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A grandma repairs a wooden fence with pliers while a ruddy Abyssinian cat sits in front holding a twig in its mouth. 15 / 29

Grandma Ruth Knelt Down to Fix the Old Fence. Her Assistant Brought Supplies.

AI imageabyssinian catfence repairbackyard

A loose fence board needs attention, and Grandma Ruth has knelt down on the porch boards with a pair of pliers, working carefully at a nail in the weathered wood. Her cardigan sleeves are pushed up and her gardening gloves lie nearby on the deck. In the foreground, Copper sits tall and proud with a long twig held crosswise in his mouth, his big ears pointed up and his green eyes staring straight ahead. He looks for all the world like a dutiful assistant who has fetched exactly the right tool. Fallen leaves scatter the boards, and potted plants line the house behind them.

Abyssinians are often described as dog-like in some ways: curious, interactive, and sometimes willing to fetch or carry small objects. Many cats enjoy carrying toys around, which is linked to natural hunting behavior. Sticks aren't the safest choice, though, since they can splinter and cause mouth injuries. Swapping a twig for a sturdy cat toy is an easy fix. When doing repairs, keep nails, screws, and tools out of reach, and watch where you set down sharp objects, because an eager helper may be close by.

Copper appears enormously pleased with himself. Whether the stick helps with the fence or not, he has clearly decided he's part of the repair crew.

Every project needs a helper, and few are as serious, or as charming, as this one.

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