Sammy enjoyed my box of new books almost as much as I did. Of course, he's always got his paws into everything I do. He checks on me from time to time during the day, as evidenced by the paw prints on my desk. And when he decides it's time to eat, I ignore him at my peril. "Just a minute. I'll be right with you," doesn't cut it. Any prolonged delay brings out Sammy the Paw. Pens, pencils, and assorted papers get methodically swiped off the desk. 

Our sweet little cat has become quite the bully, but he wasn't always like that. Sammy turned fifteen in April, shortly after his brother, Jasper, died. Jasper, before his death, was in charge of keeping my husband and me in line. A beautiful Maine Coon, he'd sweep in with his magnificent tail held high, and tell us in a loud voice whether it was time to get up, eat, or go to bed. Sammy never let out a meow. When Jasper passed, we all missed him, but Sammy was devastated. Our quiet little boy assumed a different personality--Cat in Charge! Now, instead of the sound of a meow, we are awakened to the strange, loud noises from a half Siamese cat. Apparently, Sammy feels he has to take over Jasper's responsibilities. 

Our sweet black cat never gave us any problems about staying indoors. His brother, however, was an escape artist. Many times, we scoured the neighborhood for that rascal. On Sammy's fifteenth birthday, he disappeared. We assumed he was in the house hiding, but after pulling the place apart (and getting much needed cleaning done), we couldn't find him. When he didn't appear that night, my husband and I feared the worst. Next morning, my neighbor texted me that a black cat was heading for the front steps. Sure enough, Sammy. Back after a day and a half of partying. 

Such a huge change in the cat has me wondering if  maybe he's been possessed by the soul of Jasper. So, it doesn't surprise me that he is comfortable sleeping with books titled Demon Amulet. Stay tuned for any feline updates.