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Ten Kittens

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<h2 class="nobreak">PETE.</h2> To get the story of Pete I had to go to a large hotel and there I found an old gentleman who had lost his wife by death about a year before and who seemed lonely for her presence. He told all that he could about Pete, but said, “if she were only here,” pointing to a picture on the wall, “she could tell you a fine story of this kitten. She loved cats as no one else on earth, I suppose,” he continued. “Such deeds are not thrown away either, although I used to think many of them were unnecessary.” One morning, while the good wife was living, they lost their last kitten and she had said that they would not try to raise or care for any more. That same morning Pete arrived at the back door of the home and begged for[70] something to eat. He was invited inside and that was all that was necessary to make friends between the lady and the homeless kitten. Pete was not so young either at that time for he seemed to be nearly two years old. The gentleman said that there never was a cat that could fight like Pete. He was not afraid of anything that walked and could whip any dog that ever came into the yard. When he made up his mind that he did not want any dog or certain cats around the house or yard it was then that they had to leave. He would sometimes make up with a cat after giving him a good flogging if the cat was willing to stay long enough to make up. He was an awful fighter and yet he was of a good disposition around the home. Of all the kittens this lady had and loved and cared for there was none so loveable and of a better character than Pete. If it had not been for his fighting nature he would have been an ideal cat in every way. Perhaps the brave spirit he showed helped him to protect[71] himself from cruel dogs and mean cats. For ten years Pete occupied the best chair in the home for his resting place and bed. He had things his own way because he was loved by all the members of the family. His food consisted of anything and everything that money could buy. He lacked for nothing that would make him contented and happy. When baby kittens were born in the neighborhood Pete was always one of the first visitors and took charge of the kittens along with the mother cat. He would fight for the baby kittens and protect them with his own life. No mother cat was afraid to leave her kittens in charge of Pete because they all knew his daring spirit and courageous nature. After the death of the kind mistress Pete missed her very much. He missed her loving caresses and the good meals which she always provided for him. Of course the other members of the family took good care of him then, but the mistress of the home had been the[72] one he had largely depended upon. She would get up any time in the night and let him in if he came to the door and called. If he was not in the house at supper time a good meal would be placed back for him and then during the night if he came to the door she would let him in and warm his supper for him. All this he greatly missed although he was well taken care of. Today he lives in a Boarding School for cats in the city of Chicago and is visited once each week at least by a daughter of his former mistress. This daughter loves Pete too and Pete loves her just as much. When she goes to the boarding place to see him he will come to her and put both front feet around her neck and try in every way to show his affection. He is now about fourteen years old and weighs sixteen and one half pounds. During March of this year (1919) the old gentleman received a letter from his daughter in Chicago saying that Pete was well and seemingly contented in the Boarding School. It costs two or three dollars a week to keep him there but this[73] kindness is due him after such faithful service during all the years. <div style="break-after:column;"></div>

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