If you’ve enjoyed the tales of ‘Simon the Cat’ by Ponoka author Margaret Erickson, you may be sad to hear that Simon, the subject of the books, has passed away.
However, a new kitten has arrived in the Ericksons’ life, and has worked his way into their hearts and onto the page, as well.
Erickson is now working on, “Simon the Cat Earns his Wings — Bogey Arrives — The Story of Two Special kitties.”
She says the primary purpose of the book is to help children with the loss of a pet.
“I am quite excited about this book,” said Erickson.
”Simon becomes ill, sees the vet who gives him some wonderful medicine, and his last thoughts are ‘Oh my, I am flying.’ His spirit crosses the Rainbow Bridge where he meets a huge motherly cat who tells him he has been a very good kitty and has now earned his wings. He meets so many friends who have gone before,” she said.
“Then Simon looks down from his lofty heights and sees that his earthly Mom and Dad are so sad, missing him, and thinks, ‘What can I do about that?’ He also sees a small little orange kitty in the forest by the golf course, lost and alone. His spirit flies down and whispers in the little kitty’s sleeping ear, ‘Go to the cart path — someone wants to see you.’
“And so the story goes. Of course we find him, adopt him and he has adventures.”
And that’s just how it happened.
Based on true events, Erickson and her husband Bruce were enjoying one of their favourite pastimes, golfing, at the Ponoka Golf Club in October, when they first spotted the little orange tabby, who they suitable named “Bogey.”
Very small, he was only about four lbs.
Erickson says although Bogey let them pick him up right away, it was a bit of a process before they managed to get him home.
Although he followed their golf cart for awhile, he was skittish took off. After trying to lure him back with pieces of hot dog for awhile, they had to leave.
The next day Bruce was golfing with his men’s group and took a carrier along with him just in case he appeared.
“As luck would have it — or in my opinion by Simon the Cat’s intervention — the kitten appeared on hole No. 16 where Bruce was, came up to his cart, and the rest is history.”
Believing Bogey had never been inside a home before, the Ericksons say the once-frail kitten has “adapted like you would not believe” and is very special to them. Four months later, he is now about 12 lbs, healthy and happy.
Bogey has had all his shots, has been neutered and was thoroughly checked over by a vet. Margaret adds he has every cat toy available and three cat trees.
“He has found his home,” she said.
“Our love for our Simon the Cat has never diminished and we still miss him very much but Bogey is indeed a fantastic kitty who just exudes love.”
Writing one of of her books usually takes about a year, from start to finish including illustrations, but Margaret says this one is going quicker, and may be released in about six months.
Her three previous books are: “Simon the Cat: The Adventures of a Very Special Kitty,” “Simon the Cat: The Adventures Continue,” and “Simon the Cat: The Yowlers and The Howlers.”
READ MORE: Local author releases new Simon the Cat book
As usual, all the proceeds of the book after production costs will be donated to either the SPCA or the Humane Society.
For more information, visit simonthecat.ca.
