The scratch marks up the corner of our house were the work of Jacky Cat. He had five fingers, a brilliant mind, and loved to climb the house. Sad news greeted me upon my return to Western Mass. A few months ago Jack (or MittenHanz as he was often called) disappeared. This is fitting in a way, as he came to us a stray out of the forest. The night of his disappearance my mother remembered hearing a brutal struggle outside our house. That's not uncommon in these parts, in fact, Jacky was often the victor in these little rows. Now it seems he may have met his end.The culprit is unknown. Last night we heard screams that almost sounded like the wails of a Fisher Cat outside our house. This beast of the forest is a known threat to our domestic animal friends (and to others as well). We also have numerous Coyotes afoot (though I still haven't captured one on film). So we are left to speculate. My mom seems sure that Jacky has gone to glory. Though it is possible, giving his rambling ways, that he has simply left us to go on another great earthly adventure. Someday, he may even be back to say hello.
Either way we are left to celebrate the life of this wonderful Animal.
