Noticed a stray cat in front of the newspaper I worked on in Idaho, one morning. He was a squaller! Wouldn't stop talking!
It was early fall and I knew that between the temperature and the numerous stray dogs around town he wouldn't last long.
I bought a can of tuna for him two mornings, just because I couldn't stand to hear him cry.
Come Friday, I brought him home thinking I'd find a home for him.
Well, I did ... mine!
That cat was my buddy for 12 years! At times, I called him "gatofeo" as a joke (Spanish for 'ugly cat,' though he was actually a handsome animal).
Five years ago, I first entered the internet. My first attempt at entering a chat room, I discovered that a nickname was required. Well, I tried every nickname I could think of, and they were all taken.
Even tried my cat's name. No dice, even that was taken.
Then I remembered my calling him, "Gatofeo" on occasion.
The name wasn't taken.
Figured I'd use that until I thought of something else. But I grew to like the name. After all, I can assume human or feline characteristics when having fun in chat rooms.
Finally had to put that old cat down two years ago, he got so old and feeble. He was the kindest, gentlest and most loving animal I've ever known. And a real character too.
Now, I can't imagine having any other nickname.
I miss the old fur-butt. I got two cats to replace him and they're good company.
But there'll never be another one like him. He was, by every definition, unique.
