We have a stray cat in the neighborhood. Tux has been around since before Alexander died. I looked out the window one day and told Earl that Al had gotten out. A closer look revealed that Tux’s white on his nose extended above his eyes, while Al’s stopped at the top of his nose.
I tried to pick Tux up once and was ripped to shreds. He is truly feral, probably a dump from a college student. We got to know each other last summer when my neighbor asked me to feed her horses for a few days, give a hot dog to a fox (bad idea) and to give Tux some kitty fud. I would stroke his thin body, and discover his wonderful purr. Tux and the foxes had a deal where they left each other alone.
Right now, Tux is frightened of the foxes. They are pretty aggressive in protecting their kits. Mr. Fox watches my neighbor, Marylynn, when she gets near their den under her hay pile.
Tux has been coming up to our back door. Another bad idea, because Matthew may start doing the carpet again, as he did when another stray cat came close to the house. Marylynn caught her, and she lives inside now. I’ve been bad in taking Tux a little of Tipper’s dog food. It might as well go to a good cause. Tux enjoys it when I sit with him when he eats. He likes pets while he eats also.
I wrestle with the idea of a cat coming close to being fox food, but Tux is a part of the ‘hood. I don’t want to catch him and send him to a rescue. I like to see him sleeping on the hay in the barn. I just hope he will do his job as a mouser, stay safe and enjoy a little food on the Angel Husky.
See the photo gallery for a picture of Tux.
Mary,
I am Earl’s cousin, Carol Childs Martin Whiteman. Earl’s family has never kept up with me, so please don’t think I am taking their side. I read your postings and my heart goes out to you. I don’t want a service for my funeral either and I am sorry that Earl’s mother turned materialistic. My mother, Dorothy Childs-age 85, is an alzheimer’s patient, but she was always close to Earl and his sister. I have sent Christmas cards to you in the past, I hope you remember. I just want you to know that I am an animal lover, my daughter is a Vet-tech and Earl’s father took me many time to his vet clinics and his office at CSU and in Laramie Wyoming.I last saw Earl in Laramie. I just heard today (Dec 1 2009) that Earl passed away in June. No one in the family told me. I found it on the internet because my hobby is genealogy and you and Earl are on my family tree. I send my deepest condolences and I want you to know that I grew up with Earl and greatly admired him.I went through years with him that you didn’t see…he was a strong young man. His parents babysat me as a child. I always wanted to meet you, Mary, and I’m sorry I never did. I am 63 years old and live in Fruita, Co.I am about to move to Longmont where my daughter lives. Do you still live in the family homestead Ft Collins? I remember going there when Earl’s grand parents lived there and I, too, attended Csu. I hope I hear from you and I hope you know that I cried tears for Earl today.
Carol Childs Martin Whiteman