Smokey - the Sweet & Gentle

Smokey - the Sweet & Gentle

(For Kathryn - the almost six years old)

Even when he was a young cat, Smokey was very calm, laid-back, and easy going. The children enjoyed holding him and cuddling him like a baby - Smokey was very patient.

Feeling frightened when he was indoors, Smokey has always been - and definitely is - an outdoor cat. Smokey is very comfortable with the outdoors, and the come-and-go-as-he-pleases walk-through garage and breezeway.

Where's Smokey? Probably on an outdoor shelf among the flowerpots and sports items; maybe on the porch curled in a chair; or on the garage work bench hidden among the clutter of a busy family; or on the garage shelf above the freezer where it's warm; or on top of the car frightened of the raccoons, skunks, and 'possums that come during the night to eat his food.

But, most frequently, Smokey is taking a catnap on the platform play area, high at the top of the children's slide and swings. You see, his ancestors, a long time ago, lived in trees; so, Smokey thinks being up high anywhere is the best and proper place to be.

There, he feels safe as he watches his kingdom, noting the comings and goings of people and critters - without being seen. You might think he is asleep, or lazy. But really he is very busy; for there is a lot of 'comings-and-goings' going on in his world that require his attention.

Never any trouble to anyone, Smokey is several years old now. His ripping, tearing races around the yard are fewer and farther between. He is beginning to look wise - as an elder should. And, even makes slightly longer indoor visits as he realizes: The comfortable, indoor world of his people is not so frightening after all... and might be just the thing for a senior, sweet and gentle, cat.

Happy Birthday, Kathryn!

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