Time for a Report from Willow and Commander

Not much has been happening these days at the White House with the First Pets, Commander, the dog and Willow, the cat. But we sneaked into the First Family’s living room where the pets get together each day and share their adventures. We record these for our blog because they are very insightful from a pet’s point of view, and they provide entertainment when the news is slow—like now. W is for Willow, the cat and C is for Commander, the dog. 

C: (As Willow arrives at the fireplace.) Well, you finally made it. A little late for our evening conference, I might add. 

W: Oh, get off it! I have been given specific orders as to where I can go in the House and sometimes I forget and an employee picks me up to put me where I belong. I have to be careful where I walk around here, especially as I am so curious. I got a little lost tonight.

C: Watch yourself girl. Lots of Secret Service around here and they could think you’re wearing a threatening device on your collar inserted by a spy, and you’d be hauled into the FBI or sitting at the Congressional Hearing table to answer why you were there.

W: Oh, I’d like that. TV screens, reporters hanging on to my words. I’d be sitting in a witness box, all attention on me; right up my alley. I really think I’m the purrfect ambassador for all the pets in our country. 

C: How do you figure that?

W: Look how I was found. I jumped on a stage in Pennsylvania on a platform and ran toward Mom Jill when she was campaigning in 2020. I had been a barn cat—really a boring job compared to this one—and I ran to Mom Jill, and she cuddled me. So, my farmer owner said I could go with her. I found my destiny!!! I’m better than a barn cat! I’m now an ambassador.

C: I heard you’ve been sitting on the press secretary’s desk and taking naps there. Aren’t you distracting her?

W: Nope. She’s never there. She’s always at a podium giving press conferences so I keep the office humming. People walk by and give me a nice little pat on the head. It calms their nerves so I’m doing good for them. The other day I wandered into the Oval Office and met the Prime Minister of India. He said I am so cute but in India they revere cows. Imagine that!! As a former barn cat, I detest cows!! I gave him my surly look and sauntered away to Pop’s side.

C: Speaking of Pop, I also heard you’ve been sneaking up on him as he sleeps and placing yourself right on top of his head. What gives with that?

W: Have you no heart man? Pop is almost completely bald, and nights are cold in the White House. I am the only hairpiece he has, and I keep him warm. Plus, I purr. I do my part for the country. So, he rests peacefully.

C: I’m still upset about the lawsuit filed against Homeland Security because of me, Willow. Remember? Last April they tried to say Homeland Security was hiding aggressive behavior on my part. I’m still pouting over that.

W: That is the craziest thing I ever heard of, Dude. No democrat is safe around here, not even the dog or cat! The non-profit Judicial Watch throws a lawsuit against Homeland Security saying they tried to cover up aggressive behavior on your part!! Aggressive behavior?!  I think that is on the same level as Putin. Sorry buddy: you are no Putin!

C: How should I handle this false accusation, Willow? I take my job to serve and protect very seriously. I do not believe in aggression. But I will defend Pop if anyone attacks him or Mom.  

W: Come to think of it, I could be called before the Intelligence Committee because of the phone calls I hear at the secretary’s desk. But I would just sit there grooming my paws as they blathered on and on to me. I’d be like pleading the Fifth. There is only one way to handle this, Commander. Stand straight. Chest out. Head up. Ears pointed. Show them you’re the boss, the commander. You can outrun any of them; you can wrestle that wannabe wrestler of a congressman to the ground. You can be proud of your calling: the democratic companion and guard to the leader of the free world and the not-so-free. 

C: Thank you Willow. I needed this pep talk.

W: You betcha, Boogaloo. Now I’m off to the solarium window, the place the press says is my favorite here at home. I’ll be back at bedtime. After all, Pop needs a warm head for the night. See ya then.

Reflection

Sometimes it might help us to see our immediate world the way our pets see it. Leaders are humanized by the way they treat their pets: letting the furry creatures sleep on their heads or wander into sundry offices to sneak treats from staff lending a presence of God’s care and creation in the most solemn and serious environments. 

Maybe we can be that way for others with whom we live and work. Think about it this week as take on the fullness of summer hopefully with a four-footed companion to lighten the way.

(The facts written here are authentic. Judicial Watch opened an investigation of Commander last April. Willow did attach herself to FLOTUS during a campaign visit in Pennsylvania and her favorite place is the solarium in the White House, naps on the press secretary’s desk and sleeps on President Biden’s head at night.)