Veronica Kuzminishna Had an Unwavering Love for Cats… How Could She Not, When She Believed She Was One of Them, Despite Being a True Blue Dog?

Poppy Thompson loves cats. How could she not, when she sees herself as one of them even though shes truly a dog. Shes a mediumsized, sturdy collietype with teeth that would make a crocodile jealous. And if anyone envies her, she doesnt mind; she has always been a kind girl who never lets envy get in anyones way.

Her love of cats doesnt start right away. It begins about a month and a half after shes born. One rainy spring morning, little Bella sits whimpering in a puddle. The puddle isnt her doing, just the mischievous rain.

Bella, still a nameless puppy of an indeterminate breed, yelps with all the strength she can muster, complaining to the world about her sad fate. No one hears her except Milo, the orange tabby who lives next door. Milo pads to the edge of the puddle, curls his tail around his paws, and watches the pitiful scene. He notices a white patch on Bellas front paw that matches the one on his own.

Whats that, my little copy? he thinks. Who could have given Bella that spot? He wonders whether shes been out with Molly, Lily, or Martha, who all spend time on the farm. Who is her mother, and why did she abandon a pup in a puddle?

Bella, momentarily quiet, senses Milos warm, sympathetic presence. Fearing he might go away, she darts toward him, but her legs tangle and she falls back into the water with a plaintive squeak. Milo huffs dismissively, yet hes convinced this is his own daughterafter all, he once stumbled over his own paws too.

Milo steps carefully into the puddle, leans over Bella, sighs heavily, and grabs her by the scruff. He refuses to shirk his duty. If a mother tossed her child away, I wont, he declares. Father or not, Ill protect her.

Bella feels a wave of safety, calms down, and even drifts off to sleep as Milo carries her to his cottage. When the owners spot the newcomer, Mrs. Harper claps her hands in surprise.

Fred, look! Our cat has dragged in a doga plump, sturdy one! Shell make a fine watchdog, she exclaims.

Fred, Milos owner, nods approvingly. He has no idea that Poppy Thompson will never want to guard anyone. Shes a true cat at heart, Milos daughterwhat a paradox for a guard!

Raised by Milo, Bella keeps herself immaculate, chases mice and sparrows, and tries to climb trees and fences, though her hefty rear end holds her back. Over two years she outgrows Milo several times, attempts to tussle with other cats, but Milo always steps in.

Youll leave the other cats alone, Bella. A beautiful felines coat must stay pristine, he warns, refusing to admit shes a dog. He cant accept that she isnt his true daughter, and anyone who suggests otherwise meets his stern rebuke.

One night Milo doesnt return home, something that has never happened before. Bella waits anxiously, tries to scale the fence, sticks her nose into a crack, hoping to catch his scent. Nothing worksher claws slide on the smooth wood, her nose finds no trace of Milo, and her heart pounds with worry.

The familys other dog darts around the yard, then sits and lets out a mournful howl.

Let her out, dear, the lady of the house says, pushing her husband. She wont let anyone sleep until Milo comes back. Well find him and bring him home.

Bella bolts over the gate like a released arrow, pauses, shields her eyes, and listens to an inner voice that points her onward. She runs toward the spot where Milo once found her.

Her instincts prove right. There, on the damp ground where the puddle had just dried, lies a ragged, exhausted Milo. Dad Bella whimpers, leaning close, pleading for his survival. Her delicate jaws would not even harm a butterfly.

Her keen nose picks up two distinct scents on Milos furone she will remember forever. Milo! she cries.

The owners scoop Milo up, wrap him in a blanket, hop into their car, and race to the nearest veterinary practice in the next town, paying the bill in pounds. Bella follows, sprinting until the car disappears from sight. She collapses nearby, waiting, fearing Milo will never return. The vets arrive without him.

Bella sniffs the meds and the peoples coats, then breaks down, sobbing. For three days she eats nothing but water, her anger flaring at the stray dogs who tore her father apart. She vows she would recognize any of her own by scent.

The hatred burns so hot she cant settle. Slowly she begins to eat again, glancing at the fence more often. Poppy watches, waiting for a chance to escape.

Two weeks pass, and the opportunity finally appears. The owners fling the gate wide open and drive away. Bella darts out, circles the whole village, and follows a fresh scent to a roadside where two stray dogs feast on a leftover goose.

She drops to the ground, remembering Milos lesson: silence is key in a hunt. She waits, stays low, then launches a swift strike, teeth and claws tearing. The dogs shriek, defenseless, just as Milo had never been that night. Bella triumphs, but a sudden tug on her collar pulls her back.

Mrs. Harper scoops her up, while Fred shooes the battered dogs away.

Bella, settle down they bit Milo, didnt they? You gave them a good lesson! We almost missed you, but Milo saw you and we rushed to help, she coos.

Hearing Milos name, Bellas ears droop. Milo sits in the ambulance, looking at her with a tired smile.

We left him in the clinic for stitches and drip treatments. You were so upset you didnt hear a thing, he says. Bella yelps with joy, her paws trembling as she runs to the vehicle. Milo, still stern, wipes the slobber from Bellas face and growls, Are you mad, fighting them alone? You could have waited for me?

Then, proud, he adds, No one has ever seen my mother, but now everyone will know who Milos daughter isthe finest cat in the world!

Poppy leans close to sniff the fresh stitches on Milos back, regretting that she was stopped so early. Yet Milo was rightshe truly is a cat, and a cat knows how to wait patiently.

While whimpering from the flood of emotions, Bella resumes licking her beloved fathers face.