A message came through the English dept. listserv, the kind of thing I'd usually skim or delete: a cat needed a home. But this email stood out. Audrey, a fellow film enthusiast, found Ronin during the December 2002 ice storm that shut down the Triangle for days. He had been living feral, probably abandoned. A branch fell on him, and he almost lost an eye. She called a paramedic friend, who braved the icy roads to stitch him up. But he wasn't getting along with her other cats. She needed help.
Todd
2026-07-23
A Cat Who Knew Bravery, Then Love
It took a long time to earn his trust. He was a big tough guy, but inside was a soft heart. He was just trying to find a place he felt safe. His challenges didn't end after he found me, but now he had someone to face them with. Ronin, who Audrey named after the samurai warriors from the 1600s-1800's who had lost or left the service of their lords, became Ronnie somewhere along the way. I had my hand on him when he took his very last breath. It was an honor to have been his companion and friend for 16 years.
Todd
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