Frankie, in return, you give me the most precious thing you possess and you give it up without restrictions; “Your unbridled love.” Even as I was typing this line you came into the room holding the bear in your mouth and vocalized that special sound in wanting me to touch you. In lying down on your back you exposed your soft belly; a cat or dog will never do that unless they trust or love the person they want to be touched by. The bear is your special symbol of letting me know it represents the years between us and that it was your most precious toy that once gave me so much pleasure in seeing you toss it around when you had your teeth. Now toothless, by your actions, I realize it is your talisman denoting the love we share.
I was thinking about Johnnie, she will come running to me when I call to her, In an offbeat way she reminds me of the logo of Nipper, the mixed breed terrier, listening to his “Master’s Voice” on the Old Victor Phonograph records. It makes me wonder how many cats will come running to their keeper (not Master) when called. Unless their biological clock was working and it was food time. Yet, Frankie, as many times I’ve called to you, you refuse, even as often as you show your incessant love for me and want my closeness or touch. I know when you hear me open a can of your food your presence becomes almost immediate. I do not know which is stronger, your hearing or sense of smell. Your biological clock does not work in this instance because when I’ve opened extra food, to make sure you would not go hungry, you would at least come to have a smell and not partake of that food. Johnnie’s dry food bowl is no problem; she will hear me filling it and will almost always come to investigate or to just have a look.
In the month of May 2004, you turned seven years old, about 50 years old in the human reckoning of feline age. You and Johnnie have many toys, but your best toy is me. I hold a yard stick with a piece of twine wrapped around the edge, moving it around and trying to hide it under cushions, inside bags, or under newspapers on the floor. Your profound amusement is more than evident.
I’m sorry I do not have a video camera to record your actions and your many facial expressions. You are blessed with a great benevolence of charm, the beauty of your feline grace; and your big black saucer-like eyes betray the enjoyment in playing with the twine and your Mr. Mom. He delights in your playfulness and that of your housemate, Johnnie. Johnnie will often sit by as you go through these enjoyable antics. She waits for her turn to be played with, knowing she’s second fiddle in your cat’s mind and as well in hers.
( iii )