My beloved cat John, known to many of you with whom I've played Xbox Live, just died in our basement about 10 minutes ago. He was 18 years old.
John was a legend. A 14-pound tomcat who was a ferocious hunter, with a gait and muscles like Secretariat. John easily racked up more than 1,000 kills during his vibrant, wonderful life. There were mornings in the summer where we'd find three dead animals in the yard, all from John. It was fascinating to see him stalk and then nail his prey. He LOVED being outdoors.
But he was the most gentle, warm, kind cat toward people. He always would walk toward anyone near him, with that huge tail -- I called it his Abe Lincoln stovepipe tail -- pointing straight toward the sky in a warm greeting. He would go over and talk to my elderly neighbor all the time, especially after she became a widow.
John was the cat that even cat haters loved. I had numerous people tell me that. He was my constant companion in my home office and around our yard and house since January 1996. He would talk to me when I called his name, as all of you who have heard him on Xbox Live can attest. He purred like a diesel, as most of you who have gamed with me on XBL have heard. He rubbed and buffed my XBL microphone while I was trying to game because he was just so damn faithful and loving.
I never thought I could love an animal this much. He was almost human to me. He had strengths and fears just like a human. I knew there were times he needed me and when he wanted to be alone. He worked (hunted) and played with equal, total vigor.
We've had cats before John. We have another fun kitten now. We will have many cats in the future. But there will never be another one like John for me. I will miss him deeply. But the warm memories and laughs generated by all of his wonderful qualities will prevail.
Thanks for letting me grieve a bit here. Thanks, boys.
Here's a pic of John and me from December 2011. I've always loved this pic. It was him. And it showed just how much he meant to me.
. He was definitely part of the DSP family. Sorry for your loss bro'. I'll tip my 40 for Big John tonight.
