This was one of the most difficult episodes I've ever had to do, but for some reason, I had to do it. It wasn't difficult because of the usual reasons (e.g. my lack of personality and inability to speak or be interesting). It's a tribute to our cat, Dandylion, who we lost on Friday. I wish I had a Mac, so I could have done an enhanced Podcast with pictures of Dandylion, but no such luck. Below is the text of Anne's message about Dandylion. If the text-to-speech version is difficult to understand, I've pasted it here for listeners to follow along:This is June 2, 2006, and I'm very sad as I say this. My best friend,my muse, and my companion for the last 16 years died early thismorning. Dandy lion was my cat, but he was much more than that too.He was with me through good times and bad. He was with me when myfather died, when my husband Rob was near death in the hospital, andwhen I was in emotional turmoil after just having a miscarriage. Bysimply curling up to me and purring loudly, Dandy lion could make mefeel both loved and comforted. He was with me when Rob and I startedour married life in downtown Toronto. Throughout all the 16 years, hewas there, too, to share in my celebratory times. Meeting RobinWilliams, getting on Breakfast TV, having birthday party afterbirthday party; Dandy lion was always there to share in my joysAn orange and white tabby cat, Dandy lion could be a handfulsometimes! A true redhead, he had a feisty, firey temperament. OnlyRob and I were allowed to touch him, and he used to love to wrestleand box with Rob. Fighting was his true joy in life. Well, that andeating. At one point in his life, he reached 25 pounds!I never would have guessed that I was getting a cat with such apowerhouse of a personality when I got him from the pet store. Theyput this sweet little kitten on my lap. I patted him and oohed andawed at his cuteness. And then, unexpectedly, Dandy lion crawledbehind me and fell asleep in the small of my back. From then on, I wasin love!On September 9, 2003, I started my own business, which I named afterDandy lion. Annie's Dandy Note Cards and Artwork began with a simplesketch of Dandy lion wriggling playfully on his back. After that,although I painted other cats for my customers, Dandy lion was my veryfavorite subject. And he knew it too! Whenever I painted in mybedroom, he would sit on the bed and watch me or pose for me.I hope I gave you a wonderful life, Dandy lion. You sure made thesepast 16 years a little more dandy for me!Anne Abbott |
