The cats were better, though Susie was a bit scraggy and I kept up a morbid kneading of her furry abdomen for signs of lymphosarcoma. Arthur was the best of the bunch; he never seemed to ail anything beyond a tendency for his teeth to attract tartar.
This must have been in Miss Stubbss mind because, when I had finished my tea, she asked me to look at him. I hauled him across the bedspread and opened his mouth.
Yes, theres a bit of the old trouble there. Might as well fix it while Im here.
Arthur was a huge, gray neutered tom, a living denial of all those theories that cats are cold-natured, selfish, and the rest. His fine eyes, framed in the widest cat face I have ever seen, looked out on the world with an all-embracing benevolence and tolerance. His every movement was marked by immense dignity.
As I started to scrape his teeth his chest echoed with a booming purr like a distant outboard motor. There was no need for anybody to hold him; he sat there placidly and moved only once-when I was using forceps to crack off a tough piece of tartar from a back tooth and accidentally nicked his gum. He casually raised a massive paw as if to say Have a care, chum, but his claws were sheathed.
My next visit was less than a month later and was in response to an urgent summons from Mrs. Broadwith at six oclock in the evening. Ben had collapsed. I jumped straight into my car and in less than ten minutes was threading my way through the overgrown grass in the front garden with just two dogs watching from their window. The barking broke out as I knocked, but Bens was absent. As I went into the little room I saw the old dog lying on his side, very still, by the bed.
D.o.a. is what we write in the day book. Dead On Arrival. Just three words but they covered all kinds of situationsthe end of milk fever cows, bloated bullocks, calves in fits. And tonight they meant that I wouldnt be clipping old Bens claws anymore.
Well, it was quick, Miss Stubbs. Im sure the old chap didnt suffer at all. My words sounded lame and ineffectual.
The old lady was in full command of herself. No tears, only a fixity of expression as she looked down from the bed at her companion for so many years. My idea was to get him out of the place as quickly as possible and I pulled a blanket under him and lifted him up. As I was moving away, Miss Stubbs said, Wait a moment. With an effort she turned on her side and gazed at Ben. Still without changing expression, she reached out and touched his head lightly. Then she lay back calmly as I hurried from the room.
In the back kitchen I had a whispered conference with Mrs. Broadwith. Ill run down tvillage and get Fred Manners to come and bury him, she said. And if youve got time, could you stay with the old lady while Im gone. Talk to her, like, itll do her good.
I went back and sat down by the bed. Miss Stubbs looked out of the window for a few moments, then turned to me. You know, Mr. Herriot, she said casually, it will be my turn next.
What do you mean?
Well, tonight Ben has gone and Im going to be the next one. I just know it.
Oh, nonsense! Youre feeling a bit low, thats all. We all do when something like this happens. But I was disturbed. I had never heard her even hint at such a thing before.
Im not afraid, she said. I know theres something better waiting for me. Ive never had any doubts. There was silence between us as she lay calmly looking up at the card on the gas bracket.
Then the head on the pillow turned to me again. I have only one fear. Her expression changed with startling suddenness as if a mask had dropped. The brave face was almost unrecognizable. A kind of terror flickered in her eyes and she quickly grasped my hand.
Its the dogs and cats, Mr. Herriot. Im afraid I might never see them when Im gone which worries me so. You see, I know Ill be reunited with my parents and brothers, but but She gazed at the two cats curled up at the end of her bed.
Well, why not with your animals?
Thats just it. She rocked her head on the pillow and for the first time I saw tears on her cheeks. They say animals have no souls.
Who says?
Oh, Ive read it and I know a lot of religious people believe it.
Well, I dont believe it. I patted the hand which still grasped mine. If having a soul means being able to feel love and loyalty and gratitude, then animals are better off than a lot of humans. Youve nothing to worry about there.
Oh, I hope youre right. Sometimes I lie at night thinking about it.
I know Im right, Miss Stubbs, and dont you argue with me. They teach us vets all about animals souls.
The tension left her face and she laughed with a return of her old spirit. Im sorry to bore you with this and Im not going to talk about it again. But before you go, I want you to be absolutely honest with me. I dont want reassurance from youjust the truth. I know you are very young but please tell me-what are your beliefs? Will my animals go with me?
She stared intently into my eyes. I shifted in my chair and swallowed once or twice.