Hunter

February 1987 - October 26, 2007

     At first I wanted the shy girl kitten but my Husband Bob and Cousin Cynthia fell for the bold brother. He was 8 weeks old when we brought him home. He was almost named Hickory, as in the old slang, "son of a hickory." His Havana Brown heritage made him long and lean with an expressive Siamese voice; the presents he brought from his morning and evening outside runs earned him the name Hunter.

     My relationship with Bob was shaped by our companionship with Hunter since he joined our family seven months after we humans met. Twenty years later, Bob and I share memories and grief.

     Hunter dictated Meow Means Me! Now! If you’ve ever lived with a cat, you know they can dictate. He bragged about the first edition and after every book signing, he greeted me at the door and asked how many people wanted his book.

     Such a little guy filled a big space in our home. I glance where the food bowl was; Bob checks the unused shower stall where we put the litter box; my black sneakers drying in front of the heater where he stayed in his white fluffy circle trick me into expecting him to meow hello.

     In the end, his meow was strong but his hind legs were weak. It was a privilege and an honor to have had him as a companion.