Photo 2
In August of 2022, I lost my friend One, a black American shorthair cat. One’s adventures were legendary, both her real-life adventures in chasing bobcats and wildlife and the adventures I created for her in the world of composite photography. It ended suddenly, and the loss was enormous. After 22 years with first Nimbus, Q and then One (all black American shorthairs), I wondered whether it might be time to spend time alone and have the freedom to travel and be relieved of the responsibilities of pet ownership. This thought persisted for a few hours the evening that I lost One. The next day it was down to the Sedona Humane Society, and Katie gave me that look. The next day she came home. She is an amazing creature and can rip through the house like no other. Thanks to three cat condos in the house and the general layout, she is up on the valences, looking out windows and doors. Last week, she splayed herself over the front screen door when a bobcat walked by.
Photo 3
Her adventures are already adding up, and we are expanding her horizons through the wonders of compositing in Photoshop. Having a creature to share your life with is an amazing experience. When you share your life with a creature that has a shorter life span than your own, you are going to have loss. Do not let your grief and loss keep you from sharing your life with another. Otherwise, the loss will be all on you.
Photo 4
The photos: 1. “The Life,” is my first view every morning with Katie living the life snuggled up in the bedding; 2. “Learning From Wild Cousins,” shows her getting some tips from larger wild cousins; 3. “Getting the lay of the Land,” shows Katie relaxing in the wilderness area between the Village and Sedona proper; 4. “Feed me,” sends a very clear message. Open up your heart and home and bring a new family member home. Katie and I approve of this message!
