Jazzy cat is a whole ‘nother kind of cool ass house cat. Black, sleek, and curious, she is more my kind of feline and female. She doesn’t ask for too much, and she warns you at least once with her tail before she goes for your eyes or a little blood. Most of the time she is just playing with me, keeping her left jab and right hook in shape, and it is pretty obvious I am one of her favorite human beings. Another plus. This black cat looks good, keeps her weight down and assumes a stately pose even as she ages (16). In the last couple years Jazzy was forced to fight off a new cat competitor, a cohabitating young punk kitty from San Francisco named Crispy. Crispy is all about dominance, intimidation, the Benjamins and of course revenge. She lives to make Jazzy nervous and like Jason or Freddie Krueger in the horror movies she enjoys sticking her fully clawed paw under Jazzy’s door as if to say, “I’m coming bitch!!”  Unlike Jazzy’s Zen posture and peaceful approach to life, Crispy Cat lives to gain advantage and personal bragging rights, and can often be seen actively plotting Jazzy’s demise from the other bedroom. Honestly I think Crispy always had it in for Jazzy. It’s like they are in some epic competition between good and evil like Khan and Capt Kirk from Star Trek, Simon and Chubby the feuding mini-dachshund brothers, Alexander Hamilton and Aaron Burr, Israel and Iran, Ali and Foreman… only this is more like Ali (Jazzy) having to duke it out with a young George Foreman in his current debilitated condition. It isn’t a fair fight as Crispy has age, weight, a sneaky temperament, and a stunning arsenal of sharp hand-held weapons. Also, unlike Jazzy, Crispy still has all her teeth and when she opens her mouth it looks like miniature Great White shark. The best thing to do is keep the bedroom doors shut and a spray bottle full of water close by. We know Jazzy’s time is limited. Nobody wants to admit she might be on her last cat-litter and turd encrusted leg. Regardless of my lifelong allegiance and identity as a dog person, I have to admit my special fondness for Jazzy Cat. When she goes I’m going to really miss her.

June 3, 2014 Epilogue: While I was talking on the phone tonight with Rebecca, Jazzie Cat died lying next to her. Now it’s time to cry…..and remember her forever.