I just wanted to let everyone know about how special our "Foster" cat Julep was. He was one of the smartest cat's I've known. He was a "Foster" because we volunteer for a cat rescue group. Julep had been adopted or I should say he adopted a person. His person moved away to a place where cats were not allowed and Julep was turned into our organization. One day I got an urgent message that Juelp needed to be moved into a good foster home. How could I say no and he was with us ever since. When he came to live with us he was about 14 years old with severe diabetes so he was not adoptable. His charm and personality made him a favorite of every person he met. I learned so much from Julep about life. He lived each day to the fullest. He did not let the daily stresses of life bother him. If one of the other cats wanted something he would walk away rather than fight. He knew that fighting was not worth the energy and with diplomacy and patience he would prevail. Wouldn't the world be a better place if we all did that. When daily life gets too stressful for me, I think about Juleps lessons.

Julep also loved to act. His favorite role was that of a big game hunter. He would pretend that his toys were prey and when captured he would carry them around and shout to the world about his great "Cat" prowess.

Julep loved bread. We learned never to leave a loaf of bread out otherwise it was fair game. He knew the rules of no jumping on the kitchen counters or table but somehow he was still able to get to a fresh loaf of bread. Now this may sound like a "every cat thing" but we have had quite a few cats in the house and none of them were able to get into the places he did without getting caught. Not they didn't try, they just didn't succeed. In his final days we final succeeded in catching him in the act. We conceded victory to him. He was the greatest "Bread Thief" of all times.

He lived with us for over five years. He never complained about the multiple times we had to give him insulin and take his blood. He was always loving and gentle. He was happy. He had a quiet confidence that made you trust him. He gave comfort when needed and hope to all. He was and will always be a great teacher of life.