A Journey for Home

As Remy stalked along behind the marble walls of Collar City, home of all domestic animals, he heard an unwelcome meow. It was Chauncy, the Chocolate Tortie news cat. She was talking animatedly to the grey tabby Lulu, her camera-cat. “Well, Lulu, am I ever excited for this month’s adoption! So many animals will be welcome to find a home.” Not Remy. He was stuck as he was. A mean, vicious dog. He growled deep in his throat. Chauncy’s voice came again. “We do have to worry about the animals who hold a grudge, don’t we, Lulu? Like Remy?” she said these words with fake pity. Remy marched into the city. “That’s what you think, huh?” He spat angrily. Chauncy wavered. “Well, you’re mean! A big Rottweiler like you will never be welcome.” “‘So many animals will be welcome to find a home.’” He said, mimicking her. Chauncy sniffed and padded away. Remy leapt onto the shiny, marble pedestal as several guinea pigs rushed around, placing a plaque that bore his name on the pedestal, while trying to groom him. He snapped at them when they got close. At last, the gates of the city officially opened. People swarmed inside, inspecting animals of all kinds. Except Remy. Hours ticked by. At last, as the last of the people swept out, one last girl came into the city. Dozens of cats, rabbits, and dogs where left, but she came straight for Remy. She had coppery hair and eyes that shone like bronze in the night. Chauncy rushed forward. “Don’t take him, take – er – just not him!” The girl grinned. “No. I’ll take him. How much?” Chauncy looked appalled. She mumbled the price. “Sorry? Didn’t catch that,” said the girl. “Free,” said Chauncy. “Remy’s been with us so long that... well, we want to get rid of him.” Remy glared at her but skipped obediently to the girl’s side. The girl crouched. “Hey, little fella!” And she took him to a new place, where he felt safe and happy, a place where he could call home, where he loved.