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[Stardate 2023]
In Memorium: Willingham, born April 26th. 2000, was 7 years-old when we first crossed paths. Willie died Aug. 14th. 2014.
Do the math. It is safe to say that Willie was a full-grown cat when I first met him. Set in his ways, as I suppose I was as well. Two comfortable old farts that became companions.
And, as we warmed up to each other, we became almost inseparable with time. He was was not a lap-cat but I enjoyed snuggling against me on the sofa. At night he would sleep above my head on the pillow. U2’s In Gods Country is where Willie and me bonded.
The night Willie was euthanised U2’s The Joshua Tree‘s One Tree Hill began playing. in the background as he was being injected. Now, at at this point, with Gilean, his ‘fav’ appears to be Bullet The Blue Sky . And this is where I think of Robert Plants’ Now and Zen.
I have this ‘thing‘ for nicknames. I have had many attached to me over the years. So it seemed natural that, as time passed and we became comfortable with each other, that I ended up calling him Willie (instead of William – my wife’s preference). He then became My Boy, the elder cat .
With time, I also came to understand that he was not just a cat at that stage in his life but a mature or fully grown cat. He was an elder cat while Massie was developing into a young lad, full of energy.
It was during this time that I retired and that meant that Willie, Massie and myself spent considerably more time together. As such, our routines began to sync as we became a more constant presence in each other’s lives. Willie would settle under the desk or beside me on the sofa. Never rushed about, chased shadows or imaginary friends. That was Massie’s speciality. Willie’s gaze would often reflect either boredom or indifference about Massie’s antics.
He was Lord. End of story. Humans were around to serve him. And he was served. And loved.
Unfortunately, Willie died of kidney failure. It was unexpected and heartbreaking to agree to his Euthanasia as the prognosis was irreversible organ failure and his deterioration happened before our eyes. Death was seen as being merciful. And he has been mourned and remains a cherished memories. It is for that reason William is being profiled here as the main Cat. Top Cat in my telling of the clowder’s history.
P.S – what type of person saddles a cat with a name like Willingham?
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[Year of The Cats – 2023]
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