George

Hello All,

On Tuesday October 26th at 2:12 a.m., my sweet four-legged pal George drew his last breath. George – also known as Georgie, Curious George (because he has always been the one to seek out excitement or try to answer the door), Sweet Boy, Big Boy – was definitely my cat. He slept at the foot of my side of the bed – when he wasn’t by my head, especially when it was cold – talked to me the most (we had many a colorful, meow-filled conversation) – and followed me around. He was my confidant and always knew when I had a bad day. He was my companion in the middle of the night when I wrote PhylPhacts, especially the holiday ones. So it was fitting he died in the middle of the night on the couch with me holding his paw and rubbing his head.

Bob and I made the trip to pick up the three cat brothers fourteen and a half years ago. George (named after my dad), Gene (named after Bob’s dad) and Geoffrey (we needed another name that started with a “G”, and I always loved this more British spelling) made the trip from Warrenton, Virginia to our home in Chesapeake with me in the backseat with them, holding them and cleaning up poop the whole way home! (The car ride was evidently traumatic – and memorable for me! And I am still the one cleaning up poop. Truly none of them ever enjoyed being in a car from that day forward!) It’s funny, we named them because of their coloring – not knowing that George (red and white) would always gravitate to me – Gene (black and brown with white highlights) to Bob – and Geoffrey (silver and white) is Switzerland, he moves allegiance on a frequent basis between us. These blue-eyed babies have ruled the roost ever since we brought them home. Or as Terry Pratchett, author, said “In ancient times, cats were worshipped as gods; they have never forgotten this.” Bob and I wouldn’t have it any other way! I often tell them in the mornings that I am going to work so I can buy their Fancy Feast.

George was the outgoing one of the group. He greeted people at the door and promptly dropped and rolled over so his belly could be rubbed. Bob and I joked that when we were robbed, that George most likely demanded to be petted! He loved his chicken and rice crunchy food, his salmon canned food, and treats – well, George just loved food! He loved watching the birds. He loved chasing the red laser light. He loved drinking water from the bathroom faucet, and made sure to let us know when it was time to cut the water on. He loved getting into boxes or peeking his head in a bag – or sitting on a bag if he thought he might be included in some exciting adventure! He loved sleeping under the Christmas trees. I will truly miss seeing him lying on his back under the twinkling lights and gently batting ornaments.

Headbutts, unconditional love and utmost joy. An unknown person wrote “The memories and paw prints of a beloved cat remains in our hearts and souls.” How very true.

Phyl