The first time I met Checkers I was five years old. He was born on a farm in Newark Valley, NY owned by Clyde and Jane Tull. They had tons of barn cats, and one had just given birth to a litter of kittens. I don’t specifically remember why my dad and I were there that day - most likely we were just visiting. But for some reason, I ended up in the cow barn visiting these kittens and picking one out to take home. Checkers caught my eye for two reasons. One reason was because of his coloring - I loved that he was black and white. The second reason was because I thought he was a female and I wanted a girl cat. And so, that fall day in a Newark Valley cow barn, I met my very dear companion who would be with us for the next 18 years.
Checkers was an outdoor cat, and he absolutely loved the outdoors. He had free reign of the woods, and was always out wandering. He was sure one very tough, smart cat - otherwise he wouldn't have made it as long as he did.
He loved hunting - catching rabbits, birds, mice, insects -whatever he could get his paws on. And he loved bringing them to the sliding glass door for our approval.
He loved food. He liked pretzels and tortilla chips - I’m guessing because of the salt. Like any cat, he loved milk, cheese, ice cream and whipped cream. He loved turkey, chicken, ham, fish and shrimp. He really loved venison. Basically, he loved any food that was given to him as a special treat and wasn't the run of the mill dry Meow Mix.
He loved visiting with us inside, but really loved being outside whether roaming the woods, or resting under the hickory trees in the front yard, surveying his domain.
Anytime I went for a walk, he loved to follow me.
He loved licking toes.
He loved sleeping in my bedroom on brutally cold winter nights - he would keep me up all night as he walked all over me and licked my face. He also loved the bathroom closet for some strange reason. He had an absolute fascination with it that I will never understand.
He hated going to the vets, and would always fight with all his will to not go in the cage. I would have to don a hefty winter jacket, gloves and a winter hat no matter what season it was to get him in his cage. His claws could be brutal without proper protection.
There is so much about him to remember, so many memories that I can’t possibly recount everything here.
He has literally been with me my whole memorable life. I'm not sure how to deal with this, but am comforted that he is no longer in pain. He truly lived a very long, happy life.
He is predeceased by his step brother Mustard, whom he was very fond of.
He will be greatly missed, and not just by me, but I’m sure by all who knew him - especially Eric, Mom, Dad and Luke. And our neighbors the Canners, especially Kate, Laura and Brian who took care of him during our vacations -Kate helped name him. All my friends, especially Genna. It is truly the end of an era at 113 Allyn Road.