Buddy AKA "Mr. Cool"
and "The Chick Magnet"

After a year of living at my current residence, one day I received a call from my brother. He was leaving southern California and moving up here. Well, being the kind hearted brother, I consented to the idea of him moving in temporarily with me. Well, he had a 70 or so pound Australian Shepherd named Buddy. Buddy and Kingsford were previously roommates and acquainted with each other. However, I was worried that Baby and Lacey might have a problem with having a 70 pound canine running about the place.

He is an interesting pooch though. As far as the cats are concerned, Buddy turned out to be very tolerant of having cats around. Ironically, even though he is an Aussie, Buddy has not attempted to herd the cats. If he tried, he probably wouldn't be all that successful. However, Lacey still hisses if Buddy gets too close. Of course, Buddy looks at Lacey as if to say "What is wrong with you feline". Baby will go up and touch noses with Buddy and sniff at him and give a funny look. It is as if she saying, "what is this smelly thing on four legs?" Kingsford, even though he grew up with Buddy, will give Buddy wide berth.

As you can guess, my little apartment is crowded with two people and four critters. I often wake up with the three cats in bed with me at the foot of the bed. Of course, I can't move around and often end up sleeping in weird contortions so the cats can sleep comfortably.

After all of the time I have spent with cats, I still have an unanswered question. Do cats exercise some sort of mind control on humans or do they have a sixth sense about who is going to be a soft touch for them? If you know the answer, please let me know.

Copyright © William T. Chandler
Autumn, 1998