Sami the Wonder Cat

SAMI THE WONDER CAT

by Christina Dagnelli

reposted- Original Publication for Simple Joy Magazine in 2003

Numerous television programs are filled with the splendor of animals with their marvelous talents They are often seen performing tricks and impressions of their human counterparts in joyous and graceless ways. I have had a good laugh at the expense of some unsuspecting cat falling off of the little piece of heaven he’s claimed.

I chuckle and look at my cat Sami, who doesn’t really care about TV unless its hockey or football. Sami is sitting quietly staring out the window at the world. This is no ordinary cat, this cat speaks at least three languages, cleans up after himself, is a faithful alarm clock, never gets onto a surface that a human doesn’t sit on, greets me at the door when I come home, knocks on the door when he is ready to come inside, and has saved my life once. His resume lists better than at least half of the men I’ve dated, and the jury is still out on whether that speaks well of him or poorly of me and-or men. He is not a candidate for anything, nor would he be bestowed the honor of winning one of those video programs.  He is not silly enough, nor is he some kind of ham. He will never know the fame of “Morris the Cat” or any of his colleagues. This doesn’t make him any less extraordinary.

Character Makes the Cat

 He is middle aged for a cat at the age of 7, and probably considered over-weight like the rest of America at a ripe 20lbs-regardless, I believe he is in his prime. He is a good judge of character and likes gentile and kind people, though he would say hello to anyone. He knows when you’re feeling down and will curl up on your chest or lap and just purr-he doesn’t have to be asked. Sami is your typical good guy, he never lets you down, adapts well to change, and takes his medicine like a man. Never a hassle at the vet, and he even can be taken to his favorite store on a leash. Sami loves dogs; he is not prejudiced or biased to his own breed, sex, or species. He has lived with 4 different dogs at different times and accepts visitors. Perhaps he was a dog in a previous life that would at least explain some of his rather non-cat-like behavior such as his gift for being able to not only tell time, but also wake me up in the morning.

Sami is underrated, and deserves his props! How can one video tape goodness? Most people would find goodness boring, but isn’t it as equally deserving of prestige and reward? Why not celebrate peacefulness and obedience. Both things I believe he just is naturally but he still works at it everyday like any of us should. Throughout the northeast, and even other parts of the land, Sami is known as the Wonder Cat. Faithful pen pal, champion mouser, and best buddy. He will never have his own line of cat food, but if he did it would be dry and each bag would come with a human cut out so someone is always watching him eat.

Sami looks out at the world from the window ledge, talking to birds in their language, making those around him wonder what he is actually saying to them. Is he trying to con them? Are they friends?  He only pretends to chase squirrels. He stalks them just long enough for them all to get away before he ever tries to get them. Sami has recently learned to mouse and I think he has different rules for home invaders, for they aren’t as lucky. Whatever goes on in his head, he has his own world of morality and value. He knows the difference between right and wrong and never gets into typical cat places like the sink or kitchen table, even if his food or treats are sitting there in his bowl. That’s just Sami the Wonder Cat, named so after waking me once when I feel asleep exhausted in the tub. Some how he knew what to do, as always. Yes he deserves recognition or even a parade, one full of leaves for him to pounce on.

In a way he has his own kingdom, he stands proudly on the little hill that he has created in the backyard. To a passerby it’s a pile of dirt, but to us it is Mount Sami. He stands there looking out at the world waiting to be called back inside, he runs like a lion into the house as I call him. He needs not a prize for he is one.

In Memory of Sami The Wonder Cat