Why I’ve Got a Spring in My Step

Spring, 2007 By Mr. T

Okay, I nearly died this winter.

They tell me it was hepatitis. All I know is that one day I was happily dodging hooves, and the next praying for one to put me out of my misery.

Fortunately, they got me to the vet fast. By the time I reached the Animal Health Center, my whole life was flashing before my eyes.

I remembered my gender-identity struggle when I first came to Longtheway and everyone thought I was a girl.

I remembered Cutter and Crow getting in my face until I threatened to remove theirs.

I thought about the gentle crunch a rat’s neck makes when it snaps.

I saw myself lazing on tractors, curling up in wheelbarrows, and burrowing into horse blankets.

And most of all, I relived the endless afternoons I spent tormenting those fat, self-satisfied room accessories known as the “inside cats.”

They’d have been happy to see me go, but it was gratifying to learn that so many others wanted me back.

I’m always amazed that the horses even know I exist, much less find me a reassuring presence in the barn, but they audibly grunted greetings upon my return. The dogs missed me, too (I spent half a day cleaning myself up from their slobbering). And of course Scooter was beside himself. From the way he licked me after I got back from the vet, you’d think I’d been convalescing on a bed of tuna steaks.

Anyway, thanks to Dr. Dennis Geisler and his assistants, Tami and Deb, I’m in fine form now – just in time to oversee Longtheway’s dramatic spring transformation. There are rabbits to eradicate, dogs to discipline, foals to befriend, and gerbils, moles, and voles to devour. I’ve got pastures to patrol and gardens to guard. And this year I’ll be walking my beat in a whole new barn.

It’s good to be back. Thanks for your support. I purr in your direction.

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