Old School: Jack of All Trades

By Carol McEwen,

Most of us have fond memories of a favorite pet and the adventures we had with him or her. Mine center on a black and white tomcat named Jack. Jack and I met when we were both youngsters and forged a bond as we grew up together, but one of us got smart and old faster than the other. He was an outdoor cat, so came and went at will. His basic schedule was to hang with me during the day, but once I was safely in bed, he’d head outside for more “adult” activities.

Because we knew each other so well, he put up with indignities that truly grieved him and that most of his kind would not endure. Maybe it was the pricey Puss ‘n Boots canned food we fed him twice a day. I have black and white photos of Jack wearing a baby bonnet and nightgown while I pushed him in my baby buggy. The photo shown above has him wearing an especially fetching outfit, complete with a matching hat.

To say he looked aggravated is an understatement. Maybe mortified would be a more apt description. But there were some indignities even he wouldn’t endure. He absolutely refused to walk on a leash, even though I tried repeatedly. I think he would have been embarrassed in front of his pals.  

He got involved in a couple of scrapes, too. One day he was busy playing with the electrical cords behind the couch and got too feisty with his claws. Suddenly he let out a yowl that belonged in a horror film. The electrical jolt that went through his body caused him to wet a puddle beneath him, making matters worse. Mom and I screamed, and my teenage brother, the only cool head in the house at the time, jumped out of bed and jerked the plug from the outlet. Crisis averted. Poor Jack ran, hid under the bed and didn’t come out for two days.

Another misadventure wasn’t so painful. As I carefully cut out paper dolls, Jack supervised across from me. On an impulse, I reached over and snipped off one side of his whiskers. Maybe the devil made me do it. Of course, immediately afterward I was guilt-ridden and quite worried about Jack’s future.  

Me: “Mommy, what do you think would happen if someone cut off a cat’s whiskers?”

Mom: “Why do you ask, Honey? Did YOU cut off Jack’s whiskers?”

Me: “Only on one side.”  

Mother laughed, said he’d be fine, and Jack’s missing whiskers grew back lickety-split, much to my relief.  

We Old School types enjoyed our pets and they forgave us for the “loving care” we provided.  

Carol McEwen is a writer for Stroll By The Bay, Mirimar Beach, Florida, and authored the weekly Old School column for the Arlington Sun Gazette/Gazette Leader. She may be reached at: carolwrites4fun@gmail.com.