I have been thinking about the animals of Rowan County and their owners. Who has the smartest animal — dog, cat, bird, or whatever type animal you might have?

I have a smart cat. I think she knows more than a fifth-grader. She is about 15 years old and can read the weather better than the weatherman. She hears the storm coming long before I do and goes and hides in the closet or under my bed. She also can talk; at least I think she can. Says words like momma.

If it’s true most of our communication is done by body language, this cat can really say a lot in body language.

We acquired this cat years ago when we lived on the farm in East Rowan. She just came up one day. Someone left her behind from a mobile home, I think — just one of the best gifts I have ever received.

This cat can say most any word, and my wife has mastered all her body language and much more.

I would love to hear about other fine animals that do a lot of communication with humans. Please come forward with your stories. I’m so tired of politics and bomb scares, I’ve turned off the television news.

— Hugh Martin

Salisbury