RIP Action Cat Frodo 2005-2024

02/06/2025

Thank you to whoever left white flowers at Jerome’s mailbox.

02/02/2025

Today is the first anniversary of Frodo’s death and funeral. This date will continue to be remembered throughout the future.
https://facebook.com/story.php?story_fbid=332929189730669&id=100090407722897

09/22/2024

This would have been the 19th birthday of Frodo.

05/27/2024

In other news, RIP Kabosu, the Shiba Inu of Doge fame.

The Shiba Inu who inspired the viral Doge meme passed away on Friday at the age of 18.

05/26/2024

On Friday the 31st of May, 2024, there will be a memorial to Frodo held in St. Louis, Missouri. More details to follow.

02/04/2024

“Rest In Peace, Action Cat Frodo, born September 22, 2005, died February 1, 2024, about 7 AM (Central Standard Time), Buried 7 PM. There will be a public memorial service in my back yard at his gravesite at 5 PM on May 31 (the 16th anniversary of his sister Shevek’s disappearance).

Frodo had hyperthyroidism and probably died from organ failure resulting from that condition, though his vital signs were fairly robust. On the morning of February 1st, he had no appetite and could not walk straight. He called out to me, and when I picked him up, he died in my arms, after giving me two death growls. He chose the time and place of his death—, in my arms.

Ryan Butler dug his grave, and we buried him with his harness, collars, and all his tags. I noted that I planned to donate 30 days supply of his medicine that I never got a chance to give him to the 10th Life Cat Rescue for Geriatric Cats. Frodo lived all 9 of his lives and I hope I can pass on his 10th life to another. Ryan played at my request ‘The Old Walking Song’ by the Tolkien Ensemble, sung by Frodo’s namesake in The Lord Of the Rings, “The Road goes ever on and on, down from the door where it began, now far ahead The Road has gone, and I must follow if I can…”. Then Ryan read ‘The Rainbow Bridge’, and noted that Frodo has his tail back!

The next morning, I greeted my 17 and 1/2 year old cat, Odo, the way I greet my cats every morning: “Frodo, Odo, where’s my cat?” to the tune of Elizabeth Cotten’s ‘Freight Train’. Odo jangled her bells the way Frodo always did, his way of letting me know where he is, because he knows he that I can’t see. Odo never did that before. It was her way of mourning.

I played ‘Freight Train’, and sang along to the music. “Freight train, freight train, runs so fast, freight train, freight train, runs so fast, please don’t say which train I’m on, they won’t know which route I’ve gone.” I tell Odo that Frodo’s on that Freight Train across the Rainbow Bridge, and we’ll all meet again there.

[Note: In the original draft of The Lord Of the Rings, Bilbo’s heir, Bingo Baggins has two traveling companions, Frodo and Odo!]

Rest In Peace, Frodo. 18 and 1/2 years is too short a time to spend with such a wonderful cat.” — Jerome Howard Bauer

11/24/2023

Happy Thanksgiving! Meow!

11/13/2023

We’d like to wish a festive and safe Diwali to those who celebrate.

09/24/2023

May those who observe it have an appropriately solemn Yom Kippur.

09/23/2023

“Today, September 22nd, is Frodo’s 18th Birthday. May he have many more!

Today is also the 17th anniversary of Reform Lecturer's Policy and Fairer Deals for Adjuncts Everywhere (Everywhere). 17 years ago today, the WashU Co-Op had a benefit concert for this cause. ‘Nothing’s more pathetic than the Feeble Strength of One. Solidarity Forever, for The Union Makes Us Strong!’” - Jerome Bauer

09/19/2023

In memorarium: https://facebook.com/story.php?story_fbid=101839099367038&id=100086228434064

08/30/2023

An interesting story about working cats in Washington, DC.

What initially started out as a pure rehoming program has now accidentally become a rat control initiative as the presence of the outdoor felines scares away local rodents.

08/30/2023

A letter about me, and other things.

COOPERATIVE CAT CARE Dear Neighbors and Friends, On the evening of 8-7-23, a tag was left on my doorknob informing me that an animal had been impounded from my property. At 8 AM the next morning, I called both ‘phone numbers on the tag, St. Louis Animal Control and CARE STL, and I had Kingsbur...

08/15/2023

Happy Relaxation Day! Meow!

07/04/2023

We hope that you all have a Happy and Safe 4th of July. Meow!