Jasper
Dickinson
For The Love of Cats
By Tony Ottaviano Jr

I do not profess to be an animal
advocate or lover. While I have nothing
particular against these curious
creatures, I prefer to watch them from
afar. “Like outside and not in
thehouse”!

However, as fate would have it, my life
changed one bright and sunny,
October afternoon in 2004. I met
Marilyn, my fiancée, and a
consummate cat lover.

Truly, I was convinced, God has a
sense of humor, and he is laughing at
me. “I mean really laughing at me”.
Never the less this was the situation, and I would make every reasonable effort to adjust

to the furry inhabitants. “ This remains a work in progress”! Still, despite may apprehension, the

friendly felines took a liking to me, especially a calico named Jasper. Every evening, no matter

how late I arrived home, Jasper would greet me at the door.


Without hesitation Jasper would prance to the kitchen, and spring to the counter top,

demanding I prepare his dinner. Usually chicken, not to well done, and cut into small pieces.

Deviation from this evening routine was not tolerated. I recall Jaspers lectures for not

proceeding directly to the kitchen when I arrived home. Reminiscent of the “Godfather”, Jasper

demanded I “Show him respect”, and promptly prepare his dinner. “It was comical”.


Always curious, and ever vigilant, Jasper would survey the house, hoping to catch

me eating. As if extorting payment for living in his house, Jasper would demand a percentage

of my every meal. I remember Jaspers curious stare, peering intently across the living room,

wondering what I was eating.


One of Jaspers more memorable mealtime extortions found me snaking on blueberry

yogurt in front of the television. Never to be denied his meal percentage, Jasper, methodically

pranced his way to my chair, and plunged his face into the yogurt container. The memory of jasper’s

blueberry stained face was priceless.


When Jasper was not forging for food, he would make his way to me, and speak, almost,

as if he were describing his day. It was amusing, and in many respects, flattering. I often wondered

if Jasper believed he was human. Regardless, he had become my friend.  


Energetic and spry, Jasper possessed unlimited spirit, wit, courage and most importantly,

unconditional loyalty. The qualities that I respect most in a person were demonstrated in

Jasper’s character. Jasper was diagnosed with a cancerous tumor on his jaw in June 2006. The

tumor interfered with Jaspers ability to chew and swallow.


Despite Jaspers deteriorating condition, he maintained his dignity. Always, the

“Godfather”, Jasper demanded respect, loyalty, and yes, a portion of my dinner. I admired

Jasper’s courage, and how he refused to concede to his terminal illness. Sadly, we said

good - bye to Jasper Monday, December 18th.  Jasper was proof that love and loyalty does not

reside in people alone.

I miss my friend.