By Doug Draper
His name was Zeus – a noble name and one he lived up to during his all-too-short 18 years on this planet.
Zeus being his regal self, this past July 2012. Photo by Doug Draper
He was, like his Greek god namesake from ancient times, regal and sturdy, and the next time I hear a crack of thunder from the skies – rather than fearing that a lightning bolt might be aimed my way for something I may have done wrong – I will hear it as a ‘Hi’ from Zeus that was just as loud and hardy as his meow.
The Zeus I am talking about, as you’ve probably already guessed was a cat, and one fine feline at that. If you’ve followed my columns over the years going back to my employment with Niagara area newspapers, I have written obits from time to time on some of the great animals – most particularly cats – that have shared some of the all-to-little time we all have together on this earth because I believe these wonderful creatures can be, if we are wise enough to allow them a place in our lives, among the best friends we have.
Zeus was not my cat, not that anyone – as people much than me have said, can ever “have” or “own” a cat. They have their own, independent spirit, and if we are fortunate enough, they extend a paw to us, which makes a friendship with them all the more precious. As Charles Dickens once said; “What greater gift than the love of a cat.”
What greater gift, indeed.
Zeus was the gift of my friends Mike and Betty Conley, and I was fortunate enough to get to know him as a cat sitter during times when they were away on vacation over the past five or so years. He was a little reluctant to come out from wherever he was hiding the first time I opened the door to feed him. But from then on in, even if months had passed since I last saw him, there would be that super loud and welcoming meow and purr.
Mike, who was an award-winning photographer at the St. Catharines Standard when we both worked there back in the golden days when we could still do some real journalism without assaults on editorial content from corporate bean counters and the advertising department, told me a few days back he thought he could still here Zeus, who loved to do his rounds outside, scratching at the door.
You don’t forget the sight and sounds of a good buddy like that easily.
A lot of good and bad things have gone down in the 15 or so years since Mike and I, and a whole bunch of our editorial contemporaries quit a Standard that had been taken over, and sliced and diced by out of town-agents. But Zeus was always there with that vigorous, friendly purr, through both the good and trying times.
Yes Zeus, the next time I hear thunder in the skies, it will be you purring up there.
I thank Mike and Betty for sharing a few rich moments with their feline friend. And if you have a cat or dog friend of your own, give them an extra pet and hug. Our time with these wonderful characters is rich. And it passes all too soon.
(Niagara At Large invites you to share your comment on this post below.)
Niagara At Large 
Doug ,you are right about cats. They are a form of royalty , I have 2 cats in my house, I don’t own them ,they decided I was good enough to wait on their needs, I did not pick them they picked me, they just turned up in my yard and never left, summertime my front porch is visited by literally dozens of neighbourhood cats who sit and gaze lovingly at the two female felines living here. The newest cat is a beautiful long haired Siamese marked long haired Persian with an attitude of a Queen., people have for years dumped unwanted pets in Black Creek for the past 40 years, rather than take them to the humane society. Doug, 18 years is about as long as a healthy cat lives. The most annoying thing about the visiting cats, they like to leave a strong urine odour on the porch mat, so now I discourage them and shoo them off.
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Condolences Doug. I lost two dogs in 3 months in 2011, one only 3 yrs old. They love unconditionally and you can’t help but love them back.
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Sorry for your loss Doug.
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Somebody said : “A part of your soul has not been awakened until you love an animal” – and George Eliot said : “Animals are such agreeable friends – they ask no questions, they pass no criticisms” AND they give unconditional love. We just lost our family pet last year – a miniature Schnauzer, “Riggs” (named after Mel Gibson in “Lethal Weapon”) – we all cried a lot – he was 13, and his time with us went by all too quickly. He loved going to the cottage for the summer where he could run free. We have wonderful memories of our little friend and companion………so I know just how sad it is when they go. So sorry Doug.
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My deepest respect and sympathy go out to Mike, Betty, Doug and others who have had the blessings of non-human friends and family who now sadly are gone. Remember that there really are only just so many lucky humans who make good parents and friends for critters and it’s always life enriching when you find each other. I don’t own anybody but there are quite a few souls who reside with me and allow me to pay the bills that keep them happy, healthy and ready to give the most unconditional love available. Mourning the losses is the most difficult payment for what was given. Remembering their individual personalities and seeing their photographs around the house is the richest inheritance one can receive.
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Thanks for writing about my family’s special cat Zeus. He was an amazing animal and we all miss him. I’m so glad you loved him as much as we all did. What a wonderful story. Thanks for sharing.
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Doug, a P.S. to my comment ….. this piece of yours was so beautifully written with heart – thank you. A friend of mine had a cat and on the wall she had a sign which read – “My cat lets me live here !”
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Mike & Betty Conley Doug: Betty and I would like to thank you for the excellent article on Zeus. I now have nobody scratching at my front door, I miss the purring and my lap is cold because my friend isn’t there anymore. Mike
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Thank you Doug for honouring Zeus and for by extension honouring all the friendships we have with cats in our lives. Ember is 16 now and I saw him being born. It is closing in on time to say goodbye. He ahs been my friend though signficant changes and challnges. He still enjoys the spring flowers (I’m on Vancouver Island, so he will get his spring earlier than some places in Canada) but he now needs quite a bit of medical support daily. The grief has started because I never want to say goodbye. And we don’t have to, yet. To Zeus, to all the wonderful cat personalities I have known, thank you for it all. Thanks again, Doug. ~Diane
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I absolutely love the animals that I have here … yes, they choose you and you literally become enslaved in their love. I have them on my chest and I look into their eyes, a door their very soul. They are so loving too, regardless. We do a kitty count by shaking a bag of treats and then we know who is here or who is temporarily exploring elsewhere.
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