The Universalist. [volume] (Chicago [Ill.]) 1884-1897, 1886-10-09
Our 9nmmg 2enp1e.
SHOCKS, THE CHURCH CAT.

Church Cat. Wnon only hiIten, ITO
once followed the minister to church, and
thereafter was always on hand, both for
morning and evening service. At such
times, pussy knew better than to frisk
and gambol. As grave and sedate as the
minister, he would walk solemnly in,
lump into corner seat near the pulpit,
where he could sit bolt upright during
the invocation and first hymn, his eyes
fixed on the minister. Then he would
curl up for a nap, as much as to say,
"Things will go on all right now"
Shocks was q very playful cat. We
had a soft ball of knitted worsted, fas-
tened to string a half yard long, which
we tied to his tail. che cat would quiet
Iy wait until he was sure the string was
secure, then off be would spring in a cir
Gle. faster and faster, until the ball fairly
whizzed as it struck the air. He had an
other game with the ball, which greatly
amused the little folks. Springing on to
the seat of a STRAIGHTFORWARD chair, he
would let the ball dangle from his tail to
the floor. Then he would leap over the
high back, the ball careering wildly after
him. This would brighten most cats, but
Shocks would do it over and over again
to delighted audience. Pussy was al
WAYS rewarded for his performance with
a bit of cake, of which he was very fond.
Shocks was never cross with the chill
dren. Little Robin could pull his tail,
make him walk on his hind legs, roll him
over and over on the floor, and the cat
would submit quietly. When tired of
this. he would bite Robins hand softly,
as much as to cay, There, that will do
for this time" When the children went
out to play, Snooks went with them.
After stray leaf blown by the wind he
would rush madly, his ears pointing for
ward, his tail erect; or, if no better play
thing was at hand, he would toss up
pebble and run after it. Shocks added
much to the children's sports. Dandeli-
ons and violets were thrust In his collar;
he WAS pulled this way and that; he was
half buried in dirt. All this be bore good
humoredly. He would not, however, al
low himself to be harnessed to the little
red cart. This was great sorrow to Rob-
in: for little neighbor had dog that
drew his cart, and Robin did not see why
a eat would not do as well. Pussy evil
IDENTIFY thought otherwise, for he would
lie down, obstinately refusing to bulge
an inch; and the hope of training him
into a beast OF burden was given up.
On the doors of the house were great
old-fashioned latches. Shocks learned to
open the doors by jumping up and strik-
ing the latch with his paw, SO that he
could come and go as he chose. One
night, new servant-girl was in the
kitchen. Shocks had been put up gar
ret to catch mice. The girl was quietly
reading, her back to the stairway, when,
clickl up went the latch Of the door, and
down sprang kitty! The book went one
way, and the girl went the other, scream
ing loudly. The next day. she gave no
tice that she must leave. 81 couldn't stay,
I couldn't, ma'am, with cat that I'M
latches doorsp
There was also dog at the parsonage.
Scoot was his name. He was very mis-
chievous puppy; fond of going to church,
too, only in different way. He used to
steal into the vestibule during service,
and carry away any stray rubbers he
could spy, to the dismay of those who had
before them the prospect of long, mud
dy walk; for, what was most puZzling,
like the women grinding at the mill, one
rubber was taken aud the other left.
Scoot was not thought the culprit until
one morning, when the kitchen door was
opened at daybreak, motley array of
rubbers ranged on the top step met our
astonished gaze. The rubbers were re-
turned to their owners, and Scoot for the
future was tied up on Sunday. The dog
and cat were excellent playmates, and
their frolics were very amusing. Shocks
would not permit too much familiarity,
and, when the occasion demanded, could
assert his own rights with dignity. A few
lessons on behavior taught Scoot not to
presume on his privileges.
Shocks never allowed the dog to eat
from the same dish with him. Scoot
would sometimes thrust out his nose, and
snuff at the cats dinner. No notice
would be taken until the dogs head was
conveniently near, when, quick as flash,
Shocks would lift his paw, It's sharp, ivory
points unsheathed, and box SCOTS ear
SO emphatically that it would send the
dog away, yelping and rubbing his ear in
a rueful, human fashion.
Shocks was great hunter both of mice
and birds. During his first spring at the
parsonage, we had several broods Of
choice chickens. 1t was feared that
Shocks would find little chickens quite
as good eating as birds and mice, and
much easier to catch. Alas! three little
chickens vanished; and Shocks was
caught in the act of making away with a
fourth. Pussy must be disciplined. So
it was decided to tie him in a bag, all but
his head. SO, disarmed and incapable of
beating a retreat, he was thrust into the
coop where the old hen was. OF course,
biddy thought the cat was after more
chickens. So, with sharp beak, she flew
savagely at him. In vain did Shocks
spit and hiss. His struggles only made