Obituaries

Once described as a handsome cat, our sweet boy came into our lives nearly ten years ago as a result of serendipity. Our neighbor decided that they did not want a cat anymore after declawing his front paws. He became homeless in a neighborhood where foxes and coyotes often roam. He initially sought refuge in our garage where the door was raised just enough to let in a cat and nothing else. The garage became sanctuary for him with a cardboard box and blanket for a bed and and some small dishes for food and water. As colder weather ensued, he made into a small portion of our house, because as "dog people" we were still unsure about taking in a cat. After a month or two, Mouser found a way to get our attention in the middle of the night by placing his paw under the closed door and shaking it. After several sleepless nights, we decided that Mouser would become a free range cat in our home.

The transition from outdoor to indoor cat wasn't without its challenges. Mouser still wanted outdoor freedom to come and go as he pleased. Many long nights I stayed up waiting for Mouser to come home not unlike a parent waiting on their late arriving teenage child. However, Mouser did find new benefits in his new found home. He had the run of a cool house in the summer, but could also sunbathe in driveway or back deck. After dinner nights were spent on a grown up lap in a reclining chair.

Mouser also found new taste treats. He was fond of salmon and trout. He also liked roasted chicken and turkey even pepperoni off of pizzas. He sometimes topped it off with vanilla or rum raisin ice cream for desert.

Once a firmly established resident, his midlife years were his happiest. We called him the "purr meister" for his many signs of affection. He also wore a spot in the paint on our kitchen island from all the bunting he did there showing off his "territory." Catnip was his kryptonite. Even in his senior years he would revert to his early cathood given a good dose of catnip.

Mouser's later years saw some health issues. He had a respiratory condition which required medication, and also suffered a stroke where he had to learn to walk again. This, too, required medication after this health scare, but did not deter him from living a full life.
The pandemic caused him to be more indoor like his human friends. A home office brought a laptop computer which became a prime place to rest as well as the keyboard. A new cat tower overlooking his backyard became his version of the rocking chair. On one occasion he placed his paw on the window when a hummingbird came near the window in flight in almost a gesture of friendship of two unlike species.

Our handsome and sweet boy by his unconditional love flipped the hardened hearts of "dog people." From the prayer of Saint Gertrude, the patron saint for cats, "Watch over our beloved Mouser who was a joyful blessing from the great Creator of us all. May his life in heaven be filled with joy."