Here's this fortnight's top story as voted on our website - 5 February 2010

Tree Hugger

I got my first kitten when I was 18. He was a small ball of grey and white fluff, so I named him Ash. Right from the start he had an amazing wee personality. I would wake up with him tapping my eyes and when I opened them, he would swipe playfully at the movement.

Every night Ash would share my pillow and purr and nuzzle me. Every evening after work, he would be right there by the door waiting for me. If I do not pick him up straight away, he would let out a crying meow until I pick him up. He was my wee baby.

After a couple of years, I moved back home to save some money and Ash of course came with me. All was well until boxing day in 2003 when I woke up to Ash not being on my pillow. I did not worry at first but as the day got on, I started to feel something was not right. My parents told me not to worry but I knew that this was not like my Ash. I walked around our farm calling his name, just in case he was around. My parents would look at me out the window and just shake their head thinking I was mad. 


Then on the fourth day, late in the evening I was doing my round trip of helplessly calling Ash's name when I heard a faint meow. I started running and yelling Ash's name until I came to the fence line and looked up. Far, far up a huge gum tree, along a huge branch was my Ash, hanging on to this tiny branch at the end. I found my baby but now how do I get him down?

I went over to my lovely neighbours and together with my parents we managed to get a rope around Ash's branch and pulled him down to where my partner had climbed up as high as he could go. My neighbour joked with my dad that on the count of three, they should let the rope go!! As my partner reached his hand out, Ash patted his hand then with all his energy ran onto his shoulders, claws and all!!

I grabbed my Ash tight when he got down and as I rushed inside to give him food and water, I heard my funny neighbours thank us for the entertainment. I laughed as I ran inside. My smile was as big as a Cheshire cat's and I was really relieved.

Lucky for me, I don't think Ash has ever climbed that far up again. 
He's quite happy sharing my pillow.

True Story by Angela Shadforth of New Zealand
 

NOTE:

1. A very happy 2010 to all of our readers from the SMARTER than JACK team. We hope you all had a good break. For those of you with interesting Christmas stories with your pets, don't forget to send it to us at www.smarterthanjack.com, e-mail to caroline@smarterthanjack.com or send it to SMARTER than JACK, P O Box 57202, Mana, Porirua 5247, New Zealand

2. We hope you have enjoyed reading the first story for 2010 and we look forward to reading more of your stories.