While the dogs talked among themselves, the cats did the same thing.
The dogs, of course, could not tell what the cats were meowing and talking about.
But you and I can.
And here’s what they said.
Edith sighed a bored and exasperated sigh.
She said, “I don’t know if I’ve ever been more disappointed in my entire life.”
Stick Cat did not expect such a comment from Edith. He thought she would be shocked, nervous—even frightened. That’s the way he felt. He had no idea what would happen next. He kept a constant eye on the dogs. He didn’t believe they were in a threatening posture. They seemed more curious than anything. But he didn’t want to take any chances. He watched them very closely.
“You’re disappointed?” he asked.
“Totally.”
“Why?”
“These are five dogs, Stick Cat. Dogs,” Edith explained. “They are not rhinoceroses at all. It’s just disappointing.”
“Umm, well. Yes. I can see why you’re disappointed,” replied Stick Cat. “But the good news is that I’m pretty sure these dogs are friendly.”
“How do you know?”
“Well, I think we’ve seen them before,” explained Stick Cat. “On Goose and Tiffany’s wedding weekend. Remember?”
A flash of recognition came to Edith’s face then. She did remember.
Stick Cat added, “I think they were trying to get the leftover barbecue ribs and mashed potatoes at the party. They’re strays, I think. They’re always hungry.”
Edith nodded. She remembered something specific just then.
“That’s right. I remember,” Edith said. “And the spotted one is totally hyper, right? She was obsessed with you or had a crush on you or some bizarre thing like that. Right?”
“That’s right,” Stick Cat said, turning away from the dogs for the first time and toward Edith. He smiled and added, “She did act a little strange toward me.”
It was then—when Stick Cat turned briefly to Edith—that the Dalmatian barked. From across the clearing, Stripes yelped, “My soul mate!”
She bounded across the clearing with great speed, complete glee, total enthusiasm, and sheer affection.
It took her five great bounds to reach Stick Cat.
He never saw her coming.
And then Stripes did something totally unexpected.