by

Leo Crocker Rogers

I have been the companion of several cats and dogs.

Of course, there have been special ones, those that I understood better and who understood me better.

Of the non-special ones, the cats were loaded springs. If something caught them sideways, the internal springs cut lose and claws and teeth became weapons of defense. The non-special dogs too would come unglued if caught off guard. They would bark and even fight without much provocation – prophylactic defense.

But then again, non-special cats and dogs, and even friends, are only casually at our side.

Of the special ones, those cats and dogs are of a different stripe.

Of the special cats – one cat who was a friend of mine – when something caught her sideways, she was fully ready to kill but first made full consideration of the situation before cutting lose her prowess. At one time, my special cat was cornered and under attack by a huge husky dog. She warned the dog several times, but the dog was salivating while thinking of the kill and kept on yapping. He just would not listen. The dog had killed non-special cats before and thought, "Why should I listen? I am in command." When the husky lunged for the kill, this special cat nearly ripped the husky’s nose from his face – blood everywhere including running down the dog’s remaining nose and in her eyes. End of bout.

What was good about my special cat was that she was considerate, loving, and slow to anger, but could defend herself. She was a loyal companion. We shared much time.

Of the special dogs, – one dog – when something caught him sideways, was contemplative. Dogs of 150 pounds would romp up to my 20 pound fellow. He simply stood his ground. He did not bark. He did not move. As the monster ran around and barked and snarled, this special dog waited. When attacked, he was very swift of feet and showed no backing down tendencies. When I was frightened, her reassured me and when he was in need of reassurance, as at his passing, I was there for him. This special dog thought ahead, made provisions for errors on my part, and when I was out of line, he did not become offended for long. And by the way, I gave him the same courtesy. We would run 10Ks together in 155 degree temperature. He was a loyal companion.

It is good to live with special cats and dogs – the special ones.

It is likewise good to live with special people.