7. Mongo’s Story
June 26, 2009
Once again, I find myself in the company of the little mouse. I was certain he had returned to the wild just before our move from California to Washington. But it seems he instead made his way back to the cereal cabinet for another bite of dried grape cereal. And he ended up being packed up and moved with all the rest of us.
We met for the first time a week before the move. He was scurrying through the house when D’Artagnan the cat caught site of him and took off after him in hot pursuit. I yelled for him to jump up into my house, and he made it just in the nick of time.
Mr. Mouse came every night to visit me, and I told him all about the house and what he called “the big creatures”. This young wild mouse had a lot to learn about the world.
“Mouse”, I said, “The bad smelly thing is called a cat. There are 4 of them here.
D’Artagnan – the crazy one who chased you and scratched your tail. He can jump ten feet in the air and catch a bird.
Grunion – he is mostly lazy and loves to eat. He meows and whines in a loud voice when he hears a can opening because he wants the food in it.
Parsley – She is named after something to eat. She catches small animals like chipmunks and brings them in the house to play with.
And then there is Uncle Irving. He only eats vegetables and can be trusted. He does not like the taste of mouses or rats, or any other animals at all.
The “little big creature” is called a human. I have already told you about my girl Bella. She also has a mother and father who are very nice to rodents and other creatures as well.
But Mouse, you must be very careful not to be seen. They will not like you in the house.”
I could see he was having trouble understanding.
“You see Mouse, I am a domestic rat, while you are a wild mouse. I am considered a pet, and you are called a pest. So you must be very careful when you’re out. If one of the cats should catch you, no one will come to your rescue. They will simply open the door and let the cat take you outside.
Where he will devour you. He will even eat your bones”.
Mr. Mouse looked at me, his eyes wide, mouth open, and promptly fainted head first into the food bowl.
