Fathered by a Southeast side alley cat, Chihiro needed a home. A yellow tabby without a whole lot going on, he nevertheless instantly captivated Caitlin, who was six or seven years old at the time. We tried our best to keep him inside, but between five kids opening and closing doors and, in his later years, grandchildren doing the same, we never quite succeeded.
He spent his days roaming the woods behind our home having all kinds of adventures. He gave us 18 years of companionship. When we were with the vet on our back deck saying our final goodbyes, a huge buck came to the edge of the yard as if he was offering his respect. The mice, voles, and rabbits may be sighing with relief, but we will always miss him.