Dandylion

This was one of the most difficult episodes I've ever had to do, but for some reason, I had to do it. It wasn't difficult because of the usual reasons (e.g. my lack of personality and inability to speak or be interesting). It's a tribute to our cat, Dandylion, who we lost on Friday. I wish I had a Mac, so I could have done an enhanced Podcast with pictures of Dandylion, but no such luck.

 Below is the text of Anne's message about Dandylion. If the text-to-speech version is difficult to understand, I've pasted it here for listeners to follow along:

This is June 2, 2006, and I'm very sad as I say this.  My best friend,
my muse, and my companion for the last 16 years died early this
morning.  Dandy lion was my cat, but he was much more than that too.
He was with me through good times and bad. He was with me when my
father died, when my husband Rob was near death in the hospital, and
when I was in emotional turmoil after just having a miscarriage. By
simply curling up to me and purring loudly, Dandy lion could make me
feel both loved and comforted.  He was with me when Rob and I started
our married life in downtown Toronto.  Throughout all the 16 years, he
was there, too, to share in my celebratory times. Meeting Robin
Williams, getting on Breakfast TV, having birthday party after
birthday party; Dandy lion was always there to share in my joys

An orange and white tabby cat, Dandy lion could be a handful
sometimes!  A true redhead, he had a feisty, firey temperament. Only
Rob and I were allowed to touch him, and he used to love to wrestle
and box with Rob. Fighting was his true joy in life.  Well, that and
eating.  At one point in his life, he reached 25 pounds!

I never would have guessed that I was getting a cat with such a
powerhouse of a personality when  I got him from the pet store.  They
put this sweet little kitten on my lap.  I patted him and oohed and
awed at his cuteness.  And then, unexpectedly, Dandy lion crawled
behind me and fell asleep in the small of my back. From then on, I was
in love!

On September 9, 2003, I started my own business, which I named after
Dandy lion.  Annie's Dandy Note Cards and Artwork began with a simple
sketch of Dandy lion wriggling playfully on his back. After  that,
although I painted other cats for my customers, Dandy lion was my very
favorite subject. And he knew it too!  Whenever I painted in my
bedroom, he would sit on the bed and watch me or pose for me.

I hope I gave you a wonderful life, Dandy lion.  You sure made these
past 16 years a little more dandy for me!

Anne Abbott