Gato, which is Spanish for male Cat, lived on Howard but dined on Oxford, and apparently, was indiscriminate as to which place on Oxford. But in between, he sought out a friendly chat, pat, or pass.

In more recent days, he would be laying in the sun at his front door and one was allowed to approach with a good word and a pat. He would always rise for that occasion.

He was a white cat of some origin with beige ears that had been clipped because of cancer. His image didn’t bother him at all nor did it bother his followers. He was unique from tale to tip anyway. Designer ears only added to his mystique.

Don’t know whether it was Gato or another cat that Cheryl and Nigel had to summon the fire department to lift a dumpster because cat was caught underneath. It would be hard to believe it was Gato because Gato always appeared to have it all under control.

Last week, Gato was hit by a car on Oxford, and killed. One wonders if it was Gato’s Oregon goodbye or if it was an accident. We won’t know. The only thing we humans can be privy to is that animals are smarter than humans … not faster but smarter.

Gato was definitely one of the smarter ones. Cheryl and Nigel have set up a book for Gato patters, chatters … his many fans and followers.

Goodbye Gato! You are missed.