Just a little tuft of fur

There it was...in the critter house on my deck.

Just a little tuft of fur.

It came from Sammy, the outside cat I’ve been feeding for almost 8 years. He has weathered severe winter storms, coyotes, serious wounds and many other health issues. He eats the food I put out, but will not allow me to come close to him. I’ve never been able to touch Sammy. I’ve never been able to hold or comfort him, something I would love to be able to do.

Last September I bought Sammy a proper house, which he took to right away. In November I put a heat lamp inside it, something he loved during the cold winter months. I was concerned about him spending the night in my yard, due to raccoons and other predators in the area. But he regularly sleeps in his house and feels comfortable doing so.

So here we are in spring…and Sammy is shedding. I found a little piece of his fur in the house the other day. I picked it up tenderly, feeling I had just stumbled upon a priceless treasure. Finally, after all these years, I was able to touch my sweet boy.

Getting to this point has been a long journey. The yard…the food…the house on the deck…the heat lamp…sleeping in the house…arriving at shedding season.

All leading to this precious little gift of fur.

Such a treasure!

Chris

Lighthearted Press

Publishing magical books for animal lovers

Memories of Mom

This was my Mom, back in her heyday.

She loved to get dressed up and go out dancing. She had this dangling charm bracelet that you heard long before you could see her coming down the stairs.

She could spray paint the heck out of anything – although back then it was called “antiquing.” I remember all the ballet slippers she painted for me, which resulted in my feet having gold and silver flecks for many days after the recital.

She was a hoot – my very own I Love Lucy. Her friend, Hilda, was my Mom’s “Ethel.” I have vivid memories of being in the car while these two sang the words to “Afternoon Delight” along with the radio. I kept wondering if they had ANY IDEA what the song was about!

I lost Mom 5 years ago to Alzheimer’s. It was heartbreaking to say goodbye to her, but knowing she was free and back to her old self brought me joy.

I suspect she’s keeping the angels on their toes. I just hope she's learned that throwing cans of Tomato Soup when you’re ticked off is NOT proper heavenly etiquette!

I think most women have a maternal instinct that needs to be expressed one way or another.

Whether your children are two-legged, four-legged, feathered, furred or grow in flowering pots on the deck, Happy Mother's Day to all you Moms!

And to my own Mom...keep watching over me, OK?

Chrissy
Lighthearted Press

Publishing magical books for animal lovers