In Memory of FERGUS MAXIMUS FISHER August 16, 1998 - September 5, 2015 "He was magical." The most awesome cat in the world passed away on Sunday, September 6, 2015, at home, lying on the bed, watching the birds, while being held by his beloved human companion, Debra, who was whispering comforting words and telling him just how much she loved him. His warrior spirit fought death valiantly but he crossed the Rainbow Bridge at 3:45 pm to be with his older sister, Tildie, and younger sister, Alexandria, both whom he had missed terribly over the years. He left behind his little sister, Flossie, who is grieving and keeping his bed warm. But, it is known by all that he will be waiting there for Debra whom he loved above all others. Her heart will never recover from the loss of her magical companion. Fergus came into Debra's life in late September, 1998, when he ran up to her father who was sitting on his porch and, despite the barking dogs, raised his little paw and asked for help. This tiny, fuzzy black and white kitten with huge ears was very vocal in expressing his need as he had been thrown out of car and suffered from serious injury. Debra went to gather him from her parents home...this little creature who was very grateful for the rescue. And he never left her side after that...never even spending a night away from home in 17 years. He was named Fergus the Brave. Fergus grew into a stunning black and white cat full of love and intelligence. It was astonishing at how many human phrases that he understood. He was a clown and loved to play fetch. However, fate was not finished and he was diagnosed with a serious heart disease before he turned 1 year old. Debra was told that he could not survive for more than 2 or 3 years. She loved him and took care of him well, faithfully giving him his heart medication every night. They out ran the grim reaper for 16 years...laughing and loving all the way. Life was not always easy with frequent moves and the addition of four of Debra's grandchildren into the household but Fergus took it all in stride. He did learn to shout "mama" when he felt that he was being overlooked. However, his hatred for the foster cat, Bob, that was taken in 6 years ago remained until death. He protested loudly whenever she went into Bob's room by shouting his version of "I love you" outside the door and left little "reminders" around Bob's room that he was not wanted. A fearless explorer, he was a big game hunter (in his mind) and a birder for his entire life even if confined to the backyard. But even the creatures of the woods understood that it was his last days. Debra would like to thank the bunny who took up residence in the back yard and would let Fergus chase him around, even slowing down when Fergus would run out of breath but the bunny would never outrun him by much. It made Fergus's last summer his best summer ever. He protected Debra from all creatures who might have the audacity to get near her with a fierceness that was surprising. He loved the binkies that his Mamaw Kirkland always gave him. He experienced joyous abandon whenever clean sheets were put on the bed which he would dive under whenever Debra said "I see you! You better hide!" His fondness for clean towels went back to a kittenhood experience of warm towels to keep him snug when he first came to live with Debra so the call of "CLEAN LAUNDRY" would get him running for the bed. He walked fence patrol every morning in HIS backyard, even up to the end, always waiting at the window each morning until she would open it. He thought it never ending entertainment to bring cicadas into the house and put them in the bed so that Debra would cry out in surprise. He was always at the kitchen door to greet her when she returned home and always reminded her that it was time to go to bed. He always came when called even when outside enjoying his yard. He did not, however, like to remind her that it was time to get his daily pill although he always did get a treat afterwards. He had mastered the look of disgust and employed it when necessary. And he never, ever let her have to use the human litter box alone. His devotion to Debra...which was mutual...will be missed. The absence of his little talks...chirps, grumbles, and loud purr...leave a silence in the house that breaks her heart. No more "biscuit making" from Mama's Boy. No more head butts from Honey Bunny. No more gentle kisses from the little tongue that felt like wet velvet. No more tapping on the leg by that enormous paw with those pink little toes. No more stroking of that incredible silky fur. Or adoring gazes from those light green eyes. No more watching that graceful movement of cat. The bed has an empty place that can never be filled. There was only one Fergus and there will never be another like him. He was larger than life. Fergus will be missed forever by his human family...human siblings, Jon, Jessica, and Daniel who always felt that he was just one of them and, of course, the love of his life, Debra. He will be missed by his human grandmother, Jean Kirkland, to whom he first went for help. He will be missed by his human friends that he made who all recognized what an incredible, special cat that he was. And most of all, he is being missed by his cat sister, Flossie, who depended on him for protection and guidance. She is, as she often does when someone leaves that she is fond of, waiting in the exact spot that he lay just in case he decides to come home. Unlike many pets, Fergus chose the family that he would remain with for 17 years. The family that loved and cherished him. The sense of wonderment and joy will remain in their memory forever. A quote from a popular novel sums it up well, as Debra would like Fergus to know... "And I'd choose you; in a hundred lifetimes, in a hundred worlds, in any version of reality, I'd find you and I'd choose you." -The Chaos of the Stars