I remember clearly the night that I first conceptualized this blog. I had just moved to Toronto, I was heartbroken, unemployed and confused. I didn't have a lot of friends here yet, so I used to spend a lot of time walking the streets at night, exploring my new home of Parkdale. I walked all over the neighbourhood, trying to figure things out. One night, I walked up Gladstone Avenue where it (used to) meet Dufferin, and I came across this cat sitting outside this ramshackle house reminiscent of my elementary school portables.
As I walked up to him he jumped up on the recycling bin (on the right) and asked for pats. We had a little love sesh and I felt so infinitely comforted and welcomed to the city. He connected me to my cats at home and all the cats I have had, known and loved in my life.
I didn't have a camera to capture the moment, but I saw what an integral, equalizing role animals fulfill in a city. Being near animals - cats, dogs, squirrels, pigeons - makes me feel more human and connects me to my inner animal.
That was about a year ago and I was lucky enough to come across a picture of this fellow on my new friend Lillith's facebook. How many other people do I know who have had a moment with this same cat? His sweet trust somehow connects us all in this big cold city. I wanted to document this phenomenon in some way. As I've gained friends here, I was able to do so through their generous support of my blog and sharing of their cat pictures. I will always think of this cat as THE cat of Parkdale. Cat connections forever. Love Ellie.
Thanks to Lillith Ze Davil for the picture.
beautiful, beautiful, beautiful!
ReplyDeleteThank you so much!
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