There was something about the date today that told me it was important, but I could not remember why. Then I got an appointment reminder from the vet, who does not know Marigold crossed the Bridge in January, and I remembered. The local (kill shelter at the time but good now) had an excess of 300 animals they needed to get shed of, and they were holding an adoptathon on Saturday, May 19, 2007. I decided I was going to save someone–didn’t know who. I packed a cat carrier into the car, and my wife and I got to the shelter at opening time. The doors opened, and we swarmed inside. There was a big crowd. I had hardly gone inside when I saw Marigold in a cage. I knew if I passed her by to look at the others, she would be gone when I returned, so in 30 seconds or less, I said, “She’s mine!” And so she was. She was picked up as a stray in Tacoma. She was very loving and fussing. Did the paperwork, and brought her home. She was probably the best cat ever, when I think back upon all the cats that lived with us. When my wife was at home dying of cancer in 2010, Marigold would jump up on her hospital bed beside her and lick her face.

Estimated at 4 years old when I got her, she was my oldest cat when she died this past January. Relationships changed between the three remaining cats for the better. They like each other more. Maybe they appreciate each other more. Opie and Zeke were kittens when I got them, and they also knew my wife. Scooby is the newcomer. So I think back today on Marigold and hold her bright green collar. She is buried with the others back in my cat cemetery in the woods. If I call out her name, the other cats start looking about for her. I am trying not to be sad, but I cannot help it.

Marigold enjoyed supervised walks outside, so I put up some today. She was very happy outside. I never normally do “flashbacks” but today I just feel like it.