Pets, those four-legged, furry companions, have a remarkable way of weaving their way into our hearts, filling our lives with boundless joy, unwavering affection and a sense of camaraderie that is irreplaceable. They cease to be just animals; they become cherished members of our families. They fill our homes with warmth and love, and as pet owners, we couldn’t imagine life without them.

This deep affection for pets is universal. It’s evident in the countless heartwarming animal videos one can find on YouTube or Facebook. Everyone, including Chuck, believes that their pet possesses the most outstanding qualities of their breed. While Chuck may regard his cats as the epitome of feline brilliance, the truth is that all pets engage in behaviour that we find ingenious and amazing. What sets them apart are their distinct personalities, individual quirks, and unique traits. They adapt to their households, often mirroring the habits and idiosyncrasies of their human companions, seamlessly becoming integral members of the family.

While all our cats have had distinctive personalities, one feline, in particular, stands out for me. Meet Max. Back in 2007, a stray cat gave birth to a litter of kittens at our workplace. The mother cat, along with her kittens, was captured, and lovingly cared for until the time came to find forever homes for all of them, including mamma. Max, a cute little black-and-white charmer, found his way into our lives. He was the sole cat in our household for five months, until one fateful day, another stray kitten wandered in through the bay doors. This little feline boldly walked right into my office and demanded to be petted. Well, what else could I do? So, just like that, Max had a playmate. According to the vet, it appeared that they were both around the same age, and they bonded immediately, despite their vastly different temperaments.

Ben was gentle, relaxed and laid back, and I truly believe he was unionized as he did nothing around the house to help Max. Max, on the other hand, was the complete opposite. He was the worker, the worrier, the mum, taking on all the responsibilities to ensure that everyone was safe and accounted for. He became the unofficial security cat, guarding the house when we were away, eagerly welcoming us at the door upon our return, and overseeing any visitors or workers in our home. His vigilant watch would often unnerve tradesmen and one day, a plumber, bewildered by Max’s scrutiny, could take it no longer. “Would you put that cat in another room?” he begged. “He’s starting to give me the creeps.” Not all supervisors are appreciated.

But perhaps Max’s most extraordinary feat was related to my health. Apparently, during my sleep, I would stop breathing several times a night and according to Chuck, Max in his own intuitive way, would gently touch my cheek with his paw until I stirred and resumed breathing. This went on for several months, and it was only after Chuck revealed this to me, that I realized how Max had been a silent guardian of my health.

My comment to Chuck upon hearing this information was, “Well, thank God for Max. One of these days, I might wake up dead.”

“Oh, don’t worry,” my not too concerned husband replied, “if Max isn’t there, I’ll just give you a little poke.” Shortly after that conversation, I decided to invest in a CPAP machine to address my sleep apnea. After all, Max needed less stress.

But there was one occasion when I felt that perhaps my boys were not living up to the standard of being great cats. On this particular evening, as I sat watching TV, a subtle movement by the corner of my chair caught my eye. To my surprise and dismay, a tiny deer mouse was staring right back at me. My immediate reaction to this uninvited guest was a mix of astonishment and fear, for I’ve never been particularly fond of mice. In fact, to put it in stronger language, “I hate mice.” With me now standing on my chair, and my three male companions – two feline furballs and my human, Chuck – sprawled out on the couch, blissfully napping, I knew I had to act fast.

“There is a mouse in the house!” I screeched.

However, my cry for help only elicited a mild reaction from Chuck, who failed to understand what I was so upset about. After all, it was just a little mouse. The cats must have shared his view on this vermin situation, as they did not stir. In hindsight, I realize that if I’d said, “treat time,” I might have seen a different level of enthusiasm from them.

To calm me down, and to shut me up, Chuck decided to take matters into his own hands. Armed with a paper towel, his choice of weapon, he attempted to capture the elusive trespasser. But because the mouse was either too nimble or Chuck was too slow, no capture took place. I glanced over at Ben and Max, who remained sprawled out and peacefully asleep, seemingly unaffected by the commotion.

In a somewhat sarcastic tone, I remarked, “Those cats are top-notch mousers.” Chuck, in an attempt to protect his boys’ reputations, decided to give them a chance to prove their mousing skills. He gently lifted both cats off their perches and placed them on the floor, ensuring they had a prime view of this safari unfolding in our living room. However, even with the cats in close proximity, there was still no action.

The turning point came when the mouse almost ran over Max’s feet, setting off a flurry of activity. The mouse darted under the treadmill machine, and the two cats began circling, or as Chuck put it, “walking the perimeter.” It was a suspenseful showdown. Eventually, the mouse made a break for it, but unfortunately, this was not a smart move on his part. It was now face to face with the mighty lions. In a dramatic twist, the trembling little mouse stood on its hind legs, bravely confronting its formidable foes. I could hardly believe my eyes as I witnessed this David and Goliath scene unfolding right before me. In the end, Chuck managed to grab the mouse by its tail, swiftly opened the patio door, and tossed the little intruder outside. His parting words were, “If that little guy is that brave or that stupid, he deserves to live.” Whether the mouse succumbed to fright or lived to share his tale with others, one thing was certain – we had no more mouse encounters that fall in our house.

Chuck summed up the whole experience by announcing, “My boys, are lovers not fighters, and that’s not a bad thing.” The verdict was in.

In essence, pets enrich our lives in countless ways, teaching us about unconditional love, loyalty, and the simple joys of life. They remind us that the world is a better place with them by our side, and we, in turn, have the privilege of creating a home that is warmer, happier, and infinitely more colourful because of their presence.

 

 

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