Doc has passed, but will never be forgotten. Rest in Peace, my friend.
Doc has only ever had one thing (and one thing only) that made him exactly alike all of the cats his human companion has ever had: he was from a Humane Society, specifically the Milwaukee Humane Society. In every other way he is unique, if perhaps not in the humours he shares with his species, then in the degree to which he feels them; if not unique in the plain facts about him, then unique in their presentation in him. This is true not just of his character, but of some of his physical aspects as well: despite a large frame, he has a (relatively) small head, for instance. Or, for instance, his purr: higher in pitch than any others but also extraordinarily expressive; at times almost the point of feeling as though one might be able in fact understand his seemingly interrogative queries and contented declarations.
He was also, surprisingly, not the kitten his soon-to-be Companion first had his eye on; the soon-to-be Companion was, when he first entered, at first more interested in the coal-black kitten sharing temporary quarters in the "meet’n’greet" visitor’s room with the young Doc and many others. However, the moment Doc came over, his Companion knew he was the one. From the very first, Doc proved himself the best possible ambassador his species could ever have asked for. Even as a kitten, he was as gentle as he was playful. As he grew into his adolescense, he did, as many cats do, lose some of that playfulness as well as his kittenish "newborn’s naivete." What he has never lost is the gentleness; his willingness to give the whole of his love without hesitation. Though he is almost 14 now, when he was younger and still healthy enough to do so, Doc’s first instinct was very often to "flop" (that is, pretty much fall over to one side or the other) once someone, especially those to whom he became close, bent down to gave him even the slightest attention. Frankly, it often took only a long look in his general direction. He is to this day, despite his current illness, disposed only towards giving and receiving affection.
Scott Oldfield at Congress Connect:
DRIVELIVE BRINGS IT TO LIFE
Scott Oldfield and Pat Martin of TriShield Consulting will present short videos on safety compliance at Congress Connect. Live demo topics will include braking systems; cargo securement; wheels and tires; registration, weights and inspections; and trailers and lighting. See these safety professionals in action!
More information at LOcongress.com. Congress Connect participation entitles you to view presentations for a full year.
