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the cat slept in the box
by the stove inside
the kitchen watching
with one eye open
the man who sat outside
watching the chicks
with the mama hen
the man who loved to
watch, both eyes open
now stunned to see the
hen lying dead who
had stepped on the chick
he threw the rock to but
scare her away when it
struck her and now…
the chicks scattered
peeping and then the
man without hesitation
gathered the chicks to
take them into where
the cat lay to set them
inside the box behind the
stove where they settled
a cat watching, one eye open
© April 2013
Renee Espriu
Just returned from visiting my dad in CA to write this per the dVerse prompt, a story dad has told over and over again about his stepdad. The cat raised the chicks as though they were its’ own.
reneejustturtleflight.com 
nice…what part of CA were you in? the cat seriously raised the chicks? that is pretty crazy…i guess when in need, maternal instincts even overcome the species barrier eh?
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I was born in Huntington Beach and raised in Downey. Moved to WA at age 25 when I was married and raised my kids but now single. Yes, the cat raised the chicks and according to dad they even followed the cat around as they would their mother hen. Thanks!
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oh very cool…what a moving story..love that she raised the chicks like her own babies and wonder if they behaved different from their nature when trying to imitate their “mom”
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My dad’s stepdad was mortified that he actually hit the hen as he had not meant to so thank goodness for the cat’s willingness to take them on. Thanks Claudia!
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..this is so cute Renee… i am glad the chicks find a company with the cat…. normally cats eat chicks…. but this tale is something really touching… it just proves that all is fair in love…. who cares if there is differences in appearance & nature? when one is sincere to offer love & care… it def sees no figure / shapes & forms… thanks for sharing this with us… a great experience for me… smiles,….
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You are welcome Kelvin and thank you for making me think a bit as I wasn’t at all sure if what I wrote translated well but if you like it that is all that matters. Smiles
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What an incredible story. I love it.
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Thank You! Nice to see you here again. Was visiting dad in CA. He had a bit of a problem awhile back here when he went missing and won’t go into details but just to say his short term memory is now affected but overall a good visit as I gave my sister a bit of relief. Hope you are doing well.
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I love stories like these where one animal will befriend or take care of another. Some of the most unusual pairings have been reported. Thanks for sharing a sweet family story.
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You are welcome. Dad loves this story and tells it over and over again. His stepdad loved animals and to hear dad tell it, his mom was never to happy when he brought another one home. LOL
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love stories told over and over…reminds me of the crow who took care of an injured, motherless cat…..:) well written, too.
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Thank You! I never tire of hearing it.
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how cute !
loved this 🙂
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Thank You!
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What a lovely story Renee,… Amazing what stories unfold from yesteryear which we never tire of.
Glad you are back safe and sound and all seems settled xxx
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Things are as settled as they will be for now. An adjustment period for us all. Thank you for your kind words and thoughts.
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What a sweet little story!
Writingsbycharleen.blogspot.com
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Thank you and for stopping by!
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