03/12/2024
Sprocket, Barn Cat Extraordinaire
2008-2024
How can I do you justice with just words and photos? You were not just “a cat.” You were a chatty stable hand, a bossy supervisor, a fierce hunter, a fearless protector, a kind comforter, a patient and understanding friend. You were all of those things and more. You were the first “person” to greet me on a cold winter morning, happy to share the events of the previous night with loud meows and chatty banter. You were the last one to say goodnight during thousands of night checks over the years. You were proud of your hunting prowess, dropping rats, mice, crickets, and the occasional small snake at my feet with the roar of a lion, standing over his prey. You put up with children carrying you from place to place, dogs chasing you (and you never seemed to really mind,) and your fat sister crowding you out of the food bowl.
You were the last of the barn cats, sweet Sprocket. You lived a truly wonderful life of love, kindness, and adventure. For you, we installed a cat door, air conditioning and heat in the feed room, your cozy beds strewn across the feed bags. As a young kitty, you loved to climb on the rafters of the barn, following the feeders from place to place. You enjoyed sitting on the deck in a chair, watching riding lessons. You loved the horses and often sat in a stall on a chilly evening, probably telling them of all of your adventures. You were chatty like that. You always had a meow for anyone who would listen. You loved your people, and as you grew old, you enjoyed just sitting in the hay, watching life go by. And most of all, you loved a nice cardboard box to sleep in. More than anything.
You had such a great time! You lived life to the fullest! And you died there in the barn that you lived in all of these years, your special place you always returned to. Your home. You are now buried in the glade near the mares, next to the small barn. That way you can supervise everyone properly. You will be missed, dear Sprocket. The barn seems empty and lonely without your presence. Don’t wait for me at the Rainbow Bridge. Go hunting and proudly show off your prey like the little lion you always were. We will always love you. 💔
