Gratitude Monday - Panther

Panther's first appearance in our yard was about a week before Halloween 2008.
Later when she got used to us and knew she was welcome she came over often. She liked to sun herself on the front porch in the afternoons on warm days. On hot days she went to the back porch and found a spot on top of a tote or on me if I was relaxing in a lawn chair.
She occasionally helped herself to a bird, which we didn't like, but she took out a mouse or five and that was okay.
She always seemed happy to see us and often came over when she heard the door open. Sometimes she'd be waiting on the back porch for us to come out.
We called it "Pussycat Waiting" and we were tickled silly over it.
She lived in the house next door, but from spring to fall she was over often. She found her way into two of my manuscripts and was the inspiration for "Pussums Manynaps."
Panther went to her Great Reward recently. We are sad she won't be purring on our back porch anymore, or catching mice, or sunning herself out front, or bounding over to see us when the back door opens.
We are grateful for the time she spent with us and saddened we won't have Pussycat Waiting anymore.