My beloved cat Cherie came into our lives shortly after the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001 at a time when a malaise had settled upon many of us; a shocking, demoralizing, and tragic start of a fall term at Princeton, ordinarily so infused with enthusiasm and energy. Like so many others my husband Raymond Smith and I were feeling unmoored, unsure of the future (and of the worth of writing and bringing out a literary magazine at such a time); we felt helpless to make much of a difference in the world, but it occurred to us that we could—at least!—rescue an abandoned animal and bring it home with us.
A beautiful homage to Cherie by a titan of American literature—purr- fection. She would bring you a mouse!
This has inspired me to write about my own rescue cat Wolfgang, a black cat whom I found angry-eyed and irresistible, caged in a shelter where he’d been shackled nearly a year due to (perhaps?) the black color of his fur. He follows you on Instagram (he yearns to learn to tweet in Catterel!) because his human says you’re her favorite author, and therefore the reason he’s had a lap to knead in the evenings since day one in his new home.
Thundering delight and surprise. Love the photo of you and Cherie! Love the book about the new kitten. May Cherie romp throughout eternity after balls of yarn, and catnip!
What wonderfully delightful catterel! And how deeply I appreciate it having had a number of cats, all of whom I loved and admired. But the last, Pusskin, was the one with whom I communicated most. He came when called (if he was within earshot), he was in many ways both feline and canine, and he was a companion, not just a creature to care for.
After his early death—he was only three—I was reluctant to suffer another loss and have not had a cat since.
A beautiful homage to Cherie by a titan of American literature—purr- fection. She would bring you a mouse!
This has inspired me to write about my own rescue cat Wolfgang, a black cat whom I found angry-eyed and irresistible, caged in a shelter where he’d been shackled nearly a year due to (perhaps?) the black color of his fur. He follows you on Instagram (he yearns to learn to tweet in Catterel!) because his human says you’re her favorite author, and therefore the reason he’s had a lap to knead in the evenings since day one in his new home.
Thundering delight and surprise. Love the photo of you and Cherie! Love the book about the new kitten. May Cherie romp throughout eternity after balls of yarn, and catnip!
What wonderfully delightful catterel! And how deeply I appreciate it having had a number of cats, all of whom I loved and admired. But the last, Pusskin, was the one with whom I communicated most. He came when called (if he was within earshot), he was in many ways both feline and canine, and he was a companion, not just a creature to care for.
After his early death—he was only three—I was reluctant to suffer another loss and have not had a cat since.
A lovely tribute to an unforgettable cat (though aren’t they all?)