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Morning Open Thread - Old men and Tom cats [1]
['This Content Is Not Subject To Review Daily Kos Staff Prior To Publication.']
Date: 2023-08-01
I understand old men and tom cats because I have been one or the other for many years.
To “recap”, the wife and I adopted a cat (Rascal aka. Buddy) over a month ago.
The original diary of his tail tale is here -> Hey Rascal!.
Turns out, Rascal had been a client of the vet we use. After two visits, we learned that he is 9+ years old and in great shape. All current and future preventative measures (shot updates, blood work, X-rays) were provided. Considering his age, he is certified, “fit as a fiddle”.
borrowed image just for farts and giggles.
On July 23rd, Rascal escaped the confines of our air-conditioning, balanced diet, soft beds and flea treatment home.
Rascal, the day we were introduced, June 2nd, 2023.
I tried to imagine why any creature would discard the “Lap of Luxury” for the brutal wilds in the 2023 “Dog Days of Summer”. I was at a loss for an answer.
hours before the great escape
I consulted one of my manuals. I have a good book, which contains no definitive solution. I had to think outside of the litter box.
Contains most of what I already know about cats.
I reexamined the book’s title. “Kitty Quirks” is printed across the cover. Rascal ain’t a Kitty. He’s like me and my dad (God rest his soul); old lions past our prime.
November 2012. Me and my Dad; The King of his Pride.
I was 56 years old and dad was nearing his 77th birthday in the photo above. Dad worked 6 days a week (abbreviated hours) at his residential nursery/landscape business. Sundays were reserved for golf. He continued this routine until Covid took him (in under 9 days) in March of 2020.
Dad taught me the meaning of moving forward in life and I follow his creed. That is what I believe is Rascal’s motivation. He is out in the local jungles and might explain (if cornered), “I’m just fine, thanks for asking!” I expect my Buddy will come beg for food, or health care if he needs it. Until then, a Ginger ghost slinks in the wild recesses of my neighborhood.
I’d like to add the next two lines of Dylan Thomas’s poem:
“Old age should burn and rave at close of day.
Rage, rage against the dying of the light.”
*
As time passes, this Old man and his Tom cat will trudge on (but not without a battle).
I appreciate all you lovely MOTivated followers of the Morning Open Thread. Carry on as if I am here and believe that I will be available when I return from points unknown.
* Monday, noon, update! *
Got a call from a neighbor that Rascal was begging for food at their house. The wife drove down and retrieved the cat. He’s thinner, eating and resting at home now.
[END]
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