One warm and sunny day, Doti and Bink decided to walk to the food market to see if they could find some good things to eat. It was nice to walk past trees, flowers and houses with gardens and backyards.
MEOW
As they passed one backyard, they heard a cat meow. This meow was different. it sounded like a cry for help. Doti and Bink stopped to have a look. They saw it was Mr. Tom, the cat that had helped them carry a heavy package of cheese that they found at the food market a few days ago. Doti and Bink carefully looked through the fence. They saw Mr. Tom was upset.
“What's wrong” asked Doti. “Oh me! oh my!” cried Mr. Tom. “I’m locked in the yard because the fence's gate closed after I squeezed in. Now the gate is stuck because a small twig from that tree fell at the bottom of the gate. Now, I can't push it open wide enough to squeeze out.”
“Why did you go in the yard in the first place?” asked Bink. “Well,” said Mr. Tom, “I was very thirsty and wanted to take a drink from the big dog's bowl. I knew it was safe to go in because the dog is in the house and could not see me. He gets angry if anyone goes in the yard. He is a watch dog. It is his job. Oh! what am I going to do if they let him out of the house.”
“Maybe Bink can push or pull the twig out. He's quite strong, you know.” said Doti. I'd like to try.” said Bink. Bink pushed and pulled but could not move the twig. “It's really stuck” he said. “But I have an idea how Doti and I can get it out. We'll chew the twig into two small pieces.” “Won't chewing wood hurt your teeth” asked Mr. Tom.
“No, no,” replied Doti and Bink together. “We are rodents. We have special front teeth that keep on growing. We have to chew things, or our teeth will grow too long.” “I didn't know that.” said Mr. Tom. Doti and Bink began chewing the twig at the middle.
Before too long, the twig broke into two small pieces.
“Now,” said Bink “we'll pull the pieces out very carefully. First, you put your front paw on the front of the gate, so it will not slam shut and lock you in for good,” Mr. Tom carefully put his right front paw on the gate to keep it from moving and slamming shut.
Once Doti and Bink pulled the broken pieces away from the fence, Mr. Tom was able to pull the gate open wide enough for him to get out. Not a moment too soon because the dog's owners let him out in the yard.
The cat slammed the gate shut. The latch dropped in place and the gate could not be opened.
“You saved me from the dog! You are both heroes!” cried Mr. Tom.
“Well, you helped us bring home that heavy package of cheese from the food market. We're just returning a favor.” said Doti and Bink. “Well, I guess that we'll be friends from now on.” replied Mr. Tom. “Say, where were you two going before you passed the yard?” asked Mr. Tom. “We were going to the food market to see if we'll be lucky again and find some delicious food to take home.” replied Doti. “So was I, “said Mr. Tom. “Let's go together. Maybe we will both get lucky. I'll find some fish leftovers and you might find some more cheese.” And off the three friends went.