Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Month

"Today, the ASPCA kicks off its “Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Month.” To celebrate, pay tribute in some way (a letter, a poem, whatever) to an animal from your past or present that was important to you."


Twisted humor, I know, but I have to note it none the less. "Today, the ASPCA kicks off its “Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Month." Am I the only one who finds this sentence funny? (I do not condone cruelty to animals in any fashion unless it is a ridiculously outfitted animal posted on icanhazcheezeburger or one of its affiliates)


You were one of four that summer, Sylvester. I know the name was chosen in haste and by an eight year old too but, in my defense, you did look exactly like the cartoon character you were named after. I always wondered if you were ostracized from your brothers and sister due to being so fluffy while they were all sleek and muscular looking? I doubt it. You and your siblings roamed those 5 acres and surrounding areas like lions. It was my own version of the Animal Kingdom in my backyard. You fought wild animals and was even bit by a snake once but always survived. I remember hearing you hit your head on the floor boards late at night but it never bothered me. I knew the fight was for a worthy cause. The land was yours and no one was going to take it from you.

You lived a full life but it was short lived. I wanted to kill the kid across the street for shooting you in the head. I never forgave him for it. I remember losing a bit of my innocence after your death and gaining a new found despise for anyone that resembled his type. Rednecks. I could not understand how a human being could kill a living creature for sport or recreation. I dug a hole as deep as the wet Florida earth would allow and buried you myself. I remember being alone that day and I didn't mind at all. Thanks for being such an awesome, loving and regal lion of a cat during my twisted childhood. I will never forget you.