Tiger
It was a month ago today when I came home from work and found that Tiger, my cat, had died. He had not been feeling well, as of late, but he’d shown signs of returning to his usual health and I was stunned and, needless to say, heartbroken, for he truly was my buddy.
For a cat, he was different than most. Cats are notoriously independant creatures and not necessarily ones that show affection. When they come up to you and rub on your legs, it’s not to show love but to put their scent on you and mark their territory. In other words, it’s their way of warning other cats and saying, “Hey, stay away! This belongs to ME!” And though Tiger was a rough and tough and independant alpha male, just like his owner, also just like me he had a soft side and did love to show his affection. At times, he reminded me of a dog because he would follow me around. He would always meet me at my car when I arrived home from work each day. Or when my mother and I would get home to her house after going out, here he’d come from out of nowhere to meet us at her door. It was as if he recognized my car and knew that ‘Daddy’ was home.
Though he spent most of his time outside during the day being a hunter/warrior, he surely did love his creature comforts, as you can see in these pics.
The ol’man in his rocking chair
On my bed with his sis’ Lily
He was already two-years-old when my daughter adopted him to me along with Lily. From the very first, they both wanted to sleep with me. But Tiger had this terrible habit of trying to push my book out of my hand while I was trying to read myself to sleep. I broke him of that, however, in a gentle way, and I would wake up each morning with him cuddled up to my belly and Lily lying on my feet.
I really miss him so much, as does Lily; she’s not been the same since he left us. This photo was taken right before I left on my odyssey to go meet an Anghel, and I knew that while I was gone that he would faithfully stand guard and protect our kingdom.
So long Tiger ol’ buddy, ol’pal, ol’ friend o’ mine. I really am going to miss you, even though Lily is still here. But what we had was a guy thing, and we connected in that mysterious arena of male bonding even though we were of different worlds. Go well, my friend, until we meet again, and until then, I wish you happy hunting.
