Ninja Cat!

A long time ago, in a childhood far away, I remember watching Mark and Ringer (my two cats at the time) stalking the same squirrel. Ringer was a social cat, not too concerned with developing his skills as a hunter. Mark, on the other hand, loved hunting. We put TWO bells on him, and he still managed to bring critters home. Watching the two of them, you could immediately tell just how much better a hunter Mark was. Whenever the squirrel looked away, Ringer would scurry forward until the squirrel turned back, like they were playing a silent game of Red Light/Green Light. Mark, on the other hand, would lift his foot. So when I saw Ninja Cat, I thought of him.

Rest in Peace, Ringer

Ringer, my friend and cat for 18 years, had to be put to sleep late Saturday morning. We adopted him 18 years ago this month at the age of three months (I was eight at the time). He was the kind of cat that made you want to have a cat, even if you weren't particularly fond of cats. He was a trusting, loving soul that left an impression on all who met him. No matter where I went or how long I was gone (hours, days, months), he was always there at my parents' house to greet me when I came back. There are so many stories, so many memories. He lived as full a life as a cat could ever expect and then some, and he was loved through all of it. A true blessing.

Five years ago this month, he had a stroke. We pulled him back from the brink, and he made a full recovery. Every moment after was a miracle. It reached the point where it seemed that he would go on forever. But a blood clot robbed him of his ability to walk (he was already showing symptoms when I saw him on Sunday). He stopped eating. This time, I could not save him. All I could do was hold him, say goodbye, and end his pain. It's hard to say goodbye to something that's been with you for 3/4 of your life. But when I saw him Saturday morning, I knew it was time.

Rest in peace, Ringer. I couldn't have asked for a better cat.