Brother Henry’s Tribute

Disciples of Otis,

Brother Oliver here.

Yesterday, as I was taking care of some urgent business in the litter box in the back hall, I heard Brother Henry shout my name from the Living Room. I shouted back, “I’m a little busy here, Brother O!”, to which he replied, “OK, but can you come in here when you are done?” Now too preoccupied to reply, I let the question pass without an answer. When I was finished though, I headed into the living room to see what was up.

As I walked into the living room and saw Brother Henry I felt it. I knew what was happening. Any annoyance I may have had about being summoned vanished immediately. Brother Henry, with a very somber look on his face, looked down at me from the nearby chest of drawers. He said, “Will you do it, Brother Oiver? Will you take the picture? I mean, I know it’s not exactly right. There are flowers in there now instead of feathers. The curtains aren’t the same. I don’t have the same commanding presence as Her… but sitting here… somehow… I feel Her. I feel connected. Will you do it?” Without a word I dragged the camera over into position and did as Brother Henry asked.

Even though the details had changed, I recognized the scene. I felt what Brother Henry felt.

After the shutter clicked, the feeling intensified for a moment before dissipating. I looked up on the wall to my right to see the photo that had inspired the moment hanging in its usual place of honor. I saw the differences, but the spirit was the same. I felt at peace.

I looked up to see the original photo. I felt at peace.

I looked back to Brother Henry and we stared at each other in silence for a moment. Brother Henry spoke first saying, “Was that real? Was… was she here with us?” I replied, “I don’t think I can answer that, Brother Henry, and I don’t think it needs to be answered. Whether it was based on vivid memories combined with your spontaneous tribute, or something more, the feeling itself was real. That’s enough for me.” Brother Henry said, “Me too.”, and then he jumped down and headed off through the kitchen. I followed closely behind, and as I left the living room I heard a voice from underneath the couch softly whisper, “Long live The Queen…”

So Sayeth Brother Oliver

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Sir Thomas’s Attitude Adjustment Technique

Disciples of Otis,

Brother Oliver here.

This morning, as I was attempting to nap on the couch, I overheard a conversation between Sir Thomas and Brother Henry. They were both up on top of Super Outpost Tabby Tower because Sir Thomas had asked Brother Henry if they could run some Long-feared (Wiener) Dog Uprising readiness drills. Apparently, once they got up there Brother Henry was no longer in the mood. I heard him say, “It’s not that I think these LFDU drills are a bad idea, Sir Thomas…” at which point Sir Thomas interjected, “You mean LFWDU…”. Brother Henry ignored Thomas’s comment and continued, “… but I’m just not in the mood. I thought I could power through, but I’m just really grumpy today. Plus, I’m still sad about the anniversary of losing Leader Otis, and we have another sad anniversary on the way… I just don’t know if I can do this.”

Sir Thomas wanted to run a readiness drill, but Brother Henry wasn’t feeling up to it.

The Leader And Mama Cat Watch Over Us

Disciples of The Leader Otis,

Brother Henry here. The Guardians have done something that makes me, Sir Thomas, and Brother Oliver very happy. On either side of our favorite window they have hung portraits of The Leader and Mama Cat. Now whenever we want to feel their presence, we need only look up.

The images of The Leader and Mama Cat are now hanging next to our favorite window.

We Have Lost Mama Cat

Disciples of Otis,

My name is Kevin. My wife Julie and I are the Guardians that, until today, have chosen to remain in the background of The Cult of Otis. I can’t do that today though. Not after what has happened. I cannot write a story through this pain.

Yesterday morning, Julie was sitting on the couch and Mama Cat was resting next to her. Suddenly, Mama Cat began to show signs of discomfort and distress. We rushed her to our veterinarian and then received a steady stream of bad news all day as the results of blood work, x-rays and other diagnostics came in.  Mama Cat was dying.

We had no warning that Mama Cat was even ill. This is her playing in the front window less than two weeks ago.

A day that started like any other ended with us having to say our final goodbyes to Mama Cat, and that day came before our tears for Otis have even had a chance to stop, let alone dry. We are both in shock.

I know this news causes you pain as well, and for that I am truly sorry. There is some comfort to be found in the thought that Mama Cat spent her final 5 months safe, warm, and loved, but it is too early for us to fully embrace that comfort. Right now it just hurts.

She was such a beautiful girl.

The pain of the loss is also too acute to see beyond to what this means for The Cult of Otis blog and website. Julie and I still believe in the mission and the message, but it was difficult continuing after losing Otis, and it feels even more daunting now that we have lost Mama Cat as well.

I don’t know what the future holds, but I want to thank you all for you kindness, love, and support, especially over the past few months. Your cards, your words, your thoughts, and your prayers have been bright spots during a very dark time.

I also want to invite you all to help keep the message alive. There are more than 1,100 posts in the Blog of Otis archives. If you find ones that you like, please share them with others. The newly redesigned Cult of Otis website will remain up as well, and it contains the Teachings of Otis that are woven throughout the stories in the blog.

Please help keep the message alive. There are many more cats out there that need help.

Thanks again for reading, for caring, and for helping to create a world in which cats are happy, healthy, and safely confined.

So Sayeth the Guardians

The Cult of Otis Lives!

Disciples of The Leader Otis,

Brother Henry here. We are all still processing our painful loss, but we are beginning to heal. I want you to know that, although Leader Otis is no longer with us in the fur and flesh, the movement he started continues. The Cult of Otis lives!

The Cult of Otis lives!