Cats and Dogs!

How often we say things without thinking!

CATS AND DOGS!

'It's raining cats and dogs!' we cry! 'It's raining cats and dogs!'

So why not chickens, centipedes and rats and mice and frogs?

Well, all of them are valid, or were once long ago

In the days when life was simpler and the pace of it was slow.
Here I'll explain the reason why we give this exclamation....
It has to do with an ancient and quite awkward tribulation.
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The roofs of many houses were made of twigs and reeds

And, on dry days, these were enough to cater to men's needs.

But often livestock, or family pets would make their way and creep

Inside the matted twigs and grass and lie there fast asleep!

Heat from the family fire seeped up and kept them safe and warm,

But it was a different story in a deluge or a storm!

Then the roof grew slippery and soon came gaping holes

Dislodging cats and dogs..... and other creatures, even moles!

Down through the roof they tumbled, on to the cottage floor;

Sometimes there were one or two, sometimes even more!

'Look at it raining cats and dogs!' the children used to cry!

 And still you shout the same today!

Now you know the reason why.