A story by Richard Stubbs · September 17, 2026
Jordyn sat cross-legged on the plush rug at 7 Stichwort Lane, carefully folding a crisp piece of paper into a tiny envelope. Beside her, seven-year-old Tyler diligently drew a colorful stamp on another miniature envelope. They had just finished reading a delightful book about birds and insects sending letters across the forest — and decided Ashford needed its very own animal postal service.
The sleek ginger tabby, curious and playful — batting at a stray blue crayon on the floor.
The black-and-white cat, stretching lazily, extending his front paws with total indifference.
"The Stichwort Lane Postmen!" Jordyn declared, her eyes lighting up with sudden inspiration.
Dad Warren set up the tablet on the coffee table. Granddad Richard's face appeared on the screen, smiling brightly from his sunlit office at Waterfall Kennels and Cattery in Fourways, South Africa.
"When the Stubbs family started the kennels back in 1959, we used to joke that the dogs had their own postal service. One bark at the front gate gets passed all the way down to the back enclosures in three seconds flat!" — Granddad Richard
Addressed to Mum. Tucked gently under Joey's collar, carefully positioned so it wouldn't bother him.
Addressed to Dad. Slipped under Jack's collar, ready for its important cross-room journey.
"Alright, Joey," Jordyn whispered. "Take this to Mum in the kitchen."
Joey blinked his green eyes slowly. He had absolutely no interest in delivering mail. But at that exact moment, Mum Michaela opened the refrigerator door. The familiar click of the fridge acted like a starting pistol — Joey darted out of the living room and trotted straight into the kitchen, arriving eagerly at Mum's feet.
"Special delivery!" — Mum Michaela, laughing as she discovered the little folded note under his collar.
Jack took one step toward Dad Warren — then stopped. He had spotted a fascinating dust mote dancing in a beam of sunlight. The ginger postman completely abandoned his route, leaping up to swat at the invisible intruder, the tiny letter fluttering bravely with every jump.
Motivated by the fridge click, Joey completed his route with impressive speed and arrived at Mum's feet.
Distracted by a dust mote mid-delivery, Jack conquered the sunbeam instead — letter still attached.
"That's okay," Tyler grinned, watching Jack proudly conquer the dust mote. "He's just sorting the mail first!"
From the plush rug at 7 Stichwort Lane in Ashford to a sunlit office at Waterfall Kennels and Cattery in Fourways, South Africa — the Feline Post Office connected two generations across the miles. Granddad Richard, Tyler, Jordyn, Mum Michaela, and Dad Warren shared laughter over two very different postal performances from Jack and Joey.
The Feline Post Office by Richard Stubbs
Jack & Joey of Stichwort Lane
September 17, 2026
The Feline Post Office