Читать книгу Dougal's Diary - David Greagg - Страница 39

Well, one of my wishes came true, because an old man came in. We all pricked up our ears (except for the cats who just sit there) and did our best to look cute. You could tell the man was really old because his fur was all white and he smelled old, but I thought he smelled nice and I liked his kind blue eyes. He knelt over my friend's cage and I saw the white coat woman shake her head. I pawed at my cage in frustration. What do you mean, head-shake? I wanted to yell at her. I know what head-shake means! That means you think he's no good! He's a fine cat and would make you a loving home, so there! But I didn't say any of this, of course. It would only upset everybody else. I angrily turned around in my cage and started to wash myself. I would have liked the old man for myself, actually, but he'd just tapped my cage lightly and whispered something to me. I don't know what it was but it sounded encouraging.

After I'd given myself a thorough wash I looked up again, and my friend's cage was open and the old man was holding him in his arms. I pointed my nose and sniffed, and my friend purred.

He's just given me a name, he said. Milo, whatever that is. Remember the name! When a human names you it means they promise to look after you. Good luck, my friend. The old man leaned over so Milo could touch noses with me. I touched his cold nose for a moment and looked away, embarrassed. I was very pleased for him. I knew about names. Mum was called Persephone. You'd hear the humans calling her name at dinner-time. I don't have a name, because nobody wants me. Yet. We'll see about that. Milo's old man had cheered me up no end, because if he could find a human to love him, then perhaps I can too.