single man named Jerry had a pet cat that he loved very much.

One year, he decided to take a vacation to England, so he left his cat with his brother Dan.

As soon as Jerry got to England, he called his brother Dan.

“How is my cat?” he asked.

“Your cat is dead,” Dan said.

“Oh my!” he shouted. “I’m in shock! Did you have to tell me that way?”

“How else can I tell you that your cat is dead?” asked Dan.

“You could have led me up to it gradually.

First, you could have told me that the cat was on the roof,

But the fire department was coming to get her down.

Then, the next day when I called, you could have told me that the fire department accidentally dropped my cat

Broke his back, and he was taken to the veterinarian.

Then, on the third day, you could have told me that the vet did all he could for my dear cat

But she quietly passed away.

That way, it wouldn’t have been such a shock.

That would have been much easier on me.”

“By the way,” he continued, “How’s mother?”

“Mother?” answered Dan.

“Oh, she’s up on the roof, but the Fire Department is coming to get her down.”