Misadventures of Miss and Mouse

number of large dogs.

But she was sweet and bright and there was no doubt that she desperately wanted rescuing, so we took her home and introduced her to Soot, who unequivocally refused to accept the little brown and black and gold newcomer, whom we named "Mouse."

Although the baby was bright and frisky, she was thin and ridden with worms and fleas for which we repeatedly treated her (under the direction of the vet), and she clung to me at night, pressing her delicate little

body tightly against my stomach under the covers. And she tried valiantly to make friends with Soot and to engage the older cat in play, always hiding behind things and popping out when Soot passed by or jumping from the tops of chairs to begin a wrestling session.

But Soot slapped at Mouse and hissed, leaving the baby with a perplexed expression and a growing dependence on my husband and me for affection and play. Soot would not even allow little Mouse near the food dish at feeding time and we had to feed the two in separate areas.