I recently received an email from a friend about an extraordinary cat that lives in Bridport, Dorset, England.
The 15-year-old cat is named Artful Dodger. Dodger, a beautiful orange tabby, regularly boards the bus at the stop near his house and takes a 10-mile round trip, much to the amusement of the bus passengers and drivers. Sometimes Dodger even hops on a lucky lap for a cuddle.
The bus drivers and regular passengers know Dodger and always make sure he gets off at his stop at the end of each journey. Some passengers even bring Dodger food and treats each day. Dodger's owner, Fee Jeanes, said she was extremely surprised when she discovered the cat's secret life.
A friend of her daughter said she saw Dodger on the bus 10 miles from the family's home. Fee tells the London Telegraph, "I couldn't believe it and panicked. I got into my car to go and look for him and then at that moment the bus pulled up near our house and lo and behold, he got off."
She found out that wasn't the first time Dodger had gone cruising the city by mass transit. "That afternoon I saw Dodger climb aboard another bus and I rushed to tell the driver. I was shocked when she told me Dodger was always on there and liked to sit on the seats because they were warm from where the people have been sitting."
The bus company told the Telegraph they don't mind if Dodger hitches a ride with them, saying, "Given this cat is elderly we suspect it would be eligible for free travel, perhaps a bus pass, if such a thing existed."
They say cats have a mind of their own. I guess that one does.
How do you feel about cars? Usually either you hate them or love them. Some people are frightened of them because they have had a bad experience. It's amazing, isn't it, but sometimes when a pregnant mother is scared of something, say a cat, then the unborn child will be born with a fear of them.
Siamese cats sometimes frighten people, too, usually because they have heard they can be vicious. We have had three Siamese cats at various times and they were lovely pets and friendly, too.
I may be wrong, but I can't help but think it is probably the way the cat was raised. We have had other cats, too, and the last two were from an animal shelter. We have been blessed in the fact all the cats we have adopted lived to a good age.
The one we have now is 17 years old and apparently that is 92 in human years. She is exceptionally affection and we just love her. She is calico and when she was a kitten we had her de-clawed in the front only. This was many years ago and it was not frowned upon like it is now. However, I do realize it is probably cruel to de-claw and I wouldn't do it again.
Mind you, it didn't seem to make a scrap of difference to her. She has always been contented. It has made no difference to her ability to defend herself or to catch mice, even climbing trees. In fact, a week or two ago when the dog next door chased her, she scampered up a tree in a flash. Ladders are one of her favourites to climb quickly and descend cautiously.
I am dreading the day when she isn't with us. However, I don't think we shall have another one, so please don't phone pleaded for a new home for your kittens.
God bless you and have a great week.
