Sunday 18 April 2010

Street Explorer

Give that cat an award for bravery.


Scooter and Hamish, those most fearful little woodland creatures, are now venturing out of an open window, so long as I am with them. Although they still run away from me if I look at them the wrong way at all, my presence gives them courage to creep outdoors for a few moments.

Usually such acts of bravery occur only in the walled back yard, although even the flutter of a leaf will send them fleeing back inside as though pursued by ravening wolves. It's a hard life, being a scaredy-cat.

The dog and the girls, bold and confident, are fond of sitting on the pavement at the front of the house, where they (rightly) expect passers-by to make a fuss of them.


But on a quiet sunny afternoon, with no traffic moving, Scooter was lured out.....


Hamish wasn't.


Suddenly Scooter spotted Millie in the distance - and he was off!

Lottie looked mildly surprised; the dog wore an expression that clearly said "It'll end in tears!"

And it did, of course: Scooter panicked, dashed wildly into Sandra's house, upstairs, downstairs, and out again, and then hid under a bush, howling loudly and piteously, until rescued by Millie and me. His expedition had lasted about 30 seconds. But, for the first time, he had ventured at least 10 yards from home.


Hamish asked if we could have the window shut now. The Great Outdoors was altogether too big and dangerous. Scooter agreed.


There's no place like home. No basket like the dog's. No need to go anywhere else.

11 comments:

Lesley said...

It's a big bad world out there for a little cat...well done Scooter, don't give up on it!

Susan said...

I love the pic out on the street where Scooter spies M. Millie tail perfectly straight up in the air, running, white tip waving like a flag - reminds me of those oh so dear Meerkats - the expression on "the" dog's face is priceless (she is such a character) and that Lottie, well she's just "too" relaxed isn't she. Tres exciting outdoorsy adventures of the team from NuT (Newcastle upon Tyne). xo les Gang

judy in ky said...

Such good kitties... it never hurts to be too cautious!

Pam said...

Oh! the stress. May I join Scooter in the dog's basket? I need to, after the week I've had. Meh.

Paul C said...

Like the engaging cat photo narrative. Cats certainly have distinct personalities.

mountainear said...

Brave cats on mean streets - actually your street looks more civilised than one would think from its nom de plume - Bacteria Gardens indeed!

Anonymous said...

I know how I feel. Every time I think I should venture forth into a new school for relief teaching, with the same caution your little gang expresses out on the streets, I rush back to the basket of semi-retirement and think "maybe not".Delightful pics!

Von said...

Tough life out there.Is that a new Beetle parked outside?

SmitoniusAndSonata said...

Well , at least he won't be swaggering in every morning , ears in tatters .
I'm now humming "Top Cat", unfortunately . Damn ! It'll last all day .

Catherine said...

I am thinking it is much safer for kitties inside anyways! :)

Fun post with great photos ~ love it!

BumbleVee said...

I'm thinking they are soooo much safer inside anyway..... good for them!!

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