October 13, 2011
With heavy heart, I am sad to report a neighborhood icon and furry friend has passed away and moved on to the great beyond. Garfield, aptly named after the orange tabby cat featured in the 70's comic strip and then popularized by television in the 80's, was as lovable and cuddly as much as he was fat and lazy. He lived a long and happy life - nearly a decade old in human years which would mean he was almost 70, if cat years are calculated the way dog years are, that is.
For the past several years, Garfield roamed around the Legacy 32 neighborhood like the king he was. He greeted new faces in the 'hood with a purr and often wrapped himself around legs, begging to be petted. He never scampered off when a child approached, instead he would lay down, sometimes in the middle the road, for a good scratch on the belly. He would not only tolerate 4-year-olds carrying him by the neck or the belly, Garfield would wait at their feet to pick him up again and again. He would find a shady spot in the center circle to watch all his kids play football or kickball. And if a stray ball came close or on occasion hit him, he would sit patiently for the retriever to give him a pat and "I'm sorries" before the game was resumed.
He would make back-door visits to other indoor pets everyday. Oftentimes his visits with Snickerdoodle, his gal pal next door, would last hours with him laying on the outside of the screen door and her nestled close on the inside of the screen door. Dont't get me wrong, we (even Snickers) knew he was a player - his visits to the calico down the street were dually documented. But none the less, his charm and gentle way would always hold strong the hearts that loved him.
Garfield is survived by many furry and human friends. He will be sorely missed. I believe Garfield knew that his end was near and his last days were spent in the manner he was accustomed, roaming free, and that his death was quick - which are all blessings. I'd like to thank the kind stranger for offering his help during this difficult time and the neighbors who prepared a quiet resting place. I hope those who came to know and love this cuddly king, especially the young peeps, will recognize his soul lives on forever in our hearts and memories.
I may have not been Garfield's human mom, but I am a neighbor who was lucky to know him for a short time, and I hope Garfield knows that he touched the hearts of many on Legacy 32.
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