GRAVETTE — This is about compassion and caring and common sense. And about Black Boy. It is a story about an animal that has brought comfort and companionship from, and for, several ladies who live at the Billy V. Hall Senior Citizen Complex.
But that is about to change. That is, unless compassion and caring and common sense prevail. And that should happen.
Black Boy is a solid black cat. He arrived at the Center about 10 years ago and since that time has provided company for these ladies who are in the twilight of their lives and who have interacted with this people-friendly feline for these many years.
Black Boy was dumped near the Center. He had been neutered and obviously had been a pet. But apparently he no longer was wanted.
His pitiful mewing attracted these compassionate and caring ladies. You know the rest of the story. They began feeding him. And he responded.
He sleeps on an apartment doormat, or under a car parked in front of the building or sometimes he finds a cool spot under the large flowering shrub near the front step.
At night there is a special chair with a cushion and there he can be found waiting for morning when his ears are rubbed and his dish will be filled. Yes, he is happy at his home. And the happiness is shared by the ladies who love him. It is a perfect life for all concerned.
But that changed abruptly about two weeks ago when a notice was posted. It reminded the residents that when they moved in they signed an agreement, “When outside, the pet shall be kept on a leash and under the control of the resident at all times. Under no circumstances shall any cat or dog be permitted to roam free in any common area.” The notice further stated how important pets are, etc., but added, “I must apply the rules equally to all tenants.” The ladies are devastated. There have been many tears shed.
“He doesn’t bother anybody,” said Estelle Marney, 85, who moved to the complex sometime after Black Boy had arrived.
“It’s just like a chopping axe,” declared Lola Stone, 91, who is almost totally blind.
Fran Bridges, 81, who owns the padded chair on the porch where Black Boy sleeps said, “He always stays outside except during cold weather when I let him in,” she admitted. “We even have a heating pad on his chair sometimes in winter.
Did someone complain? What dastardly deed did Black Boy commit? Doesn’t ten years of good behavior amount to anything? Doesn’t the companionship and pleasure these elderly ladies enjoy count for something? And besides, who ever heard of putting a leash on a cat?
Maybe it’s time to rewrite or modify the rule. Maybe it’s time that ten years of compassion and caring and common sense . . . . and love be remembered.
News, Pages 6 on 07/28/2010