A couple of years ago, some friends of ours, Tony and Jane, began feeding a stray cat who had somehow wandered to their isolated property in the hills west of the city. Their own cat hated the newcomer and refused to let him inside. But he was sweet to humans, and eager to be petted. When Tony and Jane heard reports of coyotes in the area, they talked to us. We brought the cat home, and, in honor of our friends, named him Tony. Unlike most of our cats, who define their territory as upstairs or downstairs, Tony ranges over the whole house, and sleeps at my feet almost every night.
Tragically, our friend Tony died a week ago today in an automobile accident, just as he was about to retire. Tony the cat has been wondering why he’s been getting extra attention ever since.
That’s so very sad. My condolences to you and his family.