I’ve found the perfect excuse to propose. A Story
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Wasnt your daughter wishing for a pedigree dog? a neighbour once asked a certain lady.
She was, but we simply cant afford one, you knowjust the two of us at home, the woman replied. The neighbour only grinned, Ill give you one for nothing, come on, lets go.
As luck would have it, her daughter, Emily, had already come home from school and latched onto the idea as soon as she overheard.
Mum, lets go, its free, please, Mum! I promise Ill take it for walks and only get top marks at school, honest, Mum!
Oh really, Patrick, what sort of man are you! Stirring up the girl and leaving me to deal with it, grumbled Julia Smith.
You know, Julia, perhaps you should take a better look at me before getting so cross. Im a decent blokehard-working, respectable. All except for being single!
Oh come off it, Patrick. What do I need to look at? Havent I known you forever? Im at least seven years older than you, I was finishing school while you were still in short trousers, dont be ridiculous, Julia snapped, even more annoyed.
Still, were much the same nowlook, you only just fit to my shoulder, and you havent got me beat for strength! Patrick came over and put a friendly arm around Julia.
Look, Emily, see how much taller and stronger I am than your mum!
Yes, but not in brainsyoure giving her a cuddle in front of her daughter, you twit, Julia managed to wriggle free.
And thats just itI need someone clever like you, Julia. Thats why Im all at sixes and sevens, Patrick complained with an awkward smile.
Oh enough of this, are we going to get the dog or not? Emily whined impatiently.
There you go! You wouldnt find one like this anywhere for sale, and here it isfree and all. Its a cute little thing, with spots. And you wouldnt believe the story behind himcome on, let me show you! Patricks voice took on a mysterious tone, and Emily gripped her mums hand.
Come on, Mum, you promised!
Patrick could see Julia wavering, so he hurried on.
So, am I starting the car? Its just round the corneryou wont regret it!
Julia shot Patrick a look, sighed, and told her daughter,
Oh, alright. They say its a little dog, but mind you, if you come home with poor marks again
All the way there Emily bombarded themIs the dog playful? Whats his name? Uncle Patrick, are we nearly there?
Eventually, they pulled up outside an old terraced house.
This used to be my late mums place. Id been letting it out, but, wellits a mess. Sorry about that, I havent tidied yetI only just found out what happened when I went round for the rent yesterday
The flat really was in a dreadful state.
Amidst sacks of spilled porridge oats, empty biscuit boxes, and dented, stinky tin cans, a scruffy little dog was huddled close to a grey cat with striking yellow eyes.
Both were filthy, dishevelled, but as it turned out, still resilient, refusing to give up on life despite the dreadful hand fate had dealt them.
Take a look at them, Patrick began, nervously but with a grin. I hadnt been by for a month, dropped in for the rent, and walked in on this!
Hed learned from the neighbours that the two girls whod been renting from him had skipped town a couple of weeks back, owing him money.
Theyd simply abandoned both the cat and the dog, as though they were nothing.
There the poor creatures remained, trapped, unaware if rescue would ever come.
No food, no water, shut up inside a flat.
How did they survive? Emily gasped in horror.
Evidence of their fight for survival was everywhere. The hungry pair had eaten every scrap they could find straight awaybiscuits and sweets first, then dried pasta and even raw porridge oats. By some miracle, theyd managed to open up tins of corned beef and condensed milk the tenants had left behind. Whatever they could find, they ate!
Youd have had to see it to believe it.
But water was the real miracle.
Apparently, the cat had learned to turn on the bathroom tap, or maybe it was just luck. And it was a blessing she didnt turn it full on, or the neighbours below would have been flooded. Then again, at least someone would have found them sooner
Patrick knew exactly who to callEmily ran straight to cuddle and feed the cat and dog with the food Patrick had brought.
Even Julia was moved to tears by it all.
I knew it, Juliayoure a kind-hearted soul. Listen, let me ask you something, Patrick said softly while Emily petted the contented, now-full cat and dog. How about we take them both home? And will you marry me, Julia? Truth is, I never tied the knot because I never found someone like you. Be my wifewell have it better than anyone else, youll see. Ive got a car, two flatsone for us, one for Emily someday. Well just need decent tenants, not like those wretches. Please, Juliamarry me! We might even have kids together. Lifell be grand! And now weve a cat and a dog, just right for a proper home. Say yes, Julia!
Say yes, Mum! Emily piped up, not entirely sure what Uncle Patrick meant but joining in anyway.
Patrick burst out laughing,
There you goeveryones agreed. What do you say?
Oh for heavens sake, Patrick, are you serious? Julia blushed, caught off guard.
The thing was, Patrick really was a fine manhandsome, gentle, and hed rescued those poor animals.
Something shed never let herself imagine before suddenly seemed possible. And as he put his arm around her again, Julias heart skipped with joy.
Let me think about it, if youre truly not joking, you charmer! Julia was blushing now.
Well, have a think. No rush, were not proud folk, Patrick grinned. The cat can come with me tonight, you lot take the dog like you wanted. Tomorrow well be roundme and Whiskersfor your answer. And you, Spotty, mind you tidy up for your new family! he called to the little dog, who gave a cheerful yip of agreement.
Patrick convinced Julia to marry him.
A month later, the whole street turned out for their wedding.
They prepped in Julias flat but had the reception at Patrickshe had the bigger space in his bachelors den.
Whiskers and Spotty stuck to their new family like glue, as animals know how to cherish kind people.
And a year later, Julia and Patrick had twinsSophie and Charlie.
Whiskers and Spotty are now firmly at home, looking after the little ones. In a big family, theres always something to do.
Most importantly, in a warm, loving home, theres more than enough happiness to go round.
Children are happy, and so are the animals.
Especially when youve got both a cat and a dog!
