Brother Oliver Was Seeking Inspiration From The Leader

Disciples of The Leader Otis,

Brother Henry here,

Brother Oliver and I have been making slow progress on our upcoming history of The Cult, but the task has been more difficult than we expected, especially for Brother O. This morning I found him up in Kitty Valhalla lost deep in his thoughts. He was resting his head on a very interesting choice of pillows.

Brother Oliver was lost in thought. He was resting on an interesting pillow.

I asked Brother Oliver if that was the pillow that had been sent to The Leader after his hip surgery by Disciple Andrea and her kitties and he said that it was. I asked what he was doing with it and he said, “Leader Otis loved this pillow. He played with this pillow and snuggled it all the time, so I thought maybe I could channel his spirit by meditating on it. I thought if I felt the presence of The Leader I would be inspired to better write his story.” When I asked him if he felt The Leader’s presence he said, “Not exactly, but the scent of The Leader is still detectable on the pillow. That scent is bringing back all kinds of great memories that I can use in the story!”

I left Brother Oliver to explore his budding memories, and whether he realized it or not, those memories proved that he had been successful. Leader Otis was present as Brother Oliver lay there with his head on the pillow, and as long as he held onto those memories he always would be.

So Says Brother Henry

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Today Is Meowmorial Day 2015!

People and Fur People who are Disciples of The Leader Otis,

It’s Thomas.

Today is Meowmorial Day, so please join us on Facebook and share your stories and photos of the dearly departed kitties you would like to honor.

For those of you who do not have Facebook, Below are the two honoring posts that we placed on the wall. I wanted to make sure you got to see them since it was my idea to try having Meowmorial Day in a different format this year.

Thomas out.

First Facebook Honoring Post

Cult of Otis honors our namesake, Leader Otis, on this Meowmorial Day. Leader Otis was The Light, and The Way, doing His best to spread The Good Word about keeping cats happy, healthy, and safely confined.

He named me and Henry His High Priests dubbing Brother Henry “The Muscle” and me “The Brains” of Cult of Otis. He knighted Sir Thomas and named him “The Heart” of The Cult, and He dubbed Mama Cat “The Essence” of our movement. We all worked together to try to make His vision a reality.

But before all of that, He was simply a cat. He was one of the millions of neglected, frightened cats wandering alone in the wilderness and crying out for help. Fortunately, His call was heard, and He got to live out the remainder of His life as every cat deserves- surrounded by love and kept safe from danger.

Today we not only honor Leader Otis, but also the cat He was before. The smart, loving, endlessly optimistic kitty that Brother Henry and I met in 2006. All we knew when we met him was that the Guardians called him Otis, and that he seemed bound and determined to make us love him. When he departed seven years later, we felt, to the very depths of our souls, just how successful he had been. – Brother Oliver

The Cult of Otis honors Otis, the cat that changed our lives forever.

Second Facebook Honoring Post

Cult of Otis honors Mama Cat on this Meowmorial Day. Brother Oliver and I decided to show you the lighter side of Mama Cat by brining you a never-before-seen photo of the dearly departed Essence of The Cult. Thomas had been hiding the photo because he felt it might mar Her royal status. Brother Oliver and I felt it could only serve to help everyone remember her even more fondly.

The Guardian’s put this dress on The Queen not long after she was swept up in The Capture and brought into The Promised Land. Strangely, she seemed to like it. We thought that was a little weird, but not as weird as the Guardians for putting it on her.

If you are new to Cult of Otis and do not know Mama Cat, We encourage you to read about her on cultofotis.com and in the Blog of Otis archives. She was an amazing girl and we miss her every day. -Brother Henry

The Cult of Otis honors Mama Cat, our dearly departed Essence of The Cult.

Meowmorial Day 2015 Reminder

Disciples of The Leader Otis,

Brother Henry here.

As Thomas mentioned at the beginning of the week, we’re trying something a little different for Meowmorial Day this year. Instead of having an observance here on the blog we are going to do it over on Facebook. Sir Thomas worked pretty hard to convince Brother O and I that this was a good idea, so I know he will be thrilled if everyone participates.

Please help make this the best Meowmorial Day yet. Thomas will be forever grateful if you do.

So head on over to the Cult of Otis Facebook page this Monday (June 1) and post your photos of stories of the kitties you have loved and lost. Let us all honor them together, and by doing so keep their memories alive.

In Otis’s Name

Brother Henry

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Meowmorial Day Is Coming!

People and fur people who are Disciples of The Leader Otis,

It’s Thomas.

As you may be aware, Meowmorial Day is coming up next Monday! If you are new to The Cult and have not yet heard of this very special day, here is a description from The Cult of Otis website:

MEOWMORIAL DAY- THE FIRST MONDAY IN JUNE

Meowmorial Day is a day to remember all of the cats that we have loved and lost.  Our feline friends bring so much joy to our lives, they deserve to be remembered with respect and gratitude.  Plant a tree in their memory.  Donate to an animal rescue organization in their name.  Most of all, just remember them all for the special individuals they were.

I have suggested that we try something a little bit different for this year’s Meowmorial Day observance and the Brothers have agreed to try it! I am so excited that they thought it was a good idea!

I am excited that The Brothers are letting me try my idea!

So, this year, instead of emailing submissions to us here at the blog, On June 1st we invite you to post your photos and stories of your dearly departed feline friends on the official Cult of Otis Facebook page. It is my hope that having the Meowmorial Day observance in that format will allow people to communicate and connect more easily with one another as they share their stories of love and loss.

I hope you will all join us and take part in this very special day of remembrance!

In Otis’s Name,

Thomas Out

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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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I Now Understand What Is Taking So Long

People and fur people who are Disciples of The Leader Otis,

It’s Thomas.

I have been waiting so long for The Brothers to fulfill my story request that I was beginning to think it will never happen. And you know what? That thought made me mad! So last night I went looking for The Brothers intending to give them a piece of my mind for not being willing to grant such a simple request. As I entered the bedroom, I could hear Brother Henry talking up on the bed. I heard him say, “I know. Believe me I know. It’s going to be hard. But I think Sir Thomas is right. We really should tell the story…” I peeked over the edge of the bed and saw that Brother Henry was talking to Brother Oliver. He was also giving him a back rub.

Brother Henry was talking to Brother Oliver… and giving him a back rub.

Brother Oliver said, “I know, Brother Henry, I know. We need to tell it. It’s just that, well, I’m afraid that I’ll forget important things, or otherwise tell the story wrong. I… I’m afraid our telling won’t do Him justice.” Brother Henry said, “Believe me, I’m afraid too. But we’re the only ones who can do this. Thomas was right to ask us. We are the only ones that were there at the beginning… heck.. we were there before the beginning, and who better to tell the story than His own High Priests?” Brother Oliver said, “You’re right, of course. I know you are. But right now I can’t even imagine how to begin.” Brother Henry replied, “That’s easy bro. We will begin at the beginning, with the two of us, and how we started on the path that eventually brought us to Him.”

After a moment of silence Brother Oliver said, “You’re right, Brother Henry! Perhaps you should be the one known as’The Brains’ of The Cult.” Brother Henry replied, “Nope. That mantle lies squarely on your shoulders. But remember bro, I always got your back.” Chuckling, Brother Oliver said, “Especially right now man, thanks!” And then both of The Brothers had a good laugh. As they did so, I decided not to chastise them for taking so long to tell the story I had demanded. I should have realized what I was asking would be difficult, but I just so want to hear the whole story that I can hardly contain myself! Now I see what I must do. If anyone needs me I will be up in Kitty Valhalla putting on my patient pants.

Thomas Out.

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Rough Days

Disciples of The Leader Otis,

Brother Henry here.

Thomas and Brother Oliver both asked me to pass along their apologies for the recent silence here on The Blog of Otis. I apologize as well, but I also assure you that there is good reason for the lack of posts. You see, we are only one week away from an extremely difficult anniversary, and we are having a difficult time coping with the weight of that day. Poor Sir Thomas has withdrawn a bit and has been spending his time moping on the steps to Kitty Valhalla. He says he would go all the way up to Valhalla to mope, but he’s still a little freaked out about the place after the events of a few weeks ago.

Thomas is moping on the steps to Valhalla because he is too freaked out to mope in actual Valhalla.

Brother Henry and I have been doing our best to support Thomas, but we’ve also been supporting one another as we pass through some very rough days. We’ve had our squabbles as Brothers always do, but right now we are finding great comfort in each other’s company knowing that we are both going through the exact same range of emotions.

Brother Oliver and I have been supporting one another. We both know the other understands.

So again, sorry for the silence, but perhaps a moment of silence is perfectly appropriate given the circumstances. We will certainly not be silent on October 28th… the day the anniversary arrives. As hard as it will be, on that day we will pick ourselves up and say what needs to be said. I hope you will join us.

So Says Brother Henry

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Meowmorial Day 2014

Disciples of Otis,

Brother Oliver here… and Brother Henry… and Sir Thomas.

After much consideration, and after reading the many supportive and encouraging comments you all left on the blog, we decided that it would be best if the three of us shared the responsibilities of Master of Ceremonies for this Meowmorial Day observance. We have suffered a great and painful loss, as have all whose kitties are honored here today. Today let us all look beyond the feeling of loss and remember the feelings of love that preceded it. Most of all, let us just acknowledge that these amazing, beautiful kitties once walked the earth, and they forever changed the lives of those who were fortunate enough to have known them.

I will now turn it over to Brother Henry for our first meowmorial.

Brother Oliver Was Moved By The Spirit Again

Disciples of The Leader Otis,

Brother Henry here.

Not too long ago, Brother Oliver was moved by the spirit of The Leader as he… well… as he indulged in something he shouldn’t have been doing. Wait… What’s that Thomas? Oh… Thomas was just pointing out that I’m not one to disparage others who partake of the nip considering my recent weak moment. True enough.

Anyway, I believe that I witnessed Brother Oliver being moved by the spirit again recently. I walked into the bedroom to find Brother Oliver, the Guardians, some open boxes, and an array of boards, shiny fasteners, and other building materials. Brother Oliver was laying on his side looking over a book with strange diagrams in it. He was saying, “Ok… we need a few of these boards… a couple of these round shiny thingies… oh, and some of those wood stubby things…”

Bother Oliver was laying on the floor looking at some strange diagrams.

Meowmorial Day 2014 Call For Submissions

People and fur people who are Disciples of The Leader Otis,

It’s Thomas.

Meowmorial Day is nearly upon us. For those of you who have become Disciples of Otis only recently here is what Meowmorial Day is:

MEOWMORIAL DAY- THE FIRST MONDAY IN JUNE

Meowmorial Day is a day to remember all of the cats that we have loved and lost.  Our feline friends bring so much joy to our lives, they deserve to be remembered with respect and gratitude.  Plant a tree in their memory.  Donate to an animal rescue organization in their name.  Most of all, just remember them all for the special individuals they were.

This year’s observance will be a bit hard for all of us here at Cult headquarters as it will be the first since the passing of both Leader Otis and Mama Cat. Brother Oliver, Brother Henry, and I are still trying to sort out which one of us will act as master of ceremony for the observance as it was always Leader Otis who held the honor in the past.

Meowmorial Day is a day to remember, and honor, the felines we have loved and lost. This year, that includes Leader Otis and Mama Cat.

Rest assured that we will sort out the details and the observance will go forward as planned, and we hope you will join us in honoring as many kitties as possible on this special day.

If you would like your kitty to be included in this year’s Cult of Otis Meowmorial Day observance, please send your photos and stories to cultofotis@gmail.com by noon on May 29.

In Otis’s Name

Thomas Out

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