(In Memory of a Very Brave Community Cat)
27-May-2025 (New Moon)
Today is New Moon. It’s also Day 7 since the passing of Topaz, the last member of a school community cat project that began in 2007.
In all of his 18 years, Topaz lived by his own terms. He accepted food, water & treats, but would disappear for days if anyone tried to get close to him.
As he aged & health issues surfaced, worries over his safety & where he might hide increased. Having lost their mother when he was a kitten & later on his litter mates & cat buddies to dogs & traffic accidents, Topaz was the ultimate survivor.
But even heroes need to rest. Last week, with prayer support from well wishers across the world & help from his feeders, Topaz finally allowed himself to be taken to the vet & then to home palliative care.
He spent the last few days of his life without fear, leaning his lovely leonine head towards his feeders’ palms when they stroked him for the first time.
After he had breathed his last, Topaz was carefully brushed, blessed & wrapped in cloths bearing auspicious symbols.
On the paperwork for his final transformation, I wrote, “Himalayan” for his breed & “Gold” for his colour.
This little cat will forever be associated with the mountains for his will to live & his love for freedom, and the Light he continues to cast on the lives of many who remember him.
Finally an abundant life is not just about length, but also about love. And I think Topaz has both. ♥️🙏
Lisa Ong 