MY NAME IS GARFIELD THE GREAT

.......and in many ways I was a model cat. At seven years of age I had boundless energy and limitless curiosity about the world about me. In brief, I enjoyed life and the discoveries it enabled me to make. But it would have been a different story had it not been for a remarkable man named Donald Barr of Barnesville, Maryland.

Y'see, I and my siblings were born wild in an area more rural than urban and we were discovered by Mr. Barr after our mother vanished while our eyes were still closed and we were tiny. Had it not been for the love and dedication of Donald Barr who nursed us and bottle fed us and found us homes, we would certainly have perished or been eaten by some larger animal.

Garfie as a baby

Some humans might feel that we felines aren't worth the trouble to save but I am certainly appreciative of those who try. You gave us more than a chance, Mr. Barr, for the love you gave to us is the love we now share with the humans who adopted us.

You called me "Pounce" because of my particular style of locomotion and, after my siblings found permanent homes, I was left and continued to live with my foster brothers and sisters in the household. When I was a 'grown-up' of eight weeks I decided it was time for me to go out into the wide-wide world and see what I could see and that is how I finally met my adoptive human mama to whom I am both family and friend. You are, Mr. Barr, a hero.

Not everyone gets a chance in life to rescue people from burning buildings or pull someone from the jaws of death. And yet there are many unsung heros, leading quiet lives and doing what may not be easiest for them but which is best, even necessary for another. In this self-sacrifice there is true heroism. No medals are given or awards presented and yet the impact on the lives of others is often profound and far-reaching.

Thank you, Donald Barr, for your love and for my life.

Postscript:

I have read that the well respected and lifelong resident of Barnesville, Maryland, Donald Barr, passed away in April 2008. The animals have lost a true friend and the like of Mr. Barr will not be seen soon again.

Hurricane Wilma destroyed our home on 24 October 2005. Much of Broward County, Florida was leveled or badly damaged. As a result of this catastropic storm we have lost our beloved Garfield. This is my letter, my memorial, to my old friends.

Little Garfield, cobby fellow of portly demeanor, you have been gone a long time and yet I still dream of you and will always miss you. In my mind I see you as you were once, long ago, in Barnesville; a scampering little fellow, white with black stripes, dropping a red ball with rainbow stripes at my feet. I remember how you loved the feather kitty-ticklers and could pluck one in record time searching for the birdie. When small, you had a fetish for collecting eyedroppers and hair clips and dropping them down the drain of the bathroom sink. I suppose they are still there in that far away house even today. Once I put you on your leash and we walked all 'round Trudy's 'L' shaped veranda. It began to rain and you hopped onto the rail and wanted to admire the porch Christmas decorations and got mad when I finally, bedraggled and wet, carried you inside. There were so many firsts....first snow, first holiday season. You gave me new vision of small ordinary things by lending me your kitten eyes with which to view life. How could I tell you how big a change you made in my life? After you, nothing will ever be the same. Nor would I wish it to be.

Wait for me at the Bridge, little friend, and I'll be along shortly......

Love,
Your mom

Links

Garfield's mom

The wrath of Hurricane Wilma

Read the aclaimed "Day in the Life of a Cat"

Garfield's Cat Care Page; If You Love Us