Newspapers / The Perquimans Weekly (Hertford, … / Jan. 11, 1979, edition 1 / Page 8
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The Loneliest Cowboy It has been a sad moath for the only monkey in Per quimans County. That is what Mrs. Ola Merritt reports after one of her m onkeys die of pneumonia, at the age of 21. Mickey, the male squir rel monkey of the Snug Harbor resident, has been broken-hearted since his mate, Susie, died Dec. 10. Mrs. Merritt said, "111 never own another monkey. I would like a chimpanzee." Since Susie died, Mickey will not allow Mrs. Merritt to touch him. Before she could play with him and he would not resist in any way. The lady now has teeth marks on her hands where the little fellow has taken some offense. "Susie has always been like that, but since she died he has started being like that. I guess he figures I have done something to her," stated the white haired woman. Mrs. Merritt got Mickey about 14 years ago from the Society for the Preven tion of Cruelty to Animals in Norfolk, Va. Susie had been in the Merritt household for almost 11 years. Mrs. Merritt has always had pets. Her children, who are grown, tell her that she has to have something to "baby". She presently owns three dogs and one cat She has had rabbits as pets in her life, too. She recounts of a time when she carried her rab bit, on leash, into the Luray Caverns. Their was a sign that stated, "No Dogs Allowed". That didn't stop her from walk ing her large-eared pe|t in the place. When she V*s stopped by the guards, it was more oat curortty that they stopped her and did not attempt to show their authority. As you would guess, the rabbit wu the first of its kind to view the caverns. Jokeingly, Mrs. Merritt talks about a pact she has made with God. "'When I pray. I ask the Lord to take my pets before me. Because if I die first, my animals will be put to ideep. Maybe he's trying to -tell me something." The animals take up most of the time of Mrs. Merritt. At present, one of her dogs is near death and has to be tended to most of the day. She says she can't leave him sad she wouldn't think of carrying him oat because of hi* sickness. It is easy to tell, even after a brief encounter, that the 65-year old thinks alot of animals. She has sat up many nights caring for them as if they were her own children. The question now is if Mickey will ever regain his trust in the lady who cares ; so much for him. Or will Mickey die broken-hearted yearning for his lost love, Susie. We'll be updating our story in months to come in, uAs the Monkey Turns". Photos and Story by Tony Jordan Making Monkey Shines Enjoying a Sucker CHUCK ROAST CHUCK ROAST
The Perquimans Weekly (Hertford, N.C.)
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Jan. 11, 1979, edition 1
8
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