Ode to Dante
 |
| Dante plays with Mandy |
We found Dante at the Santa Cruz Animal Shelter in March 1997. We took the kids with us to pick out a cat for their Easter gift that year. I was told years later that I may have influenced the children's decision as to which cat to pick.
Dante's description said he was only 1 year old, but the vet seemed to think he was at least 2 or 3 years old at the time. If Dante was two when we got him then he lived a wonderful cat life to the ripe old age of 19. (93 in human years.)
We got to watch Dante transform from a nervous cat who licked the back of his legs so much there was no fur down the center of each back leg (like a dancer's hosiery) to a beautiful strong, calm presence.
His greatest love was Faith who died three years ago. He was also fond of Summer Fun and Mandy.
 |
| Dante on the prowl |
Dante was diligent at keeping watch over our home. He took his job as protector very seriously. He would often meet intruders head first though he was never more than ten pounds.
 |
| Meditating Cat |
Dante attended many meditation classes with us over the years. He would gently head butt each person's hand for some loving or to give the person encouragement. Many times he would sit and meditate with us for the entire class. He was most excellent at finding his center - tan tien .He also loved greeting the students as they came and left. Dante was the main inspiration behind Henry and I creating a magnificent indoor cat tree.
 |
| Dante test drives the tree |
Two nights before his passing, Dante spent sleeping on top of either myself, Henry or between the two of us. The evening before he left we had hours with him sitting on our laps.
on his last day on earth Dante chose a sunny, warm place in our garden to rest his weary bones. He laid there from some time before lunch, we covered him with a blanket after dinner. He expired with the setting sun. Always the romantic.
We are dedicating our labyrinth we created Sunday, September first to Dante.
From this day forward it will be known as Dante's Labyrinth. After we buried him in our garden our son, Dan, Henry and I lit some incense, offered our prayers and did a walking meditation through Dante's Labyrinth. It felt so sacred and beautiful. At one point the labyrinth brought the three of us together. I cannot wait to have my meditation students and friends walk this labyrinth with me.
 |
| RIP under artichoke |
We love you Dante and will miss you greatly. Thanks for being ever diligent and loving. Thank you for greeting us every day after work. Watching over us when we were ill. You have blessed us with your gentlest meow and have enriched our lives in more ways than I know. Our grandchildren will always remember you too. Your life was truly a meditation from the heart.
No comments:
Post a Comment