A man’s best friend is his cat

Published 12:40 pm Saturday, September 17, 2016

by Sharon Cobb

Poppy. Poppy Cat. Buddy. It doesn’t matter what you call him, he can’t hear you. Born solid white, he was the black sheep of his kitty family. It was not unusual to see mama cat moving him to other places in the house; she knew he was different. One blue, one green eye; we would soon learn that is a sign of deafness in a white cat.
Just a couple weeks into nursing, mama cat decided she needed a vacation and left home for a few days. That’s when the bonding began! Late-night bottle feedings; every four hours kittens the size of the palm of your hand and little tiny bottles with little tiny nipples. Mama cat returned to her motherly duties after a few days. However, Buddy was still being treated differently than the others, so the bonding bottle feedings continued.
Six weeks went by fast and it was time to find a home for everyone. But the bonding between Buddy and Kenny, well, there was no breaking that! Buddy stayed on Cross Keys Road. Sign language became the communication tool during the day, and shining lights at night became the signal to come in at dark. Man’s best friend was now a deaf cat! Trips to the store on the dashboard of the truck. Trying to shave and Buddy on the counter splashing in the water. Naps on the sofa. Naps in the toolbox. Going fishing with a cat now brought on a whole new meaning for cat fishing. Although he was white, his name should have been Shadow; he was everywhere Kenny was.
Three years have passed. The bonding has turned to being inseparable, and if you look at the two of them, the word ‘love’ is in action.
Three weeks ago, Buddy disappeared. Having never been out of the yard, Kenny feared the worst. Coyotes were around. Buzzards were overhead. Hearts were broken, so many tears were shed. But, prayers were strong and phone calls to country neighbors for miles went out.
Seven days into his disappearance, a possible sighting of Buddy? Ten days into his disappearance, another sighting! Could it be? We flew to see … nothing! After giving permission to Buck and Dean Drake to set a trap, we returned home with high hopes and stronger prayer. Eight hours later, Buddy was home! Tears of sadness turned to tears of joy and gladness.
Welcome home, Buddy. Welcome home!

SHARON COBB is a resident of Boykins and daughter of Kenny Smith. She drives a school bus. Contact her at 653-7834.