This week’s Arlington Pet of the Week is a cat who speaks softly, but carries a big stick.
Here’s what owner, Charles, had to say about his presidential pussycat:
Teddy Roosevelt is a burly and boisterous young tomcat originally rescued by the Last Chance Animal Shelter. We found him displayed for adoption at Petco, where he seemed to believe he was the store manager (albeit with a cramped office): greeting us politely, giving us a tour, and ordering around his “associates.” He was named for his friendly bossiness, sturdy size — he’s a solid 16 pounds — and of course, his mustache.
Adapting quickly to his new accommodations in an apartment in Waverly Hills, his favorite locale is (what used to be) a serving tray/chessboard on a footstool in the middle of the living room. For this reason, the working title of his autobiography (still in draft) is “From Stray Kitty to Tray Kitty.” The choice of the ottoman may be more than fortuitous, as his ancestry appears to be mainly that of a longhaired Turkish Van.
Teddy enjoys social media (“where nobody knows you’re a cat”), and studying history, but remains puzzled as to why the Constitution failed to require feline representation in the Senate. Like his namesake, Teddy is an avid amateur ornithologist, and enjoys simulated hunting and other vigorous and manly, er catly, pursuits, such as tackling unwary visitors and leaping to the top of refrigerators.
Every morning he insists on an accompanied stroll through the building hallways to survey his domain and take a little exercise. But he also knows how to relax, and likes to spend quality time watching his favorite movie, “Eight-Legged Freaks” to prepare for another day of bug-chasing on the morrow.
Want your pet to be considered for the Arlington Pet of the Week? Email office@arlnow.com with a 2-3 paragraph bio and at least 3-4 horizontally-oriented photos of your pet.
Each week’s winner receives a sample of dog or cat treats from our sponsor, Becky’s Pet Care, along with $100 in Becky’s Bucks. Becky’s Pet Care, the winner of three Angie’s List Super Service Awards and the National Association of Professional Pet Sitters’ 2013 Business of the Year, provides professional dog walking and pet sitting services in Arlington and Northern Virginia.
