Dogs have owners. Funny (and true) commentaries around this theme regularly waft through my email in-box, cataloguing dogs sterling qualities. …and I do love dogs. I do.

I am, however, first and foremost, a cat person. There, I’ve said it – out loud and in public.

The cats in my life have always known this. Cats can spot a cat person from across the street and down the block. Like the hobos of old riding the rails during the depression and leaving markers on the gates of those kind souls most likely to offer food or shelter, cats, too, seem to have an uncanny knack of marking us, so that we will be known to other cats when the need arises.

I have been the temporary host of several feline rail-riders, well-mannered hobos who passed through my life on their way from one abode to another. Occasionally, I was permanently adopted for the duration of their stay among us – at times an all-too-short span. At other times, I was simply an accommodating host on the route.

Several of the cats I have been privileged to serve did have homes and loving families, but they seemed to have a surplus of affection, or wanderlust. Whatever his reasons, the one I particularly recall arrived on my doorstep on a very cold winter’s eve, friendly, gentlemanly, but insistent that it was much too cold to be out. I reluctantly let him in and he settled in my big comfy chair immediately, letting me know he was pleased that I had made the right decision. When he sauntered to the fridge later, fluffy plume erect and waving gently at the tip, I took h hint and offered him a wee bite. That, of course, sealed my fate.

My new friend was quite happy to stay the night, but insisted on his release the next morning. He returned again for supper but declined to stay the night this time, citing, I’m sure, a prior engagement. Our relationship continues for several years in this same manner. He was quite a playful fellow and often demonstrated his prowess as a mouser.

He did not, however, appreciate the robins, and narrowly escaped their wrath several times. I came to recognize the look and would open the window to allow him in. His entrance was usually swiftly followed by the scolding robin parents from their nest across the street. One particular afternoon I was a bit slow closing the window behind him and nearly had Momma Robin inside as well, so closely had she followed him.

I discovered that my well-mannered friend lived just up the street as well, and had a regular route. Eventually becoming friends with his other staff, I was sad to leave our little circle when I moved away from the neighbourhood. My years there would have been quite lonely without my gentle knight of the road, and he certainly enriched all our lives by bringing us together.

My current companion is a diminutive, tri-color tabby. Weighing in at only four and a half pounds, Sarge, nevertheless, rules this roost with an iron paw. The dog knows very clearly who is in charge here. I am not sure how Sarge came by her name, but I have never heard a more appropriate sobriquet. Her voice is as commanding as her presence, and she rarely speaks at less than full volume. She is one of, if not the loudest cat I have ever known, and a few of the Siamese friends I have served over the years were fairly amazing vocalizers.

Sarge puts them all to shame. True to her name-sakes the world over, her Master Sergeant’s parade-ground bellow can be heard the length neighbourhood. She does not leave any doubt in your mind that she need your full, undivided attention – right now.

In all fairness, though, her dainty pat-pats on the cheek and encouraging ‘chirrup’ when she comes to snuggle at three in the morning are most endearing. Let’s face it. What cat person could resist a nose kiss or the affectionate rasp of an tongue across your shrinking eyelid.

Legends abound about the myriad varieties of cats, and for good reason. They are fascinating creatures, capable of inspiring great loyalty and affection while remaining oh-so-slightly aloof from it all. Their composure can be awe-inspiring, their insouciance is legend. Charming, alluring, mysterious.

If I get to come back, I want to be my cat…