Missy Kitty: You've got mail!

Some of you will remember a few weeks ago when Missy Kitty, the ruler of the Sullivan household, gave an account of her recent experiences while her humans moved across town.

Among the many changes for the cat was the separation of a few miles from her good buddy, Bee Cee, the dog who lived next door.

The relationship between Missy Kitty and Bee Cee was, I think, a good one. Most of all, Missy Kitty loved to taunt her canine friend, who was always safely confined inside her house whenever Missy Kitty decided to go next door and preen in front of Bee Cee's window. How do cats learn to do that?

Well, imagine our surprise -- and Missy Kitty's -- when the mail arrived a few days ago with a card and letter to the cat from the dog.

In any event, I thought you might like to read Bee Cee's letter to Missy Kitty. I sure got a kick out of it. Maybe you will too.

Here goes:

"Dear Missy Kitty,

"It was with great happiness and a sense of relief that I read in the newspaper your official relocation report. I do have to say that I was most unhappy to hear of the trauma inflicted on you by your humans. The dreaded cat carrier must have been the worst, a horrible nightmare. The day you were moving, I thought that I heard screams and hollering coming from your direction, but I wasn't quite sure it was you. I'm certain that you remember the two big dogs in back who sometimes make rather strange noises, especially the newer brown one.

"You would think that your humans, known as Joe and Marge, could have been a little more diplomatic when it came to moving the Queen of Sailer Circle. After all, they have been hanging around with you long enough to know how sweet and sensitive you are. I remember you crossing my backyard, plopping down on the brick patio right under my watch window and rolling around on your back showing your white tummy. You know in your heart that you are a little tease. All my barking, jumping and clawing at the windows didn't faze you, you little minx.

"Needless to say, my days are rather dull and boring now that you live across town. My humans know where you live and have promised to drive me by your house so that I can see your new neighborhood, and maybe I will get a glimpse of you or the new Miss Kitty next door, who I am told is very nice.

"The emptiness I feel with your leaving has now been filled with a sense of purpose knowing that I might see you again. I look forward to our next encounter.

"You secret admirer, Miss Bee Cee."

Missy Kitty, of course, was overjoyed to hear from her buddy, Bee Cee. That's all she has talked about for days. "I got a card from my friend," she repeats over and over. "Did you?"

Thanks, Judy and Jerry, for taking good care of Bee Cee. She has you trained well.

Here's what I want to know: How come it took three weeks to get our mail forwarded from our old address to our new address, but the United States of America Postal Service just automatically takes care of Missy Kitty's mail and sends it straight to her, no questions asked?

Go figure.

Joe Sullivan is the retired editor of the Southeast Missourian.