I'm sorry to report Magpie, a member of the family for the last 19 years, has passed away. Her sister,
Audrey, passed away last October, so, sadly, we are now cat-less.
Magpie was affectionately known alternatively as the "dat" and the "cog", because she was the most dog-like cat I've ever met. She'd come when you called and was always there to greet you when you came home. She was an incredibly friendly cat, apparently unaware of the distain upon which cats are supposed to hold the world.
Her dog-like tendencies didn't end there: Despite her cat-like interest in climbing furniture, once in a precarious position, she demonstrated a dog-like (lack of) grace, frequently getting stuck in the most awkward positions (I remember her hanging awkwardly on some draped speaker wire when she missed her footing; or dangling in a curious position on a clothes drying rail as her impoverished trapeze skills succumbed to the laws of gravity).
She had a spirited youth, too. I submit my scarred feet as evidence to the court ... I made the unfortunate mistake of moving my feet in my sleep and she would pounce upon the wiggling bed sheets with glee. But this spirit was matched with an incredibly friendly disposition, always welcoming both us and house guests with great affection.
She was a wonderful cat, clearly a product of Rachel's years of doting care. Magpie and Audrey Ann were Rachel's constant companions, especially important through those years of my commuting to Milwaukee. Magpie was smart, loving, and engaging (much like Rachel, now that I think of it). We will miss her sorely.
