What makes Lars so mean?

Yes, he does look like a bobcat, doesn't he? Main Coons are supposed to be part lynx. Lars is the Old Cat. He's big. He's sweet. He drools. All he wants is love.

When he was younger, he was known as King Lars. The self-appointed Guardian of the Sidewalks. A frightened child, a squeaking puppy, a cornered cat -- and Lars would levitate across yard, fence and leg to put the hurt on their antagonist. He mistook the happy friendliness of a border collie when the dog's mere size made a little pup squeal in fear. Lars treed -- TREED -- the dog up his owner. The dog trampled about on his master's shoulders while Lars patrolled like a Yard Nazi around the man's feet. I had to rescue them both.

Another time, a neighbor was babysitting a big dog that meant no harm and just wanted to play. But the dog got too near one of Lars's cats. The little cat spat, and Lars heard it. Not only did the neighbor have to run through the yard into the alley with the terrified dog -- but Lars took a shortcut to head them off. If I hadn't stopped Lars, they'd still be screaming down the alley.

Lars has gotten old and very crippled. He walks like a turtle, hunch-backed, a sore step at a time. Poor old man.

But do not --repeat-- DO NOT attempt to pick him up or help him when his back is bothering him. The only teeth he has left are his fangs, and they're nearly an inch long. He can -- and HAS -- sent a helpful person to the emergency room. With a hand swollen up like a football.

Photos submitted by: Donna B.
Date last updated: 10/25/05