My inspiration for this post came from my dear, longtime blogging friend, Debbie @ Musings by an ND Domer's Mom, who is not only a gifted...
About six months ago I discovered the YouTube channel, I_am_puma, and instantly became a fan.
As you all know, I'm smitten with cats. And not just small cats, but big cats as well. And I'm talking BIG, as in lions, cheetahs, and tigers. In fact, speaking of tigers, I was at one time a magician's assistant in which the two magicians performed a stage illusion where they put a woman into a cage and transformed her into a tiger. And when the tiger was brought in with its trainer for a rehearsal, I just so happened to be standing directly next to that beautiful creature as it slowly walked past me from the transport truck to the backstage area, which was thrilling because I could actually feel its powerful strength emanating from the tiger's body. And the sound that it made when it roared was like a vibration that came deep from within the earth.
However, today's post focuses on a precious puma named, Messi.
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Backstory (credit):
Messi was rescued by Aleksandr and Mariya Dmitriev in 2016 after living in a petting zoo in Penza, Russia. At the zoo, Messi suffered health problems at just three months old. The institution decided that because pumas were not native to Russia, it wasn’t possible to release Messi into the wild, and his many health issues prevented him from living in another zoo or animal sanctuary. They had planned to euthanize him.
When Aleksandr and Mariya first saw Messi at the zoo, it was love at first sight. The couple decided they had to take in the young puma and, after working with the zoo, they were able to take him home. Once there, they began to nurse Messi back to health and ultimately overcame his ailments. Now full-grown at 90 lbs., Messi is smaller than the average puma at two-thirds the size.
He requires a lot of exercise, and Aleksandr and Mariya take him on walks twice a day. They also go to training classes several times a week, and Messi has learned 10 commands. But when he's relaxing at home, he loves to climb into boxes, scratch on his post, and lounge with his favorite people. The domesticated puma also enjoys being petted and will gladly play with his humans, without using his claws.
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What is especially endearing about this story is that it's proof that humans and animals can form a strong bond of unshakable devotion and trust. And how animals do, in fact, express love on a very deep level. And unlike many humans, an animals love is unconditional.
What I found touching in all the video clips I've watched of Messi interacting with Aleksandr and Mariya, is how much gratitude he feels towards them for saving his life. And you can literally sense that from all the affection he gives them.
Messi has such a sweet and gentle nature...
He da' big boy!...
One of Messi's favorite things to do is take a bath, which is unusual for a cat. I actually watched one of the videos on his YouTube channel in which he got a bath and was blown away by how relaxed and docile he was throughout the whole procedure. He just sat there; allowing Aleksandr to do whatever he needed to do. Like wash his manly paws...
Here is Messi's "man cave" space where he can hang out, play, eat, and use his scratching post...
Look at the size of those paws.
WOW!...
Messi attending his training class with the dogs...
I love his leather vest ensemble in this photo.
He looks like he should be riding a Harley-Davidson...
If you watch any of the videos, you will immediately notice that Messi is extremely close to Aleksandr. I don't know if it's a "male bonding" thing or that Aleksandr has a very special connection with animals. But Messi is sooooooo affectionate with him...
He loves to receive and give kisses...
Messi's studious look...
Nap time...
An example of just how cuddly and affectionate Messi is with
Aleksandr...
When I look at this next photograph, I am reminded of how much beauty animals bring to this world. Just look at the color and texture of his fur and the markings on his face. It looks as though his face was painted, like a work of art.
What a handsome, handsome boy...
This image says it all.
Love...
Have a beautiful week, y'all!
💗
*Messi on YouTube (the videos are spoken in Russian, however, you can click on the English subtitles).
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