...influences that helped shape The Scorekeeper

EMMITT

Diane and I had always agreed that, after the children came along, we would never have animals in the house. Having grown up on a farm, I, for one, felt pets belonged outside...protecting the homestead...wandering the wilds...scaring the birds...catching mice! No place for a pet in the house!

So we thought...'til Emmitt showed up! Philip was about 15...going through his 'difficult time'...when one day someone stopped by the gate to our back yard...and right in front of the school kids who had gathered there to cross the street, opened the car door...tossed this cat out...and sped off. Within the hour that poor little feline had found its way into our home (can't imagine how?)...and was being cuddled and fed by Philip, Julie and Johnny. The begging, pleading, and promises prompted Diane to call me at work...explain the situation and suggest we allow our new little visitor to stay...temporarily. For some strange reason I agreed and ten years later that little 'visitor' was still around...happy...healthy...and in complete control of our home!

First things first...off to the vet to be neutered and de-clawed (no...not me...the cat!)...now for a name. Well that came easy. The Dallas Cowboys had just won back-to-back Superbowls ('93 & '94)...and as we were ardent fans of 'America's Team'...the kids chose to call this 'draft choice' - Emmitt Smith...after...of course...the greatest running back ever to have worn a Dallas jersey! After some negotiation, we settled on 'Emmitt'...and he, along with the rest of us, watched many a Cowboys game in the years that followed.

Philip and Emmitt doing homework (or scores) together!

Philip and Emmitt hit it off immediately...they understood each other. Emmitt, like most cats, was aloof and indignant...Philip, on the other hand...was patient, and kind, and understanding. Unlike the 'keep-out-of-my-way' attitude Emmitt had towards the rest of the family - he had a close bond with Philip...an agreement of sorts. Emmitt, with 'special needs' of his own (having been rejected and tossed)...related to Philip...and Philip, well...he became his provider and protector. It proved to be a very healthy and healing relationship for them both.

In hindsight, it is evident to us that Emmitt 'showed up' at a point in Philip's life when he needed 'that' most. ( People with 'special needs' children have always said that pets bring a whole different dimension to the life of the 'special' one and we couldn't agree more. Emmitt had an invaluable positive impact on Philip!)

Philip and Emmitt relaxing at poolside

Some memories...

Philip had a bunk bed in his room...he slept on the bottom...Emmitt on the top. In the middle of the night ( Philip has always been nocturnal ) we would often hear him asking..."are you tired yet buddy?...I'm getting tired...let me know when to put the lights out?" (as if...well...we won't go there!)

On one of Philip's many visits to British Columbia with Diane, he decided to buy Emmitt a post card. He filled it out...mailed it...and expressed..."boy is he ever going to be surprised when he gets this!" When Philip got home, the card was proudly displayed on the top bunk with Emmitt purring contentedly next to it! (who are we to question...?)

One of Philip's jobs (aside from score keeping) was to tend to Emmitt's litter box...in the furnace room. The routine was always the same. Emmitt would get up...head for the basement...and right behind him was Philip. Scoop in hand...Philip waited. Poor Emmitt seldom got to bury his 'business'...Philip had it bagged and in the garbage before the confused cat knew what had happened!

Philip learned early that cats are suckers for treats. When Emmitt would 'escape' and venture into the 'urban wilderness', Philip immediately grabbed the box of treats, opened the door, and began shaking the container...calling for Emmitt to ..."come and get some!" Dumb cat fell for it every time! We often use that same strategy today with Philip..."I'm going shopping...wanna come with?"..."No, I'm tired", or..."I'm watching a movie!". "There's a treat in it for you!". He's off the couch and in the driveway before you can say 'gotcha again'! ( wonder if that would work with Diane?...hmmm!)

When we moved to Newfoundland, Emmitt remained behind. He went to live with Philip' sister, Julie, who always thought he was her cat anyway. And every phone call from the east coast, and more recently, from the west coast, began with..."How's Emmitt?" He missed him for sure...but Philip had moved on...after all...he was a 'man' now!

Emmitt passed away a few months ago (he was 15). Philip's sadness was apparent...he still talks of him fondly...and Emmitt's picture hangs proudly in the Scorekeeper's room...right next to the Wrestlers...the Red Wings...and the all too scary poster of 'The Backstreet Boys'! (don't ask!).

Are there pets in Philip's future? A bear cub might be cute...I'll talk to Diane...NOT!