in healthcare settings. But what about horses as therapy animals?

Meet Peyo, a stallion residing in Calais, France, alongside his trainer Hassen Bouchakour. Having competed in dressage, Peyo exhibited a unique ability to connect with people. Hassen soon recognized Peyo’s special talent for sensing emotional and physical discomfort.

Together, they began their journey with Les Sabots du Coeur, an organization dedicated to therapeutic interventions, where researchers are investigating Peyo’s remarkable capacity to alleviate anxiety and provide comfort.

Imagine being in a hospital and witnessing a stallion gracefully step out of an elevator, selecting which room to visit next.

According to an article in The Guardian, affectionately dubbing him “Doctor Peyo,” Hassen noted:

“At the hospital, Peyo indicates which room he wishes to enter by stopping or raising his leg. At 15 years old, he seems capable of detecting cancers and tumors. He once spent nearly two hours with a dying woman, providing comfort.”

Hassen elaborated, “What truly intrigued scientists was Peyo’s ability to significantly reduce patients' reliance on pain medication, offering them a more peaceful transition.”

In the poignant video below, observe Peyo in action, bringing comfort to patients, as one man finds solace in his empathetic presence.

The Unique Role of Empathy

As highlighted in The Guardian, Hassen reflected on the modern experience of dying. “In the past, people often passed away at home. Nowadays, many die in isolation, and we view death as a dramatic event. Caring for someone facing death is a unique experience, allowing us to reassure them: ‘Don’t worry, you can go in peace; you won’t be forgotten.’”

The True Essence of Compassion

Peyo exemplifies the profound impact of genuine presence during difficult times. Yet, we all occasionally struggle to be fully present due to life's distractions and obligations.

To truly express your love for someone, offer them your undivided attention. Jonathan Safran Foer wisely remarked, “Everyone is always in need of something that another person can give, be it undivided attention, a kind word, or deep empathy. There is no better use of a life than to be attentive to such needs.”

Set aside your phone, mute the television, and focus intently on the person before you. Listening without interruption is a powerful gift.

In our age of rapid yet often shallow communication, people yearn to be acknowledged and understood. Providing this validation is an invaluable offering.

Navigating the End of Life

For those nearing the end of their lives, your compassionate presence is even more crucial. Unfortunately, many cultures shy away from discussions about death, leaving individuals unsure of how to engage with the topic.

Hospice Red River Valley offers valuable guidance for visiting someone at the end of life:

1. Ensure you are calm and centered before your visit.
2. Approach the person slowly to avoid startling them.
3. Introduce yourself softly. For example, “Hi, it’s your niece, Jane. May I sit with you for a while?”
4. If comfortable, hold their hand, gently explaining what you’re doing.
5. If there’s reading material nearby, consider reading aloud.
6. If the person appears to be dozing, that’s okay; they will sense your presence.

Your authentic presence speaks volumes. Hospice Red River Valley suggests saying things like, “It’s good to see you,” or expressing that you’ve been thinking of them. If you find yourself at a loss for words, you can acknowledge it: “I’m here and I care about you.”

If the individual expresses anxiety, listen attentively without diverting the conversation. After they finish sharing, encourage them by asking about their goals, gently guiding the dialogue towards positive aspirations.

Remember, silence can be just as meaningful. Focus on the individual and their needs rather than your own agenda.

As my wife, a hospice nurse, often reminds me, hearing is typically the last sense to fade. Your gentle words and presence can offer immense reassurance to someone nearing the end of life.

Paulo Coelho once said, “No, I never saw an angel, but it is irrelevant whether I saw one or not. I feel their presence around me.”

Conclusion: Being Present for Others

We all have the potential to be angels on earth. By simply showing up, listening, and allowing those in need to feel our compassionate presence, we can make a profound difference—just like Peyo, the extraordinary empathy horse.

Before you go

I’m John P. Weiss. I create thoughtful essays about life, engage in painting, cartooning, and capturing classic black-and-white photographs. To follow my latest work, check out The Saturday Letter.