Chris Clegg

Slink Panther is one of three cats that call the South Peace News office their home. He is not the best mouser. He shows little interest when the odd mouse makes an appearance. The other cats, Link Panther and Zelda, show far more interest. They will corner a mouse and demand its surrender! Being the dominant cat, Slink Panther can delegate authority. Being the boss has its privileges!

Slink Panther is also not the bravest cat. Look up the definition Scaredy-Cat in the dictionary and you would see his picture. He runs for the back of the room when a noisy vehicle runs by, or at the very least, he pays quick attention.

Slink Panther loves to eat. A quick look at his girth reminds us he was not always that way. Years ago, he was a lean mean trim killing machine armed with four paws of destruction. Today – well – he just eats and sleeps a lot! We are thinking of renaming him Thick Panther.

I often look at Slink Panther and wonder what he’s thinking. He is one lucky cat. Living the good life. Doing no harm to anything. Just breezing through life on the graciousness of his owner. Not a care in the world, except for the diet he is now “suffering” from. Don’t worry, he is not really suffering!

I do not have a cat or dog at home. Not even a goldfish! I heard a family of skunks moved in next door. It’s the closest I will get to having a pet. I am away so often leaving a pet alone at home just does not seem right.

Slink Panther loves all people. He jumps up to greet many visitors at the office. Some he annoys. Not everyone wants a cat’s butt in their face! Slink Panther hasn’t figured this out yet, but when there is a bit of affection on the line – well – it’s worth the risk!

And that is what makes most animals better than human beings. Slink Panther does not care if you’re white, Indigenous or black. He loves everyone, regardless of race!

Look at all the misery in the world. Most caused by the simple fact that people cannot get along. So much misery caused by so many people. Politics, religion and race as the reasons leading the way. So much terror. So much grief.

Back at the South Peace News office, Slink Panther and Link Panther just had a tiff. A lot of hissing and a fight. But minutes later, there they go! Off marching to the dish to enjoy a meal together. Best buddies!

I know from watching nature shows that it is a cruel world out there for many animals. Each day is a struggle to survive. Slink Panther has it pretty good. Several good sleeping spots. Lots of cat chow! A fountain water dish. And three litter boxes! One office employee insists cats like to have different litter boxes. Anything to keep them happy!

And happy he is! Slink Panther is a purring machine! The sound of a cat purring is very soothing and relaxing. Every day, he purrs, and he purrs loud and proud!

Slink Panther and his buddies like to look out the window at the world beyond their reach. Sure, they go outside for a short period of time but they are quick to return to where life is good and living is easy.

One regular visitor says our cats know how good they have it. Do they really? I guess if you are fed every day and have a place to sleep it’s about as good as it gets.

Should we all be so lucky!