
Shaka is a rescued kelpie who used to run away a lot. We have endlessly speculated about where she might be going or why she didn’t think she should stay with a new mum who loves her. And then there was the night she was stolen and we were all shattered, but we have her back and now she doesn’t run away any more.
Most days she sits watching for her cat to come. That day has not yet arrived, but Shaka has never lost hope. She asks for a cat every day. She uses cracks in a doorway to watch through, hoping that the next one she sees is hers. When she passes felines on her daily run, she tries to explain how friendly she is but they scamper away before she can strike up a meaningful relationship. Until the other day.
Apparently, a cat was sitting on low fence as Shaka walked by with her mum. Shaka slowed down and the cat yawned and stretched. I have it on the highest authority that the cat said, “Hi, dog. Nice day.”
“Whaaat?”
“It’s sunny. Wanna touch noses?”
“Kidding.” Shaka walks backwards.
“Okay.” Cat shrugs.
Mum says, “Oh my dog. Shaka, look, a friendly cat.”
“I’m looking, mum. And looking. And looking. Can’t stay. Scary.”
Mum sits on low fence and pats cat, who purrs, and says, “Relax, dog. I just wanna be friendly.”
Shaka’s eyes goggle and her eyes widen. “With me?”
“Sure. I gotta lotta time for dogs. Let me pat your nose.”
“Mum, is it okay?”
“Yup.”
“Can’t. Just can’t. Let’s go find a running cat.”
Mum sighs. “We’ll come by tomorrow, Cat. Will you be here?”
“Maybe.” Cat saunters off.
Dog goes into flat position, watching. “Never met a cat like that before,” she says as the cat disappears. Within seconds, “Mum, mum, can you get me a cat to play with?”