Rainbow Bridge Traffic

Sometimes the camera gives us some interesting effects when capturing the eyes. Ralph didn't really have eyes that look like big opals but I wouldn't doctor up this photo for anything. Somehow the jeweled look is just appropriately regal. Ralph could be a royal pain in the patoosh but, by God, he was always royal.

Yes. Past tense there. Without any real warning, something inside of Ralph broke down or wore out last night. He collapsed on the rug and wasn't able to get up. I held vigil with him, stroking and talking, until he seemed to relax enough to doze. Sometime between 12:30 and 1:00 a.m., he stretched out and groaned. As I pet him and talked to him, he relaxed again. And then he just left. Slipped away.

Oh, I'll still sense him around for awhile. That always happens when loved furkids decide to cross the Rainbow Bridge. You catch tantalizing glimpses of them out of the corner of your eye, like after-images.

Needless to say, I slept little last night. But I thought a lot about the years I got to spend with a feline character who was both sweet-natured and sassy. In one way, it seems unkind to lose him during the holiday season but in another, perhaps it's fitting. After all, he came to live with me when my friend Jack joined us for Christmas dinner and gifted me with young Master Ralph the Toddler. Thank you, Jack. He was a gift that kept on giving.

Aside from his professional role as a Mighty Hunter, Ralph occasionally deigned to lend some of his charismatic presence to my book shop. He slept peacefully in a basket or empty box until a customer came in. Then he greeted them in his own dignified fashion -- "You may worship me while you browse." -- and followed them around to make it easier for them to grovel at his feet. One of my favorite pictures of him is the one above, where he is sitting in all his fluffy glory, surveying the kingdom.

Empty boxes were always one of Ralph's favorite things. Not just any empty box, you understand. He had to check them over, each and every one. Those he deemed worthy of his patronage had to be left laying out for whatever period of time he chose to use them. A week, two weeks -- or until the corners split and spoiled the cozy fit.

I expect Ralph will have an interesting time of it over there past the Rainbow Bridge. Investigating all the interesting boxes and hunting meece and getting acquainted with the other furkids. I wonder if he will have an attitude adjustment before long. See, Ralph was never properly socialized with canine furkids and emphatically disapproved of them. Just wait until he runs across Midgie. He won't be able to resist her affection. Well, not for long anyway. He's got to hold out for just a bit to save face. Royalty, you know.