This One's for Casey, Jr.

By John L. Watkins

Yesterday, Margaret and I lost Casey, Jr., our 21 year old black and white Manx cat. He was a stray in the neighborhood, probably about a year old, when we moved into this house many years ago. He looked a great deal like a black and white Manx cat from our former neighborhood named Casey who liked to "make the rounds" and get fed by many, including us. Thus, we took to calling the new cat "Casey, Jr.," and our old friend became "Casey, Sr." Casey, Jr. seemed destined to be our cat.

Anyway, it took a bit of an effort to adopt Casey, Jr. He was perfectly willing to come on the porch and accept food, but was quite feral, and was not about to let anyone pet him or pick him up. Once I finally coaxed him into the house, an almost instant transformation took place. He decided he really liked regular meals and attention, and became quite the Southern gentleman. He was always dapper -- at least until his last year -- looking like he was wearing a tuxedo. He loved being petted and purred on contact. His favorite spot was on Margaret's lap or sitting beside her on the couch.

It's always difficult to lose a pet, but losing this one was really hard. Twenty or so years is a long time to have a pet. Casey was a link to a different time in our lives, when we were young and things seemed a lot simpler.

Casey enjoyed his life and he had a great heart. You really do not expect an animal to reach such a Methuselah-like age, but he just kept on going. Over five years ago, our vet told us he probably had three to six months to live. The vet was wrong, and Casey still had great years ahead of him. In the past year or so, however, he got old and creaky, and, as old animals tend to do, just could not keep on weight despite having a healthy appetite. Even at the end, Casey's heart and spirit were willing, but the rest had just worn out. We miss him and always will.

If this has touched you, there are two things I would like you to consider doing. First, if you have been thinking about adopting a dog or a cat, do it. And if you are considering a pet, please adopt one from a shelter, or take in that dog or cat your kid brought home. We support Furkids, a no-kill shelter in our part of town. A few weeks ago, we visited its open house. I cannot tell you how many wonderful cats and dogs were there waiting for homes. Trust me, that free "DSH" (domestic short hair) or friendly mutt will make just as good a pet as a purebred.

Second, please consider giving to a shelter in your area. It doesn't matter if it is just a few dollars. Any amount helps. In these lousy economic times, the shelters are really struggling to keep open. If you need a suggestion, the previously mentioned Furkids is a great organization, as is the Atlanta Humane Society.