1
He wriggled his way across the floor from his Mum to a foot, a human foot. A tiny bundle of fur no bigger than my fist, blind, yet knowing he was safe. Tiga, the ginger kitten, ugly, no flash markings of any sort, the runt of the litter. He grew and grew and when the others in the litter found homes, he did not. Insignificant and unwanted. 2
So the dogs took care of him, washed him when they thought he was dirty, protected him, and made him into a dog-cat. You know, the one who walks beside you, is content with a pat now then and does not make unreasonable demands on your time by expecting you to nurse him and stroke him.3
Time passed and our dog-cat tended and protected newly hatched chickens, and quietly minded his manners. He was almost useless as a hunter as he brought home live mice, a full grown wood duck, rabbits and a lizard or two. I wouldn't have minded except that he brought them all inside the house and let them go. I shall never forget a disturbance in our bedroom in the middle of the night waking me from a deep sleep. Lis turned the bedside light on and there on the floor, peering at us over the bottom of the bed was a full grown wood duck; and Tiga. He had brought home a new pet for us. After quite a kafuffle in our pyjamas I managed to catch the damn duck and take it outside where I released it. It flew away without hesitation. Another time he brought home a small rabbit. He placed at our feet out on the back lawn. That little rabbit was furious and started to punch and scratch at Tiga with its front paws. Tiga simply kept out of range. He was TIGA the dog-cat, not a killer. I caught the bunny and took him away from the house where i released him.4
He has been with us now for nearly eight years and sits on ' his' chair beside my computer and helps me to write. He has a very busy schedule every day: Gets up when we do, has breakfast, goes outside to attend to nature calls, then returns to spend the rest of the day lying in splendor, sleeping. Late afternoon he rises, stretches langorously and repeats the morning routine before retiring at 7.00 pm. What a cat. He is the spitting image of Garfield, the cartoon cat, and has similar tastes in his eating habits.
A contest entry
- I want to hear about your favorite pet......for everyone by Tricia3.
375 points, ended August 26, 2009, 14 entries
• next story in this contest, remove from contest
comments ?
Comments
1 - 7 of 7
-
We had a cat like that once.
He acted more like a dog than a cat. He followed us everywhere we went and always came when we called him.
I still miss that beautiful cat.
Trish -
Great story Bob. So often truth is more interesting than fiction. I had an old cat named Raymond once that exhibited dog like tendencies.
Happy trails.
-
-
Thanks David, just thought that cat was worth a few words. I have a very soft spot for animals. It's a bit strange to have a quite big cat walk alongside you and help put the chooks to bed for the night just the same.
-
-
Dog-cat
Nice to meet your Tiga. I have been casting about for quite a while trying to describe the behavior of my cat...you have nailed it "dog-cat" -- perfect. Good story -- plants a smile on the face.
-
-
Dog-cat he is, walks beside you like a dog on a leash, content with a pat now and then and not demanding for attention. Thank you for your visit and i am pleased it put a smile on your face.
-
-
A nice story about a pet that is well loved. Good work here, nice job.
beginning: 5, language: 5, plot: 5, ending: 5, dialog: 5, characters: 5.
-
-
Thanks Marta. He often sits on my desk beside my computer and helps me write. Gives off calming vibes all the time.
-
Adding your comment:
1 - 7 of 7
