Three Paws: Sophia and Her Story of Triumph

By Michael Minnis and Kim Minnis

Life was everything a cat like Sophia could possibly want. She had toys, plenty of food, a warm bed, lots of friends, and a family who loved her. What could go wrong? You’ll learn in Three Paws: Sophia and Her Story of Triumph that things can change very quickly. When a serious medical condition results in the amputation of one of her legs, she is forced to meet new challenges with just three legs. Sophia’s kitten nieces visit and help her find more self-confidence. But when two bully cats move into the neighborhood, they challenge her and threaten her nieces. Through this and her other experiences as a three-legged cat, Sophia learns an important lesson: it’s what’s in your heart that counts. Three Paws: Sophia and Her Story of Triumph shows that even if you’re different, you are worthy—whether a cat or a human.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Lulu Publishing Services
• Release date: Jun 30, 2018
• ISBN: 9781483478944

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Minnis

Copyright © 2018 Michael Minnis with Kim Minnis.

Interior Graphics/Art Credit: Dan D’addario

All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced, stored, or transmitted by any means—whether auditory, graphic, mechanical, or electronic—without written permission of the author, except in the case of brief excerpts used in critical articles and reviews. Unauthorized reproduction of any part of this work is illegal and is punishable by law.

This is a work of fiction. All of the characters, names, incidents, organizations, and dialogue in this novel are either the products of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously.

ISBN: 978-1-4834-7895-1 (sc)

ISBN: 978-1-4834-7894-4 (e)

Library of Congress Control Number: 2018900222

Because of the dynamic nature of the Internet, any web addresses or links contained in this book may have changed since publication and may no longer be valid. The views expressed in this work are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of the publisher, and the publisher hereby disclaims any responsibility for them.

Any people depicted in stock imagery provided by Thinkstock are models, and such images are being used for illustrative purposes only.

Certain stock imagery © Thinkstock.

Lulu Publishing Services rev. date: 05/30/2018

This book is dedicated to the memory of Lou,

a very special cat.

1

The Fox And The Window

The fox was alert, on guard, watchful. Sophia, a young Maine coon cat, studied him from a safe distance.

So far, the fox had not noticed her. His attention was elsewhere, his mind on other things. Far from hiding from the fox, Sophia was stalking him, inch by inch, soundless and slinking, eyes wide and dark, her plume of a tail held low and out of sight. Sophia was not especially big, but neither was the fox. She judged she stood a good chance against him. They were old enemies.

Closer and closer Sophia crept. The fox still did not see her.

Sophia tensed, her rump wagging from side to side, ears back. She rushed toward the fox, striking from behind, the perfect feline ambush. Bam! Bam! Two good, hard smacks landed on the fox’s head from Sophia’s huge, furry paws.

The fox did not flinch. He maintained his watchful stare because he was MADE IN ENGLAND, as the stamp underneath his blue-green ceramic base (modeled to look like long grass) indicated. He kept guard beside the antique grandfather clock next to the stairs.

Charles and Jean, Sophia’s owners, laughed. Excited, Sophia sprinted toward the guest bedroom. Pop! Sophia’s rear left knee popped. Briefly hobbled, she made her way into the bedroom to hide under the bed. Now it was her owners’ turn to stalk her.

She’s doing it again, Jean said, concerned. The hopping. Did you see?

I did, Charles replied. It’ll pass, and she’ll be right as rain. We just need to keep an eye on it.

Well, she should sit for a bit. Put her by the window in the kitchen. She likes to watch the birds at the feeder. Please? Will you?

All right, Charles sighed. He finished his coffee and put aside his newspaper.

Charles stood up and went to the guest bedroom. Stopping midway, he said to Jean, She’ll have company this time.

Really? What do you mean?

This little fellow, Charles said, pointing to the bird outside. Black mask, round body. It looks formal for a bird. I think it’s called a chickpea.

Chickadee.

Right. He sits right by the window and eats his seeds. I saw him doing it yesterday morning. I wonder what they’ll think of each other, bird and cat—

Go get her, please, Jean interrupted.

Going, Charles said.

Love you, Jean said and returned to her book.

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Sophia sat beside the kitchen window. Both she and her reflection were the color of a lightly overcast sky: a half calico and half tiger-striped face, a plume of a tail, huge ears, and outsized, tufted paws. Like most cats, Sophia had a healthy amount of self-regard about her looks. She had been bred from the best parents available—a father named Duke and mother named Lilypad.

Sudden fluttering caught Sophia’s attention at the window where she sat. It was he, the formal-looking bird perched on the narrow ledge of brick outside, his eyes bright, black, and curious. He did not appear afraid of Sophia. In fact, he seemed very interested. The chickadee was but an inch or two away, but glass kept Sophia from catching him.

Who are you? the bird asked.

Sophia.

Sophia, is it? Interesting. Mine’s Hackberry—Hack, for short. The chickadee cracked a seed open and quickly ate its contents. I live near the old barn across the way, Shingledrop. Have you heard of it? Seen it?

I can sometimes see the roof from here, Sophia replied.

Ah. Fine, fine place. Open to all animals, wild and tame. You should come and visit sometime.

When finished with his seed, Hackberry resumed his examination of Sophia.

You’re a big cat, you are. Yes, quite a big cat, he said.

Yes, I am, Sophia replied, eager to impress the little fellow. See my whiskers? Long and fine. See my teeth? Long and sharp. And my paw? As big as your head. And I am still young.

Oh, my. Oh, my.

Why, with two paws I could snatch you right out of the air, as quick as you can crack open a seed. I’d catch you and eat you.

Hack laughed.

What’s so funny? Sophia asked. Do you think I’m joking?

Oh, no, no, no, no, no, no, Hack hastily replied. "It’s just