When I first met little girl rescuer Calli Vanderaa, I immediately felt kinship with her. Her urge to save an animal in trouble is instinctive and consuming. I could relate to the driving need to rescue an innocent creature in danger.

But when I unearthed some old photographs this week, I didn’t just feel like we were kindred spirits. I felt like I was looking at a ghost. Or at least, a ghost of the child I used to be.

Here’s a photo of me at Calli’s age along with one of her. Can you see the resemblance?

 

 

If you want to read more about Calli and her compassionate rescue of her puppy Jessie from an inner-city dumpster, click to these past blog postings:

My day with kid rescuer ends in giggling fit, January 20, 2009

Holiday season sparkles for young animal rescuer, January 5, 2009

Outpouring of generosity brings girl rescuer to tears, January 2, 2009

A tiny tree grows – thrives, even – in the charred remains of an inner-city slum, December 21, 2008

Where to send your gifts and cards for Calli, December 18, 2008

Yes, Calli, there is a Santa Claus…and his name is Winterpeg, December 17, 2008

Girl rescues tortured puppy from inner city war zone, December 14, 2008