It’s kind of ridiculous how much I love this cat. He was actually supposed to go to someone else, but some kittens are too fragile and the one I was planning to take left us earlier than expected—so my sister gave me Opie instead. I’d always wanted a ginger cat, but I choose my pets on the basis of need, not looks and so I was happy to take in the last baby in the litter who needed a home.
I’ve had Opie since he was 5 weeks old and he’s totally the best free thing I’ve ever gotten! I tell him he needs to take care of himself because he’s awesome and I want at least 20 years with him.
Here’s why…
He’s a teddy bear. He sleeps snuggled up next to me and he purrs so loud that it wakes me up. He helps me stay in shape by lying on my yoga mat, curling up on my bench, or trying to snuggle up with me during ab work. He waits outside of the shower, and once when he was a kitten, he fell into my bubble bath. He’s always at the door when I come in—even if I just went to take out the trash or check the mail. He sits with me every morning as I get ready for work. I talk to him and he talks back. He follows me around, he helps me cook, he catches bugs, and tonight when I was working late at home, he was alternately on the table touching me with his paws, and snuggled up in his bed at my feet.
He’s got a thick, beautiful, soft coat and loves to be combed and petted, until he doesn’t—then he bites me. Well, he doesn’t actually bite me, it’s more that he puts his teeth on me to let me know that he could bite me if he wanted to :) He hisses at visiting kids, then hides under the bed. If I’m late to feed him he carries on like he’s starving to death, and it feels so good to save his life ;)
Opie was born about about 4 months after my grandfather died. My grandfather raised me from the time I was nine and I’ve said “goodnight” to him every night since he left us. After 8 years, I still miss him terribly, and wish he could visit me in Denmark and that I could take him to Italy, or wherever he’d like to go. I’m not sure where I stand on angels, heaven, and all of that, but Opie brings such joy to my life that I often wonder if he’s a gift from my grandfather.
Anonymous says
What a dear writing. I feel the same way!!! Take care, still love it, Opie, the red head!! hahahahahahaha Hey while I am thinking about it, we still need to know about the castle and see more pictures from your header, okay? I love that picture and I am sure I’d love to see more of the same castle!! Take Care!
mtnchild says
Maybe Opie is the spirit of your Grandfather? He is a beautiful cat, and has a nice personality from what you tell us.
Hugs
Yvette
Heather says
My Dragon is like that. He’s been with me almost 16 years now and for 9 of those in Denmark. My husband told me the last time we were visiting home without him that he knew we would come back only because Dragon was still here lol Opie looks like a big cuddlebunny and you just want to sink your face into him and snorgle away (can you tell I’m a cat person?)
smilingsurfer says
Opie looks like he has adjusted to his new home.
Enjoy your devoted cat, he looks a lot like one of our dear old friends.
Tracey McBride ~ Frugal Luxuries™ says
I’ve shared my life with many furry creatures over the past two decades..my life and memories are richer for the experience. Such a comfort and joy. No better words to describe their beloved presence.
x0x
Marie says
Are there any logistical hurdles to consider when brining your pet as an immigrant to Denmark? I have cats who I love but I am worried about not being allowed to bring them.
Sage says
I moved here over 7 years ago, so I don’t know how valid my experience is, but it was pretty straightforward. I was in contact with customs office in Copenhagen that deals with import of animals and they were extremely helpful in making sure I had everything in order. I needed proof of a microchip, a current rabies vaccine, and a form documenting all of this. I didn’t realize until a few days before I left that the form needed to be signed by a USDA vet, not my regular vet. Fortunately, I was able to get this sorted out via FedEx.
This link has current information about bringing your cat(s) to Denmark: https://www.foedevarestyrelsen.dk/english/Self-Service/Guides/Pages/How-to-travel-with-your-cat.aspx