Frank's Story

We got Frank in September 1999 from an adoption place that's now closed. We just "popped in" to see the animals (which is lethal) and as we walked around the cat cages we noticed a small cat with his arms reaching so far out the crate his face was pushed against the mesh and he was meowing with all his might. We stroked his paws and he purred like a kitten, which he sort-of was at 5 months old. His head was leaning over to one side really badly & he had horrible scars around his mouth.

Here's his story that we know:

He & his sister were found together. His collar was stuck around his head & mouth and had grown into his face. They think a kick to the head resulted in his lack of balance. No one would adopt him because he has a heart-murmur, which means he can't be operated on, should you want to get his claws removed to save your sofa. His sister was a cutie and immediately adopted but "Dazed" (Frank) had been in a cage for 3 months. We said we'd think about it.

We went to the cafe next door and me (being the sensible one) said "I'll list all the bad things about getting a pet and you list all the good things", and Craig said (being the man I love) "what shall we call him?"

So, his official name is Francis Algernon Mashed Potato - Frank for short.

He'll eat ANYTHING: Curry, chips, tarter sauce, tomatoes, dog food, grass, daffodils (even after they've made him sick 100 times). If he had a choice? - tuna, milk and cheese! I haven't given him wet food since the pet food scare so it's dry food all the way now and he's not a happy camper. Pic above is Frank with our lovely friend SMBL in 2000, who actually deserves a story of her own as a skydiving ref, skydiver and all around good sort.

If there's a box around it's his

First Halloween costume

Five things we know about Frank:

• He hates Tutz (other cat) and puts up with Cody, but absolutely loves me, Craig and Jack
• He's not very bright. Even after eating a bee, getting stung in the mouth, having a swollen head and having to get both an injection & then a thermometer up the bum from the vet, he still chases bees.
• He does tricks (not those kind). He will come when called, sit and give his paw for a treat. If you want proof I'll post a video later.
• His ideal day would be: (1) tuna for breakfast, followed by milk out of a long glass that he could lick off his paws (2) A day spent in the garden chasing squirrels, birds and chipmunks (3) Ham for dinner, play with me & Craig and go to bed with us snuggled up (4) That Tutz died
• He's a typical cat - the perfect "Prima Dona" - he will opera sing when he needs his litter cleaning and will NEVER let us see him in a less than dignified position.

It's hard to believe that our Frank is 8 years old. He was once top of the totem pole but he is now 3rd. It sounds terrible to say it like that, but by the time Jack and Cody are seen-to our Frank just about gets some affection. Which leads me to Tutz, who's story I guess is next.