To the Editor:

Dogs vs. cats: Who knew they were so different? Had one as a youngster, but they were always on Daddy’s lap, so I played with my dog — and later horses! Mostly the cats disappeared, and dogs died, but then, after marriage, we upped the dogs and rarely had a cat. Always an outdoor one, after they got about 4 months old.

Usually four to six dogs were the norm — to work cows on several big ranches at Crane, Juntura, Seneca and Fox. Lots of cows, little help. They were “family,” and I always had a favorite. Blue heelers-McNab’s crosses, and if they didn’t work out and earn their keep, so to speak, they were gone.

One heeler cross jumped back into my husband’s legs when he went squirrel hunting on the horse pasture on the Little Malheur. Good thing, too, as a 5-foot timber rattler raised up above the tall grass — no rattles. So we deduced our latest horse purchased in Redmond cut them off after getting bit in the leg. Many dogs enjoyed deer and elk bones most years.

So, after three years of being alone (last dog given away when I moved) I found myself lonely, despite church and friends. So I got myself a kitten (8 weeks old) and although I know God is always with me, I’ve been an animal person forever! Keeping her indoors is a challenge, but a close and busy road, dogs who chase and people who shoot discourage me to let her out.

All black, “Inky” is spayed and keeps me on my toes, to get up at 6 a.m. and feed her first! and let her come lay on my chest a couple of times a day. A cat tower (thank you, Sam) is her great joy — and saves on curtains! I keep in a supply of tea tree oil for bites and scratches and a water bottle handy for other hijinks!

Oh, yes, I’m not lonely anymore, although I still miss not walking a dog.

Mya Ennis

Mt. Vernon