in loving memory of oscar patriarco

My friend Oscar died last night. I've known a lot of cats, I mean a LOT, and Oscar was one of the best (perhaps second only to his adopted brother, Skitch). He was wicked smart, really patient with younger or more bossy cats, and quite a handsome gent. He also had to overcome a lot of obstacles in his life. He was declawed long before I knew him (Dear everyone on the face of the earth, DO NOT DECLAW CATS!), which led to litter box issues. It's believed he was abused in an earlier home, sometimes when he wasn't paying attention, the sudden sight of me with a broom would scare him. He also had issues with peeing on furniture (sofas and beds). Taking all of that into account, he was still one of the best cats I've ever known, and I loved him a whole lot. He was lucky to have some really caring human friends for the better part of his life, though, particularly Leah and Laura, who were very loving and patient with him, and allowed him to grow out of a more difficult past.
Oscar, from one skinny red head to another, you were awesome, and will be missed.