From Jeeves to Oscar

Did you know that there is a character who crosses over from my Applewood story world to  my Fur Footed Friends series? Well, there is! His name is Oscar. He's the black and white tuxedo cat who first appeared in A Gentle Heart as Jeeves, a stray cat befriended by the heroine, He later appears in Another Purrfect Chance with a new name.

Here he tells the story of how he ended up in Verona Lake, the setting of Another Purrfect Chance:

I’ve heard it said that cats have nine lives. If that’s true, I’ve certainly had enough past adventures in to fill nine lifetimes. I’ve done just about everything—lived as a house cat, stayed in shelters, and made my way on the streets. In all that time, I’ve learned a lot about people. Like cats, they’re individuals—some good and some bad. You have to take them as they come.

But humans do tend to be fickle. They take their responsibilities too lightly. Oh, they’ll bring you home with the best of intentions, but as soon as some little thing goes wrong, back to the shelter you’ll go. If you’re lucky. Or you might be passed along to some other human who sees you only as a burden and nuisance. Or worse yet, who’ll mistreat you. Then you’re better off on the street.

I’ve spent a good bit of time on the streets. The secret to surviving is finding a soft-hearted human. They aren’t always easy to come by—some folks would rather curse you out or throw something at you, as though you’re the lowest form of life. But if you’re careful, if you watch and wait, you’ll find someone who’ll tell you “Hello, cat” instead of kicking a stone at you. Someone who’ll give you a smile instead of a scowl. Who’ll look concerned and start asking their neighbors if you belong to them. When no one claims you and that tender-hearted person begins leaving a dish of food for you on their porch or under their front steps? Then you’re golden. 

I’ve found a few kind people like that in my life. The most recent was a pretty red-haired lady who fed me Kitty Kibbles and for some reason called me Jeeves. That was when I lived in Applewood.

One day I saw a parked florist’s van parked at the curb. Its back door had been left slightly open. While the driver made a delivery at the front stoop, I hopped into the back of the van—yes, I’ll admit curiosity got the better of me—to investigate. As I slipped behind a vase of gladiolas, the back door slammed. The driver never saw me and drove on to his next delivery. I knew he’d have to stop again so there was no reason to panic. When the van rolled to a stop and the back door of the van opened, I found myself face to face with the startled delivery man. I leaped out and raced off before he could do more than goggle at me.

The last time I landed at Happy Hearts, I’d been brought there by Animal Control. That’s how I ended up in Verona Lake, having to make a new life in a new town. But I’ve had to start over lots of times, and though I missed my red-haired friend, I’m not sorry I landed here. It’s where I met Mr. G.

***

Oscar not only makes a friend in Mr. G, he plays matchmaker for  second chance couple Mac and Val . Read more about Oscar 's adventures in Another Purrfect Chance.