Celebrating Nine Years With The Dude

@CarolDM (203422)

Nashville, Tennessee

February 14, 2023 2:09pm CST

Hard to believe The Dude has been a part of my family for nine years today. He was adopted in 2014. Was surprised to find him on what we call death row at the shelter. One of the last to be adopted are the black cats. When I saw his eyes, I could not walk away and leave him there. And had no intention of adopting a second cat. Oh well. Glad I did. The Dude has also learned the key to getting along with my other cat Brendel. He has accepted the fact that she was here first. And she will always be the boss. He seems to be ok with that. Even though she is half his size, they make it work. And seem to be buddies on most days. Funny, he likes getting under a blanket. Brendel does not at all. This cat has really gotten close to my heart. He just knows when something is going on with me. And he becomes my shadow. I call him my therapy cat. He is a Bombay cat, which have dog like characteristics. So many stories I could tell you.He has helped me on many days. (Brendel has as well.) I will share more on another day abbot this special black cat. Put together this collage from over the years. I have tons of photos and it was hard deciding which ones to share. He seems to enjoy the camera.

49 people like this

48 responses

@kaylachan (71985)

• Daytona Beach, Florida

14 Feb 23

I miss having a black cat. I am glad you managed to make it work for you, though. I would not try it with Chilly. However, I do love them in general. I am glad to hear you have had nine wonderful years.

7 people like this

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@kaylachan (71985)

• Daytona Beach, Florida

14 Feb 23

@CarolDM Black cats tend to be the most friendly and loving cats. They don't always get along with other cats. I had one who did, and one that didn't.

5 people like this

@CarolDM (203422)

• Nashville, Tennessee

14 Feb 23

The Dude is the only black one I have every had. Such a sweetheart. Hard to believe it has been nine years already. I just could not leave him at that shelter.

6 people like this

@CarolDM (203422)

• Nashville, Tennessee

14 Feb 23

@kaylachan That is what I have been told. It is true with the Dude. He gets along great with Brendel.

5 people like this

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@Juliaacv (51551)

• Canada

14 Feb 23

Happy Cat-aversary. He takes such gorgeous pictures.

6 people like this

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@Juliaacv (51551)

• Canada

14 Feb 23

@CarolDM He does make a gorgeous model, I love to see his photos. Give him an extra cuddle from me please.

6 people like this

@CarolDM (203422)

• Nashville, Tennessee

14 Feb 23

@Juliaacv Thank you so much. I have so many to choose from. He makes it easy. I will do just that. How sweet.

5 people like this

@CarolDM (203422)

• Nashville, Tennessee

14 Feb 23

Thank you so very much. A special day for The Dude. Happy to have him here every day. He loves the camera. Would make a nice model I think.

6 people like this

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@much2say (56226)

• Los Angeles, California

14 Feb 23

Happy Adoptaversary! Dude is certainly a photogenic cat

.

5 people like this

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@much2say (56226)

• Los Angeles, California

16 Feb 23

@CarolDM He is a camera ham

. I hope you get to take more of Brendel.

1 person likes this

@CarolDM (203422)

• Nashville, Tennessee

14 Feb 23

I will convey that message to him when he wakes up, of course. He loves the camera it seems. I have tons of photos. Not so many lately of Brendel.

4 people like this

@CarolDM (203422)

• Nashville, Tennessee

17 Feb 23

@much2say He is that indeed. I have a lot of Brendel and will get more as well.

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@quantum2020 (12041)

• Ciudad De Mexico, Mexico

14 Feb 23

I had a cat for some months and learned a lot from him. I wish I can be able to have another cat as a pet. They´re really great creatures.

5 people like this

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@quantum2020 (12041)

• Ciudad De Mexico, Mexico

15 Feb 23

@CarolDM Yes, they are. After having my cat for two weeks, I developed a strong bond with him. My cat like all cats was very independent

4 people like this

@CarolDM (203422)

• Nashville, Tennessee

14 Feb 23

I have two cats and enjoy them every single day. Very good companions.

4 people like this

@CarolDM (203422)

• Nashville, Tennessee

15 Feb 23

@quantum2020 Yes mine are independent too, but they depend on me for many things.

3 people like this

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@rebelann (113008)

• El Paso, Texas

14 Feb 23

He is such a beauty. Your collage is awesome.

5 people like this

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@rebelann (113008)

• El Paso, Texas

14 Feb 23

I can imagine.

4 people like this

@CarolDM (203422)

• Nashville, Tennessee

14 Feb 23

@rebelann I know you have a ton of your fur babies as well.

4 people like this

@CarolDM (203422)

• Nashville, Tennessee

14 Feb 23

Thank you. It was hard deciding which photos to use.

4 people like this

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@rakski (126362)

• Philippines

14 Feb 23

Oh wow, He is meant to be with you

5 people like this

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@rakski (126362)

• Philippines

14 Feb 23

@CarolDM I am happy for you and I am sure he is happy too

4 people like this

@CarolDM (203422)

• Nashville, Tennessee

14 Feb 23

I have to agree with you. So happy I rescued him from the shelter.

4 people like this

@CarolDM (203422)

• Nashville, Tennessee

14 Feb 23

@rakski Thanks, he seems very content here.

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@allknowing (138003)

• India

15 Feb 23

Picking those for the collage must have been a hard decision from the lot you have. Dude must be ever grateful that you are his care taker.

4 people like this

@CarolDM (203422)

• Nashville, Tennessee

15 Feb 23

Indeed it took awhile to decide. I have so many I could make several collages no doubt. I think he is happy to be here.

3 people like this

@jstory07 (140093)

• Roseburg, Oregon

15 Feb 23

I have always had a black cat they are good luck cats and so beautiful.

3 people like this

@CarolDM (203422)

• Nashville, Tennessee

15 Feb 23

How sweet. I bring the grass indoors for the Dude. He enjoys the mint too.

2 people like this

@wolfgirl569 (108417)

• Marion, Ohio

15 Feb 23

I love the bottom right of him peeking out

3 people like this

@CarolDM (203422)

• Nashville, Tennessee

15 Feb 23

Thanks. He was on the beanbag chair covered up.

2 people like this

Valerie J. Routhieaux

@just4him (317316)

• Green Bay, Wisconsin

14 Feb 23

He's a beautiful cat. I'm glad he assimilated into the family well.

4 people like this

@CarolDM (203422)

• Nashville, Tennessee

14 Feb 23

Thanks, I was very hesitant at first, but all is well.

3 people like this

Valerie J. Routhieaux

@just4him (317316)

• Green Bay, Wisconsin

14 Feb 23

@CarolDM I'm glad it is.

3 people like this

@JudyEv (342284)

• Rockingham, Australia

15 Feb 23

You will have such great memories here. What lovely photos and I have no doubt at all that he has played a large part in your life.

4 people like this

@CarolDM (203422)

• Nashville, Tennessee

15 Feb 23

So very true Judy. He is full of personality. Just amazing. Of course I love Brendel as well. And have had her for almost 12 years. He has been with me during some difficult times.

3 people like this

Nevena Zivkovic

@Nevena83 (65277)

• Serbia

14 Feb 23

He is really beautiful and I know he is happy next to you.

5 people like this

@CarolDM (203422)

• Nashville, Tennessee

14 Feb 23

Thanks, he seems very happy. Glad I could give him a loving home he so deserves.

4 people like this

@CarolDM (203422)

• Nashville, Tennessee

14 Feb 23

@Nevena83 I have to agree with you. Please take care of yourself.

4 people like this

Nevena Zivkovic

@Nevena83 (65277)

• Serbia

14 Feb 23

@CarolDM I think happiness is mutual.

4 people like this

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@Chakimmm (1011)

• Indonesia

14 Feb 23

wow that's a cute cat, looks like a mini version of black panther. this is just a joke

4 people like this

@CarolDM (203422)

• Nashville, Tennessee

15 Feb 23

That is a nick name for this type of cat. They do look like a beautiful mini panther. A compliment.

2 people like this

@astutimeliana723 (4667)

• Indonesia

15 Feb 23

The cat is very much like my cat all black fur. Her name is Popi, he is a smart and obedient cat. He understands that when he is called, he immediately comes and approaches, I love him very much like family.

3 people like this

@CarolDM (203422)

• Nashville, Tennessee

16 Feb 23

I know you love your Popi as well. They are good to have with us.

1 person likes this

@astutimeliana723 (4667)

• Indonesia

16 Feb 23

@CarolDM You are right. Thank you.

1 person likes this

@FourWalls (69162)

• United States

14 Feb 23

Happy anniversary, The Dude!! We all love you!!

3 people like this

@CarolDM (203422)

• Nashville, Tennessee

14 Feb 23

Thank you, he is snoozing now of course. I will tell him.

3 people like this

@LadyDuck (472124)

• Switzerland

15 Feb 23

The Dude is such a lovely kitty. You put together a beautiful collage. I know how much you love him.

2 people like this

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@LadyDuck (472124)

• Switzerland

15 Feb 23

@CarolDM - The photos are all beautiful and The Dude seems to like to pose for you.

2 people like this

@CarolDM (203422)

• Nashville, Tennessee

15 Feb 23

Thank you Anna. It was fun deciding which ones to share. So many special moments.

2 people like this

@CarolDM (203422)

• Nashville, Tennessee

15 Feb 23

@LadyDuck Thanks, he doesn't seem to mind the camera like Brendel.

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@Marilynda1225 (83117)

• United States

15 Feb 23

Love the collage of pictures. Dude certainly is a beautiful cat. Black cats have always been my favorite and I've had a few over the years. When I was growing up we had a black cat named Beethoven because he loved to sleep on the piano.

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@Marilynda1225 (83117)

• United States

15 Feb 23

@CarolDM cats are very entertaining and I"m glad he gets along well with Brendel

2 people like this

@CarolDM (203422)

• Nashville, Tennessee

15 Feb 23

@Marilynda1225 Thanks, it is the only way he could survive here.

1 person likes this

@CarolDM (203422)

• Nashville, Tennessee

15 Feb 23

Thank you. It was hard to decide which ones to use. This is my first black cat. He is a sweetheart. And has so many different things he does that keeps me laughing.

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@sol_cee (38219)

• Philippines

14 Feb 23

Oh my, I feel sorry for all the other black cats which don’t get adopted. You saved The Dude

3 people like this

@CarolDM (203422)

• Nashville, Tennessee

14 Feb 23

I cannot visit the shelters often, it breaks my heart. We saved each other actually.

2 people like this

@Hannihar (130213)

• Israel

15 Feb 23

@CarolDM Carol, that is beautiful and congrats on knowing and being a part of Dude's life for 9 years and him finding a way to get a long with Brendel. It sounds like he really wanted someone to adopt him so he accepted your situation and I bet he is glad that you are the one that did it and made him a part of your family. I am glad he is your shadow and knows when to be there for you.

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@Hannihar (130213)

• Israel

16 Feb 23

@CarolDM You are so right that he deserved a good home and all animals do too. Now, he has a forever home with you and Brendel and I hope you will all be together a long time.

1 person likes this

@CarolDM (203422)

• Nashville, Tennessee

16 Feb 23

@Hannihar Yes he certainly does have a forever home. Well loved always.

1 person likes this

@CarolDM (203422)

• Nashville, Tennessee

15 Feb 23

Thank you so much. He has been such a joy to have here. He was so sad in the shelter. All alone. So happy I had too for him. He deserves a good home, as all of the animals do.

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@dya80dya (36769)

•

14 Feb 23

My cats are scared if they see me sad or crying. Cats can be like therapy. They help us a lot. Black cats are beautiful.

3 people like this

@CarolDM (203422)

• Nashville, Tennessee

14 Feb 23

Mine are not scared, they are just great support for me. I know yours are as well. Thank you, the Dude is a sweetie.

3 people like this