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.

Leader Otis: Spring 2006 – October 28, 2013

Disciples of Otis,

Brother Oliver here. On Monday, October 28, just after 3 pm Pacific time, Leader Otis was laying in a comfortable bed on the couch. Sun was streaming in through the windows, and rainbow shinies cast by a crystal in the window danced all around the room. One Guardian sat on the couch next to Leader Otis, and the other sat on a chair facing the couch. They held hands, stroked The Leader’s fur, and gave Him gentle kisses on the head. One of the kind doctors that had helped Leader Otis throughout His long illness sat on a chair facing Him, and his assistant sat on the opposite side of Leader Otis from the Guardians.

After having said their goodbyes earlier, Brother Henry, Mama Cat, and Thomas had left the room. Only I remained. I sat between the Guardians and looked upon the face of The Leader for the last time as the doctor performed the compassionate act. The transition was so swift and so gentle it was nearly undetectable. With one last kiss on the forehead, and a whispered goodbye from the Guardians, Leader Otis let go. Bathed in sunlight He departed this world, surrounded by the love and gratitude of those fortunate enough to have shared His life.

Leader Otis departed while bathed in sunlight and surrounded by love.

A few days before His passing, Leader Otis entrusted Me with His final message. Just writing it down has proven to be one of the most difficult things I have ever had to do, but I will relay it to you soon. For now, I just want you to know that all of us here at The Cult of Otis cannot thank you enough for your kindness and support during this most difficult time. We have read every one of your comments and have received great comfort from them. We feel the love, and we return it to you with all of our feline and human hearts.

So Sayeth Brother Oliver

We Need A Little Time

Disciples of Otis,

Brother Oliver here. For over 1,000 days, without interruption, we have brought you glimpses into our lives, interwoven with lessons from The Leader and examples of how to live in accordance with His Word. But now an interruption is necessary. We are all hurting, our feline and human hearts heavy with the knowledge of what must happen next. We are doing our best to take care of one another.

We are all hurting, but we are taking care of one another.

Our priority right now is spending every possible moment with Leader Otis, and giving him all of the love and support we can. We know that you are hurting as well, so please know that you are all in our thoughts and purrs.

We must now focus all of our love and attention on Leader Otis, but you are in our thoughts as well.

Thank you all for your support during this difficult time. The Leader loves you all.

So Sayeth Brother Oliver