I've been sued many times by people making bogus claims that an animal eaten by one of my cats is a "pet."

(Percy's pet cat, Milky)

Perhaps this explains my dubiousness over the merits of David Zwadyk's claim against his Greensboro neighbor and former UNC-Greensboro tennis standout, Mike Weidl.  According to the Martinsville Bulletin, Mr. Zwadyk claims that his 16 year-old cat, Oreo, was bitten by Mr. Weidl's cat, Turtle.  Mr. Zwadyk later demanded that Mr. Weidl pay Oreo's $650 vet bill.  Although not satisfied by the shaky evidence that Turtle was responsible for Oreo's injury, Mr. Weidl nevertheless offered to pay half of the vet bill.  Zwadyk rejected the offer and sued.  The case is now pending before television jurist, Judge Joe Brown (actually, the case has been decided, but the results are unknown — check local listings for airtime).

I've decided to launch a Turtle Defense Fund.  If you'd like to help, please e-mail me or leave a comment indicating how much you'd like to pledge.  My charity coordinator will be in touch.

Thanks to my Martinsville blogging pal, Badrose, for alerting me to this potential miscarriage of justice.  This controversy made the Martinsville newspaper because Mr. Weidl is the tennis pro at a country club there.