Gidja was a feral cat who started hanging out on my front porch in winter of 2009. One day, he turned his head towards me, and it was clear he had a bad abscess over one eye. I set a live trap with sardines and caught him. I took him to the vet, where his abscess was treated and he was neutered.
He lived in my studio, and it took about a year before he'd sit in my lap. At first he'd just walk by me and glare. He always looked a little angry. At first, he had strict rules. I could only pet him three times, and only from behind his ears to his shoulder blades. If I didn't follow these rules, I'd get swatted. Over time, he became my "velcro" cat - wanting to be in my lap all the time. He and Pumpkin (his companion) had beds on the table next to my computer, where they would nap while I worked.
I know he was at least 16 years old, and maybe older. He was a loyal friend and is missed. Every day.
A shout-out to Carolyn Croll, who provided advice and encouragement to me, when I first brought Gidja home and didn't know what to do.
