My Ode to Leo

Kitty treats all around! Six years ago today Dr.MI and I set out to the humane society in Madison and that is where we found Leo. I was not convinced I was going to get a pal, I was just going to look. Well, there sat Leo with his paws pushed up against the Plexiglas of his cage... In the visiting room, he was full of the jump and love technique, lots of playing and lots of purring. I was sold.

Over the last six years Leo and I have had to come to some agreements... I have been duly trained to let him outside at least once a day and thank God he has been trained to stop meowing when he doesn't get what he wants (Dr.MI can testify- the first year with Leo was no easy feat.)

Prior to life with me, Leo was a vagabond. He was mangy, he had flees, and well lets say this: there are a few young Leo's out in the world. He was footloose and fancy-free. To his defense I have to say that he adjusted well to being the man of the house where ever we lived.

Over time he has started to cuddle more, to talk- his vocal range is amazing, and to not only sleep with me, but on top of me in the winter. He is a very affectionate cat to a select few. However, he is not unfriendly to strangers, either. He is well known around the neighborhood- he offers many people a chance to pet him and play with him. I think he has a specified route through the neighborhood where he visits his favorites often.

Leo and I have been through some tough times. There was the time when he was bleeding profusely from his nose while we were visiting friends in Chicago- the vet bill wasn't fun, but considering I thought he was going to die- I was elated when he recovered. There was the explosive diarrhea and stomach problems. There was the kitty-napping where Leo was transported to another part of the city. There was the large gash in his side he came home with, and the infected paw. There was Inga and there is Nora. And finally, there is Leo wanting to let us know while we were in Hawaii that he was having fun roaming Chaska. All harrowing, but worth it in the end.

To conclude these are a few of my favorite things about Leo:
-I love how, before he jumps up on the bed, he makes a little sound to let you know he is coming up.
-I love his jump and loves technique.
-I love the adoring gaze he has just for Jff and I.
-I love his athleticism and handsomeness.
-I love his dedication to making sure we always have 'fresh' meat to eat if we wanted.
-I love how when I had the wonderful fortune of meeting Jff, that Leo considered it his good fortune as well.
-I love how Leo sits with me while I shower and do the laundry.
-I love how Leo is committed to getting a lick of any dairy products and has the sounds they make while being used cataloged in his mind.
-I love how he comes when I call him.
-I love his torpedo sleeping position.
-I love the occasional black whisker and the black spots on his lip.
-I love that he allows belly rubs.

Well, I could go on and on, but I won't... Leo is just one special dude. I hope he and I can celebrate many more anniversaries together.