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R.I.P. sweet kitty

My sincerest condolences to TTWS friend Simon N., who explains his video thusly:

My cat died on May 9, 2007. I must confess a small part of me thought he'd live forever. He was always a mystery, arriving on our doorstep one day in 1992 and deciding this was his home - we didn't have a say in the matter. In his own quietly persistent way he became part of the family and 'the drifter' that blew in on our doorstep became a much loved family pet. Although he never did quite play by the rules. We could never decide on a name for him - which seemed to suit our transient friend just fine. He was forever more just called "Pussy" and he didn't mind one bit. He had no time for a collar, vet appointments nor even comfortable indoor living - he was his own cat and loved the outdoor life. For 15 years he endured the coldest winters, rain, hail n' shine and spent every moment in the great outdoors. Attempts to domesticate him were hopeless - even on the coldest winter evenings I'd place him on my bed and invite him to stay the night. He'd curl up, purr and enjoy my company yet as soon as I turned out the lights to sleep he'd be at my door insisting to be let outside with a pitiful meow. Of course I'd let him out and he'd disappear into the night to do what cats have to do - it wasn't my business. His days were spent in our garden - sleeping and exploring all its corners, hidden spots and loveliness. He truly loved that garden and found comfort in its safety. He honestly could see the beauty in flowers and the natural aesthetic of nature. The garden was his and he spent nights fighting neighbourhood cats who dared enter his domain. He endured a bite out of one of his ears after a particulary fierce battle - but even that didn't faze him. He was tough but loyal to those he loved and for some reason he loved me the most. I don't know what he saw in me but I felt the same way about him. I like to think in our hearts we were both 'drifters' who found an anchor in each other. When he passed I dug a hole in one of his favourite places he used to sleep in the garden. My mother collected flowers and we placed them in the ground with him and laid him to rest. The next day the tree overhanging his tiny grave dropped all it flowers and orange petals lay scattered where he rest eternally. It was beautiful and fitting for our garden loving cat. This video is a tribute to my friend "Pussy" - the original Mother Nature's Son.

Comments

Thanks Liz - I'm touched n' proud as punch my cat is a TTWS post! Simon x

A very nice tribute to a sweet cat. (I just watched the video for the first time today - been busy with a new job the last couple weeks).

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About

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Liz Spikol is senior contributing editor of Philadelphia Weekly. She writes the award-winning column The Trouble With Spikol, which began as a chronicle of her struggle with mental illness, and has since expanded into humorous musings on everything from graphic novels to how to use a mop. She also writes the paper's book review column, Lit Gloss. This blog -- named one of the Top 10 Bipolar Blogs of 2007 by PsychCentral -- is about mental illness policy, news, personal journeys and more.