14 years!

Ginger Ale and I are about to mark 14 years together!

In 1997, just before Hallowe'en, I picked up Ginger Ale (and his late, boon companion Little Willow) from the Humane Society in Charleston, South Carolina. On his tag, the note said that he was 2-3? years old and that his person was deceased.

In my traveling days, Ginger Ale would sit in my suitcase when I'd open it to pack. If you're leaving, take me with you.

Ginger Ale has bumped along with me from Charleston, to Boston, to St. Petersburg, Florida, to Charlottesville, Virginia and finally to Nashville, TN.

He is the perfect guest cat, throwing himself, purring, across any willing lap and torso. He would gladly be mayor of any neighborhood (if only given the chance), is kind to his housemates and has an enormous sense of humor.

Ginger Ale's coat is not as luxe as it once was and he's lost a bit of girth but is still robust and loves to take his morning constitutional around the yard. My old pal.