Feather in my Cap

I was really star struck today.

It all started this morning when I went up to see my two leg personal shopper at 4 am. He was fast asleep and I felt like he had been nice to me so I took him a present. trouble was he was fast asleep. Max told me they like to be woken up gently so I sit on his bedside table and gently tap his face. I have to tap a little harder each time until he wakes up and he is usually pleased to see me. I knew he would be this morning because of the special present.

After three strikes he woke up and I went to get the present and dropped it on his face. he was a bit spluttery but he seemed pleased and put the light on.

"Oh," he said "it's a dirty old bird feather. Couldn't you have got me a nice shining new one?"

It made me think. I was being a bit of a cheapskate so I determined to put things right. He got up as is normal and took me downstairs to let me out. Sebastian came along but Max stayed curled up under the duvet. Max doesn't like these crisp frosty mornings. Plays his rheumatism up he says.

I was hoping to find a nice peacock or something in the garden but the only person about was Christopher Crow. Now he is a very big black bird with lovely feathers but I don't think he would be the sort to give me one without a fight. Nevertheless I thought I'd ask.

"Excuse me Mr Crow have you got a feather you could spare for me that I could give to my two legs as a thank you for being nice to me?"

Christopher looked up from his pecking and turned to Sebastian who was sheltering under the planter.

"Is this guy for real? Asking for feathers. Giving them as presents. What is he?"

"A little slow in the uptake Chris but don'y mind him, his heart is in the right place most of the time."

What did that mean? When did my heart get in the wrong place? What did that do for my medical wellbeing? Had Sebastian heard something I didn't know about?

"Well funny cat. You happen to be in luck. My cousin is over from New Zealand on a flying visit and he is a mega star and is used to giving feathers to his adoring fans. I'll nip over to the rookery and get one for you. Only because I like your cheek!"

With that he was gone and Sebastian looked at me with one of his withering looks.

Before he could say a word there was a flapping of wings and down came Christopher with a fine black feather in his beak. He dropped it in front of me and looked up as if ready to peck me hard.

"Russell says it's the strangest request he's had but as he trusts me he has given this one for you. Treat it properly and never ask again!"

He disappeared leaving the feather at my feet. I picked it up and ran it upstairs to my two legs who was back in bed savouring a cup of tea.

"Where did you get that beauty Cas? That looks like a crow feather. You surely haven't been chasing them. You are a clever lad.

I tried to explain but you know what two legs are. They like to have their own ideas and there's no dissuading them sometimes.