Magilla was found as a wandering stray in the south Texas ranch land where we built a home in 2000. He had been neutered and had a collar that he had grown much to large for as it was cutting his neck. He was big as a Texas bobcat, with all its ferocious looks. While terribly matted, obviously neglected, abused and very frightened, once in our care he was gentle as any kitten. We had no firm idea of his age but guessed at 5 to 6 years. Our Vet commented on his "primate face" so Magilla (the gorilla) immediately became his name and he joined our indoor cat family. In 2005 we noticed he was having difficulty seeing and he was diagnosed with extremely high blood pressure. While the hypertension was controlled with medication, the damage was too great and he spent his final years in darkness. He adjusted well to this handicap and never lost the wonderful personality we had come to love so much. We moved him and his housemates to Washington in early 2007 and he quickly learned his way in a totally new home. In 2008 he began to show signs of advancing renal failure from the earlier damage done by hypertension and in June he could no longer continue his courageous fight. With much regret we had to let him go but he is greatly missed and fondly remembered. May "Our Big Black Cat" rest well.

Jerry & Linda R.