Willkommen! Bienvenue! Welcome!

Rosemary 19.01.2008
The cats and dogs were amazed when Wolfgang von Rottweiler told them what the pilot had said, and they all crowded round the basket for a closer look. "Oh look how tiny she is" they said, as they all looked at the little eisbärbaby lying asleep in the basket. "I think we will need some help to look after her - she's just a little baby" said Rocco. Luckily they were very near to the zoo by now, and some of the animals were able to borrow a zoo wheelbarrow from a friendly Tier-Pfleger. They carefully lifted the basket into the wheelbarrow, which had "Bären" written on the side. "That's lucky," said Harry "if we look for a sign with "Bären" written on it, in the zoo, we might find someone who can help us look after little Flocke here".

So taking turns to push, with one cat or dog on each handle, they carefully pushed the wheelbarrow along the zoo paths. They went past the penguins, the elephants, the hippos, and saw all sorts of different animals. At last they came to a place where there was a big lake, with a sign next to it that said "Eisbären". That's good, they all thought - we must be in the right place now. And out on the island in the middle of the lake were four very big polar bears.

"I wonder where Knut is," said Yamuna, looking around." Oh look, there's another sign", and round the corner there was another enclosure, with a water ditch in front of it. There were lots of people with cameras, and several were wearing scarves with a polar bear on it. "This must be the place" said Fry, very excited, and sure enough, on the other side of the ditch was Knut!!!!!!!!

They crowded around, standing on each others' shoulders to get a better look, and then they all called out to him "Hello Knut!" He looked over towards them and waved his paws in greeting - then he called out to them.

  Foto: Christina M

You must be my special guests - I've had an email from Mervi on my knuputer to say you were coming to see me! If you go to that door round the corner that has "Baren" written on it, and knock, someone will let you in! I'll see you all in a minute!"
So they pushed the wheelbarrow round the corner, and sure enough, there was the door. They knocked, and the door was opened by a tall man wearing combat trousers, who had a ponytail and a gold earring. "Hello everybody" he said kindly "please come in - Knut has told me that you are his visitors!"
So all the cats and dogs went through the gate, pushing the wheelbarrow. The tall man said "What have you got there?" and they showed him the tiny eisbärbaby in the basket. "She's our friend, but she's very small, and we think we need some help to look after her" said Bodhi. "Well you've come to the right place", said the tall man "I know just how to look after little polar bears".
"Oh that's so good" said Oso.

Then Knut came through the gate from his cave. They were amazed to see how big he was: his fur was very white, because he had just been swimming, and very thick and fluffy. He said to the tall man "Do you think we could have some refreshments for our guests please? Like some croissants, fish and meat - I'm sure they would like a drink as well!"

So the tall man with the combat trousers went out, and then came back with several buckets of food, and some special milk for Flocke, and they all had a nice party with Knut..............

Doro II  20.01.2008 12:36
After the party Knut invited the pets into his pool for a swim. Only Delilah made a fuss: I’m not prepared to ruin my looks for a bit of fun, no sir. Ha-ha, you’re just afraid of water, snickered Lila. Come on, don’t be a spoilsport. Haughtily, Delilah shook her head and climbed up a tree. Alright, said Samson, you just stay up there while we’re having fun in the moat. Knut let them play with his various toys and didn’t even mind when Herr von Rottweiler and Rocco started tearing up his favourite jutebag between them. All the pets jumped and dived, splish-splash, having the time of their lives. And the sound of the waterfall was the perfect background music to their antics.
Finally it was time to say good-bye. They all went back to the inner courtyard to fetch Flocke. They looked through the window - what a sight:
Flocke was blissfully asleep in her basket, making soft nuckering noises, and the tall man with the ponytail and the golden earring was gently strumming his guitar and singing to her:

Sweet princess, you came in from the cold,
And your name is a joy to behold.
May you prosper and thrive,
Have a worry-free life.

Then he looked up and smiled his brilliant smile. She’s such a darling, he said, and while I was watching over her I took a walk down memory lane. She reminds me of our early days Knut, do you remember? I used to sing “Devil in Disguise” to you. You were indeed a little devil. But I loved you dearly, and still do. I will always love you no matter how big you’ll grow. He then lifted the basket into the wheelbarrow and went outside to meet the crowd. Knut, he said, it’s time to say good-bye to your visitors, time for them to go home ...

Doro II  21.01.2008 11:30
Big hugs and kisses ensued all around. A last cheer to the King was raised, and then Knuti picked up his mobile which he had hidden inside his natural tutu (don’t tell Uncle Marcus - he’s still looking for it!) and called a cab. And don’t you send us the idiot driver who thinks he can speak German, he insisted. After a while, a taxi pulled up. It had been magically enlarged to accommodate them all. It was good having you, said Knuti, drop by any time you like. He then conjured up a small parcel. Food supplies for the journey, he said, I’ve tucked away some of Uncle Ronnie’s delicious sandwiches. He has plenty so won’t miss them. At least I hope so. And take good care of my future bride!

All the pets piled up into the taxi, and Knuti raised his paw for a last farewell, brushing a tear or two away. And the troupe drove off, past a row of attractive ladies who were waving their Knut scarves, past the Elephant Gate through the brightly lit streets of Berlin.
Next stop: Fireside Café, shouted the driver, I need a pick-me-up! The pets were getting restless. I want to go home to my red-headed mummy, cried Miffe. Having taken his medicine and feeling full of energy, George tried to calm him down. Stop wailing, he said. We’ll get you home soon enough. Knowing your mum, she’s peeking at Knut’s blog anyway and won’t miss having you around for a while. The door opened, and out rushed the tall fuzzy waiter with the cute ears, carrying a tray with the most delicious smelling food. Come on in, he said, I have a surprise waiting for you inside.

Sarah (London) 21.01.2008
Amidst all the noise and singing (well, out of tune squawking and squealing as well as the yodelling from Wolfgang von Rottweiller whose voice was especially deep), a loud tap at the door was just heard. The pets turned around and some even put down their food and gasped to see two more guests at the party, Knuti and TD (it had taken a while to persuade Daddy to give him a lift but Knuti had made sure he was especially white, clean and DRY so as not to spoil Daddy’s car seats).

To avoid recognition during the journey, Knuti had take the precaution of wearing a Chelsea football cap, huge sunglasses and a Knuti scarf (with thanks for the loan of this to the elegant lady whose name Knuti has forgotten temporarily – he does promise to return it and the scarf does smell especially good – something called French perfume). Knuti apologised that he had not had the chance to bring anything to the feast – well apart from a half eaten totally yucky onion which Eva quickly threw in to the fire.

Extra chairs were found and glasses raised for a final birthday toast before TD reluctantly looked at his watch and said that they had better head back to Bearlin Zoo before there was big trouble and someone noticed that Knuti was missing.

Rosemary  21.01.2008
Meanwhile back at Mervi's Fireside Cafe, the party went on and on - there was lots of eating and drinking, yodelling and dancing until the small hours....eventually everyone was quite exhausted and went to find their beds in the Luxury Höhles, which lived up to their name! Never had anyone seen such luxury - jacuzzis, steam rooms, massages by your own personal Pfleger: it was wonderful! And the beds - such lovely bouncy mattresses made of luxury holzwolle, with green Kuscheldeckes in every Höhle!

They all slept like logs. In the morning everyone got up, and the animals took their owners on a tour of the Zoo, still pushing Flocke in the wheelbarrow. So Linda, Sarah, Allyson, Doro II, Luisa, Eva G, Rosemary and Catherine, and probably lots of other people - count yourself in if you would like to (many apologies if I have forgotten anyone - I have lost count of the animals!) got to see the zoo for themselves, something they had never dreamt they would be able to do. Luckily Captain Yeoman was there to show them round!
After a tour round the zoo, they went to see Knut's enclosure again. There was a great crowd of attractive middle-aged ladies with cameras there as usual, all dressed to the nines and with perfect make-up, just waiting for Mr Right to come along!

Dr Schule just happened to be passing by on his bicycle at that time, and he was very surprised to see all those cats and dogs in the zoo. "That's unusual" he said, "I only get to see Plumploris, Pinguinen and Elefanten usually, and zoo animals like that, and yet here are all these cats and dogs! Hello everyone, I'm a vet!" he said in a very friendly voice.......
OH NOOOOOOO - they all shrieked, and all ran away round the corner! Dr Schule shook his head, and said it was often like that when he went to his friends' houses and met their animals, and he continued on his way...........

Eva Gregory  21.01.2008
Miffe, being the fearless cat of Mervi (fearless like her Mutter Mervi) stepped out from behind the tree and introduced himself to Doc Schuele. Doc Schuel stopped, looked back and got a big grin on his face. Too often he does not get to meet animals being a Vet, but this one brave cat came forward to say "Hello!" Miffe looked back at everyone and said "It's okay, he's harmless, he has no needles or funny looking instruments on him! Come and meet him."

One by one all of the animals slowly stepped forward to say "Hello!" The friendlyness of the animals brought tears to Doc Schuele's eyes. He said "You must all be special animals to be so brave and friendly." "I'll bet your Mutters are Knutians, too!" They all said in unison "Yes! How did you know?" Doc Schuele just smiled and said "I have never met a Knuitian that was not friendly and caring." He asked them where they were headed and they all said "To see Knut!" So . . . he said to take care and enjoy the Zoo Berlin, got back on his bicycle and off he went.
 

Doro II 22.01.2008
Doc Schüle was cycling faster than the wind, running away from the fast women of Berlin ...
Had all the animals stepped forward to greet Doc Schüle? All except one. Delilah was up on a tree hiding. As usual, I might add. Chicken, cried Wolfgang von Rottweiler, barking like mad, for once forgetting his role as leader of the KFA and acting like an ordinary dog. We need to get her down pronto. They looked around seeking help, but none came. Their mommies had gathered around to watch TD feed the coatis. I’m thinking of buying hubby a golden earring for his birthday, one of them said. Doesn’t it look awesome? Pulling a wry face as if he’d just bitten into Knuti’s onion, Dr. B. who happened to be passing was heard mumbling something like “long oily hair ... attractive ... wild herd ... out of their minds ... le zoo c’est moi ...” but the ladies weren’t paying him any attention and went on admiring ... ahem, the coatis. I think I saw Prince Charming riding past, another lady exclaimed. My, isn't he tall! And look at his cute ears ... *sigh*. The pets had completely slipped their minds, at least for the time being.

So, we’re on our own, Floyd said. Does anybody have a rescue net? I’ve brought a spare Kuscheldecke, Harry said. That will do, Herr von Rottweiler said. Pluck up your courage Delilah, and jump! Delilah stayed put and started shivering. I’m so afraid of heights, she claimed. Looking down makes me feel dizzy. I've come up with the perfect solution, Miffe cried. Do you remember Dr. Ochs and his tranquilizer gun?? Somebody go and fetch him. Yikes! Delilah squealed, you can think again. I’m not having my effing tushie or any other part of me used as a pin-cushion. Hold on, I’m coming down in a minute.

They went round to the back door again, and knocked on it. "Hello again - what's the matter?" said a friendly voice, and there was Onkel Ronny looking at them all in surprise.
"It's Wolfgang von Rottweiler - Dr Ochs zapped him, and now he's out cold" said Delilah, looking a bit worried. "Never mind", said Onkel Ronny "he did that to me once, and I was fine - come on in", and all the cats and dogs and their mummies went into the bearyard. All the mummies were thrilled to bits to see "hinter den Kulissen" - there was the bike, the old Maraen Bear Muschi and her cat Mäuschen, and all those things that they had all seen in those Abendschau videos....it was so nice to be there!

Just then there was a beeping sound. "Hold on a minute - it's for me" said Floyd, rummaging around for his mobile. "It's a text from my Dad, Shane. It turns out my mum asked him what we could do about getting home eventually, and he has been down to Worthing beach in England which is covered in planks of wood at the moment, and he is building a magic boat to sail us all home - won't that be fun!!" At the mention of the word 'magic', Wolfgang von Rottweiler started to wake up. "Where am I?" he said (as you do)
"Oh good - he looks a lot better", said Yamuna. Wolfgang von Rottweiler unwrapped himself from the kuscheldecke and climbed out of the wheelbarrow, he was a bit wobbly, but ok after all. Onkel Ronny said "That's better - oh look, here comes Onkel Marcus, let's see what he has to say.................." 

Linda  23.01.2008
 "Oh, Ronny, I'm so glad I found you, it's time for us to clean Knut's enclosure. Everyone must leave the enclosure right now!".
Upon hearing this, Wolfgang, who had managed to clear his head, commanded his troops "KFA members, you too Delilah, it is time for us to leave Knut's enclosure." Delilah refused to budge from her perch in the tree. Bodhi stepped up and said "I'll get her down. I am a climbing expert. Just ask my Mom. I'll have her down in a minute." Bodhi stood on his hind legs and sprang into the tree. Delilah was so surprise (and pleased, for Bodhi is a very handsome Tuxedo cat) --- she stood on all fours and sweetly purred to Bodhi "I'll follow you down; I didn't mean to be sooooo much trouble". Bodhi smiled, he very much admired Delilah's British accent. "No problem, any time".

Now all the KFA members and their friends were together, as were their Knutian Mothers, all gathered just outside Knut's enclosure. All of a sudden Rocco spoke up. "Knutian Mothers, not to be rude . . . we KFA members (and friends) know how much you all love Knut and want to see him BUT this is OUR adventure and we want to finish OUR adventure so would you please go home!"

One must forgive little Rocco, he was having the adventure of his lifetime --- finding his 'roots' here in Germany and meeting all the KFA members and King Knut himself. Having his Mother there (sorry, Catherine) was putting a damper on all his, and the KFA's fun. "Yes, said George, that's a very fine idea. "Here, here" chorused Fry and Lila and soon all the pets joined in, agreeing with Rocco's suggestion.

"Oh", said the Knutian Mothers in unison. "We did not realize we were imposing". "What is it that you want to do? How would we be in the way?" No answers was given to their questions --- the KFA members just looked at each other and then at there Mothers and then back at each other.

Never being one to dawdle, or to stay were she wasn't wanted, Catherine immediately contacted Captain Yeo, and the Starship Knutiprise was there in an instant to return the Knutians Mothers to their respective homes. After somewhat tearful goodbyes the KFA members, and friends, were once again alone in Bearlin.

"Now we can have some fun" said Rocco smiling happily. "What should we do first? I've always wanted to travel. Where should we go first? I've heard of the Black Forest? It sounds a bit scary . . . " "Oh, said Oso, I am interested in some night life. How's about a cabaret? . . . Oso started singing under his breath "I love the night life, I've got to boogie . . ." "Oh, no, not a nightclub," said Yamuna. We have baby Flocke and little Star, surely we can think of something that we would all enjoy" . . .

 To Chapture VI