Your cat, like Gert and Eddie, can save you or your house! We don't have any pictures to support this (it's too embarrassing!) but this is the story of how Gert and Eddie helped save ClydeSight HQ from water damage, THREE TIMES! In spite of their many computer talents, Gertrude and Eddie are still cats. They have all the super senses of cats, but they can't speak to humans, though they must wish at times they could! In their own way, they try with the persistence and loyalty of the most trusted of friends. Their patience is a model for anyone. Rescue 1: The Ice Dam (or, That Darn Ice!) ClydeSight HQ has two closed-in porches. Both Gert and Eddie like to sit on the sunny back porch and watch the birds fly by. One day this winter, several days after a snowstorm, when the weather grew suddenly warm, I (C.H.U.) after letting them out on the porch for a morning sun soak, went out to check on them. They were meowing off and on, and I assumed there were some birds or squirrels in the yard entertaining them. Normally, Gertrude sits on a old plant stand pedestal (what a princess!) while Eddie sits in a chair. But this time, Gertrude was on the chair, and Eddie was on the floor. Neither showed any signs of distress, until I noticed Gertrude's left eye was partially closed. I immediately went to check on her and could feel that she was wet! "How'd you get wet, Gertie?" I asked. She responded with a purr, and would not move. It seemed odd to me that she would be wet, and I looked around. There, on the ceiling, was a growing water stain, and tell tale water drops of a leak! I went outside to check the house and saw that an ice dam had formed on the porch roof. It was relatively easy for me to break it up, and the water came pouring off along with piles of soggy snow! As soon as this was accomplished, contented that they had done their job, Gertrude and Eddie went inside and took a nap. (Of course, I dried off Gertrude!) Rescue 2: When good drains go bad. ClydeSight HQ is well built, but accidents can and do happen. Our kitchen needs a remodel (sure, we can afford THAT!), and many of the fixtures are showing signs of age. One day, clever Eddie figured out how to open the cabinet doors under the sink. He and Gertie would climb in and start fussing around. They were sure to make lots of noise. I thought this was dangerous because of the cleaning materials stored there, so I scolded them and put a safety latch on the door to prevent them from going in. Eddie was insulted, or so it seemed, and crouched low by the door, scratching at it and trying to open it. He'd meow and fuss, and I'd tell him to "go find your mousie!" (a favorite toy). This went on for several days, until I needed a can of cleanser from under the sink. I pulled out the can , and it was soaking wet! Eddie was sitting next to me and gave me that "Oh, you finally figured it out!" look (have you ever seen a cat smirk?). I pulled everything out from under the sink and found the cabinet flooded! The drain pipe had cracked, and every time I used the sink, it was pouring water into the cabinet! Because of the angle of the cabinet floor, the water was escaping down the back, so I would never have known without these wonderful cats warning me! A call to the plumber got it fixed (for a fee). And Eddie and Gertie got a reward for their heroic behavior (some extra cat food.) Rescue 3: It ain't over 'till it's over. After Rescue 2, I checked under the sink often for leaks. I also watched Gert and Eddie carefully. They had no interest in it, for a while. Then a few days ago, they started trying to get into it again. I couldn't find any water this time, so I assumed they were just fooling me. Gertie would often come into the computer room meowing. I'd ask her what she wanted and she'd rush into the kitchen and roll around on the floor next to the cabinet under the sink. I assumed she was playing, and would go back to work. She could be very persistent, but so are my deadlines! A few days later, Eddie started refusing to eat his canned cat food. I always place his bowl next to Clyde Door because he likes to look outside while he eats. But he'd have none of it. If I moved the bowl, he'd eat, but not when it was placed in its usual location. Gertie's bowl was in a different location, so she had no problem, except from Eddie trying to push her away! This seemed very odd to me, but I couldn't figure it out. Then, I noticed -- you guessed it, WATER seeping up through the floor tiles, right beneath where Eddie would have to eat! I had to do quite a bit of searching this time, but I found the cause. The safety valve for the cold water faucet under the sink had developed a leak, a small slow, silent drip. Because it was placed so far back in the cabinet, the water escaped below the fixture and was running underneath it, and under the tiles of the floor! What a mess that was! But, I got it cleaned up (and now need a new floor!). Eddie and Gertie, of course, sat by and watched as I cleaned the mess, nodding to each other. I think I even saw one of them wink. Cats are NOT dumb animals! They can't speak "human", and more's the pity for that. For they know things we NEED to know, if only they could find a way to tell us. It is amazing to me that they can understand me so well; "Where's your mouse?" (they find the toy); "Are you hungry?", (they run for the kitchen); "Bed time! ", (they jump on the bed.) Yet when they meow at me or roll around, I have NO idea what they are trying to tell me. They must think I'm incredibly stupid. I'm beginning to think they are right! Gertie and Eddie are sweet and loving companions. YOUR cats are probably also! So watch your cats, and LISTEN when they try to tell you something. They may know something YOU need to understand! Cats are NOT dumb animals. They are incredibly intelligent! To Gert and Eddie Main Page