Brooklyn Rescue Chico's Story January 2021

My name is Chico Junior and I have a story to tell you about my daddy Chico the cat.

One fine day, when we were in the garden, and I was playing with my new ball, that was given to me for the holidays, I was told that this time of the year was supposed to be a happy time, where everyone gives gifts to each other.  I couldn't wait to see all the bright lights, and very happy people walking around, that I was told would happen, but for some reason, I noticed that people didn't seem so happy.  Now people are talking about welcoming in the New Year, and hoping for a better one than this year.  I asked Daddy what that meant.  Chico said people are celebrating bringing in the New Year, because this year was a hardship for many people.  They were ill, and they didn't have much to eat.  This was hard for me to believe, because Save Our Strays helps the Rescuer take care of us, and we are never hungry and have everything we need right here in the garden. Daddy said that is because people are very generous, and give donations to Save Our Strays and that is how they can feed us, and take care of our Medical expenses.  Chico said he hopes they'll be able to donate this year, even if it's a small amount, because it goes a long way.  I was going to ask Daddy some more questions, when a cat came into the garden with a Kitty that was a little younger than me.  The cat said, “my name is Edward, and this is my son Benjamin.” Jeffrey, from the park, told me that I could find you here.  My family needs to move to a new place that has shelter, because this is going to be a cold winter.  I need to have Benjamin looked-after until arrangements are made.  I will come back for him right after that.  Chico said that it was okay, and that Benjamin can stay here. Mommy told Edward to tell Benjamin that he has to mind us, and not to leave the garden on his own.  Benjamin said he would be a good boy, and Edward left.  I was very happy because, now I will have Benjamin to play with.  We can share my toys, especially my new ball.

The next day was very cold so we stayed down the basement.  Benjamin wanted to play ball.  We were having a great time kicking the ball back and forth.  Then I noticed I was playing alone.  I wondered where  Benjamin was.  I told Mommy and she, Aunt Anna, Tommy and the others started to look for him.  Chico was busy, upstairs with the mailman in the building.  Mommy told Tommy to go into the building, and tell Chico that Benjamin is missing. Tommy went into the building to get Chico.  Chico was hoping that by the time they got down to the basement, Benjamin would have been found.  I went running to Daddy and told him that it wasn't my fault.  Daddy said, “don't worry we will find him.” However, 

Chico looked very worried.  We all called out “Benjamin, Benjamin” and there was no answer.  I never realized how big the basement was because we do not use all of it.  There are many doors to rooms that we are not allowed to go into.  I was told that there were monsters in the rooms, and was hoping that Benjamin wasn't taken away by one.  I remember Chico saying that he was putting his thinking cap on.  Then he said, “I believe he's in the room with Machinery that was used years ago.”  Daddy said the wall was too high even for Tommy to climb over, because there was nothing to grip on to, but there was a lot of corroded floor, and perhaps we can dig our way under.  We were on our own because the rescuer was away, and the super was gone for the day.  Just then, we heard a little whimper.  Benjamin was in that room.  I said, “maybe I can crawl in through the small place where he did.”  Daddy said no, he was afraid that I would go in and we would both be lost and locked inside.  Chico said we should start digging, and he will be back with help.  Chico opened the door, and went into the Porter's room and went out the back window.  Luckily, Chico saw the dog that is allowed to walk by himself during the day, in the backyard.  Chico told the dog what was going on. The dog said he would be glad to help, so Chico and the dog went in the window, and out from the Porter's room.  The dog went over, and helped us dig our way under the wall.  I remember thinking that this dog is a professional digger, and I was very impressed. When there was enough room, Chico went under the wall himself.  He said that it was too dangerous for anybody to go with him.  Daddy found Benjamin, who was under an old rusty chain.  Chico carefully picked up the chain with his moutth, and freed the kitty. In a little while, they both walked back under the wall together.  We we're all so happy to see that the little guy was safe.  The dog said he had to go because he heard his master calling him, and if we needed help again we know where to find him.  I thought that it was very nice of this dog to help us.  Benjamin explained that he was going after the ball, when he saw a little animal running and that he was curious and decided to run after it.  Daddy said it was natural for kitties to be curious, but explained to Benjamin that what he did was very dangerous.  Mommy looked at me to make sure I was listening.  Benjamin said he was sorry, and learned his lesson.  Mommy said we should all go up to the garden, eat some food, drink water and take a nap since the sun had come out.  The next day, Benjamin's father Edward came back to the garden.  He said their new home was set up, and that he was back to get Benjamin.  Chico said they were welcome back anytime.  Edward said thank you, and Benjamin nodded his head goodbye as they left.  Daddy said we were fortunate that Benjamin was safe, and he was hoping that this would be the start of a very good year for everybody.