Fearless Tibby

He's an unremarkable looking grey-furred cat, rescued from the Humane Society. He was overweight, his tummy hanging tubbily between his legs, but that didn't stop him from demonstrating his devilish agility from the moment he was brought home. He hadn't exactly been neglected by his previous owners who for reasons of their own gave him up, but he most certainly had been overfed. He demonstrated to his new owner that he wasn't at all shy, looked her straight in the eyes and that was somewhat reassuring since she was naturally concerned whether he was easily intimidated, would fit into his new home.

All the more so as his prospective new home was kind of a menagerie of four-footed animals, all sizes, temperaments, both genders amply represented, (and neutralized) and all anxious to get more than their share of attention and affection. He had no idea, needless to say, where he was being taken, but he seemed amenable. First, he was carried into the home of his new owner's mother who gasped at his size and agonized that her daughter was once again bringing home yet another animal.

When he was finally brought into the door leading to his new home he was met with a raucous throng of dogs, from a toy size to a 140-pounder and everything in beween, seven in all. Whatever his original name had been his new owner had quickly re-named him and Tibby was quite unfazed by all the chaos around him. He seated himself loftily above the fray and made himself at home; top of the refrigerator, where he could look down calmly on the dogs suited him well.

That was a year ago. Since then they've moved into a new home, in a 1860s old log schoolhouse, long since expanded and modernized, sitting on its own 6 acres of Canadian Shield and backed by a good wetland, surrounded by a bush of mature trees. There are two more dogs in residence, another permanent member, and one rescue dog being fostered until he reaches the stage of adoptability. The dogs are only permitted outside when the person they report to is also out of doors. And the same is true for Tibby.

They person they all have an undying allegiance toward is also fond of the resident squirrels, chipmunks, and myriad birds that flock to the many feeders. Tibby was discovered on several occasions in the house, to have become very familiar with a few mice which had foolishly adopted the notion of also taking up residence. He was forgiven. Not forgiven, however, when he was discovered in close familiarity with a chipmunk. The chipmunk was frightened but intact and Tibby suffered the ignominy of a scolding and thereafter, tie-ups.

The new house suits Tibby perfectly. Not only is there an adjoining smaller summer residence connected by a glassed-in breezeway which has become his absolutely favourite sun-filled place in the summer, but the summer residence itself with its little hideaway rooms is another delightful challenge. Add that to the upstairs cubbyholes for storage which he is able to access through one room and exit through another. But the most favourite of his secret hideways is the old pine armoire standing in the great room.

When Tibby feels like removing himself from the frenetic activity and constant sound-bites as the dogs play with each other, yet wants to remain in the general vicinity, he deftly paws open one of the large doors leading to the interior of the armoire, and enters at the second shelf-level upon which lies a soft downy blanket placed there by his thoughtful owner for his ease and comfort. As the door closes softly behind him, his tail gradually follows him into the interior.

It's not as though he resents the presence of all those other, loud and boisterous animals. Just that sometimes he likes his serenity, peace and quiet and he takes himself into his very own space shared by none of the others. The four-poster bed of his person's daughter provides yet another comfy target. Tibby has his favourites among the dogs. Jakie, for example, the toy Pomeranian, smaller by far than Tibby is, yet amenable to allowing itself to be played with by Tibby as though it's a kitten and Tibby its mentor.

When visitors come to the driveway of Tibby's home the dogs all clamour for attention even before the hapless visitor enters the front door. They're excited and bark their welcome in an eerie unison of joy. The resulting madness enough to frighten off anyone unfamiliar with what lies within. Not only are the dogs happy to crowd into the reasonably spacious foyer leading to the kitchen, but Tibby wanders through too, insistent on being noticed as well.

He was quickly put on a diet and lost most of that poundage that did him no good, but his skin still hangs in loose folds below his leaner belly, unwilling to retract, to be consumed and firmed up. Tibby's athleticism places him squarely on the kind of stage reserved for circus performers. With seemingly little effort and even less forethought he can launch himself into the air and perform a perfect parabola, in the process attaining height sufficient to float him over the heads of bystanders.

His landing is dignified and flawless. Bystanders are left, mouth agape, uncertain that they witnessed what actually occurred. He's quite the feline. And stubborn? You bet. When he feels hungry he insists it's how he feels that matters not the time of day, and he seats himself on the countertop of the kitchen island, patiently awaiting notice; mewling finally to attract notice. Sometimes he's rewarded, if the time element closely approximates feed-time.

At other times the person he owns tells him it's far, far too early for him to have his meal, and he simply will have to wait. That gets his metaphorical back up and he launches into a display of hurt dignity, prowling about, looking for mischief. Which only earns him a rebuke, that he's expected to behave himself, as he edges himself over the top of one of the enclosures holding a pair of the many rabbits which also share the household.

Even a dedicated dog-person can make an exception in their animal-devotion to a cat like Tibby. He seems convinced he held some high station in an earlier incarnation and he might just be right.