When a good Samaritan found a wounded stray cat in her neighborhood and noticed that the cat appeared to be unable to use her hindlegs, she brought it to a local veterinary hospital for humane euthanasia. The cat appeared to be suffering, and it seemed like the right thing to do. After examining the young (barely a year old) cat, a veterinarian at the hospital decided that this little girl deserved a second chance at a good life, and accepted the cat as what is called a "surrender" in order to avoid euthanasia.

X-rays revealed a shattered pelvis, torn diaphragm and collapsed lung lobe. All of these injuries can be life threatening, and were most likely caused when the cat was hit by a car. The cat was named Pretzel, because the lack of funtion in her hindlegs caused an abnormal gait and a twisted appearance. Pretzel underwent surgery to repair her diaphragm and was spayed. Her pelvis slowly healed, and she began regaining some function in her hindlegs.

Dr. Patrick Mahaney, a holistic veterinarian in Los Angeles, donated acupuncture treatments to help Pretzel regain sensation in her previously paralyzed legs. Mahaney considers Pretzel one of his greatest acupuncture successes. "After providing her with a series of needle and electrostimulation acupuncture treatments, I had her walking much more normally and even climbing to her second level crate in her temporary, in-hospital home."

You can watch the reamarkable transformation in pretzel in these two videos:  

Pretzel Walking Before AP 1

Pretzel Climbs After AP 5

According to Dr. Mahaney, this super sweet cat was eventually placed in a great home.

I worked with a veterinary acupuncturist for several years, and while I have not seen a recovery quite as miraculous as Petzel's, I've seen some pretty remarkable successes with this modality.  

Photo of Pretzel by Dr. Mahaney, used with permission. 

When I think about what contentment looks like, I think of a purring cat. If there's anything that illustrates happiness better, I don't know what that would be. And it doesn't take much for cats to be content: a sunny spot on the floor, a full tummy, a lap to curl up on - those are the ingredients for contentment when you're a cat.

Why is it so hard for humans to reach that same state of contentment? Why do so many of us always look for the next best thing? For some people, the mindset for happiness is a never-ending cycle of always wanting more. Perhaps we'd do well to learn from our cats when it comes to mastering contentment.

Achieving a state of contentment is a mindset change and has nothing to do with making external changes to your life. Try the following:

• Practice gratitude. The energy of gratitude is a powerful force. It can shift your mood and your thoughts from a place of scarcity to a place of abundance and joy. Gratitude is about being in the present moment, and appreciating what's around you.
• Meditate. Meditation helps you to slow your thoughts, and to connect with your spirit. Taking time to meditate, or simply sit and be still, allows contentment to come to you. Better yet, meditate with your cat.
• Get out of your head and into your heart. By opening your heart and connecting with what really matters, you'll view the world differently. One of the best ways I know of opening your heart is by allowing the love of a cat to transform you.
• Don't compare yourself to others. Focus on what is unique about you instead, and appreciate your special gifts and talents.
• Find joy in the simple things. A perfectly brewed cup of tea or coffee, a book I've been wanting to read, and a cat or two curled up next to me or in my lap: what more does anyone need to be content?

What makes you feel content?