Hey love, youve got to hear what went on with Mum and me the other night its a proper rollercoaster.
It was three in the morning, and the old flipphone on the bedside table started buzzing like mad. I blinked the sleep out of my eyes, wondering who on earth could be calling at that hour, grabbed the handset, and my heart went straight through the roof when I saw the caller ID. It was my son, David.
Hello David, whats happened? I asked, a bit rattled. Why are you calling so late?
Sorry, Mum, I didnt mean to wake you, he stammered. I was driving home from work and I dont know what to do
What do you mean, love? Spit it out, dont keep me hanging! Are you trying to give me a heart attack? I teased, trying to keep the panic out of my voice.
Its theres something on the road. Im not sure what to do, Ive never dealt with anything like this before, he said, his voice shaking.
A few seconds of silence.
Wait youve hit a person? Are they dead? I gasped, my hand trembling so hard I almost dropped the phone.
No, not a person, David rushed back. Someone else. It isnt even a person.
Then what is it?
A dog a German Shepherd, I think. Shes still breathing, but its laboured. What should I do? We dont have any 24hour vets around here, and youre the one who knows animals better than I do.
David looked over at the dog lying by the curb, its belly rising and falling in faint, ragged breaths. Its eyes were dull, like it was about to give up.
Just that shes still breathing thats something, I thought, pressing the phone tighter to my ear.
Three days earlier
Mum, are you doing this again? What, you got nothing better to do? Why are you feeding all those cats? David had shouted when he dropped by for a quick visit and saw me scattering cat food on the front step. Shed never been this softhearted before the pension hit. Suddenly, all the stray cats in the neighbourhood seemed to have a place in her heart.
Hey, love, I said, waving him in. You didnt tell me youd be coming over? I couldve made you a cuppa and a scone.
Looks like youve already handed out the scones to the cats, he smirked.
He never understood why Id spend my hardearned pension on feeding any animal I could find. At the moment, I had four rescued cats all taken in over the past eleven months. The neighbours called me Mother Teresa behind my back, pointing fingers and snickering as if I were losing my mind.
Let them think what they will, I told David, seeing him eye the chuckling neighbours. Theres hardly any good left in the world; Im just trying to add a little more.
I stared at the cats as they devoured the food. What do they see out there? Nothing. So I give them a bit of love, a reminder that they matter. Remember what your grandma used to say?
Why do you have four cats anyway? Isnt that enough? he asked.
Its not about numbers. If I could, Id take every stray in. My flat is tiny and my pension isnt a fortune, but Ill help what I can. If people see a cat being cared for, maybe theyll think twice about turning a blind eye. Were responsible for the creatures we tame, and we ought to look after them.
David tried to wrap his head around my madness, but he just couldnt see the point. He thought being overly charitable was a bit extreme, especially when it came to animals.
Then, three days after that chat, something happened that turned his whole view upside down.
I was driving home after a night shift, well past midnight. The job had blown up into a massive scramble, so I was stuck later than usual. Im usually a careful driver, but tonight I let the foot down a little who knows when youll get a chance to feel the wind in your hair, right? I wasnt out for long before I spotted a dog lying on the carriageway.
My heart hammered as I slammed the brakes, my fingers turning white on the steering wheel. I parked, got out, and stared at the limp animal. It was obvious someone had hit it maybe a reckless driver like me, maybe someone else, maybe a drunk.
I was at a loss for what to do. Id never dealt with a stray dog before, so I did the only thing I could think of: I called Mum.
Hello David, whats happened? she answered, clearly halfasleep.
Sorry to wake you, Mum, but theres a dog on the road. Shes breathing badly, and theres no 24hour vet in town. What can I do? Do you know any vets?
Im afraid we dont have any around here, she said. Driving her to another city could be dangerous. Bring her to me, love.
Me? I asked, surprised.
Of course. I have a spare sofa and some cat bedding. The neighbours might raise an eyebrow, but youve got four cats here theyll manage.
Okay, Ill bring her over.
I bundled the trembling pooch into the back seat, and the car interior soon looked like a mudsplash disaster zone. I didnt care; the only thing on my mind was keeping the dog alive.
Mum led me up to the fourth floor, cleared a spot on the worn sofa, and told me to lay the dog gently down. Shes never been a vet, but shes visited the local animal centre enough to pick up a few tricks.
Together we managed to stop the bleeding thanks to some online tips and Mums quick thinking. The cats, initially wary of the huge newcomer, eventually padded over, curled up beside him and started purring like tiny engines. The dog, comforted by the warm vibrations, drifted off to sleep.
Do you think shell be alright? I asked, hand on her side.
Im confident, Mum said, smiling wearily. The injuries arent severe. If this lovely chap has stirred some compassion in you, thats a sign. Were all responsible for the little lives we look after, and we should help them wherever we can.
Davids eyes softened. Hed spent the night watching the dog and the cats, feeling a strange, warm sense of purpose.
The next morning we drove the dog to the nearest veterinary practice, just as the doors were opening. People in the waiting room stepped aside without a word they knew what we were doing without us having to ask.
The vets stitched her up, and from that day on I started visiting Mum every weekend. We take the dog we named him Ralph for walks, and the cats trot along behind us. The whole neighbourhood sees a little parade of one man, his mother, a German Shepherd, and four cats ambling down the high street, and they cant help but stare.
Ive learned that loving animals isnt odd at all; it just makes you a better person. Thanks to Ralph for turning up when I needed a lesson, and thanks to Mum for showing me the right way. And a shoutout to the folks at the vet who didnt turn a blind eye it really does make the world a kinder place.
Thats the story, love. Hope it gave you a smile.
