Watchcat protocol DCCCLXX

As Watchcat Rusty demonstrated in the late '90s, you don't have to be a watchgoat to take a grazing break:

Watchcat protocol DCCCLXIX (In memory of Simon the cat)

Even when your guardians are about to move and your guard post is surrounded by odds and ends, a good watchcat perseveres and keeps guarding his assigned sector:

1989: Watchcat Simon makes a place for himself on the mat.

Sadly, an era of my family's cats ended on this day 20 years ago.  June 13, 2001 was Watchcat Simon's last day on Earth.  We'd lost his brother, Watchcat Rusty, six months earlier and were unprepared for Simon's health to deteriorate so quickly.

Often, it's not easy being second.  Rusty, who joined the family in August 1983, was generally outgoing, talkative, and playful, while Simon, who joined us in June 1987, was typically quiet, shy, and serious.  I've always thought of Simon as the most introverted of all the cats we've had and the one whom life intimidated most.  I often thought, not unkindly, that the "Schoolhouse Rock" song, "The Tale Of Mr. Morton," could have applied, with altered lyrics, to him.  (i.e.  "Mr. Simon is the subject of the sentence, and when the predicate's said, he runs.")

As a fellow introvert, however, I got along well with him.  I felt honored to be one of the very few people he trusted.  He enjoyed it when I carried him around the house, much like my longtime cat, Sylvia.  In his early years, he alerted us eagerly with a quick "Meow, meow" before jumping in our laps.

Despite his mostly reserved ways, Watchcat Simon summoned the fortitude to assume guard duty.  Once he got his bearings, he kept watch over three houses where we lived over the years and particularly over one former neighbor, whose lawn mowing fascinated him.

Simon's cat brother, Rusty, and he were a study in contrasts, but they coexisted and carried out their watchcat duties well.

Watchcat protocol DCCCLXVIII

Although it was unlikely that anyone would have made off with her guardians' to-be-recycled items, Watchcat Rosie guarded them nevertheless in June 2006:

Watchcat protocol DCCCLXVII

On June 9, 2021, there was no doubt that Watchcat Lily was alert.  While Proxy Nemo took a break, Lily kept her focus on everyone within her assigned sector:

Watchcat protocol DCCCLXVI

Watchcats don't have to maintain a constant foreboding presence.  Sometimes, it's appropriate to be more relaxed--more zen, if you will:

When there's a suspicious noise, however, at least one watchcat needs to snap to attention:

Proxy Nemo and Watchcat Lily had this routine down yesterday.

Watchcat protocol DCCCLXV

Thought you'd slip on these shoes, didn't you?  Well, think again:

July 2006: No one wore this pair of shoes, except for one of Watchcat Rosie's guardians--and Watchcat Rosie, of course.

Watchcat protocol DCCCLXIV

It's always comforting when the watchcat gives you a look that says, "No one will mess with you, as long as I'm here."  Watchcat Rosie provided this reassurance in Spring 2009: