Little Honker's Backyard Adventures

“Just work your legs back and forth more. That always works for me,” said Morgan.

“I. . . (gasp) . . .am. . .(gasp) not. . .(gasp) . . . like (gasp) . . .you,” Warren honked.

Suddenly there was another splash in the pond. Warren felt a push, a shove, and the next thing he knew, he was at the edge of the pond. He pulled himself up, shook himself off, and looked around.

He saw another cat. Big, mostly black, and soaking wet just like he was.

“Who are you? Where did you come from?” Warren asked.

“I jumped over the fence when I heard your honks. You’re a cat. Why do you honk?” the new arrival asked.

“My honk is my meow. I was born this way,” Warren said. “What’s your name? Where do you live?”

“I go by Fanta. We are moving in next to you.”

“You seem to like the water. Even though I like new adventures, I don’t think the water is a good adventure for me. As you saw, swimming is something I can not do very well,” Warren said.

“I know cats aren’t supposed to like the water, but I love it! I always get in the shower after my people get out. I love to get in sinks when I can. I love running water! And, one time I even jumped in the bath water when Kaycee, one of my humans, was taking a bath. The disappointing thing was that it was a bubble bath! I can’t say I was very fond of the bubbles,” Fanta said.

“Well, thanks for your help,” Warren honked. “Welcome to my backyard. I liked talking to my new feathered friends, but I don’t think they could understand that I was not able to swim quite like them.”

“Hey, what’s your name?” Fanta asked.

“My name is Warren, but sometimes my family calls me Little Honker. I’ve always been smaller than my brothers and sisters and I don’t sound like them. Honking is my meow.”

“I like it. I’m calling you Honker,” Fanta said. “Think I’ll join your feathered friends for a swim and then soak up some sun.”