Sammy Bear - A Cat Tale

My daughter Sharon and her husband Mark had to put to sleep their beloved cat, Sammy Bear.

Sammy was a rescue cat. He was a big, handsome, long-haired cat. Sammy was not the most fastidious of cats and not much into grooming.  Despite efforts to keep him well brushed, he had to be taken in on a number of occasions for expert grooming because his fur would be in knots. Sammy would be shaved and return looking like a little alien.

Sammy Bear

He was such a loving, gentle cat who insisted on sleeping between Sharon and Mark and licking Mark to the point where to get adequate rest, they installed a baby gate to keep him on the lower level. Not liking this arrangement, like a persistent child, his cries would soften hearts and Sammy would be back in his favourite spot. 

Sammy loved Sharon but he adored Mark who returned the love. We would often see Mark playing with Sammy and talking baby-talk to him. What cat would not enjoy such attention especially after his original home was not a happy place for a cat.

Sammy started to deteriorate late last year. There were additional trips to the vet, medicine and special food until something was found that he liked and he would be stable for some time and be his old self. However, the good times dwindled. After his last shave, his fur did not grow in. He was not eating and unlike previous times, he could not be coaxed to even eat his beloved treats.  Sammy had become a shadow of himself and his bones were protruding.

It was time. On October 4 at 5:15 p.m., Sammy Bear was put to sleep. We are sad and will miss that lovable kitty.  Sammy will be remembered as a sweet-natured cat and we, his family, believe his constant licks were thanks for rescuing him and making the last years of his life as stress-free and full of love as all cats deserve.

Will keep you posted.

An Iconic Photograph

My Daughters

There is a photo of me sitting on a bed with my three daughters, Tracey, Leah and Sharon.  Tracey (three) and Leah (one) are on my left and Sharon, a few months old, is on my lap.

It was obviously a happy moment. There I am with a big afro, wearing a top I still remember vividly, Tracey and Leah all smiles, Sharon with her hand in her mouth and my arms around them.

This was one photo in a series of photos, a snapshot among many, but for some reason, the girls have always liked it. Why this one and not another? To my daughters, it has become an iconic photo to the point I was pestered to make poster size prints which I never got around to doing.  Tracey took it a step further and commissioned an artist to put this photo on canvas. I had no idea she was doing this so when it was presented to me, I was pleasantly surprised and could not stop looking at it.

My Daughters

The painting is magnificent and I have to commend the artist Ilene Sova. Details were brought to light that are not readily apparent in the small snapshot; the red barrette in Tracey’s hair, the flowers on Leah’s top, the bangle on her arm and the amount of hair on Sharon’s head.

The painting is in a place of honour in my living room and there it shall remain.  Thank you Tracey for getting this done. Thank you Leah and Sharon.  I could not ask for better daughters.

My Daughters

I look at the painting with new eyes and can see why the girls like it so much. We are all together in a loving embrace and this is how we remain.

Will keep you posted.