The Other Coast by Adrian Raeside for March 25, 2021

“A dog teaches a boy fidelity, perseverance, and to turn around three times before lying down — very important traits in times like these.”

Robert Benchley, “Your Boy and His Dog” (Chips Off The Old Benchley, 1949)

I believe that the furkids – cats, dogs, ferrets, gerbils, what-have-you – with appendages that aren’t working or have been misplaced are special furkids that can give so much love and joy to the world.

If they have wheels to get around, they’re extra-special, because a special human gave them those wheels.

There’s a nap for that.

Which is easier to compensate for, the loss of a front leg or a rear one (without using wheels)?

And I’m always ready with a tail wag for my friends.

I have a tri-pod Balinese cat. He is a holy terror on 3 legs. His favorite thing to do is race full-speed from living room through dining room into kitchen and slide into the patio door. (He is a rescue, who had a terribly broken hind leg when rescued. The vet couldn’t repair it. I adopted him right after he got his stitches out). Having only 3 legs has not impaired this boy in any way, but he cannot jump as high as a 4-legged cat. He doesn’t have that additional lift from the missing leg. He plays with the other male cat with total abandon! <3

The cat at Canterbury Cathedral who was fond of stealing the Dean’s cream, Tiger, (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Dy43J76bIwE) had cancer in a foreleg which had to be amputated. It took him a little while after he was fully recovered, but he has learned to balance, and is back stealing the dean’s cream (https://youtu.be/naq47vIo3PQ?t=1301). and there was much rejoicing.

And, covering up my “business” is a bit challenging, too.