This is a brief introduction to the cat ~ nay, the legend ~ known as the Feline Dalai Lama. He was a feline like none other ~beautiful and brilliant, wise yet humble.
He was cunning, yet kind ~ a gentle genius who loved his home and family best. Yet he never refused the call when international crises arose that required his services.
His name was Orca. He was known by that name in secret circles ~ circles of men and women who moved in silence through the night, working for the good of mankind. He was known to Scotland Yard, the C.I.A., Interpol. They all knew they could count on him when secret operations were failing, and there was no one else who could as stealthily complete the mission. Behind the scenes he was also well known to Presidents and Kings ~ beloved of Margaret Thatcher, who particularly enjoyed having him to tea. During her years of service, she frequently called upon him for private meetings and much needed advice over tea and crumpets. He loved to visit London, and often he found himself riotously celebrating with the cats down by the docks after meeting with Madame Thatcher.
For many years, he traveled extensively throughout the world. World leaders privately leaned heavily upon him, and he was affectionately known as the “Feline Dalai Lama.” His great wisdom and clear headed guidance often provided assistance during tumultuous times.
Of course, we knew him only as our beloved pet. We’d even created several “baby” names for him, not just Orca. We loved him dearly, and he was the heart of our home. We accepted that he traveled at times, but we were unaware of all his covert activities. His travel plans were made by a private secretary whom we never met, although he’d inform us about his travel plans as they would arise. We simply assumed he traveled for business.
The Feline Dalai Lama, Resting at Home
Orca was the most loving cat a family could ever want. His affection knew no bounds. His jade green eyes were those of an old soul, a wise and gentle spirit who’d seen the world. He always understood when anyone in the family was wounded and needed consolation. He’d be right there to provide feline “alpha rays” of healing affection. He often shared anecdotes from his adventures. Stories from his travels were exciting and opened up new worlds to us. And yet, his lanky black and white body conveyed a weariness from too many days away from home. And as he aged, he traveled less ~ much preferring a nice tuna dinner and a family evening before the fireplace ~ which was truly a joy for us as a family.
It was only after his death that we learned of all his contributions to international negotiations and to world peace. It came as no surprise to us to learn of all his sterling accomplishments. We always knew that he was a very unique and special cat, and we cherished him as such. It was a great comfort for us to know that his great heart and his grand talents had been shared with the rest of the world as well as with us.
http://beckylagace.com/2013/10/29/at-home-with-the-feline-dalai-lama/
http://beckylagace.com/2013/11/21/favorite-quotes-from-the-feline-dalai-lama/
We loved him so much, that when we lost him, we mourned for a very long time. It was hard to say goodbye. He was more than a pet ~ he was truly a beloved family member. He was simply different, and it cannot be explained other than to say that he was the Feline Dalai Lama ~ wise, gentle, brave, and brilliant. He made a difference in the world!