Maverick by Julie Harker

IN LOVING MEMORY OF MY MAVERICK.

They say we don’t pick our pets, but instead they pick us. I was fortunate enough to be picked by Maverick. The first time I met him I squatted down to pet him and he jumped in my lap, curled up and made himself comfortable.

Maverick was a stray cat and even though I did not take him home with me that day he would eventually come to live with me as if we were meant to be together. Maverick was my fourth cat that I had given a home to. It did not take long before he had found a special place in my heart for Maverick was a special cat. At that time Maverick ran a close second to my first cat J. C. When J. C. left us Maverick soon took his place. It was only natural since Maverick proved to be a true companion and friend as J. C. was.

Maverick was my Cool Cat. He was not whiney but he was very vocal. He had long white whiskers and one over each eye. He looked funny when he would loose only one over one eye. He was a big cat and it was often said that he looked like a black panther with his sleek, shiny hair. His size and demeanor may have shouted authority but he was just a sweet, cuddly, clumsy cat. He would try to fit in shoeboxes that were too small for him, and he didn’t always quite make his jumps to the window seal.

Sometimes he would lay in the bathroom sink and keep me company as I got ready in the mornings. He would sleep on my feet and warm them or lay his head on my pillow next to mine. He was such a personable cat that he managed to charm even my sister who never liked cats,
especially black ones.

I found her sneaking treats to him one day while he lay on the floor next to her. Maverick helped me through some tough times in my life. He filled my empty apartment with unconditional love. I wish everyone could have known Maverick. I could try to tell you stories so that you could appreciate him but he simply had to be experienced. Maverick was the last of my four cats to go.

On Thursday night he was hit by a car. On Friday, September 13, 2002 I said goodbye to my friend. It was the most painful goodbye in my life. I’m grateful for the time I had with him. I dare say I’ll ever find another Maverick.

Thank you Maverick for choosing me. Going on without you is the hardest thing I’ve ever had to do. I will miss you my dear friend.

Love,

Mama