Conference misery::feline

    I read the article too!  And sat with tears in my eyes as I read how he
    held Polar Bear, and tried to let him know how much he meant to
    Cleveland!
    
    Mind you, Cleveland started out as a Cat Hater... well, at least a
    major cat disliker!  Polar Bear turned him around!
    
    M-L

    Thanks for sharing that information.  I too read The Cat Who Came for
    Christmas and found myself laughing and crying.  It was wonderful and
    I really related because I had a little white kittie who looked just
    like Polar Bear (he passed on over a year ago).
    
    If I recall, Cleveland Amory is involved with PETA (People for the
    Ethical Treatment of Animals).  Do you still have the article from the
    Sunday paper.  I would love to see it.
    
    Donna
    

    Marilyn,
    
     I had not heard about Polar Bear! I'm sitting here in tears as I write
    this! I have his books, "The Cat Who Came For Christmas" and "The cat
    and the Curmudgeon". They are both wonderful!
    
     If you could please forward me his address, I'd like to send him a
    card or something. Polar bear did have a wonderful life after Cleveland
    rescued him. Rest in peace old boy.
    
     He will be added to the memorial also.
    
    Yonee

    I will bring the article in tomorrow and make copies.  Anyone wishing
    one can send me a message on:  ASABET::MANDERSON - with your address.
    
    Also, I will post Cleveland's address for anyone wishing to send him
    condolences.
    
    He is a beautiful writer, burly and incredibly sensitive.  The
    feelings this man can express is beyond description.  I could just
    envision myself in his shoes.  The love he had/has for Polar Bear
    was exquisitely expressed!
    
    Marilyn
    

    I just phoned home to see if we had that article in Parade, and we do. 
    Bob started reading the article and was already fighting back the tears
    after reading Polar Bear's tombstone.  I've read The Cat Who came for
    Cristmas, and I have the Cat and the Curmudgeon, but haven't read it
    yet.
    
    Steffi 

    
    His third book is due out, I believe, which includes the death
    of Polar Bear.....

    Here is some information about the non-profit organization I mentioned
    in the basenote:
    
    CLEVELAND AMORY, President and Chairman
    The Fund for Animals, Inc.
    200 West 57th Street
    New York, NY  10019
    
    Telephone:  (212) 246-2096 / (212) 246-2632
    FAX         (212) 246-2633
    
    1992 was their Silver Anniversary (25 years) - they are for the rights
    and protection of all animals.  Cleveland, by the way, is the founder.
    His letter to me was dated May 8, 1992 and here is the list of the
    
    Field Agents, Coordinators:
    
    Lia Abo                   New York
    Margaret Asproyerakis     Illinois
    Cynthia Branigan          Pennsylvania
    Doris Dixon               Michigan
    Dana Forbes               Texas
    Donna Gregory             Florida
    Virginia Handley          California
    Julie Lewin               Connecticut
    Cheryl McAuliffe          Georgia
    Jerye Mooney              Los Angeles
    Heidi Prescott            Washington, DC
    Andrea Reed               Kentucky
    Sid Rosenthal             Louisiana
    Dorit Stark-Reimer        Albany, New York
    Paul Watson               Sea Shepherd (?)
    Jose Zorrilla             Mexico
    
    
    Also, the name of the book to be published this month is "The Best
    Cat Ever" by Little, Brown (publishers).
    
    Here is an excerpt (printed without permission from Parade Magazine):
    
    "I have always believed that the best place to bury your animal is in
    your heart.  But at the same time, since so many people knew Polar Bear
    and wanted to know where he would be buried, I finally gave in.  I
    chose as his final resting place The Fund for Animals Black Beauty
    Ranch in Murchison, Texas, which over the years has become home to
    thousands of abused or abandoned animals.
    
    To Chris Byrne, the able manager of the ranch, as well as to his
    extraordinary wife, Mary, fell the job of finding the right place, the
    right headstone, the right plaque.  They did it wonderfully well.  The
    plaque is not only a lovely one, but it is also at the very center of
    life at the ranch and is in the shade of three trees -- a place that
    Polar Bear loved.
    
    To me fell the job of writing the inscription for the plaque.  I did it
    as follows:
    
                             Beneath This Stone
                          Lie the Mortal Remains of
                        The Cat Who Came for Christmas
                             Beloved Polar Bear
                                1977 - 1992
                            'Til We Meet Again'
    
    What I wrote on Polar Bear's monument I do believe -- that we will meet
    again.  And if I do not always believe it, I always try to believe it,
    because I also believe that if you try hard enough to believe
    something, you will in time believe it.  And one thing I do know is that,
    when Polar Bear and I do meet again, the first thing I will say to him
    is that he is the best cat ever.  And another thing I know is that,
    wherever we are, he will be the best cat there too."
    
    ...sob!
    
    Marilyn
    
    P.S.  I am photocopying the article (and photo of Cleveland holding
          Polar Bear) and will mail it to the ones that wrote me offline.
          If anyone wishes cop(ies) let me know.
    

    
    
    Marilyn,
    
    	I like your idea of thinking of making a donation to a non-profit
    organization that focuses on animal welfare - especially cats -
    around the holiday season.  Perhaps our feline companions will give
    a gift of life through a donation to their favorite non-profit (cat)
    organization.   There are so many worthy ones like the one that
    Cleveland sponsors - as well an many no-kill cat shelters and various
    humane societies.  My Peter and Angie will be donating again this
    year at Christmas - as well as they continue to support the 'homeless'
    throughout the year.
    
    Eleanor
           

    Good idea Eleanor.
    
    I am seriously considering calling the Fund for Animals in New York to
    find out what an agent/coordinator is.  I notice there isn't any in
    Massachusetts.
    
    I'll have then send me the info - perhaps I could start (any
    volunteers) something in the Northern Worcester County area.  Of
    course, it depends on what is involved and what they have to say.
    I won't commit to anything until I get some information.  Just an idea
    I have brewing in my head.
    
    Also, sending cards to Cleveland would be a nice gesture ... letting
    him know that our NOTESFILE exists and how we support each other.  I
    think he would be touched that Polar Bear got his own topic!
    
    I'll keep you posted.
    
    Marilyn
    

    There is a strong chance that today may be my last day (sigh).  I'm
    temping and it doesn't look good out there.  Nother story.
    
    If you responded to me offline about sending the article to you -
    could you please send me your home addresses ... just in case I
    am not in on Monday to send them to your office.  Thanks!
    
    Marilyn
    
    P.S.  If I am not in I will contact either Yonee or Sandi to check
          in.
    
    

    Good news.  I will be here for the next two weeks!  
    
    More later
    

    WELL I'M GLAD YOU'RE STAYING!!!
    
    D.
    

    ME, TOO!!!
    
    Steffi