My Shredder is Alive

It’s not AI — it’s my cat Opal

Opal is a rescue cat. I got her 8 years ago, from a friend of mine who owned a farm.

The farm lady took in feral cats and used them as barn cats. It was a win/win.

The cats were spayed or neutered, given a medical checkup and shots, and provided with a cozy barn to sleep in, fresh water, and supplemental food.

In return, they kept the farm free of vermin.

Opal was not a good addition to a working farm, however.

She did not want to stay in the barn. She wanted to be with people.

Which the farmer’s daughters loved — they named her, petted her, cuddled her… and this led to her sneaking into the house and commandeering laps. While the children were charmed, the farmer and her husband were not.

Animals were not allowed in the house.

So the farm lady found another home for Opal — mine.

At the time I also had an old Collie I’d rescued, Annie. The young, active cat and the old, arthritic dog got along well. Annie was very gentle, and Opal was super playful. Opal often slept cuddled near Annie.

After Annie died, Opal often napped on her bed. I didn’t wash the blanket I’d used for several weeks since the scent…