Domesticated animals and humans thrive in each other's company.
Some animals are selected by their humans, and some humans are selected by animals. In the case of Raymond Whittle and Henry, the pair found one another.
Several years ago Whittle and his wife Marilyn were at the Cochrane Veterinary Care Clinic on Aarsby Road with their Cockapoo Sandy. Their beloved dog was nearing the end of her life and was receiving treatment for her failing kidneys.
Whittle, 88, noticed Henry during one of these visits. He said he made a “fuss” over the quiet black and white rescue cat who lived at the clinic. When the couple’s dog passed away Whittle returned to the clinic, this time to visit Henry. The pair developed a unique bond and Whittle made a point of visiting the feline once a week.
On one visit Whittle noticed damage to the clinic’s front door. A receptionist told him the clinic was broken into the previous evening. Fearing for Henry’s safety, one of the clinic’s employees decided to adopt Henry and keep him at her home.
This prospect concerned Whittle and he spoke to the employee.
“I said ‘well look, how am I going to see my friend Henry if he doesn’t come to work here anymore?’” Whittle told the Cochrane Eagle.
The employee told Whittle to pick one day a week for Henry to come to work. They settled on Wednesday and now the mid-week occurrence is a welcomed interlude for the friends.
“Every Wednesday I come here with treats and I see Henry,” Whittle said.
Whittle starts his Wednesday visiting friends at the nearby A&W. He arrives at the clinic later in the morning and clinic staff summon Henry if he’s not curled up on his bed in the clinic’s bay window waiting for his friend.
“He’s a really grumpy cat, but as soon as you tell him Ray is here he trots out,” receptionist Andrea Pinter said.
“Cats typically don’t work like that. (Henry) is so happy to see him.”
The pair unite on a cushioned bench in the front of the clinic. Whittle explains that Henry prefers chicken treats. He gently extends his hand for the 12-year-old cat to nibble the soft bite-sized morsels. Whittle speaks to the cat and gently pets him. Ray's visits are brief, but meaningful because the friends always pick up where they left off.
Whittle’s love for animals goes back to his childhood. His mother noticed this and suggested he take the beloved family dog, a Pomeranian, when he got married. Later in their marriage the couple had a cat who lived to the age of 19. The couple’s daughter Melanie named the cat Tarley.
When the family lived below Highway 1A at the base of Big Hill, Tarley used to cross the highway and climb the hill and hunt. Whittle said traffic back then wasn’t what it is now and Tarley always returned unscathed.
“In those days the traffic wasn't that heavy. He would be pretty careful about crossing the road. He would go across when nothing was coming and go back again.”
After one hunting trip the cat came home and scurried down a flight of stairs to hide. Whittle thought he saw something in the cat’s mouth. When he investigated he discovered Tarley had a young rabbit. The rabbit didn't survive.
Whittle and his wife haven’t had an animal since the passing of Sandy. Whittle explained they’re both getting on in age and recent health challenges would make the responsibility of owning an animal more difficult.
For now Whittle will continue his weekly visits to see Henry.
