Stories from CAT Lovers 
Stories from CAT Lovers
| Presented by | PET PRIDE |
TABLE of CONTENTS:And That is Forever
Attention Cat Food Shoopers
A Cat's Point of View
Do You Really Need MORE Cats?
Go See Fancy Felines
Grief is Normal
Jimmy
Kitty Couch Potatoes
Napoleon's Victory
Once Upon a Cat Nap
Untitled Manuscript
What Vacation?
And That is Forever
This is a love story. It is for a little guy withgray and white stripes, big feet and long fur. His name is "SUNSHINE"and he is a bushy-tailed cat. "SUNSHINE" cannot speak for himself,so I am extending a plea for my silent little friend and for all the creaturesthat share our world with us. For me, it is a special way to say, "Ilove you."
Some of the creatures of our world are household pets; while others needthe freedom to run wild, to thrive in their unique surroundings. But theyall have one thing in common. They are priceless, precious creatures. Theydeserve and have a right to love, concern, respect and decency, as allliving things do. They are a gift to the human race, to be nurtured andappreciated. Not to be abused, killed for sport or used for experimentation.Our pet friends make us laugh; they give us comfort, loyalty and many times,strength. It seems, in this day and age, the animals are often times lessanimal than some human beings! I believe we need to give this some thought.We have already destroyed many of the animals in the wild. They cannotcome back, and that is forever. We have already alienated many of the animalswe call our own from ourselves, because neither decency, nor love, wereshown them.
All stories have an ending. Many people do recognize what a treasure theanimal kingdom is and are trying to awaken in peoples' hearts this knowledge.That is where it all starts, you know. So the ending to this story dependson YOU and ME. WE are the ones who lose if these special friends no longershare the world with us and THIS is the saddest part of my story. Theydo not ask for much but they give back manyfold. It is THEIR world tooand always has been. With action borne of maturity and love, within ourselves,there is still a chance for some of the animals. The decision lies in ourhands - yours and mine. I often wonder if we are worthy of such a blessing.Thank you, "SUNSHINE," for being part of my world. "Thankyou" for being my bushy-tailed friend.
-Carolyn D. Hemig
(c) PET PRIDE, P.O. Box 1055, Pacific Palisades, CA90272
Attention Cat Food Shoppers
Don't you get tired of the supermarket clerks whoask "Just how many cats do you have?" Don't all normal cat peoplebuy 48 cans of cat food and 200 pounds of litter? And more if it's on sale?How do you politely but firmly shut them up when all ten people in linebehind you are "all ears?" We asked our readers to send in theirfavorite comments to these questions and this is what we received! Names,of course, were kept confidential.
From L.L.: "I heat the food up in the microwave and feed it to myhusband."
From C.A.: (As for the litter) "We have a large family and only onebathroom."
From S.T.T.: "This is for my cat's birthday party--she's invited quitea gang!"
From B.A.T.: "Why, how many do you need?"
From J.E.B.,MD: "Oh, we don't have cats, we operate a nursing home!"
From: D.K.: "You can see who eats at my house!"
From F.C. : "As many as I can support!"
From R.H.R.: "I don't have any cats. I find that this Friskies Tunais delicious in a casserole."
From E.F.: "It's none of your business. I do not ask you how manychildren you have."
And from many of you: "Just one BIG one!"
Most of you resent being questioned about the number of cats you have andwe hope supermarket personnel are paying attention. It's best NOT to ask!
-PET PRIDE
(c) PET PRIDE, P.O. Box 1055, Pacific Palisades, CA90272
A Cat's Point of View
You know me and you call me by name, Kitty Kat. Icome in all colors, breeds and sizes. Many times you have seen me wanderingthe streets searching for morsels of food; you have seen my battered bodylying in the road dead, or suffering in pain from my injuries. You said"Oh, you poor helpless little thing, how could this happen?"But did you stop to help me? I doubt it; few people do. For three years.I was a well-fed, protected housecat. Then one autumn day my human familydecided to move. Pets were not allowed at their new house so they couldnot keep me any more. Well, you know what they did? They drove to a niceneighborhood with tree lined streets and beautiful homes. They desertedme by the side of the road near a front lawn. I guess they hoped somebodywould take me in and adopt me. How heart-broken I was. I once had a happyhome; now I'm in a strange place with awful dangers like speeding cars,big, barking dogs and boys throwing rocks at me. It's very scary for me;I'm all alone and at night it's cold and dark and I have no place to go.I pray for a kind person to help me. I am weak from hunger, tired fromrunning and desperate for help. I need food and a safe, warm place to sleep.I can give a child or lonely person companionship. I can be your loyalfriend. I will play with you when you're happy and comfort you when you'resad; I purr to show my love and contentment and I always accept you asyou are. If you think about it, cats are your family too and we ask sovery little from you. We do need our shots and to be neutered or spayed.Please give us fresh water, feed us twice a day and keep us indoors orin an enclosed area so we don't get hurt. We like to nap in the warm raysof the sun. We frolic chasing insects that flit about; we delight watchingbirds flying from our window site. We amuse ourselves with a ball of yarn,a little toy or your empty grocery bag. Our needs are very simple but mostof all, we need your love.
So, dear humans, in the future if you can't keep a precious pet like me,please take me to a cat shelter where I can find a new home or take meto the vet to be painlessly put to sleep. Don't do what my family did.
What happened to me? Well, it was a sorrowful death but it ended my terriblesuffering. No one listened to my pitiful mews for help. I am now in kittyheaven and I have talked with other unloved, misfortunate cats. We shareour sorrow and we comfort each other with our gentle touch. Please helpPET PRIDE to help others like us to LIVE.
-DEE GAGLIARDI
(c) PET PRIDE, P.O. Box 1055, Pacific Palisades, CA90272
Do You Really Need MORE Cats?
The question I keep hearing from everyone is, "Doyou really need more cats?" Some are blunt enough to tell me. "Youdon't need any more cats!" They're quite right, I don't. Startingout in the usual manner of having one. I did not plan on gaining a multitudebut one by one they came to me as though I were the Pied Piper of Catdom.Since in my area people who care for strays tend to be a dying breed andsince the trend for so many folks here is to "throw away" theirpets if for any reason they do not meet with their favor, I soon foundmyself taking on strangers' responsibilities.
While many people own one animal they regard as part of the family, itis always surprising to me how blind they can be to the plight of strays.Homeless and unwanted, the feline hobos are unacceptable to many. Whatis a stray but a less fortunate furry person? Their circumstances mademe what I am...Cat Lady to the rescue!
I began my career scurrying over the roof-top at three in the morning toaid an orange Persian who was stranded on a neighbors' living room windowsillfive flights up in the adjoining building. Her persistent cries had summonedme to alert. I vigorously knocked on my neighbors' door and heard theirstereo playing full blast, though they would not open the door. Determined,I climbed out on the back fire escape we shared and rapped on their window.Again, no answer. How might I get the cat down, I wondered. The firemenI called told me they didn't do that anymore and wished me luck. How comeI had read of cat rescues in the newspapers? There was no fire escape nearthe cat and the closest I could come was 15 feet away. Seeing me, he meowedfor help but considering the consequences if he jumped and missed, mademe shudder. Refraining from encouraging him, I stood and watched with aprayer on my lips. In a moment he made his own decision and landed safelybeside me. Scooping him up in my arms, I hurried home. He was but one ofthe little ones I was destined to find. Some had been put out to fend forthemselves; others I found in the alleys around my building, injured andneeding attention. After a trip to the vet, I soon had them ready to joinmy growing family in domestic tranquility.
My most heart rending find was a large black and white cat with a missingeye. By chance, I discovered him on the porch of a condemned house as Ipassed on my way to do some shopping with my daughter. I tempted him witha packet of dry cat food I always carry in my purse. He ventured closerand seeing I meant him no harm, accepted a few morsels. Knowing well Iwould not sleep a wink if I did not endeavor to rescue him, I sent my daughterto fetch a carrier. It was not to be that simple. The carrier frightenedhim and he took refuge under the rotting porch where I could not reachhim. As he watched me warily, another cat, a grey and white male with along, scabbed- over scratch and hairless patch behind his right ear, wanderedover to accept some food. Unfortunately, when I drew the carrier closer,he ran like a rabbit and disappeared. A passing stranger seeing my predicamentoffered to help. He coaxed the cat out from his hiding place with somemore food and before the cat knew what happened, this man grasped him firmlyand placed him backwards in the carrier. All my prayers had not been invain. My poor one-eyed darling was safe. We rushed to a kindly vet wherehis eye was tended and he was given antibiotics. He was soon neutered andis now a happy, content member of the family.
Former strays make wonderful pets. They truly appreciate one's loving attention.Cats are like friends, one cannot have too many. They are loving and constant.Never have I been rejected by a cat. If shown love, they will return ittenfold, unlike many humans. Now I am off to make another try for the greyand white male. Why? Because he needs me.
-LEE HOLLIS
(c) PET PRIDE, P.O. Box 1055, Pacific Palisades, CA90272
Go See Fancy Felines
In our economy, many of us are carefully watchingour expenses. At times, we all need some diversion, yet many forms of entertainmentare quite costly. Here is a suggestion for you cat lovers that is economical,educational and a lot of fun! Plan to visit a cat show. Cat shows are heldon the weekend and provide a great day of enjoyment. The admission chargeaverages only about $ 5.00 per person, usually with discounts for seniorsand children. Most of the show halls are handicapped accessible. For thisreason, a cat show makes a wonderful day's outing for the homebound person.You will be treated to seeing from 150 to 1000 gorgeous cats of all differentbreeds and colors, including nonpedigreed, beloved household pets, justlike yours at home. You may pass by each cage, chat with the owners, exchangeideas about cat care, learn about different breeds and see the judgingin action. Depending on the size of the show, you can easily spend threeto six hours in a friendly atmosphere with people who, like you, all loveand cherish their cats. Have you always wanted to actually see some ofthe famous breeds in person? Along with the well known Persians and Siamese,you may see Maine Coons, Japanese Bobtails, Birmans, Cornish and DevonRexes, Turkish Angoras, Scottish Folds, Egyptian Mau's and perhaps eventhe American Curl or the hairless Sphynx.
If you can, purchase a catalog when you enter. All the cats will have anumber posted on their cages and in the judging rings. By referencing thisto your catalog, you will know the breed, the "official" color,the sire and dam and the owner's and breeder's names. If you are lookingfor a specific breed, check to see if one is entered in the catalog andask someone at the gate to point you in the right direction. The cataloghas several main divisions. The first section is for purebred kittens,all under eight months of age. The second is for purebred adult unalteredcats, eight months of age and older in "championship competition".The third section lists the altered purebred cats, neuters and spays, in"championship competition". Next is the household pet sectionfor unpedigreed cats, people's pets. Who knows, you might want to evenshow "Fluffy" or "Charlie". Talk to some of the proudparents and hear the histories of many of these cats. Largely they havebeen rescued from a shelter or other dire situation. They have been lovedand cared for and now are prize winners. Do note that some cat associationsdo not allow declawed cats to be shown, so check this in advance shouldyour kitty be a declaw. The last sections of the catalog will show thosecats/kittens on exhibition only (not to be judged) and for sale entries.In addition, to breeders having purebred kittens and cats for sale, oftenthere are orphan felines available for adoption to a good home for a minimaldonation.
There are some rules of etiquette that you, as a spectator, must follow.Keep your children with you and well behaved. Do NOT touch the cats (evenif the kitty begs for your attention). When you watch the judges, you willnote that he or she always sprays the judge's table and his hands afterhandling each cat with a special disinfectant. This is done to preventspreading disease from one cat to another. By your touching one cat andthen another you could accidentally spread an illness. Please be consideratein this as all the owners wish their cats to be glowing with perfect health.If you wish to know the breed of a specific cat, do ask. The beaming ownerwill be glad to tell you the name and some traits of the breed, if asked.If you are unsure, don't presume! For example, don't ask, "Is thisa Birman?" when you are NOT sure. It may be a Ragdoll and the ownermay be offended. If you see that a cat is out of his cage and being groomed,this is not usually a good time to ask questions. This generally meansthat the cat is wanted for judging and the owner is doing the final primpingand will not have time to chat. Come back to this cat after he has returnedfrom being judged and the then calmer owner will be ready to talk. Justremember that the owners are a bit nervous getting their kitties readyfor the judge, as you will be if you start to show your feline.
Do sit in the judging areas and watch how the judges handle each cat andhang ribbons ranking the cats. Many catalogs carry some information asto what the different ribbons mean. As a general guideline, the most covetedawards are the "finals" and the cats are awarded "rosettes".These are the top cats in one category in one judge's ring. If you arewatching the final awards, you will see and feel the excitement of allthe owners as they await the results!
Most all shows have vendors who sell all kinds of cat products, not justfor the grooming and care of cats but all unusual kinds of cat goodiesfor people. You can find cat jewelry, T-shirts, stationery and many otheritems. Even if your budget is limited, do take a look. You may find quitea few bargains, including the "purr-fect" gift for your friend'supcoming birthday.
Now that you have decided you MUST see a show for yourself, you will needto locate one in your area. Shows are held throughout the United States,Canada and in many foreign countries. Check at your local store carryingthe largest selection of magazines and buy an issue of Cat Fancy or CatsMagazine, if available. Some pet stores also sell these magazines. Bothlist show dates, locations and the phone number of a contact person youmay call for information. Make plans now for a new, fun experience andENJOY!
-DUTCH CARRIE
(c) PET PRIDE, P.O. Box 1055, Pacific Palisades, CA90272
Grief is Normal
There have been many articles written on how to dealwith the loss of a pet but I'm sure they bring little comfort when thetime comes. We get many letters from folks who have lost their belovedcompanions, some seemingly writing in secret, pouring out their heartsto us, knowing that WE understand. We have all mourned dearly the deathof a pet and while we DO understand, it's about time the rest of societyunderstands too. For us, and MANY of our supporters, it's like dealingwith the loss of family. Indeed, IT IS! Your cat may be like your childor your spouse to some, but he is above all your companion who always standsby you; who gives you unconditional love without asking for something inreturn; one who will never disappoint you, or lie to you or gossip behindyour back: one who is always there with a soft touch and gentle purr tosoothe a rough and troubled day; one whom you will ignore at times whenyou are rushing to attend to something or other and just don't have timefor a play session. But he won't get angry for this, hold a grudge or refuseto speak to you. Who else in this world will put up with you at your bestand particularly at your very WORST but your beloved cat? Why then do manypeople "put you down" for grieving such an important member ofyour family? It is not only OK to grieve but it is perfectly NORMAL. Certainly,it is also normal to cry...men included! And what next...I hate to usethe old cliche about "time healing all wounds" because sometimesit just doesn't. Many years may come and go but often a special memorycomes flooding back and the tears and grief are started anew. This, toois NORMAL. The big problem is, how to deal with it. The "do-gooders"will tell you that you KNEW your cat's time had to come eventually. Sureyou did, but why did it come so soon? No matter how many years, long orshort, your cat has lived, it is never long enough. And it doesn't hurtany the less to lose a 20 year old cat than it does a 2 year old. That'show love works. I think that our cats teach us to give to them what theygive to us...unconditional love. We might get upset because they brokea favorite vase but that passes quickly and soon they are in our laps,purring happily with the incident forgotten (we have forgotten it too).We are taken in by their charms, their innocence and the magic spell theyweave enveloping us in their love. When they die, it's like being dunkedinto freezing water; the spell is broken and there is a deep feeling ofloneliness. No, I don't have any answers to give you on how to ease yourpain, just don't be afraid to grieve, cry and mourn. Those people who thinkyou are being "silly" over a "cat" are not the NORMALones. You were touched by the magic of the cat...it is YOU who has learnedthe secret of unconditional love...it is YOU who is NORMAL.
-DUTCH CARRIE
(c) PET PRIDE, P.O. Box 1055, Pacific Palisades, CA90272
Jimmy
Today my name is "JIMMY." What it was inmy yesterdays, I can't say because I'm a cat and speak only in cat language.So I can't tell you how I was found in your yard; I know I'd traveled farand gone so long without food that I couldn't go another step. Cars, dogs,brooms...I couldn't go on. Perhaps instinct told me this was journey'send. Someone came to pick up the paper, kind hands picked me up too andcarried me in the house. A voice said "This isn't your cat, is it?Well, now it is!" and my new Mom held me. Questions I couldn't answer...whodumped such a fine cat out in the street?...did someone die?...maybe wecan find him a home...I have enough cats. Poor fellow, are you hungry?New Mom gave me a bite from her plate, I swallowed it whole. You poor cat,you're starved, come on. To the kitchen, a dish of cat food, more? here'smore. The burning in my stomach disappeared and to prove I was a very goodcat, I made my black places shiny, my white places sparkle and then surveyedsleeping spots. That was Mom's bed, dare I? A soft spot on the corner?Yes, I could, she smiled and stroked me. Feeling chilly in the night, Icrept against her and her arms held me tight. When she turned, I turnedtoo and she said, "Oh, my old Dumpy did that! I had him seventeenyears." Nobody could take another cat. Talk died out. Well, said newMom, I've had more cats than this before, besides, you came to find me.You're just a young fellow and so very polite you are Gentleman Jim. Somy name is Jimmy. I'm a found cat; I have a good home; I have other catsfor company who also remember some time on the streets, and a cat-lovingdog who had been pound bound with her puppies. There are so many other"JIMMIES" out there...don't they deserve a chance too?
-MARGARET W. DARR
(c) PET PRIDE, P.O. Box 1055, Pacific Palisades, CA90272
Kitty Couch Potatoes
Is your cat a TV junkie...a real couch potato? Well,we've heard the stories that cats can't see TV but we don't believe themeither so held our own "a-CAT-emy" Awards. We asked the readersof our publication, the PET PRIDE PURR-RESS to send us their cat's favoriteTV show and these are the results! Although we did not award any prizesto the winners, maybe this will help Hollywood gear their production toa whole segment of avid watchers who are now overlooked!
"National Geographic Specials", including shows with birds, mice,wolves and other critters was the landslide winner. This is the favoriteof "Rugby", "Courtney", "Kena Foo", "Chu","Monkey Shines", "Marcella" and "Silver"among others.
Sports programs such as basketball, tennis and football are favorites of"Fred" and "Woody". "Primetime Pets" is watchedby "Cleo" and "Mr. Wu". "Naomi" likes LittleCaesar's Pizza commercials. "Annie" prefers ballet. "Hillary"loves "Top Cops." "Fred" likes "Wheel of Fortune"and "Scorpio" enjoys "Pets On Parade". "Eli"and "Sara" gave their paw of approval to the PBS special "Caressingthe Tiger" and while they flipped over the first viewing, were notimpressed with the reruns (their owner feels that obviously cats also understandthe concept of reruns). Well, these are our winning shows as seen fromthe cats' perspective. Now we hope that you folks in Hollywood are payingattention. It is clear to us that people are watching what their cats wantto watch!!
-PET PRIDE
(c) PET PRIDE, P.O. Box 1055, Pacific Palisades, CA90272
Napoleon's Victory
An aloof cat, Napoleon - self-assured, low key - butappreciative of his human family. We were all inescapably owned by Napoleon.He had his routine - his preferred meal at its accustomed place, plus unrestrictedviewing of the great outdoors from a window of my brother's upstairs room.
Now it must be well noted that my brother's manner of sleeping would bethe envy of anyone suffering from insomnia. He takes his sleep seriously.Once, a large antique mirror crashed to the floor just a couple of feetfrom his bed and not so much as an eyelash moved out of place. During thecourse of one of his winter "hibernations," the gas pressuredecreased sharply and the low flame in the heater went out. Here it wouldappear that the story is fast approaching a predictable, sad ending, yetenter our feline hero, Napoleon. Coming into the room, danger must havebeen sensed immediately, but instead of fleeing quickly for the safetyof the downstairs, Napoleon stayed. He jumped repeatedly on my brother'sstomach and chest - one can appreciate Napleon's persistance when consideringthe whole circumstance - until a reaction was finally forthcoming. Onceawake, my brother quickly assessed the situation and ran from the room,Napoleon taking up the rear. Even after the effects of the gas fumes abated,our fearless hero did not go unnoticed. For quite some time, Napoleon gotthe most regal treatment of all time - real cream, steak and an overabundanceof human affection! What caused the act of bravery? There is room for speculation,yet my highest suspicions are that it was due to that noble character inherentin all of our feline friends.
-LYNNE GOODWIN
(c) PET PRIDE, P.O. Box 1055, Pacific Palisades, CA90272
Once Upon a Cat Nap
Some people worry that their children watch too muchtelevision; that's foolish. I worry about my cats; that makes sense. Afterall, kids are required by law to spend about one-third of their lives inschool, away from the tube's influence. What about the two felines whosefavorite resting spot is the couch facing the color set in the living room?They sit there 12 to 16 hours at a stretch absorbing the brain-washingthat constantly bombards them from the screen. While people get their breaksduring commercials, that's the part the cats like best. Take the otherday- I was sitting in the corner of the couch that's allotted for humans,watching a soap opera, with "Dandelion" stretched out purringon my lap. She knew what was coming. As the glimpse of the cute nurse andlecherous patient in a clinch faded out, there was that show-off Angoracat playing the piano. "Dandelion's" whiskers trembled. It wasn'tjust the sight of the big box of Kitsy-Bitsy cat food on the piano; "Dandelion's"green eyes were riveted on the fluffy white paws daintily tripping up anddown the keyboard. I felt claws testing my knee. "Oh, for Pete's sake,Dandelion," I said crossly, "I've told you and told you thatyou can't take piano lessons! We don't have a piano." "Dandelion's"whiskers drooped. She moved up and rubbed her face pitifully against myneck. "You want me to buy you a piano for Christmas, I suppose!"The purr increased to a roar and now there were velvet paws around my neck.Hastily, I put her down and jumped up. "I've got to fix your dinner.I have some Kitsy-Bitsy for you, but that's all I can promise." Iglanced back fearfully as I left the room and she was crouched down smiling,her eyes glued to the screen. I despise the first person who told catsthey're finicky. Look what the world has come to. The average cat has atleast 18 varieties of canned food stored on a special shelf, 4 boxes ofdry crunchies and at least a dozen cans of moist tidbits in assorted flavors.Last Monday, "Daisy" condescended to eat half a can of a chickengourmet blend and since she was licking her whiskers contentedly as shescooted back to the TV set, I assumed she thought it was fit to eat. Nextmorning I offered her the rest of the can and you would have thought fromher outraged expression while she stalked into the living room withouteven tasting it, that I had given her arsenic. Not only the food itself,but the serving dishes must be correct. Once "Daisy" and "Dandelion"saw that stray cat taken in by the kind lady on TV drinking out of a non-tipred bowl. I could only find one at the store; do you suppose that theywould share? When that cat had her own personal drinking bowl? I had todrive to five different stores to find another one. And don't think theyaren't wise to all the premium offers. I bought a case of canned food thatwas offering a free cat grooming brush and comb set for 24 labels. My petstook one sniff of the first can and refused to try it. But everytime thecommercial comes on showing those expensive liver snack treats, offeringa catnip mouse for 12 proofs of purchase plus $2.50, they start chasingtheir tails in excitement. I've worried so much about the effect of allthis TV watching on my cats that the other night I had a dream about it.We've been having problems with mice in our kitchen drawers and no matterhow much I nag "Daisy" and "Dandelion," they don'tdo a thing about it. "Now listen, cats," I said sternly in mydream, "I'm laying down the law in this house for once. No more kitsy-treatsuntil you exterminate the rodents!" They took their gazes off theTV long enough to stare at me incredulously. "You mean we've got towork for our allowances from now on? That's child abuse...we'll complainto the State Labor Board...we're only 2 years old!" "About 14in human years," I said calmly. "I'll get working permits foryou." They conferred in hisses "do we just get minimum wage?""Of course!" I replied. "Daisy" smiled and whisperedto "Dandelion." "It's against the law for child cats towork after midnight and that's when the mice come out" they chorusedtriumphantly. "Besides," "Dandelion" added, "ifwe have to work, we'd rather patrol down around the barn where all thecats hang out." "Absolutely not!" I fumed. "The barnis no place for girls to work." Too late, I saw their hackles rising."Discrimination!" they screamed. "We saw that program onWomen's Lib this morning!" When I finally agreed to try to find twofoam balls like the one the Persian cat had been batting around in theMewsie's commercial, they agreed to share the afternoon shift watchingthe kitchen drawers for one week. "But first we've got to write andapply for our Social Security numbers," "Dandelion" warned."We have to look out for our senior years." "You can't write,"Dandelion," I reminded her, "I'll do it for you.""Oh, no," she said quickly, "the cat on TV types lettersall the time to the cat food company. You get us a typewriter and I'llwrite my own letters. I don't trust your grammar anyway." Noise fromthe TV suddenly woke me with a jolt. Now they have learned to operate theremote control unit! I rushed to the living room to catch "Daisy"with her paws wrapped around it while "Dandelion" glared in jealousy.A "Sylvester" cartoon graced the screen. I guess that "Dandelion"preferred the "Tom and Jerry" cartoon on another channel. I decidedto start my day early but had to fight this compelling urge to run outand buy a typewriter.
-BARBARA OVERTON CHRISTIE
(c) PET PRIDE, P.O. Box 1055, Pacific Palisades, CA90272
Untitled Manuscript
REMEMBRANCE ONE
It seems ridiculous to say "where should I begin" so I will justbegin at the beginning. My first memories bring terror to my total being.The rain and cold and wind are pushing against our backs, my mother attemptingto protect my sister and I from the storm, hoping to lead us to safetyand comfort. The temperature continues to lower, the night to darken andthe storm becomes more intense. I still don't understand what is happening.My sister begins to shudder and cry and Mom gently scolds her, pushingus forward. Lights are coming down the road. Thank heaven! Safety! A warm,loving person who will surely help us. Mother, they're almost here.
The next thing I remember is tumbling into the ditch. Mother has pushedus off the road at the last second. We're covered with mud but what happened?Krista is holding onto me and sobbing quietly. Mom? Mother? She's not here!Frantically, I grab Krista and half drag her up the bank. The car lightsare fading as the car races down the road and I can still hear people laughing.I can't believe they really tried to hit us. Oh, no, there's that smellagain. Mom always told us when we smelled that smell to run and run far.We did but which way or where I don't know. I just remember that Mom isnot here and Krista and I must find shelter alone. I must be strong andnot show the fear that is welling up in me. "Krista, stay by my side."My hunger begins to pull at me. I say little; only what it takes to keepmy sister close. We are so young to be on our own. What did we do wrong?Or did I do something to bring this nightmare to life? Oh, please, letme wake up from this. I promise I'll never do anything bad again. Someonehelp us, I scream! But there is no help, just suffering. What do I do?I can't show Krista my helplessness. "Come on, Sis, stay with me."We're not moving as fast as we should. I want to slow down but fear keepsdriving me. My feet are not hurting as much as they were. Maybe I'm beginningto warm up a little. "Darn you, Krista, move faster. There's whitestuff coming down from the sky. Remember how we watched it from the windowa few days ago? Dad said it gave him the shivers." I feel it now,it's so cold! Mom, please help us. Krista lays down in the snow and curlsup. I'm so scared. "Darn you, Krista. get up. It's not time to restor sleep. I need you to help me find shelter." She doesn't move, onlycurls up tighter. What do I do? Maybe I should lay down next to her tokeep her warm. She's so cold. Survival, that's what I have to think about.Maybe I can find help and they will come back and help Krista. Maybe theycan help my mother. Yes, I must find help.
REMEMBRANCE TWO
It felt like hours, maybe it was. Where is the wind and snow? Lord, it'sstill cold but here is shelter. Sleep overtakes me but it's fitful. Atleast I have rested. What is that light? My first instinct is to run. Butthat hunger is still there and so is the bitter cold. I am too weak torun or even walk. I feel large, strong arms go around me and lift my almostlifeless body. I try to scream but all I can force out is a weak cry. Oh,warmth! I hear the crackling of a wood stove. I am laid on a blanket closeto the stove and talking becomes rapid and loud, then settles down to calmand decisive. My pain becomes more intense but I am defrosting. If I justhad something to eat. The man is on the phone; the woman is warming somethingon the stove. Now she's spooning warm liquid into my mouth. Thank you,that's so good. I hear talking but can't stay awake. I need sleep.
REMEMBRANCE THREE
I can't move but I am moving. Ok, I am wrapped in a blanket and being carriedto the car. It's morning and the sun is shining. The nightmare must beover. "How are you feeling, little one?" comes from the ladyholding me in her arms. I am so happy I only smile and enjoy every kindmoment hoping it will never end. I want to ask where we are going and totell them of the horrible night before but they are talking again and Ilisten. "Do you think they will be able to help him, John?" sheasks as we pull out of the driveway. "I hope so" is all he saysas we pull onto the highway and towards the cluster of buildings that mustbe town. "John, be careful. there's a cat on the road. Oh, no! Someone'skilled that poor baby. People are so inhuman."
So this is town. I wonder where we're going? I'll find out soon I hope.The car stops and out we go. "We'll do what we can. Marsha, just bepatient." A quaint building, the door opens and oh, no; there's thatsmell again. Panic strikes. I try to move but the lady is talking to meand trying to calm me. A woman in a white uniform says "the doctorwill see you now!"
REMEMBRANCE FOUR
My previous recollections of doctoring only brings fears of probing andneedles and pills and still the doctor kept saying "this won't hurt"but darn it, it did! No, not that needle again. Now they want blood! Please,no! For my own best interests? Baloney!
Thank goodness, it's over. Dad takes me out to the car and I'm sure glad!I wish Mom would come out so we can go home. I felt fine before the trip.Great, here comes Mom, take us home, Dad. Mom is holding me tight. I givemy thanks and drift off to a very welcome nap. I awaken at home in thehouse where I feel safe and very content. I hear mention of the test resultsin a few days. So what! I must be in great shape with fine new parentslike this and a calm inside I have never felt before.
The next few days I get stronger and am able to move quicker. I love myparents so much. I sure hope I can stay here forever. I've never felt betterand I am eating like a pig and no more shots and no more cold and wind.I've finally found parents who love and care for me. Happiness IS truelove. I think of Krista and wish I had a brother or sister. I think I'llask Mom. Darn, Mom is on the phone. Mom, get off the phone, will you? Iwant to ask you something. Oh, oh! I don't like that look in her eyes.Something is wrong; she's crying! She takes me in her arms and tries tosoothe me and herself. At least I feel I am finally good for something.I touch her face and tell her I'm sorry for whatever is bothering her andwait for her to calm down but she doesn't. Here we go again; another blanket.Mom, what's wrong? I know! She can't leave me at home alone while she goesout. Dad is at work. Ok, Mom, but please let me wait in the car, ok?
Out the lane and onto the drive; south towards town and all the buildingsand people. Gosh, I don't like this trip but at least I'm with Mom. Waita minute. Mom, I don't like that building. I've been here before. In throughthe door and now I know why I don't like this place, that smell! I want to run! Maybe Mom doesn't feel good; that must be it! "That's ok,Mom, I'm here, nothing can hurt us now." Now the doctor is here. Ihear "very ill; common problem; most likely terminal; FeLV - leukemia.I'm sorry, Marsha."
Tears fill my eyes. I hear myself screaming. Mom, it can't be that bad!You won't die! I'll take care of you. My purring brings little relief...
-ERROL J. ZANELLA
(c) PET PRIDE, P.O. Box 1055, Pacific Palisades, CA90272
What Vacation?
I am sitting like millions of others, in front ofthe television, enjoying one of our favorite pastimes. I gaze around theroom at my darling angels, all peacefully snoozing away, engaged in cats'favorite pastime. I'm sure you can all relate to this scene. But as thecommercial blares persuading me to buy this or that, my mind wanders. Now,I am quite busy in my work and don't have either the time or the moneyfor many vacations. It's just as well, I guess, for after the last attemptat a vacation, I was more worn out than before I started. A friend invitedme to come and spend a week with her at the beach house she had rented.I surely did need the break but I was worried about my family. Not wantingto cage them up in a facility, I decided to contact a pet sitter, who camelicensed and bonded with excellent references. With all the preparationsmade, I set about my job of packing with three pair of eyes focused reprimandinglyon my suitcases. I could see the disdain on their faces and I tried toignore the guilt they made me feel. The eventful day came and after checkingeverything at least twenty times, I began my journey by car for the threehundred miles to the beach. Arriving, I received a frantic call from mysitter questioning me if I was sure I had THREE cats, as she could findonly two. Terror gripped my heart as investigation showed my fifteen yearold neutered, "TEDDY", was not to be found. I had seen "TEDDY"just before my departure as I had bag and baggage stacked by the frontdoor. Although he had always been indoors, I feared somehow he had escapedduring the loading of my car. Tearfully, I told the sitter which hidingplaces to check but to no avail. My bags and baggage in the front hallof the beach house. I bid farewell to my hostess for the drive home tohelp find "TEDDY". Another six hours or so later, I arrived hometo find my sitter awaiting me. "Call your friend at the beach house",she said. "TEDDY has been found." Immediately I placed the calland learned that just minutes after I left, she discovered my sweet "TEDDY"exploring the place. "How on earth did he get there?" I queried."I think he was in your tote bag", she responded, "the topwas open." Assured she would look after him for the night, I decidedto start off again the next morning. I awoke in anticipation of my tripto the cries of two cats yowling at the top of their lungs. Startled, Ijumped from the bed and ran to the kitchen to see what was causing thecommotion. Then I saw him...a bedraggled, scrawny German Shepherd withhis nose pressed against the back door. Shooing the cats to safety, I venturedoutside and was greeted by a huge tongue madly giving me kisses. The poorcreature was half starved and he wore no identification. My heart wouldnot let me chase him away, so I whisked him to the garage and brought himthe best doggy breakfast I could manage with my cabinets filled solelywith kitty goodies. He ate every bite and settled in for a nap. Then, whatto do? This poor fellow needed me too, while my dear "TEDDY"and vacation plans awaited me some six hours drive away. The sitter arrived,luckily she has much patience, and I told her about the arrival. She assuredme she would care for him too and after I placed a "found" adin the newspaper, I set off again, on my search for the elusive vacation,with cat carrier in tow. I had decided to shorten my "rest" toa three day sojourn and was making lovely mental plans when I arrived."Call the sitter", commanded my hostess immediately. Fearingthe worst as I dialed. I heard the news that "BRUTUS" had escapedthe garage and when the sitter saw him bounding around the back yard andopened the door, he rushed inside and was firmly planted. My two babeswere howling, hiding and furious. "BRUTUS" had eaten all thefood in their dishes and was sleeping in the cats' bed. Then and thereI decided, I was not meant to have a vacation and putting "TEDDY"into the carrier. I bundled up my things and began the journey again. Expectingto find the very worst, I entered my house with dread. "Quiet",said the sitter, "the children are sleeping." There was "BRUTUS"still in the cats' bed but surrounded by two cats who gave him loving kisses.Whatever had transpired in the previous six hours, I will never know, butsome deep bonds had been formed that only the children understand. Decidingit was safe for "TEDDY" to join the gang, he fled his carrierand to my amazement, joined the group. I passed my vacation at home, hopingno one would claim "BRUTUS" and my prayers were answered. Mycabinets now include canine and feline varieties and the group still sleepstogether. I think of the fun things I missed at the beach, but really,what could be more peaceful than just a night at home with a loving family.
-DUTCH CARRRIE
(c) PET PRIDE, P.O. Box 1055, Pacific Palisades, CA90272
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