Teddy - Life at Beckwith Part 1

It was with much happiness I got to bring Teddy home with me. I had a special relationship with Teddy and he stuck to me like glue. No matter what I was doing he was there. He would help my sudy by sitting on my books or write my essays by sitting on the keyboard, at night he would sleep on my chest massaging my neck with his arms while he had his paws on either side of the pillow. On one occasion he decided on jumping into the car when I was being driven to school. He was curious where I went everyday. He rode calmly all the way to where my sister got dropped off at Camosun College, sitting like a little human. When I got dropped off at my school downtown he looked awfully worried but he rode back quietly with my mom, got off at home and never tried it again. I think his curiosity was satisfied.

During the time at Beckwith, Teddy was free to once again trounce around the neighborhood without his leash. I never knew what he did out there but one spring/summer day my sister and I went rollerblading to the park. Teddy often followed me down to the park but this time I was a little worried as I was on rollerblades and unable to usher him if a car came by. He was ok though and a curious thing happened. As it was a nice summer day the neighbors were all out doing gardening. As I passed each house a few neighbors stopped me asking me if Teddy was my cat. It was too my surprise he was well known in the neighborhood, and thankfully unlike his old neighborhood well liked. Every house had a story to tell. I was much distressed to learn he had trapped himself in one neighbors garage for two days during the winter... atleast I knew where he was those two frightful nights I was so worried sick about him.  

When we finally got down to the park to my nervousness I notice a huge group of children who spot Teddy immediately and run to him laughing. I bite my lip.. 

I haven't mentioned to this point Teddy's famous temper. He could be as pleased as punch one moment, loving and the most nicest, friendliest cat you would ever meet but if you were to ever cross him his dark side would be revealed. He believed that people should be punished for all percieved and real crimes against him. The revenge would be swift and brutal. He would be all claws and teeth until he felt you had learned your lesson. 

You never really know what would make Teddy angry. A short list I compiled of his most hated things. 
1.Singing – Teddy hated singing especially if his name is mentioned in the song.
2.Being overheated – Teddy would often sleep on top of the computer monitor and would often get overheated. We would discourage him to sleep there but of course it is our fault for his eventual discomfort. He would let us know he was displeased.
3.Being asked questions – For whatever reason Teddy hated questions. I think he expected you to be a mind reader. His most hated question was “do you want to go outside?” he would stand at the door and growl and hiss. When he was in a particular fowl mood he would hate all questions. “What's the matter Teddy?” GROWL..... Hiss... Swish of tail... “Are you upset about something?” Hiss again only louder. “Why are you so grumpy?” At this he would leap up run across the room and start ripping up the carpet in a mad tantrum before running up stairs.. Most of the time at this point his nail had gotten caught in the carpet and he would fall over on his side resulting in a bit of laughter from the humans.
4.Laughter – Any sort of joke he was at the center of was punishable. There was one time I was holding teddy and he slipped from my grasp. I tried my best to keep him from tumbling to the ground, instead he summersaulted awkwardly in my arms landing on his side softly. He was unhurt but the scene was so funny we all couldnt help doubling over laughing. A darkened look crossed Teddy's face. He started coming after me slowly but delibertly as if he made up my mind I must die. He followed me slowly like some crazed murderer trying to bite my ankles. He chased me this way around the basement and upstairs before I escaped.
5.Boris – Teddy's arch nemesis the black and white cat next door. Any mention of his name was forbidden in our household. (more on Boris later)
6.Losing – Teddy loved to play games but he hated losing. A friendly game of string would often lead to several scratches and bite marks if he percieved injustice.

Anyways back to the children. At first Teddy was quite pleased with all the attention. But being so many grabby as kids ofter are I could see Teddy's face darken. Suddenly the future was clear to me and it didn't look good. I politely excused myself picked up Teddy and started to nervously rollerblade down the street with him. Have you ever rollerbladed holding a cat? Normally this probably isn't a good idea. But being Teddy he absolutely loved it! He thought it was the coolest thing he calmy stretched his arms out and enjoyed the ride home.