Toleration is controversial in itself, it places those who happen to be different from me in the basket of aberration. Take dogs, for example.

I can’t pretend enthusiasm for these creatures but I’ve always understood that they have their place in the world. It just happens to be a different place than my own. It’s easy to be tolerant of the other when you don’t have to deal with them on a daily basis and you’re aware that you are the norm and they are the exception.

But to accept them as equals? As playing a role in society which is as valid as my own role? Now that takes a quantum leap.

I’ve written on co-existence with dogs before, most notably in Cats and Dogs in Harmony, offering sage advice to people who want to avoid bloodshed in their living room and pointing out in my typical brutal honesty that I would never recommend a doberman. Nature and selective breeding aimed for agility, speed and strength here and, in doing so, dobermans ended up most lamentably short in the intellect department.

But there is always an exception that proves the rule. In my travels through cyberspace I met Evgeni the Dutch Doberman and I have to admit that he caused me to reconsider my views. I am not afraid to admit I was wrong!

Evgeni is not only able to sustain his own online presence with a blog, he is capable of recognising the worth in other species. Yes, I have been humbled by a doberman with greater tolerance than I have, a true acceptance of others.

When Evgeni requested an interview with me my eyes were opened. But please, make up your own mind.

Evgeni’s Interview with Vladimir

P.S. This does not mean I will tolerate the constant neurotic yapping of the West Highland Terrier next door. One day I will kill him.

I want to join the Duckie Club!

At first I thought it was a secret society with funny pawshakes. I thought there would be an impossible eligibility criteria based on breeding and familial connections, a huge waiting list, long lists of rules and exotic initiation ceremonies. I envied the relative ease in which some cats can be accepted into these elite groups.

By a stroke of pure luck I ran into @Manxington on Twitter, exchanged a few headbutts and discovered the truth. You only need a duckie to join!

It’s only a matter of time before my hypnotic powers have done their work and the woman finds herself irresistibly drawn to investigate the range of duckies on offer at department stores and speciality boutiques.

Investigative journalism comes easily to me. I’ve always had a sharp sense of anything new happening, an insatiable curiosity for everything and a keen nose for things that are supposed to be hidden (or out of reach). It’s hard work but someone’s gotta do it.

Today I tracked down the suave model for those iphone apps over at Chunky Chicken Apps and it turns out he’s not just the model, but the brains behind the operation.

The pin-up is Twitter Anipal, leonardo-da-cat, the big-pawed Maine Coon who’s fond of the old midnight prowl. I don’t want to label him as just a Coon, for Leo himself holds strong views on categorising and artificial labels. ‘We are all cats‘, he says, and he’s not afraid to share his opinions.

The mostly unobtrusive and very furry Leo traveled from Sicily through Siberia to Alaska before hitching a ride with a fine crab boater to Seattle. Just imagining that journey makes your fur stand up!

I’m always burning to know what role model a successful cat like this would have. In Leo’s case it’s Thomas, the cat half of the acclaimed actors Tom & Jerry. It’s the sheer professionalism of Thomas that appeals, the way he kept going in the face of adversity, and the fact that he did his own stunts.

Life Lesson from Leonardo-da-Cat
Leonardo’s message to the young kittehs.

Don’t let anything hold you back. I had a hernial defects at a young age and for a long time I could barely jump up to a chair. I never let that stop me, and while my jumping skills may not be as great as other cats’ - I don’t let it stop me! Don’t be afraid to bite human ankles or try to trip them, it’s a good way to get their attention. Finally, be kind to all your anipals and share your catnip. Always find some time to do two things a day: lay out in the sun and go on a late night prowl!

Attaboy Leo!

If you see leonardo-da-cat around on Twitter give him a high paw! He likes to touch base with other cats and see what’s going on out there in catland.