A cat story

The cat we didn't own died this week. I can't remember how Tonic sneaked his way into our affections four years ago. His owner joked that we were Tonic's god parents. We joked that we provided the cat with adult day care.

For his part, Tonic found a bit of cat-heaven on earth. We fed him expensive cat food, treats, shrimp, coho salmon and tuna. He slept on our slaps or snuggled beside us during the day. At night we let him outdoors. He went home to royal treatment from his owner who paid the vet bills and had the joy of cramming pills down a cat's throat.

When I hosted meetings of various groups in the living room, Tonic greeted each guest and persuaded at least one of them to invite him up onto the sofa. I usually didn't allow Tonic to sit on the living room furniture so he took advantage of the situation when he could.

Tonic never met a stranger. Another neighbor occasionally provided him with treets. And I heard a rumor that Tonic almost conned a cat sitter into thinking he was the cat that needed food and care.

We'll miss Tonic. He left a legacy of happy memories.