A cat owner whose cat took part in an annual dog swim has attacked “crazy inbreds” who threatened to shoot his pet if they re-enter.
Renowned political strategist Glenn Druery and his cat Gus the Tonkinese took part in the Scotland Island Christmas Eve dog swim three years ago.
At the annual event, locals from the remote enclave of Sydney, home to around 1,000 people, race their dogs across 550 meters of water while kayaking, paddling or swimming.
Outsiders are also allowed to participate, as Mr. Druery previously won the race with his dog Bob in 2015. However, after Bob’s death, the strategist entered the 2019 competition with his cat, Gus.
Gus sparked glee by beating several dogs in the field.
Although Gus was a hit with most locals and viewers, Mr Druery told Chron Australia that a “crazy” minority abused him, with one man threatening to shoot Gus.
Mr Druery has decided to skip this year’s event, adding: “We’re talking about my cat here.
“I will not risk his safety for some drunk hero who doesn’t like outsiders.”
Gus the Tonkinese cat sparked joy when he hit several dogs at a Christmas swim on Scotland Island in 2019 – but one owner has threatened to shoot Gus
Though Gus was a hit with most locals and viewers, Mr Druery lashed out at some “crazy” locals
Gus beat multiple dogs in the race and was a smash hit with huge crowds in 2019
Photographer Alec Smart attended the race in 2010 and agreed that 2019 was “unkind and angry”.
The strategist said thousands attended the 2019 event after hearing that Gus would be competing against dogs.
“We were received with absolute joy. We spent well over an hour before and after the race with people taking selfies of Gus.
“It was just a wonderful, beautiful event. Most people on Scotland Island are an absolute delight and a lovely elderly lady came down with a bowl of water and some cat food for Gus.
‘She told him ‘You will need the strength to run’. It was great and obviously drew a crowd.
Despite the excitement surrounding the event, Mr Druery said he was suspicious of a small minority of locals who seemed opposed to the event becoming more popular.
“It’s just such a fun event and it seems to get such a good audience. Imagine what we could do. Imagine if Gus showed up and we were raising money for a charity. Any charity like children with cancer. Imagine that,’ he said.
‘And that small minority of community lunatics, and I think they must have gone to the anti-vaxx school of sovereign citizenship education, you know, they’re all the same, that kind of people.
“The small but loud, very loud, small minority got their claws into this event and as a result Gus was scratched.
Mr Druery has decided to skip this year’s event, adding: “We’re talking about my cat here. I won’t risk his safety for a drunk hero who doesn’t like outsiders.
At the annual event, locals from the Sydney enclave of around 1,000 people race their dogs across 550 meters of water while kayaking, paddling or swimming
Outsiders are also allowed to participate as Mr Druery had previously won the race with his dog Bob in 2015
Mr. Druery also announced that Gus’ performance in 2019 has earned him international recognition
“Look, I work in politics and I’m used to crazy people. I’m used to taking abusive emails and messages to the police and the police go and deal with these people.
“Most of them are paper tigers. Most of them are wimps. But this is my cat we’re talking about. I won’t risk his safety for some drunk hero who doesn’t like outsiders.
“I mean, these people are really from another planet, they just don’t like outsiders coming to their event.
Can all cats swim?
Dogs are known to love paddling in the water with the pooch — but their feline counterparts are probably less keen on getting wet.
But contrary to what most of us think, cats are actually all able to swim.
Big cats like tigers and jaguars are very strong swimmers, and domesticated cats are pretty handy in the water too.
According to most veterinarians and experts, every cat can swim instinctively – only most of them don’t want to.
If a cat is not introduced to water at a young age, they are more likely to panic and even drown if suddenly forced to swim.
Veterinarians recommend ensuring kittens are water accustomed early in life.
“They think they are special and are incredibly xenophobic.
“You know, if I made a caricature of them, we wouldn’t be able to understand the way they talk because most of their teeth would be missing.”
Mr. Druery also announced that Gus’ performance in 2019 has earned him international recognition.
‘Last time. Gus has been on the front pages as well as on TV and radio. In fact, he received international recognition.
“A film crew from Japan came to Australia for two days. 10 people for two days and they filmed Gus swimming, mountain biking, kayaking, you name it.
“That went back to Japan and we have a fan base over there like you would never believe.”
Photographer Alec Smart attended the race in 2010 and agreed that 2019 was “unkind and angry.”
He pointed the finger at a small group of locals who “didn’t like outsiders” and the growing notoriety of the event.
However, Shane O’Neill, who lives on the island and was part of the Scotland Island Residents Association, told the Sydney Morning Herald that the race was for dogs.
“It’s a dog race. I know it’s trying to be funny and a little tongue in cheek… I don’t think people come to watch a cat swim.
“They’ve been coming for years. It’s not just 2019, there are big crowds coming [for] a long time.’