01/01/2021
We said our last goodbyes to sweet Solomon last night. Tomorrow would’ve been his 21st birthday. He’s been the best, most spoiled shop cat imaginable. He passed peacefully, surrounded by people that love him more than words can describe. As if 2020 hasn’t been enough... this one hits hard.
At first we called him Solomon, then Sol, then Solomander, then that got shortened to Manders. Sometimes Old Manders, but always “Sir.” He had the broadest face you’ve ever seen, massive shoulders, a super distinct panther nose and a deep rumbling purr that matched it all. He was a perfect ole’ Manders, ALWAYS ready for tuna time.
He used to do wheelies to beg for treats and pets, and I’ll just say it worked 😋. Concerned about his weight, his vet recommended we put him on a diet... Manders? On a diet? Yikes. Ok (sorry bud). He’s senior and arthritic so if it helps his mobility then let’s do it. THIS DIET WAS UNAUTHORIZED BY THE MANDERS. We stuck with it despite the protests, even placed his bowls down the hall for extra exercise, but he just. would. not. lose. weight. Then one day, it all made sense 💡 when we caught him waddling over to an open room TO STEAL FOOD from a free playing boarding guest. Manders! He had gone deaf by then, so getting after him didn’t do a thing 🤷🏻♀️. In a way, this was so perfect, and a memory of him I will always cherish. Everyone deserves to live to a point where they can’t hear anyone yelling at them and you just do whatever you want. I love it. It’s fantastic.
I like to imagine Manders enjoying an afterlife in a healthy, flexible, mobile body. He has his nice full coat back, his hearing and eyesight, all of his teeth and most importantly, all of his claws. We were fortunate enough to give him an awesome retirement, and he will always be a part of our company’s story. Manders was the boss. Since 2016, this was HIS HOUSE.
Rest easy handsome guy. Thanks for the smiles and laughs. You’ll be missed 😞 🌈 🐈⬛