Despite all the happy flowers and summery weather, there has been a somber mood to the den lately. I think it's because of all the stuff going on in the world--it's making everybody sad. I'll usually snooze and purr regardless, but recently, the subject came up of dying and death.Will, Jack and Mary Lou were sitting around one evening--a rare occurrence. Will says somehow we all know when the end is near. Or, when we'll wake up in the body of a bug--hehehe--(thank you, Franz Kafka for that imaginary tale). Jack who can be counted on to twist everything into something funny, then looks at me and says when I die, he's going to have me stuffed. Before that happens since we're on the subject, let me tell you what I know about cats and dying.
There is Oscar the cat who lives in a nursing home in Rhode Island. He can tell when people don't have much longer to live and cuddles next to them. Time and again, he's been right. It's a little scary. That would be one cat I would be happy to see pass my door.
All this got me thinking, though. If I had only months to live, I would do the following:
1. Go to Trafalgar Square in London and drool over the pigeons and drop in on Whicky Wuudler, Albert the Cat, and all my UK friends.
2. Attend a bar/bat mitzvah, purr through the Holy Scrolls and later, show Jack I can dance. Cats were just made for the limbo.
3. Tour all the shelters in the US to raise money so I can make sure the animals get a fair shake, or at least get spayed. (this is my favorite)
4. Visit the Vatican and Pope Benedict since he loves cats and stay as long as I want. Maybe he'll let me ride in the Popemobile. Can you just see me through the glass? (so long as I don't have to wear a beanie or a whatchacallit with the pom-pom on top)
5. Go to my first casino, play blackjack and flirt with the pretty girls (I'm dying--remember?)
6. Finally make peace with Vinny so I won't be hanging around purgatory, then have them forget to call me Upstairs. Purgatory doesn't sound like the kind of place that would have top-notch customer service.
Now that I have my to-do list, I'd like to get started on it, especially visiting other cats around the country.
What would you do before you reach the great cat door in the sky?
--Tom
7 comments:
This is a sensitive topic because I recently lost my two feline sisters. They didn't get to do any of the fun things you mention, but I think they were happy because they were loved and well cared for.
I would love to see the cats of Rome and the Atlantic Ocean (and the whales). Also, love to swim in the river again, eat all my favorite foods (I am on a restricted diet), and spend lots of time with my family.
Your friend, Pip
I love your blog! Please visit my blog www.pipinthegame.blogspot.com
What would I do? I would try so hard to help save just one more critter, and then, maybe another. Then I could go in peace.
Mr. Pip and Brian--It is so about the quality of life, isn't it? Pip, I'd love to meet the cats of Rome, too. (I wonder how close to the Vatican they are--they have a website and I've seen them on there)
Brian, you are always trying to save animals. You won't be going through the cat door like the rest of us (Pip,too, I think he'll fit), you'll have your own key.
Bless you both. Special dreams for special folks!
My best, Tom
This is a great list... well, I am so young, I don't think about these things but I do believe you should live your life to the fullest, help your friends and neighbors and try your best to contribute to the betterment of society and the less fortunate. Every day try not to disappoint yourself by doing too many selfish stuff - keep looking outward!
Now I have to get started on that list.
You are a great friend Father Tom
Pierro--You have such good advice and I look forward to your list. I like what you said already and I think you are a special friend, too. I've never met a rex cat before. It's nice to have you read my blog and say such nice things!
What an excellent list, of course you would not need to be dying to accept our hospitality. A plate of prawns awaist you should you ever visit us Tom.
You may be a little disappointed in Trafalgar Square. The rotten authorities have, over recent years launched a pogrom on the poor pigeons there. No human is allowed to feed them now, many have been trapped or poisoned. It's a sad state of affairs and reflects on the authorities badly.
My dying wish would be for every human child to have an education in animal welfare. Getting that in place would create a very logn list.
Whicky Wuudler
Whicky, I couldn't agree more with your wish. Animal welfare should be part of a child's education. How different things would be if cats ran the world!
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