
But no matter how gray, dreary, or even beautiful it is as morn breaks each day, one little friend is always waiting for me. He sits patiently and when I approach him he stretches his neck out for a scratch as he awaits his food. If I ignore him, he gives me a gentle "love tap" on my bald head., but he never bears his claws. He is just reminding me that he is there.
His name is Jerry, a Maine Coon Cat who is aloof, only comes out of the woods at his morning and evening feeding times but, nonetheless, always purrs and shows he is glad to see me. He is just like clockwork and I look forward to a few moments with him each day. He's been around here with us for about ten years but he shows no sign of aging or any lack of cunning. After all, living as he does in a heavily wooded area over the back fence, he would no longer be with us if he lacked alertness.
We got him when we bought our home; he was hanging around the sales office and they told us he had just shown up one day and that they put some food out daily. Once he came home with us, he followed the same routine. He likes his freedom but he loves to come and visit at mealtime, so it is a good arrangement. In return for a little something to eat daily he gives me smiles and love. It's certainly a win-win for both of us, I think.
So here's to Jerry, the Maine Coon Cat, who is part of our animal family here at the Ark, albeit on his own terms. I hope God favors him with a long life and the enjoyment it brings to me and my wife. Thank you, Lord.
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Jerry is just one of the many animals who have come to live with us on our land-locked Ark. Read more about him and many of our other animal family in my book: Honey, We Shoulda' Bought the Ark available on line through the following links: outskirtspress.com/honeyweshouldaboughttheark and amazon.com/author/jamesdick. The book is available in paperbook and on Kindle and Nook and at any Barnes and Noble store.