25 Comments
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Miss DP's avatar

Thanks for sharing this story, and I agree about the debate of allowing domesticated cats outside -- they enjoy it so, but it sure shortens their lives..... our neighborhood recently came together to raise money for a injured cat that no one seemed to claim... . He's perfect..... a neighbor took him in and sees that he is fed, but we feel ownership. I occasionally see him when I walk. I love community. So much a part of living well.

Kate Walter's avatar

I loved this piece. Brought tears to my eyes. Good photos too.

Ed Koenig's avatar

I admit it. Tears are rolling down my cheeks. As a current cat dad of three and dozens of others over the last 30 years, I felt you were telling my story. Contrary to popular belief, cats are not aloof. Mine always greet me at the door when I come home as if to say "thank goodness, you're safe." I will always be grateful for the love and comfort I received from my cats when my partner passed in the early days of the COVID pandemic even though I could tell they were also grieving. It's cats like Marshie that keep us grounded in the chaotic world we are currently navigating. That's a blessing.

susan long's avatar

So touching —and to see the love for animals celebrated in this beautiful neighborhood brings joy!

Eileen Vorbach Collins's avatar

What a wonderful story. Every neighborhood should be so fortunate. I was once host to a similar sociable cat. Any attempts to convince Butch to be an indoor cat were in vain. No one family could ever call him theirs. He went were he was needed.

Kasia Nikhamina's avatar

This hits so close to home! Love to Marshie and all his people!

Jill Swenson's avatar

Some things you can't keep. Marshie was one of them. Great story.

Tina Sado's avatar

With tears welling up reading this beautiful story, sounds like you captured his furry soul perfectly.

Amie McGraham's avatar

A gorgeous tribute to a remarkable feline. I feel as if I have known Marshie for years.

Amanda Le Rougetel's avatar

This brought tears to my eyes. Reading about Marshie sparked memories of every cat I have ever loved. Such creatures they are; we humans are merely their staff or caretakers (never owners). Thank you for loving him, Deborah, and helping him live his life.

Ellen Hoover's avatar

What an amazing cat, and what amazing people live in his neighborhood! Marshie’s two caretaker families should be sainted, and the rest of the neighbors made junior saints. So good to read about caring humans. Thank you ❤️

Sharon Senkiew's avatar

Such a great story! RIP Marshie💔

Shari's avatar

Love that the neighborhood gathered in numbers .. surely Marshie would’ve loved that! Sweet remembrance. Animals do make the world a kinder gentler place.

Heidi Fettig Parton's avatar

Wonderful. And those two drawings, the cut out and the chalk drawing, are amazing. RIP Marshie.