My heart is so very heavy as I write today. This is a photo of our neighborhood kitty Sherman. My next-door neighbor and I have been caring for him for 9 months now, since the folks that “own” him, and live on the next block, do very little to properly care for him. We give him food and water daily, and I have also taken him several times to my vets due to his constant respiratory infections.
We have not seen him since Monday evening, and when I called his owner she said someone else on her street told her that a kitty had been killed overnight Monday, but they didn’t think it was Sherman. However, after speaking directly this morning to the animal control officer that was called out regarding the incident, the description of the cat he gave me (along with the fact that Sherman has not been present for two days now), tells me he was probably the unfortunate victim of an attack by either a coyote or large dog (according to officer).
Sherman was the sweetest kitty you would ever want to meet, and I am truly going to miss his presence in my life. Although I have four kitties (and currently three of my daughter’s), I came to love Sherman as my own, and always cherished the the quiet moments we spent together, particularly when I was gardening.
Sassmuffins 
Oh, this is such terrierible news. Why didn’t Sherman’s owner not care enough to give him the proper care?!? I guess now we just have one more angel in heaven…
Oz
Excellent question. My pets are like family, but for some people their pets are just kept, or semi-kept, animals. I will never understand that. I am so grateful for all the wonderful time I was able to spend with Sherman. He had a way of looking into my eyes that seemed to search my very soul, and I am certain that he knew how much I loved him. I will miss him terribly.
We are so purraying that it wasn’t Sherman. If he doesn’t show up again, you have our heartfelt sympathy. It is so sad when the actual kitty parents don’t care about their kitty. Sherman was so lucky to have you and your neighbor caring for him. Without the two of you, he may not have had the life he did. Purrs and hugs from the kitties at The Cat on My Head, Lily Olivia, Mauricio, Misty May, Giulietta, Fiona, Astrid, Lisbeth and Calista Josette
I pray it wasn’t him either, but still no sign of him today. I hold out the slightest hope, but am prepared to accept the reality that I will probably never see him again. 😦
Aw poor guy… so great of you to have given him some extra help when his people weren’t really doing it. I’m sure he really appreciated it. He looks like he was a fine gentleman cat.
Ann he was a fine old gentleman kitty! Probably about 14 years old, neutered, very gentle and affectionate. When I would pull into my garage and open the car door he would often hop right in to greet me. Such a total sweetheart that my neighbor and I frankly could neither refuse or resist him. How his owners could ever ignore him was always quite beyond our understanding
Oh, I am so sorry to hear this! Sometimes I wonder what is wrong with peeps!
I will now vision Sherman runnin’ and playin’ with all our other furends over the bridge….
Kisses,
Ruby