Spike 2002-2018

“Until one has loved an animal a part of one’s soul remains unawakened.” — Anatole France

Part of Jennifer’s and my soul was unawakened until we adopted Spike last Nov. 25. He was discovered through an online ad in the Augusta Chronicle. Jenny fell in love with his face and when I read “He is sad at the shelter,” my heart just broke. Spike made a seamless transition into our three-cat household and enjoyed his new role as alpha male of the group. (He also gave J‘Adoube somebody to chase.) Although he was only with us a short time, he left indelible memories in our minds and little footprints on our souls. His fatal illness — liver cancer — may have been incubating when we adopted him but it seemed to come on quite suddenly, his ultimate decline happening in the space of a week. This morning, around 4:30 a.m., he died in Jennifer’s arms, well-loved to the last. Now he goes to romp with Fasolt, Mr. Bit, Shadow, Rascal, Tiger and Christmas in that big rumpus room in the sky. Thank you, Spike, for the gift of yourself. We are much the better for it. Portrait by Jennifer McKee.