When Zack King was outside, he often worried about where his cat Billy had gone. The 1-year-old rescue cat comes and goes as he pleases, exploring the neighborhood through his door flap.
King told The Dodo, “He’s curious, feisty, and confident.” “He enjoys relaxing, and when he sleeps, he sleeps.” But most of the time, he comes in and out of his cat flap all day, saying hello before going out to play and explore.”
King assumed that Billy mostly kept to himself, sunbathing and chasing mice. But he soon discovered that his sweet pet was living a double life.
One early October day, Billy walked into the house with a folded piece of paper covered in a plastic wrap attached to his collar. King and his girlfriend Olga carefully unwrapped the paper and were surprised to see a sweet note written by one of their neighbors.
“When your cat is outside, he likes to come to see us,” it said. He’ll sit at the door and meow for permission to enter. It’s actually quite amusing, and we adore him! We don’t understand where he’s coming from. What’s his name, exactly? Billy is his name. “From your welcoming neighbors!”
The strange communication pleased King and Olga. “I wouldn’t have thought of it myself,” King said, “but I was extremely thrilled to get such a sweet email simply to let us know that Billy enjoys hanging out with other human pals and is well-liked.”
Olga promptly responded to the neighbors and fastened the message on Billy’s collar. She had no clue who had sent the letter or where it had originated, but she hoped her response would reach the appropriate people.
Billy knew just where to go, and the mysterious neighbors wrote back: “Ohhhh! I think our housemate (who is away now) must have seen his tag in the summer. He told me the name! Thanks for the note. Amazed he actually came right back to deliver it! Like a carrier pigeon but cuter … Lots of chin scratches and love for him here! Have a nice evening!”
Billy acted as the postal delivery for the two neighbors, and they immediately became pen buddies. After a few months, the neighbors had exchanged approximately a dozen notes.
King added, “We’ve discussed TV and Netflix choices, podcast suggestions, and home cooking ideas.” “We have no idea who the neighbor is or where he lives.” We could inquire about specifics, but we don’t need to – sometimes a little mystery is great.”
Finding a new friend in a time when it’s so difficult to connect with people has been a blessing for the couple. And they’re so glad Billy has another loving family who gives him attention when he’s out on his adventures.
The letters have been less frequent as winter has arrived and Billy has spent more time inside. When King discovers one tied to Billy’s collar, it’s usually a pleasant surprise.
“It was a genuine thrill since we were in a bit of a funk as the nights became colder and darker and restrictions and lockdowns kept us at home.” According to King. “To be honest, Billy is a delight in any case. But this was something completely unexpected, fascinating, and really pleasant!”
