Animals
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The North Shore, with love |
Ecologically speaking, the dominant animals in New Zealand are sheep and cattle. Without really trying, they have put us humans behind fences on a small part of the total land area. Meanwhile, possums have been taking control of the forests, and have inserted themselves into the overall economy (they keep me warm here in Japan, with their hats and mittens). All of these animals do actually work for their living, in their own ways. We should respect our masters. Opinions expressed here do not necessarily represent opinions of the animals concerned, or the Animal Kingdom in general. Archaeobacteria, bacteria, yeasts, fungi, and other alternative life-stylers may apply in writing if they wish to contribute to these pages. Thank you. The Ministry of Fish - our official guide to etiquette in fish society. SOP - Save Our Pigeons, to save our souls.
Cats we have known
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A new cat appears at our door, Dec 2004 (Kawasaki, Japan) |
Attempting to trace the geneaology of domestic cats may be a largely futile exercise, in the absence of birth certificates, registration, fixed addresses, collars and leashes. The following list of names is not an attempt to record family lines. It is just to remind the writer, and any readers, that these particular animals existed and were loved by us, and had personalities that we could to some extent understand. Human families associated with these cats were: Matthews, Palmer, Davies, Takei, Arndt, Croft.
New Zealand: Wilbur, Mitzi, Sheba, Abby, Tiko, Batman, Kawhai, Piha, Menom, Lin Miaow
Australia: Nicky
Japan: Chiko, Mipo, Kyon, Rou, Mari, Mikei, Nora, Kamo
Cyprus: Cat (and many children also known as Cat)
And just to be contrary, or together, depending on how you view life, here is the most beautiful ode to dogs that I know of (a quote from Henry Beston, circa 1925).
