З життя
The Relatives Immediately Put the Box of Kittens Out on the Street. The Corgi Went After Them and Absolutely Refused to Return Home. For Him, It Was the End of Everything…
The relatives wasted no timethey simply dumped the box of kittens onto the street. Corgi trotted after them without a second thought, flatly refusing to step back inside the flat. As far as he was concerned, that chapter was well and truly over.
The dog, lovingly named Corgi by the old grandad, wasnt actually a corgi at all. From a distance, he vaguely resembled those stubby-legged, cheeky little dogs, but up close? Pure mongrelginger fur, comically short legs, and a tail that never stopped wagging, especially when greeting anyone, human or canine.
Corgi was the life and soul of every park visit, earning himself the nickname “the local menace”and for good reason. The moment his lead came off, hed bolt straight into the thick of it, determined to befriend every creature in sight. Other dog owners would spot him from yards away and promptly execute a tactical retreat. Their dogs, however, had no such disciplineonce Corgi had them in his orbit, they werent going anywhere. The owners would resort to frantic calling, stern commands, even waving sticks (utterly pointless, of course).
Corgi never took offencehe wasnt built for grudges. His old owner, though? That was another story. Hed watch from the sidelines, heart sinking as yet another stranger shooed his beloved mutt away. Sometimes hed try to intervene, but Corgi always seemed to understandtugging at his trouser leg, herding him away, then clambering into his lap for a reassuring lick. And just like that, the world felt right again.
Then, one day, while the old man dozed on a park bench, Corgi wandered offas usual. When he woke, he found not just his scruffy sidekick but a new addition: a ginger tabby cat, perched beside them, staring him down with unmistakeable attitude.
“Made a friend, have we?” the old man chuckled.
Corgi wagged furiously, licked his owners hand, thenbecause fairness matteredgave the cat a slobbery once-over too before plonking himself between them. The cat, no fool, accepted this arrangement and helped herself to the offered chicken scraps and dog biscuits. Clearly, she wasnt one to turn down a free meal.
When it was time to leave, Corgi planted himself stubbornly beside his new mate.
“Oh, come off it,” the old man sighed. But Corgis stance was clear: no cat, no walk. With a theatrical eye-roll, the old man caved. “Fine, you whiskered freeloader. If hes picked you, youd better come along. Suppose itll liven the place up.”
Later, they discovered the “cat” was, in fact, a sheand a few months after that, three tiny fluffballs appeared in the flat. Corgi was over the moon. He doted on them, played with them, even let them use him as a makeshift bed while Pippa (as the old man had named the cat) kept watch from the windowsill.
Life settled into a cosy rhythm. The old man stocked up on pet supplies and fell down internet rabbit holes about feline and canine care. The neighbours initially smirked but soon softenedespecially when they spotted him each morning, leading his motley crew (Corgi, Pippa, and the trio of kittens) on their daily parade. The park was swapped for the back gardensafer, closer, and far less chaotic. Now, neighbours would stop to chat, some even joining him on the bench. Corgi, Pippa, and the kittens were thriving.
Then, the unthinkable. One sunny weekend, as the garden buzzed with life, Corgi let out a sudden whine. Everyone rushed over.
The old man sat on the bench, slightly slumped, a faint smile on his face. His eyes rested on his little familybut there was no light left in them.
For days, the neighbours took turns feeding the animals. Then the distant relatives showed up. They were the ones who carried the box of kittens and Pippa out to the kerb. Corgi followed. A home without his beloved owner was no home at all.
The neighbours watched helplessly. None could take in all five. So there they stayedCorgi, Pippa, and the kittenshuddled by the bench.
Autumn arrived, bringing relentless rain. Pippa curled around the kittens, shielding them as best she could. Corgi, without hesitation, draped himself over the lot, his scruffy fur their only shelter.
First to crack was the cantankerous old woman from the first floor. She stormed out in her dressing gown, cursing the world, scooped up the kittens, clutched Pippa to her chest, and barked at Corgi: “Right, youhome. Now!”
Tail wagging, Corgi obeyed.
Soon, the whole gaggle belonged to heror, more accurately, to her grandkids, whod “temporarily” left them in her care. Against all odds, the old woman became the heart of the building. The other residents began dropping off pies, sausages, and treats”for the little ones,” theyd say. Shed grumble, but no one missed the way shed secretly wipe her eyes.
Then, one day, the caretaker paid a visit. They shared tea, chatted. As he left, she called after him: “Oi! You forgot your envelope! Its full of cash!”
He paused. “Didnt forget a thing. Thats for you. From everyone in the building. However much they could spare. Dont argue.”
The old woman froze. Then, to her own shock, she grabbed him and planted a kiss on his cheek. The caretaker walked offforgetting the lift entirely, muttering to himself all the way upstairs.
“Well?” his wife asked. “Did she take it?”
“Course,” he grinned. “Told her it was from the whole building.”
“Good,” she nodded. “Weve got enough. Shes raising three grandkids alone. Tell you whattake her money every month. Ill sort it with my mate at social services, make it look like an official allowance”
The old woman, still standing outside, heard every word. She clapped a hand over her mouth, silent tears slipping free. Back inside, she leaned against the doorframe and said to Corgi:
“See, love? Sometimes a lie can be a blessing.”
Corgi nuzzled her. Pippa rubbed against her hand. She stroked them gently, murmuring:
“Thank you. Not for me. For the grandkids.”
And that was that. Or perhaps it wasnt. The old woman raised all three grandchildren. Two even married. Corgi and Pippa now live with one of themstill adored.
Thats the story. The rest? Best left in the background. No need to spoil the mood.
