The Zoo - A Tribute to Nala

I was going to write this month’s Sitter’s Tail on one of my favourite cats.

I know, right?

Me writing about a cat I actually like … what the???

Anyone who knows me is probably wondering if they should check if I’m okay. Yet, as hard as it is to believe, there are 3 very special cats - Billy Boy, Spike and Willow - who each won me over during their respective sits.

However, Willow’s story must be deferred for a month, as I received some really sad news this week.

I had organised to visit ‘The Zoo’ for a catch-up this Thursday morning past.

So, I was shocked when the Zoo Manager Extraordinaire messaged me that it could not occur because the one and only Nala had reached the end of her days.

Warning: You are about to get dog-spammed by a beautiful English mastif x Ridgeback!

From the first moment I met her, Nala stole my heart. She was gentle in spirit and welcoming of all, no matter who or what.

I also made the mistake of thinking she was rather docile.

Well, that was to begin with.

If you’ve read ‘The Zoo - Part 2,’ you know she was nothing like that.

Nala was the mastermind behind any calculated subterfuge, whether it be ‘breaking-and-eatening’ (that’s not a typo) or a midnight escape to wander the neighbourhood just coz she could and knew she wasn’t supposed to.

Behind those doleful eyes was one of the most clever yet crafty canine brains I’ve encountered.

Patiently, she watched.

And waited.

And then waited some more.

And just when I thought she was relaxed and settled, that was when the opportune moment arrived (usually when my back was turned or I was trying to sleep).

And then she made her move, often with a too-willing accomplice known as Harley, who I know is going to miss her so badly.

Yet, it was impossible to remain cranky at Nala for long, no matter how much destruction she’d wreaked or how long she’d disappeared. Despite the havoc she often caused, she always walked with a quiet dignity that brought calm into the most chaotic situation that she’d usually instigated.

And whenever there was the opportunity to have some fun like our ‘Schmackos Game’ (where she would chase down her snack & then race Harley for his) or simply cuddle in the cinema room, Nala was always up for it.

Of course, once I settled, she would quietly wander off to wreak a little mischief.

Yet, she was never malicious. There was never any dark or dangerous intent in her. She simply did everything she could to get the most out of the life she lived.

And if someone might get in the way of that, she simply worked out how to minimise the likelihood of that happening.

I remember when I introduced her to my beautiful KJ. I was caring for ‘The Zoo’ when I started dating Katrina.

From the start, Katrina was drawn to Nala. Of course, it helped that KJ had a Rhodesian Ridgeback herself, a beautiful dog called Buck.

So Nala always held a special place in Katrina’s heart.

And now, Katrina gets to cuddle Nala again. I’m sure Nala is pleased to see her - almost as much as hanging out with ‘The Zoo’ members who went home before her - my shadow girl, Jess, and the adorable, unforgettable Brumby, both of whom you can read about in other Sitter’s Tails.

So, thank you, Nala, for so many great memories.

Nala is a reminder of how powerful pets can be in helping us “hoomans” enjoy our lives. It’s why so many of the animals I’ve cared for have appeared in the thrillers I’ve written.

I’m still to write the first one with Nala in it.

But that is a certainty. A dog as memorable as Nala will always live on.

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