Meathead wandered through my open front door one day and immediately claimed ownership of me and all I owned. He’d nip my ankles if I dared open the fridge without giving him something to eat. He guarded his property with courage, fiercely attacking any dog that unwisely invaded his territory. And he met me every day after work, waiting by the car door until I got out. He was a cat with attitude, and a little bit of him is in every story I write. In fact, he was a major player in my James Bond spoof, From Boardwalk with Love.

I loved him. Miss you, big guy.