Freddie was a beautiful longhair, brown tabby Ragamuffin with the most brilliant green eyes. He was adopted from the shelter when he was five years old, and I knew he was mine the instant I saw his picture. He came from an abusive situation, and though he was a sweetheart, the shelter workers said he would likely never be a lap cat due to his background. 



After a year of being home, Freddie decided to give my lap a try, and from that day forward I couldn't sit for more than 10 seconds without him running over from wherever he was to get in my lap. It was our favourite spot for him to be and I never took his trust and love and affection for granted.



Freddie was sweet, gentle, funny, brave, smart, and trusting. Everyone who met him loved him, and his vet said she never met a cat with such a unique personality or a cat and client with as special a bond. He loved taking the train and watching the scenery go by, peeking at me around corners until I noticed him (which always made me laugh), getting under the covers together in the winter, and sleeping against my face and purring himself to sleep. He was always chatty, quick with slow blinks, would help "clean" me by licking my forehead after I gave him a brushing, and would greet me at the door after work, running to his scratch pad to show off how excited he was that I was home. There are a million little things he did that endeared him to me, and I will miss them all.



Freddie was my best friend, and although we only had five years together, it was the most impactful time in my life. We got through the pandemic together and he made my first ever Christmas away from my family less lonely. He comforted me during a serious health scare and distracted me by being playful or his silly self. We were always together, and I hope I gave him as much love and happiness and comfort as he gave me. The memories of our unique bond, how special he was, and the impact he had on me will far outlive the time we had together.



Freddie passed peacefully in my lap at home, resting on his favourite blanket, after a short battle with brain cancer. In his final moments he was read Nothing Gold Can Stay by Robert Frost, and Warm Summer Sun by Mark Twain. A private memorial service was held on the shore of the Humber River in Toronto.



I love you Freddie, and miss you terribly. We'll meet again one day on the other side. Save a spot on a couch for us.