When we moved to Kirkmont Drive we couldn’t help but notice the beautiful, long-haired cat that sat on a lawn three doors down. He’d greet everyone who walked past, sometimes ambling across the street to make sure he didn’t miss anyone. He’d bestow his blessing–a meow and a face rub–on each of us: human, dog, it didn’t matter. He was a fixture, a constant.
It wasn’t unusual to see a lineup of people and their dogs in front of his house, all waiting their turn for a face rub and greeting. It was a sight to see. Riley was wary but our late Little He LOVED Logan and looked forward to his daily face rubs. We all called Logan the Mayor of Kirkmont Drive and he was very much loved by us all.
But as with us all, he got old. A few years ago he took ill. His fur wasn’t as thick, he lost weight, and in the past year he rarely came out to survey his domain. A few weeks ago he made a rare appearance, meowing to get our attention. I had Michael take Riley ahead a few houses so I could get my Logan fix.
And then, last week, we turned left out of our driveway to walk Riley and saw this:
I couldn’t help bursting into tears.
Knowing how much he was beloved by our entire neighborhood, his people were thoughtful enough to let us know that his time had come.
“Affectionate and confident that we were all here to love him.”
His people also kindly gave us a place to write our memories of him.
Because we’d seen him less and less in the past two years, you’d think we would have had time to get used to the idea that one day he wouldn’t be out on our street. And of course, he wasn’t our kitty.
But as his family so aptly said, he was beloved, and by so many, I cried all the way through writing this post and cry every time I read it.
There’s a big part of me that wants things to always remain the same. For the things we love to never leave us. But of course, they do. We all must leave one day.
Logan left us last week, and our world was a little darker because of it.
Here are a few pictures from better times: two years ago:
Thank you for sharing this beautiful story….life is a constant change and it is hard to get used to the comings and goings. So glad I believe we will have our animals with us in the next realm, that brings me peace
that was so lovely – our cat is a people greeter and hangs out at the end of the driveway hoping for a pat or a cuddle. I completely understand how much you miss Logan’s love x
Oh Carol I’m getting a little choked up with this news. I had the special experience of a Logan greeting when I last visited you. He was remarkable. The neighborhood is surely in mourning. My heartfelt condolences to you and your local friends.
I’m tearing up reading this. What a beautiful cat and rare, being so friendly to strangers. His family must get strength during this time from the outpouring of love for him. Thanks for sharing.
b
Such a lovely story, even if it makes tears prick. It seems obvious that Logan’s people were with him when it came time for him to go to the Rainbow Bridge. He’ll live on in your hearts.
A loss is very personal. I think one loss brings up emotions of others losses in our lives, as well. Logan sure brought so much joy and sweetness to your life and others. How beautiful!
I like how you said, “a part of me always wants things to remain the same…” I agree. Especially as we get older, life gets lonely, friends and family leave and yet we left to ourselves. What joy this feline brought.
What a beautiful tribute to Logan – and what a special cat he clearly was. It delights my heart to know he was “Affectionate and confident that we were all here to love him.” Sending a little dose of love your way – it’s always hard to lose those who have a hold on our hearts.
A lovely and touching post Carole. We live in the City and there are few cats around. Like humans, we grow to love our animals and Logan certainly touched many lives. Isn’t wonderful that he did and that people actually stopped for their rub rather than rushing by concentrating on their own problems and not seeing the beauty around them. Thank you x
What a beautiful tribute, Carol. You don’t find many cats that are so affectionate to humans and other pets. Sounds like Mayor Logan was one of a kind.
How lucky you were to have had the privilege to know such a gentle soul as Logan. I never knew him, but your post was so beautiful, I cried as if I’d known him too.
This made me oooh so sad because we just lost our cat last week, as well. She was only about three and was a sweet, friendly favorite of everyone. It is amazing how attached you can get to your animals even when you are so busy with your real kids. Losing such a special pet is hard on everyone. Every time I think I’m okay, something makes me miss her all over again, like this post! So sorry you lost your special kitty, I do know how you feel.
What a friendly little fur baby! I wish we have our very own Logan who can greet us, that’s really sweet. I’m glad he is remembered and loved in so many ways. It’s such a heartbreaking post, but also a very touching one.
How dare those darn sweet babies just leave us too soon. Had to pause a moment to wipe away tears. There is a book called “Cold Noses at the Pearly Gates” that gives biblical references that all animals, being God’s creations, have everlasting spirits that we will reunite with one day in eternity. You’ll see Logan again 🙂
Carol – That was such a beautiful tribute to our furry friend. I have read it at least 10 times and it still makes me cry. Logan was my cat. I got him from the Humane Society one day along with his sister. I couldn’t decide between the two of them, so I got them both. He was into everything. One day he came into the house soaking wet. Someone must have turned the hose on him – perhaps they were tired of him coming into their house or eating their cat food? But it didn’t dampen his spirits – he was excited to show me how wet he was… just like a dog! And that was Logan – sure that everything he did was wonderful and required attention and praise. I’m sure that when he crossed the Rainbow Bridge he waited until he had everyone’s attention before he took a single step. God, I miss that cat!
Logan looks absolutely cute & so gorgeous as well in his look & feel. I am sorry to hear about his loss & my heartfelt condolences to you and I am sure many of your local neighbors & friends are also going to miss him!
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Thank you for sharing this beautiful story….life is a constant change and it is hard to get used to the comings and goings. So glad I believe we will have our animals with us in the next realm, that brings me peace
Donna, I’m sure Logan’s up there as official greeter now!
that was so lovely – our cat is a people greeter and hangs out at the end of the driveway hoping for a pat or a cuddle. I completely understand how much you miss Logan’s love x
You can be assured that the neighbors love your kitty like we loved Logan!
Oh Carol I’m getting a little choked up with this news. I had the special experience of a Logan greeting when I last visited you. He was remarkable. The neighborhood is surely in mourning. My heartfelt condolences to you and your local friends.
That’s right, you did. He sure was special, wasn’t he?
As a cat person, I’m so touched by your post. And I’m sure that Logan is, indeed, up there as the official greeter. Such a sad but sweet story.
Like Logan…sweet.
I’m tearing up reading this. What a beautiful cat and rare, being so friendly to strangers. His family must get strength during this time from the outpouring of love for him. Thanks for sharing.
b
Yes, he is irreplaceable. Very rare.
Oh, that’s so sad. It’s always so hard losing a pet, even if it isn’t yours. So happy Logan made such an impact on people. How sweet!
Such a lovely story, even if it makes tears prick. It seems obvious that Logan’s people were with him when it came time for him to go to the Rainbow Bridge. He’ll live on in your hearts.
Yes, we will never look at his house without seeing him there, waiting to greet everyone.
A loss is very personal. I think one loss brings up emotions of others losses in our lives, as well. Logan sure brought so much joy and sweetness to your life and others. How beautiful!
Ellen, that’s so true.
I like how you said, “a part of me always wants things to remain the same…” I agree. Especially as we get older, life gets lonely, friends and family leave and yet we left to ourselves. What joy this feline brought.
Awww. A lovely memorial. How lovely that the neighbors would let everyone know.
What a beautiful tribute to Logan – and what a special cat he clearly was. It delights my heart to know he was “Affectionate and confident that we were all here to love him.” Sending a little dose of love your way – it’s always hard to lose those who have a hold on our hearts.
Oh, I’m so sorry, Carol. I love that his people put out a book for everyone to write in. I bet there are some really special memories in there.
A lovely and touching post Carole. We live in the City and there are few cats around. Like humans, we grow to love our animals and Logan certainly touched many lives. Isn’t wonderful that he did and that people actually stopped for their rub rather than rushing by concentrating on their own problems and not seeing the beauty around them. Thank you x
What a beautiful tribute, Carol. You don’t find many cats that are so affectionate to humans and other pets. Sounds like Mayor Logan was one of a kind.
How lucky you were to have had the privilege to know such a gentle soul as Logan. I never knew him, but your post was so beautiful, I cried as if I’d known him too.
This made me oooh so sad because we just lost our cat last week, as well. She was only about three and was a sweet, friendly favorite of everyone. It is amazing how attached you can get to your animals even when you are so busy with your real kids. Losing such a special pet is hard on everyone. Every time I think I’m okay, something makes me miss her all over again, like this post! So sorry you lost your special kitty, I do know how you feel.
What a friendly little fur baby! I wish we have our very own Logan who can greet us, that’s really sweet. I’m glad he is remembered and loved in so many ways. It’s such a heartbreaking post, but also a very touching one.
Awww….I’m so sorry Carol.
Life has a couple of in and out. Whatever the things came in welcome it with all of your heart and accept and appreciate the things that came out.
Awww. Logan is there on rainbow bridge now with a host of my beloved cats as well. What a beautiful tribute to him.
I’m so sorry for your loss. I have felt the same pain a few years back, when my Stalin passed away. Hugs!
Oh, Logan you look so lovely. I am sorry for the loss, I hope you are getting better. I know the feeling of losing someone.
How dare those darn sweet babies just leave us too soon. Had to pause a moment to wipe away tears. There is a book called “Cold Noses at the Pearly Gates” that gives biblical references that all animals, being God’s creations, have everlasting spirits that we will reunite with one day in eternity. You’ll see Logan again 🙂
Carol – That was such a beautiful tribute to our furry friend. I have read it at least 10 times and it still makes me cry. Logan was my cat. I got him from the Humane Society one day along with his sister. I couldn’t decide between the two of them, so I got them both. He was into everything. One day he came into the house soaking wet. Someone must have turned the hose on him – perhaps they were tired of him coming into their house or eating their cat food? But it didn’t dampen his spirits – he was excited to show me how wet he was… just like a dog! And that was Logan – sure that everything he did was wonderful and required attention and praise. I’m sure that when he crossed the Rainbow Bridge he waited until he had everyone’s attention before he took a single step. God, I miss that cat!
It is amazing what a profound role animals play in our lives and their loss is deeply felt.
Logan looks absolutely cute & so gorgeous as well in his look & feel. I am sorry to hear about his loss & my heartfelt condolences to you and I am sure many of your local neighbors & friends are also going to miss him!
I would be that woman running in the opposite direction if any cat tried to be friendly with me. I am sorry to hear about your loss