Salem

 

Do you ever hear an idea so hare-brained you wonder, “Who came up with this?” Or, “Why didn’t someone stop him?” I learned the city of Liège, Belgium in the 1870’s enlisted the help of animals to deliver their mail. Not horses, dog sleds, or carrier pigeons. Cats. Someone with enough clout to make things happen decided felines would make good letter carriers. Liège engaged 37 household cats to deliver mail. Messages were attached to their collars, and they were released. Presumably, the cats would head to their respective homes, delivering their messages quickly and safely. One actually did arrive, in five hours. The rest took LOTS longer. Anyone with any actual experience with cats would have known what a horrible idea this was. It doesn’t take an advanced degree to see the beast who knocks your mug off the counter just to see it smash isn’t going to break a sweat to bring you your mail.