Good-bye, Rebel

My beloved dog, Rebel, passed away peacefully at home on November 11, 2017. Rebel was my loyal companion for nearly 14 years. There are no words to describe my grief.

Good-bye, Oprah

My sweet tortoiseshell cat, Oprah, died from a poisonous spider bite on Columbus Day, Oct. 9, 2017. I managed to kill the widow spider, but my Oprah was already gone. She just happened to pick the wrong spot to sleep for the night; apparently, Oprah was in the spider's way, when the arachnid decided she wanted out of the floor vent. What terrible luck for my sweet girl! I was simply horrified.

Good-bye, Locksley

On the morning of August, 16, 2017, I was shocked to discover Locksley's lifeless body on the floor, apparently the victim of a heart attack during the night. I still can't believe my Locksley, formerly a feral cat, is gone, especially so soon after Harry's death. It's been rough. Nevertheless, I am grateful that I just happened to take an interesting photo of Rebel and Locksley together on the last morning of my tuxedo cat's life. One thing for certain, Locksley left me with many good memories.

Good-bye, Harry

My elderly cat Harry passed away on July 23, 2017. I'd been trying to prepare myself for his inevitable demise since December 6, 2016, when he gave me a scare. But Harry must've had more than nine lives--or else he simply loved his life and stayed as long as he possibly could physically. He had been a great tree climber in his younger days, and he was my dog's favorite cat, his buddy since the day he arrived in our yard years ago. With one exception, the occasional black bear visitor, Harry was always fearless; he never allowed the neighbors' dogs to chase him off his own deck and, when it came to other cats, our yard was his domain. By the last year of his life, Harry had even overcome his fear of black bears, treating them with total indifference. Harry was most certainly a cool cat. 

Good-bye, Mikey

My beautiful Himalayan, Mikey, passed away on August 30, 2016, approximately two hours before her scheduled vet appointment. After waking Mikey that morning, I got her cat carrier ready, and returned for her. But after saying something to me, Mikey positioned herself in a flying Superman pose (front paws straight out, hind legs straight out, and tail straight out); Mikey seemed to make herself as comfortable as possible, and welcomed death. She passed away quickly and peacefully. I have never witnessed anything like it. Mikey was a very unique cat and, needless to say, she is missed.

Good-bye, Tonto

Tonto, who was only three years old, passed away two weeks ago, on June 21, 2016. Although this sweet black cat was FIV-positive, he died from liver disease, rather quickly. Tonto had been a happy, playful member of my household a little more than half of his short life. He is survived by his mother, Belle, his brother, Catsby, age 3, and two half-siblings, Walden and Petula, both age 2. 

Good-bye, Ginny

On March 7, 2016, my four-legged girlfriend Ginny, the mother of five kittens who turned eight years old yesterday, passed away. My household simply isn't the same without her presence. But since Quentin inherited his mother's coloring, I am always reminded of Ginny, who was the last surviving member of the original feral cat colony in my neighborhood.