*Story submitted by Dan Leatherwood.*

Slick

On a June Sunday a few years ago I had just picked up my grandchildren, and we were on our way to church. My wife was out of town.   

As my three granddaughters and I drove down a small street in our little Tennessee town we passed a small park. I noticed a small black kitten sitting right next to a stop sign at the park’s exit. He was extremely close to the busy road that I traveled on. “Look at the kitten, girls” I said. “I think he needs some help.” 

I turned into the entrance and slowly pulled around.  I stopped the car, rolled down my window and called to the little solid black kitten.  “Come here, kitty,” was all I said, and he immediately jumped up and headed for my car.   I opened my door, got out, then kneeled down and called to the kitten again.  He came running.  

I saw big gold eyes against a solid, black, thick coat. He came up to me and began to rub up against my leg, and I could hear him purr. “I think he likes you, Papa,” said my eight-year-old cat-loving granddaughter. “Yeah, and I like him.”

I picked him up, opened the back door of my van, and handed him to the girls.  “Let’s take him back home, and you can run put him on the back porch. If he is there when we get home from church, then we’ll ask around to see who he might belong to.  If we find no one then we will keep him.”  

The girls laughed with happiness because they all loved cats. They knew papa loved cats as well. 

The little black cat was beautiful. His personality was so good, and he liked the girls and loved to be held by them. “What will we call him, Papa?” said one of the girls.  

“I think his name is Slick,” I said immediately and without thought. It just came to me. “Slick?” asked one of the girls, “What does that mean?” 

“Do you see how shiny and pretty he is?” I asked. "That is what Slick means. It describes how he looks and how good he is.”

“I understand,” my granddaughter said, “and I agree with you.”  

Slick has now been a part of my family for six years. We soon found out that Slick likes to talk and express himself. When he wants to eat, go out, or when he comes in the house he will always give us a “meow.” If you do not answer him, he will give you more “meow,” and he will continue until you get up and give him his food, or open the door and let him out.  

My favorite time is when Slick comes over to my recliner and jumps up on my lap.  He enjoys sitting and watching a football game with me.  Slick has become my friend. My wife says he favors me. I do know that when he wants something he comes to me. I think it is because when we rescue an animal they remember it, and they remember you. Slick knows we saved his life that day, and he has paid us back by loving us and being here. It will surprise you how good a listener a cat can be. It is amazing how good some time with Slick can make me feel. 

We should all be in the rescue business. You might find a guy like Slick, and you will never regret it. Slick makes sure that I know that he loves me, and he knows that I love him.

~DanLeatherwood

Dan Leatherwood lives in Henderson, Tennessee, with his wife, children, grandchildren, and many, many cats and dogs. He is a retired sales and marketing professional, and has worked with many youth and sports organizations. A Vietnam veteran, Dan is currently an active member of the local NRA chapter and promotes gun safety and education.

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