Mr Dawson's Cat : Part Two

Peter stole into reception and had his ear cocked as Marian and Naomi stood chatting.

"That Mr. Dawson couldn't afford the blood tests she needed, Marian."

"Yes, I know, it's sad, isn't it? When pet owners can't afford their pets"

So, thought Peter, it's all about money. It so often is in the human world. I'll let Judith know the truth. Mr. Dawson didn't want to give her up. He did it very reluctantly.

When Peter told Judith all of this she wasn't surprised. "We were very happy, Peter, I thought there must be a reason he brought me here."

"You can be happy with me, Judith, don't get depressed."

*  *  *  *  *

Back at home Mr Dawson felt how empty the house was now that Judith had gone. He needed to go out to the shop, but on coming back there was no one in the house to greet him. He had lost his soulmate. He thought he would ring up the vets and ask about Judith. How on earth was she doing without him?

"Hello, Marian, is Judith settling in alright?"

"Yes, she's fine, she's got a friend in Peter. They seem to do everything together."

Mr Dawson put the phone down, but the truth was he was getting depressed. He had had no idea just how important Judith was to him.Somehow she was the heart of the home.

*  *  *  *  *

Several days passed as Peter and Judith got to know each other. They could go out into the meadow which was close by the cat's home. Judith had arrived on Saturday and it was now Tuesday. They frolicked in the grass, chasing each other and rolling over in delight in a patch of catmint. It was then they spotted a very small creature.

"What is that?",asked Judith.

"I don't know," said Peter, "let's ask it."

"I am Mr. Vole," said the little, black animal."I mine underground like a mole." Then another creature appeared. It was Mrs. Vole and then several very small creatures appeared, "my babies," said Mrs. Vole. "Don't you come near, you nasty creatures," she said.

Peter laughed at them. "Us nasty? I like that."

"Yes," said Judith, " but I couldn't do them any harm."

The cats passed on by and ran over to the nearby lake.

"There are fish in the water, Judith."

"Yes," said Judith, " but we get enough food at the cat's home, we don't need to kill any fish.

"You are right," said Peter. "Let's play in the shallows," and they gambolled and danced under sun-dappled boughs of overhanging trees. Soon it was getting late and a slight chill was in the air.

"We must get back," said Peter.

"Yes," said Judith. "I have had such a happy time with you, Peter."

"All good things come to an end, Judith, let's get back to the warmth of our home."

As the cats sauntered back into reception Marian greeted them. "Come and get something to eat and then it is time for bed."

So that was the end of Peter and Judith's day of adventure in the meadow, but back at Mr. Dawson's house things seemed very bleak. I must ring up the vets again and ask them if there is anything they can do for me, thought Mr. Dawson. I miss Judith so much.

Naomi answered the phone.

"So really, Mr Dawson, you don't want to give Judith up."

"No, I don't. The house is empty without her. Is there anything you could do to help me. I know the blood tests cost a lot but could you do them for a reduced fee and assess the cat's health for the future?"

"I tell you what, Mr Dawson, we will do the blood tests for free and tell you what the results are and if Judith is not very ill you can take her back."

"Oh that is wonderful," said Mr. Dawson. " I will wait for another call."

* * * * *

It was Thursday before Mr Dawson received a call. Luckily it was good news. There was nothing wrong with Judith's kidneys.

"Oh I am so relieved," said Mr. Dawson.

"When can you take her home?"

"Oh I shall call on Saturday and take her back. So it was a happy ending for all, for as both cat and human knew, home is where the heart is.