Oh, what unhappy twist of fate
Has brought you homeless to my gate?
The gate where once another stood
To beg for shelter, warmth and food.
For from that day I ceased to be
The master of my destiny.

While he, with purr and velvet paw
Became within my house the law.
He scratched the furniture and shed
And claimed the middle of my bed.

He ruled in arrogance and pride
And broke my heart the day he died.
So, if you really think, oh Cat,
I'd willingly relive all that

Well...don't just stand there...
Come on in!
by Francis Witham




I just had to add another page--or two or three--you know how it goes--dedicated to that soft spot in my heart--critters, of all kinds. I am such a hopeless animal lover, I won't even kill mice. I had someone build me a humane mouse trap so I could catch them and let them go scampering across some field of corn. The number of stray cats (and their umpteen litters) that I have taken in, kept, found a good home for and neutered is unknown. I keep pet food and fresh water in my car at all times to feed the occasional strays and for daily feedings of the strays at work.

There isn't much content on my pages dedicated to these critters--but there's sweet thoughts, funny pieces, bring-a-tear-to-your-eye writings...and a whole lot of heart.

This page, and how many others that follow, are dedicated to my pre-stray cats; Picasso, Boo, Annie and Willie. Also to all the homeless cats and dogs, abused animals and to all the sweet pets who romp around in cat and dog heaven awaiting the day I'll join them. Yes, I believe all animals do have some sort of critter heaven, and they'll be joined by their human friends some day.





IN MEMORY OF:



Bojangles - a wonderful stray dog
Pyewacket
Smokey
Cooter
Fuzzy
Barney
Sammy
Paleface
Leroy


Here lives a very fine cat, a very fine cat indeed.





A Bit Of Cat Trivia:


The black cat superstition derived from the belief that witches could transform themselves into black cats--all black cats could therefore be transformed witches --therefore the omen of bad luck for one to cross your path.

A CAT'S PRAYER


Now hear this! You may live in this dwelling with me, but keep in mind your sole purpose for existence is to care for me. I pray God keeps you able to do so.

Feed me well and promptly so that I may find a quiet place to lie down and stare at you. If that place happens to be on top of the television set, do not keep trying to dislodge me even though my tail is hanging in the middle of the picture.

I expect full rein of the premises, includiing the kitchen table. I sniff your food only to see if I would prefer it to mine. Brush me twice a week. Pet me as often as you wish, but I can do without the idiotic statements you utter as you do so.

When I bump my head against your leg or cheek, it means I accept you as part of my environment. Keep in mind that if I thought the lady next door would feed me better, I'd be out of here in a minute. If your'e looking for loyalty, get a dog.



"We can judge a civilization by how it treats its animals".

~Unknown~


"What you do unto the smallest of creatures, you do unto Me".

From the Bible






"Sandpaper kisses
On a cheek or a chin--
This is the way
For a day to begin!
Sandpaper kisses
A cuddle and a purr
I have an alarm clock
That's covered in fur!"
~Author Unknown~



"Cat: A pygmy lion who loves mice, hates dogs, and patronizes human beings."

~Oliver Herford~



"Birds: Flying cat snacks."

~Author Unknown~





Critters- Page Two



INDEX





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