Living in the company of cats, I know to the core of my being the unique bonds and relationships which our four-legged shipmates weave into our lives.
And hearts.
They become a part of us. If we start with but the faintest scrap of humanity, they find that part of us and grow it, and they help make us better people.
An old adage: May I one day become the Man that my dog thinks I am.
Captain Rivrdog, Master of M/V Lofoten Girl, regrets to announce the passing of a crew member, SFC Snowflake. Chief Snowflake was with the Captain and First Mate for the last 18 years. Chief Snowflake distinguished his Ship’s Feline rate by his steadfast service, unflappable even in the face of adverse shipboard environments, foreign ports, hostile creatures in other ports and the worst the sea could throw at him and his crew.
Snowflake; (click for full portrait)
Do render Proper Honors to this incredible cat, and to his intrepid Captain by reading this.
Eighteen years. Well done, sailor cat. Well done, indeed.
Secure from battle stations, Snowflake. You're off-watch, evermore.
Thank you Captain, from the bottom of our hearts. The First Mate saw this post and it was the first thing that lifted her spirits since the vet came to do his task.
SG1 (Sun Gatherer First Class) Erin, daughter, is in South America, finding a way to get 3300 meters closer to the sun and learn Spanish at the same time, and I will send a link to her in email.
We had a little ceremony here. I read a short eulogy, we had a toast and I rang the ship's bell for Snowflake. When the Sun Gatherer returns, we will take Snowflake's ashes out on the River and have a proper ceremony.
Posted by: Rivrdog | June 29, 2004 at 12:05 AM
Dear Jim - Below you'll find, (if I did this right), the note I sent to Rivrdog and crew:
Dear Rivrdog - As the proud companion of two 18 year-olds, (you never "own" a cat ... they merely allow you to accompany them), I grieve along with you. I'm already seeing the beginnings of the long fade. Sail on little Snowflake. The best to you, sir, and the rest of your crew, Terry
Thank you for letting all us cat lovers to share this story. Best, Terry
Posted by: Terry Reynolds | June 30, 2004 at 10:31 AM
I just started looking in on your blog this week. I know how you feel about Snowflake; my dog of 15 years died back in the late '80s and we still grieve over his passing. Old Bart--man what a dog! You will always have the memories.
Posted by: Gene Pool | June 30, 2004 at 03:38 PM