Marvin, The Gentle Giant
My Inspiration
In 2018, Marvin was given to my parents, who already had six other cats. He would hide under the bed all day, sneak down to get food at night, and sometimes snuggle up under my dad’s arm while sleeping. He was terrified of the cat herd and my parents’ dog and tried his best to steer clear. Because he wasn’t thriving at their house, I eventually took him home with me. I thought the same patterns of behavior would occur at my house, but I thought I could at least give him a chance with just two other kittens.
The move for Marvin was the best thing that could have ever happened to him. This gentle giant blossomed in my home. He became my constant companion and moved with me everywhere. He was the first cat I had ever seen who acted like a garbage disposal. He wanted all my food and was the first and only cat I have ever seen who begged for human food. He fell in love with my girl kittens, Louie and Dewey, but Dewey had a special place in his heart as they constantly snuggled up together to sleep.
Unfortunately, in 2024, Marvin, at the age of 15, went to be with Jesus. His kidneys failed him, and we had to say goodbye.
While I only had Marvin a short time, he taught me a LOT about the ragdoll breed. I had never had that kind of companionship with my American Shorthair cats. And his blue eyes and beautiful gray coat were striking. His love abounded. And since his passing, I have wanted to carry his legacy forward to help other cats and teach others about the love that cats can give.
Dewey Decimal, The Professor
Dewey came from a long line of barn cats and was an accident that happened in my mother's closet. I was so convinced that my parents and I wouldn’t keep the litter that I named them Huey, Dewey, and Louie until we could find them homes. The joke was on me, as they stole our hearts. My parents kept Huey Lewis. And I took home what would become Dewey Decimal and Louis Vuitton, two identical twin tabbies.
At first, I thought Dewey was standoffish, as I would only see her for about 30 minutes a day when she wanted love. All the other times, she was attached to Marvin’s side, following him around and snuggling up to him.
When Marvin passed, I learned that cats can truly grieve. I watched a broken-hearted Dewey Decimal search incessantly for Marvin. She was convinced he was stuck in the garage. And the crying out for him truly broke my heart. If anyone ever tells you that cats don’t have emotions, I will tell you about the grief of Dewey.
Dewey finally decided that I would be a decent second-hand replacement for Marvin. And she took to sleeping with me every night and lying on my chest whenever possible. Oh, so helpful when one is trying to work or type.
Dewey, Marvin, and Louis have been my true comfort and companions through a long battle with chronic illness. During the months and days I have been bedridden, they have snuggled up and never left my side. Their purrs have brought me comfort in so many dark moments. And the love I have felt from them has sometimes felt heaven-sent. They have been with me through so much.
Unfortunately, in July of 2026, Dewey developed a brain tumor that had spread to her lungs, and she went to be with Jesus. I miss her desperately.
But she and Marvin taught me so much about the love of cats and what they can bring to one’s life.
In their memory and honor, I have started Bridle Oak Ragdolls.