With the pandemic behind us, many of the habits we picked up during that time have carried over into everyday life, especially working from home. For some, this shift was fairly smooth, but for others in more hands-on jobs, it came with a few unexpected twists. Take news reporters as an example.
We all remember that famous BBC News interview where Professor Robert Kelly’s children hilariously barged in on live television. But now, there’s a new video that’s equally heartwarming and amusing.
Meet Jeff Lyons, a weatherman for 14 News in the U.S. During the pandemic, Jeff, like many others, had to transform his home into a fully functioning studio. He set up a green screen and all the necessary equipment in one room to keep delivering the weather forecast. But on top of presenting the weather, Jeff found himself playing the role of cameraman, sound engineer, and director all at once. Talk about wearing multiple hats!
However, as Jeff quickly learned, working from home doesn’t always go as planned. One day, while he was presenting the weather, his curious cat Betty decided it was her time to shine. Like most cats, she wanted attention and wasn’t shy about making herself part of the broadcast.
In the middle of his report, Jeff ended up cradling Betty in his arms while continuing with his job. The sight of Betty, snug and content, stole the show. The moment was captured on video, and it wasn’t long before it went viral, gaining thousands of views and shares.
Seeing how much people enjoyed Betty’s appearance, Jeff began including her in more of his weather reports. Betty, being the independent spirit that she is, didn’t always follow the plan. Still, she became a regular guest on the show.
Jeff, with a sense of humor, shared one of their broadcasts on Facebook, saying: “Co-Weathering with Betty. Two hams on the screen and a little ham on my fingers made it work…at least for a while. Why do I get the feeling I’m performing tricks for the cat instead of the other way around?”
In another post, Jeff poked fun at the unpredictability of working with animals: “W.C. Fields famously said: ‘Never work with kids and animals.’ I should heed that advice, but I think I’ve been replaced. Maybe the better quote is ‘Claim victory and depart the field.’”
Though Betty is now a star, she isn’t always eager to step into the spotlight. Like any cat, she prefers doing things on her own terms. Jeff joked about her reaction to fame, saying: “Even with all of your kind comments, Betty doesn’t seem to be handling her newfound fame very well! Of course, she’s 10 years old, so she can be a little crabby when I put her out of her comfort zone… but then again, aren’t we all?”
These poor kitties were rescued from an animal cruelty case where they were starved, locked in cages with inches of feces, and received no water or food. Now, these cats need your help!
Despite her diva moments, Jeff has even managed to film a Q&A session with Betty for her fans to get to know her better. While she may not always play along, Betty’s presence has undoubtedly brightened many viewers’ days.
The video of Jeff and Betty has continued to bring smiles and laughter to people, reminding us that even in unexpected situations, there’s always room for a bit of joy. We can only hope that Jeff and his beloved co-host, Betty, keep delivering the weather in their own charming, purr-fect way.