Officially "Holstein", this black and white sweetheart showed up all skin and bones in early 2009, and became the first stray to wander onto the property and stick around - look what he started! He was starving, and we left an old blanket and a bowl of food on the back deck and found him there every morning until he eventually wormed his way inside as an indoor/outdoor resident. We have no idea how old he was (3-5?) when he showed up, but he stayed for ten more years.
A few short years later, he became "Uncle Daddy", taking the mantle of fatherhood and helping single mom Pooka to raise the three Nugs (Gronk, Bonk and Pita) and show those tabby boys the ropes. Jebus was ultimately the name that stuck, though at times he was also Jabby Hayes, Jeebers, Jeebs, Jib Jab and Gnarls Jabathan.
Never the most genetically advantaged feline, he took the reins of "dominant male" around the property for several years, from the passing of Bickey, until handing off to a younger and now very fully-grown Gronk. He lost teeth, and developed cloudy eyes and was partially deaf and blind.....but managed to navigate the familiar environs and enjoy his life around the property.
In his retired years, he enjoyed wandering the yard, field and ditches; befriending raccoons and possums; and cuddling with us and the other cats - he was one of the few cats that everyone got along with and/or tolerated, as if they could sense his gentle soul and simple outlook.
He and his distinctive inquisitive meow will be sorely missed. His passing reduces our feline head count back to single digits, with nine furry lives remaining to honour his nine lives well-lived.
Holstein arrives in 2009
Cuddling with Bickey
Uncle Daddy to three new Nugs!
Spooning with Miss
Straight chillin'
Watching over The Nug Pile!
Oh...good morning!
Cuddle time with the boys
Pfui!
The bottom bun in a Pennywise sandwich
A sweet old boy
Farewell Friend
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