Sworn Enemies
So, James had just plopped down for a quick nap when suddenly, the furious barking of his dog blasted through the open window. Normally, his dog Max was pretty quiet, but today he was on one barking like mad since dawn And not just barking, but absolutely losing it.
James had already sprinted outside a few times but saw nothing suspicious. He figured maybe the neighbours dogs had wandered by, and thats what Max was going off about.
Max was a bit of a territorial fellow, didnt like anything on his patch. So, unsurprisingly, by the time James made it outside, there was no one around. Max’s booming bark sent everyone running for their lives, neighbours’ dogs included.
What they didnt know was, the giant bear, as James liked to call Max, was actually stuck in his kennel. James kept him there during the day just to be safe. But as soon as it got dark, Max was let out. Then, as they say, enter at your own risk.
One time, three would-be thieves from a nearby village tried to sneak in. One lost his trousers, which got snagged on the gate spikes, another left a trainer under the fence, and the third wound up perched in the highest branches of a tree. James had to call the police, who in turn had to ring up the fire brigade to get him down! Max really gave them a scare. They wont forget that in a hurry.
And importantly, Max never barked without a reason. Today, though, he was off the leash in spirit.
Max, give it a rest, mate! James shouted, standing up and heading to the window.
Max paused for a moment, but after a couple of seconds, that relentless barking started again.
James had no choice but to go outside and see what had his massive English Mastiff so riled up.
As usual, there was nobody about. And, as soon as Max spotted his owner, he piped down.
Alright, whats got you singing like that, eh? James said, grinning as he approached the kennel.
Max wagged his tail so hard his whole backside shook and shot James a sheepish look as if he knew hed ruined his nap. But Max was barking for a reason.
Just then, Max flicked his gaze towards the front gate and barked loudly.
James snapped his head around and managed to catch a glimpse of something small and grey shooting off quick as lightning. He rushed to the gate, dashed onto the lane, and saw
an ordinary cat.
But the look on that cats face, mate cocky, smug, and downright audacious.
And what are you doing round here, pal? James laughed. Listen, as one bloke to a cat, you might want to keep clear, because Max Max isnt a fan of your sort. If he gets hold of you, well
The cat scrunched up his nose pointedly, and for a moment, James swore it almost smirked.
The look said: Get me? He wont even make it out the kennel before Im over the fence. Fatso, feed him less.
Honestly, James felt a bit miffed watching this fence-hopper silently put his dog to shame.
Go on, get lost! James waved, then stepped back into the garden and shut the gate.
But did the cat listen? Of course not. In fact, now it started showing up every day.
Strolling round the garden, chilling next to the kennel, acting like he owned the place and could care less about anyone else. Maxs only defence was to bark at him.
At first, James would rush outside to shoo off the whiskered cheeky sod, but as soon as he went back inside, the cat would reappear.
Honestly, James couldnt do a thing about it.
After that little win, the cat basically crowned himself King of the Yard.
One day, he even managed to pinch a bit of meat from Maxs dog bowl. The bowl was inside the kennel, mind you. Max was so tired from barking aimlessly that he just lay in the corner, letting the cheeky grey cat seize the opportunity.
Then the cat sat there, chewing the stolen meat right in front of Max, just to rub it in.
James actually witnessed this whole scene. He was so outraged, he muttered under his breath, Alright, mate, time for some payback. Youll regret messing with my dog.
So James decided he wouldnt lock Max up during the day. Well, technically, hed keep Max in the kennel, but leave the door cracked so Max could nudge it open with his big paw in case he needed to run out.
After all, it was time for Max to restore order in the garden. That cat was exhausting both Max and James couldnt get a moments peace.
Except, on the day Max and James waited for their unwanted guest, the grey cat didnt show up.
Whether he sensed something, or something happened who knows? Honestly, James was disappointed. Hed cooked up such a cunning plan and the grey rascal never came. Not the day after, nor the day after that.
Max stared up at his owner in confusion, and James just shrugged, Well, maybe its for the best the cats not around anymore. Quiet now, finally.
Though truthfully, James wasnt fooling anyone, even himself.
He missed that annoying cat. Sound mad, doesn’t it? But it was true.
Max was so used to barking at his sworn enemy, so used to getting riled up by his antics.
Now what? Boring
After a few days, Max started asking his owner well, asking with puppy dog eyes to check whether the cat was nearby.
How did Max ask? By looking. Hed come to James, stare at him, and James knew exactly what he meant.
Think our grey rogue got himself in trouble? James mused. With his attitude, wouldnt be surprising. Well, alright, Max. Lets head to the lane, see if our grey buddys about.
James opened the gate, stepped out onto the lane by his old Volvo, and scanned the area.
Max followed, wandering after his owner, turning his big, fuzzy head side to side, and sniffing the air, trying to catch the scent the one he loved to hate.
But it wasnt easy.
The overpowering whiff of manure from the neighbours farm drowned everything else out.
James wandered up the lane in both directions, then headed back to the gate, ready to herd Max home.
They couldnt just stand out there all day waiting for the cat whod kept them on their toes for weeks.
Just as James grabbed the gate, he froze, head turned left.
Something was going on nearby. He could hear the desperate feline yowl and someones frantic barking.
Suddenly, the grey cat bolted onto the lane, limping, claws barely touching the dust as he scurried by his pursuer hot on his heels.
And not just any mutt from the village, but a dog with pedigree: a Doberman from the city.
James knew exactly whose dog it was. Every summer (and occasionally winter) a family from town would visit the village with their dog. That Doberman was theirs. Looks like the grey cat tried to mess with the city slicker the same way as Max and it went pear-shaped.
The Doberman must have bitten him, because James saw odd brown stains on the cats grey fur.
While James watched the cat leg it towards him, he totally forgot about Max.
Max, though, didnt bother asking permission which was unusual and dashed straight towards the commotion.
Max! Where are you going?! James shouted, picturing what was about to happen to the cat. The whiskered troublemaker had been roughed up by the Doberman, and now Max was going to add to it. Max, stop!
But Max wasnt having any of it. He gathered speed and charged right at the cat.
The cat saw this, froze in terror in the road.
He must have realised this was a life-and-death moment for him. Or, given his track record at least a hair-raising close call.
And guess what happened next? You know the type.
Max pulled up next to the terrified cat, sniffed him over, and then
he let out a roar like a lion (or, honestly, more like a bear), and launched himself at the Doberman chasing the cat.
He chased the Doberman clear down the lane. Luckily, the Doberman had stellar reflexes and managed to do a 180, ears flat, bolting out of harms way.
Otherwise, he wouldnt have stood a chance. No dog in the whole village could match Max.
The cat seized the chance and vanished. James was so focused on Max, he didnt notice the grey scamp disappear. That evening, when he stepped out to feed Max, he nearly dropped the bowl.
The cat was back. Alive, in one piece, eyes full of gratitude. He rested his head on Maxs side and softly purred. Max gave James a look that had him bursting out laughing.
Sorry, boss, but I saved him now I have to look after him, Maxs gaze seemed to say.
No joke, Max became the grey cats personal bodyguard.
He even let the cat eat from his bowl unheard-of generosity from the big, gruff Max. But somehow, the grey rascal melted his icy heart. They were no longer sworn enemies but loyal mates.
And if you think thats the end of the story, youd be wrong.
James took the cat into town for the vet to check the wound on his leg. It was nasty couldnt just heal up on its own. The vet had to stitch him up. After that, it was obvious the grey cat would stay with James.
James looked after him, and Max watched over him worriedly hard to believe only recently, theyd have gladly torn him apart. Life, eh?
A little while later, a beautiful young woman turned up at the gate.
Max was about to bark at the stranger, but then realised shed only be frightened, so he gave a couple of uncertain woofs. James heard, ran outside and
H-hi there he said, slightly flustered. Can I help?
Long story short, she started asking if James had seen her grey cat around the area.
Or maybe he popped into your garden? Hes very cheeky, my Alfie. I tried to keep him indoors, but he keeps escaping and roaming all day. Back in London he was always inside now were here visiting my mum after her stroke, and Alfies running wild. Usually, he comes home in the evenings, I wash and feed him, but he hasnt been back for days. Im beside myself.
You know, I might have an idea where your Alfie is, James smiled. Come on through. Dont worry about Max, he wont bother you. Really, come on in.
To your dog? Why?
Just wait and see.
She hesitated, of course, but James had a reliable, kind look about him, so she went along. When she walked up to Max and saw who was snuggled up beside him, she gasped.
Alfie! How did you get here? What happened? she asked, seeing his bandaged leg and thigh. Then shot James a look, Was it your dog who bit him?
No, no, James replied, embarrassed. Actually, we kind of saved your cat.
Saved him from what?
If youve got a bit of time, I can tell you the whole story. I think youll find it interesting.
James told Emma everything (they ended up introducing themselves as they talked), and she laughed for ages.
Oh, youve got to be kidding My Alfie drove you nuts, but you ended up saving him.
Well, that’s Max and me for you softies at heart, James replied with a grin. And now, your cats on the mend. Physically, emotionally, too. Hes a sweetheart now. He doesnt drive us mad anymore.
He always was a lovely boy Mustve been the fresh village air. Or maybe hes upset I havent given him as much attention lately, what with my mum needing care. Teaching her to walk again. Its not a quick process.
Well, youre welcome to visit sometime with Alfie, James said, a bit shy.
Ill think about it, Emma answered playfully.
And six months later, the whole village was celebrating their wedding James and Emmas. Alfie and Max were there, naturally. Even the Doberman, whod bitten Alfie, was at the reception.
He recognised the grey cat, eyed him suspiciously, but when Max met his gaze, the Doberman pretended to mistake him for someone else.
And thats how the story goes.
