A Man-Sized Pet

"A Man-Sized Pet" by W. C. Tuttle is a humorous short story written during the early 20th century. The narrative follows the light-hearted antics of a trio of men—Magpie Simpkins, Tellurium Woods, and Bantie Weyman—living in the rugged wilderness of Sleeping Creek as they navigate friendships, fears, and the challenges of life in the wilderness. The story centers on the peculiar topic of pets, particularly the unconventional choices of animals that the men keep or encounter, leading to comedic and unexpected situations. The plot unfolds in a cabin where the three friends gather for a game of cards, during which their distinctly different personalities come into play, particularly Bantie's timid nature in contrast to the more boastful Tellurium and Magpie. A dancing bear and a wolf contribute to the chaos, prompting Bantie's refusal to play with a live menagerie. As the story progresses, Bantie adopts a playful gray kitten, resulting in a series of comic misadventures with the other men and their "man-sized" pets. The humor escalates as misunderstandings and animal antics culminate in a hilarious chase, ultimately conveying themes of friendship, bravery, and the whimsical nature of companionship in the wilderness.