It’s Only a Cat

Today was not a good day for me. Today my cat passed away. I have had the pleasure of my cat’s company for 15 years now, which is quite a long time for a feline. I know, it’s only a cat. My cat has been with me through thick and thin and always stayed by my side, but it’s only a cat. Over the years I have heard coworkers talk about their dogs and others that recall sadly the day they had lost one. Sad indeed, but no less pain then if you lost your cat, which has been your constant companion and friend, but it’s only a cat, right? Almost everyone I know would be genuinely sad if I told them a dog had died. Mention that a cat has died and you usually get the typical response - it’s only a cat... 

Did you know that cats are more self-sufficient then dogs? When you go on vacation, you usually would hire a dog sitter or have someone take care of your dog. Not so for cats. As long as they have food, water, and a litter box, they are good to go. They don’t need you, you need them, but I know, it’s only a cat. Dogs need you, they depend on you, and some even wine for you. Cats could care less but somehow they know when you need them, and then they are there, your furry companion for life. But it’s only a cat, right?

Today, as I was standing in the veterinarian’s office, I couldn’t help but notice all the dog pictures on the walls. Most of them were tributes to pets that had passed away. Sad indeed, but no less pain then the loss of a cat, my cat, my buddy, my furry companion. I guess I just don't get some folks attitude towards our feline friends, especially from the ones who own other pets. To each their own, but the bias was apparent even in the vet's office. More than likely because... it’s only a cat.

A lot of people own dogs and really care about them. I know how they feel even though I only have cats. A pet is a pet. Cat or dog, the pain is all too real when your animal dies. So to all the people out there who think or say “it’s only a cat”, think again! Just because “it’s only a cat” doesn’t mean that the pain of losing them is any less, or the love for them is any less than that for another pet, be it a dog, horse, or any other animal that the good Lord has given us. It’s not only a cat, it’s my cat, and I will miss her.

Bologney
April 26,1999 - Feb 28,2014

Ode To The Red Rocker

Rock music, rum, and fast cars. If you put these three things together it sounds like a recipe for trouble, right? Well, maybe to some folks out there, but to me it equals none other then the Red Rocker himself, Sammy Hagar. What can be said about Sammy that hasn't already been said or written? From a personal prospective, growing up listening to his music and going to an untold amount of his concerts, I feel I can contribute a gear heads rendition, if you will, of a tribute to him.

Although I have never met the man personally, I did have the pleasure of meeting his son Aaron in Lake Tahoe, California. If I am ever lucky enough to meet him I imagine our conversation would primarily be about his cars, as that is my area of expertise. Of course I really dig his music, but the guy is a fellow gear head, so to me that's where the connection is. Aside from cars, did you know that the former lead singer of Van Halen is equally passionate about cooking? One of his close friends is the famous chef Emeril Lagasse. The men have been friends for years and Lagasse even cooked at Hagar's wedding.

Tequila use to be Sammy's forte, but after he sold his part of the Cabo Wabo Tequila Company, he turned his attention to another type of alcohol. Enter Sammy's Beach Bar Rum, which is made in Hawaii. It's so pure you can do shots like you do with tequila. I'm sure this will be featured on the menu at his Cabo Wabo restaurants, which he still owns. Cars, restaurants, bars, a best selling autobiography, and a rum business. Clearly Hagar's plate is full, but he still finds time for his family, his music, and whatever else is next. He is not "driving 55", but actually more at full speed! If Sammy keeps this up, he will soon be known as "the most interesting man in the world". Rock on Sammy, rock on.