To get the story of Pete I had to go to a large hotel and there I found
an old gentleman who had lost his wife by death about a year before and
who seemed lonely for her presence. He told all that he could about
Pete, but said, “if she were only here,” pointing to a picture on the
wall, “she could tell you a fine story of this kitten. She loved cats
as no one else on earth, I suppose,” he continued. “Such deeds are
not thrown away either, although I used to think many of them were
unnecessary.”
One morning, while the good wife was living, they lost their last
kitten and she had said that they would not try to raise or care for
any more. That same morning Pete arrived at the back door of the home
and begged for something to eat. He was invited inside and that
was all that was necessary to make friends between the lady and the
homeless kitten. Pete was not so young either at that time for he
seemed to be nearly two years old.
The gentleman said that there never was a cat that could fight like
Pete. He was not afraid of anything that walked and could whip any dog
that ever came into the yard. When he made up his mind that he did not
want any dog or certain cats around the house or yard it was then that
they had to leave. He would sometimes make up with a cat after giving
him a good flogging if the cat was willing to stay long enough to make
up. He was an awful fighter and yet he was of a good disposition around
the home. Of all the kittens this lady had and loved and cared for
there was none so loveable and of a better character than Pete. If it
had not been for his fighting nature he would have been an ideal cat in
every way. Perhaps the brave spirit he showed helped him to protect
himself from cruel dogs and mean cats.
For ten years Pete occupied the best chair in the home for his resting
place and bed. He had things his own way because he was loved by
all the members of the family. His food consisted of anything and
everything that money could buy. He lacked for nothing that would make
him contented and happy.
When baby kittens were born in the neighborhood Pete was always one of
the first visitors and took charge of the kittens along with the mother
cat. He would fight for the baby kittens and protect them with his own
life. No mother cat was afraid to leave her kittens in charge of Pete
because they all knew his daring spirit and courageous nature.
After the death of the kind mistress Pete missed her very much. He
missed her loving caresses and the good meals which she always provided
for him. Of course the other members of the family took good care of
him then, but the mistress of the home had been the one he had largely
depended upon. She would get up any time in the night and let him in if
he came to the door and called. If he was not in the house at supper
time a good meal would be placed back for him and then during the night
if he came to the door she would let him in and warm his supper for
him. All this he greatly missed although he was well taken care of.
Today he lives in a Boarding School for cats in the city of Chicago
and is visited once each week at least by a daughter of his former
mistress. This daughter loves Pete too and Pete loves her just as much.
When she goes to the boarding place to see him he will come to her and
put both front feet around her neck and try in every way to show his
affection. He is now about fourteen years old and weighs sixteen and
one half pounds. During March of this year (1919) the old gentleman
received a letter from his daughter in Chicago saying that Pete was
well and seemingly contented in the Boarding School. It costs two or
three dollars a week to keep him there but this kindness is due him
after such faithful service during all the years.