Dog person/Cat person? Most of my life I’ve been a dog person, starting with my beloved mutt Pinky.
Lassie, a Sheepdog/Poodle mix with a Collie name came with the marriage. Punkin, a mixed Terrier was a stray two wandered into my wife’s classroom. Zindy, a purebred Miniature Poodle was a gift from a friend that could no longer keep her.
Dogs, dogs, dogs. It had always been about dogs.
That’s why, when a stray black cat wandered up to us one cold winter morning I was very firm, “I hate cats. I hate you. And I’m allergic. So stay away from me.”
Fourteen years later, when Casanova died, I couldn’t imagine life without a cat so we rescue a beautiful something-or-other cat and named her Simone. If Casanova was a lover, Simone has an attitude. She believes she’s a purebred Singapora showcase winner. But I’m not sure what she might be so I dedicated this to her:
I have a cat who thinks that she’s
A Singapora if you please.
Of course, I think that she’s confused.
A Singapora? I’m amused.
Simone was rescued, but you see,
She thinks that she’s a pedigree.
And who am I to say she’s not?
Or challenge such a school of thought?
Her ice blue eyes are Siamese,
A coat that’s Seal Point in degrees.
With feet of fur as white as snow
Perhaps a Snowshoe cameo.
The tail that’s ringed like a raccoon
Flops back and forth all afternoon.
Short hair on top to my delight,
Her tummy fur is long and white.
Black markings on elbows and knees,
Suggest that she’s a Javanese.
Of all the cats the world has known,
None’s more confounding than Simone.
She isn’t hairless like a Sphynx,
Or exotic like a Lynx.
No Scottish Fold, no Russian Blue
No fancy collar or tattoo.
Just lots of love that renders proof
Despite her breed, remains aloof.
She’s fast asleep, her smooth coat shines,
Don’t tell her that she is a Heinz.
I’ll clarify this dialog,
And say a cat is not a dog.
Dogs are loyal, come when called,
When cats are called, they are appalled.
In case you’re still a bit confused,
Perplexed, nonplussed, perhaps bemused.
From tail-tip to her collarbone,
There’s not another like Simone.
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