Looks can be deceiving, life tests us each day, dares us to raise a smile and still, I often never see it happening.

I’d like to share a short story with you. Not particularly linked to business, with only the merest reference to the practice of networking … although … well, you’ll see.

Our son moved out recently, taking his cat with him. Since then, I’d been looking out for a ‘mouser’ to join the remaining family menagerie of four chickens and one black and white dawg …

So, when a friend coincidentally called to ask whether I’d be interested in adopting her young male cat named Dave I was listening.

Christine explained that she had been recently diagnosed with a long-term illness and with a ‘needy pet’ in the house, she was finding life tough. Dave though was fully vaccinated and in good health … without hesitating I agreed, “Yes, of course. No problem and thank you!” 

I put the ‘phone down. “You’ll need to have him sterilised you know?” Came a shout from a learned, listening ear.

It wasn’t long before I was on the way with ‘our Dave’ to the local veterinarian.

“Pop him up on the examination table please.”

The next few minutes saw me grappling with Dave’s ‘front end,’ as my lovely assistant qualified the rear area for the possible procedure.

 “Excuse me, she said, I’ll need to collect a torch. Would you take hold of him for a minute?” 

Returning quickly with another assistant and the required illumination, a further investigation ensured my assistant was finally satisfied.

“You can put the pet back in the carrier please, there’s nothing we can do for you today.” 

I could see Dave was happy as I looked quizzically at my nurse …  “Your cat is female.”

Dave … is Davinia?

Needless to say … my quarter-hour journey home with Dave/Davinia provided reason to be happy for the little beast – he/she wasn’t to face ‘the knife after all.’ I’d also saved some cash and decided to maintain the boy-blue collar and the name Dave.

All in the name of the unexpected and of course a gentle nod of affirmation to the local profile of LGBTQ+ awareness.

Dave had done ‘her bit.’