The Grannyman Book

Here is the story of Simon, an old, old cat who lived a full and happy cat-life with his loving people. Now he is old and blind and deaf and smelly... but his people still love him and do all they can to make his life enjoyable and comfortable. Still, it seems like all he can do is relive the memories of being a younger cat. Maybe it would be easier to just let old age claim him at last... But, his family has a surprise for him. A kitten! Simon remembers how he helped the other little pets who came into his life and he wonders if he can do it again, even with his creaky bones and other ailments. As you can tell by the picture on the cover, he can ;-) This is a wonderful story and the illustrations are just charming; the author really understands cats, and the book is even dedicated to many of the ones who have blessed her life.

If you're anything like me, you will need your Kleenex for this one! While nowhere near as sad as it could have been and there is a lot of humor and charm (the ending is great and, yes, Simon is still alive!), I my heart still ached as I thought back over the sweet, wonderful cats who have departed from my life, and how hard it was to watch them grow old even though I still loved them when I had to give them insulin shots, help them onto the bed, or kiss them despite the stinky old-cat breath. This book also tugged at my heartstrings because there is a dear old cat at the cat sanctuary where I volunteer. His name is Bubba and he is a big, handsome black cat with a Jay Leno chin (which he loves to have scratched, of course). He's been at the sanctuary for years and he is like the camp counselor, always ready to help with any little arguments or upsets among the other cats. He also loves kittens! I've found him so many times in the "kitten barn", just hanging out with the kittens and letting them play with/on/around him, offering up his warm and wise presence in their little lives. His patience and sweet nature are so wonderful and admirable. He's ill now, and we don't know how much longer he will be with us, but I hope that, like Simon, he'll have many more kittens in whatever months he has left to help him feel happy, alive and useful.