n.
One who is engaged in or experienced in battle.
One who is engaged aggressively or energetically in an activity, cause, or conflict
Rowdy was so, well, Rowdy! He is the only pet we ever bought. Money well spent, we all agree. He came home as a tiny little fur ball. What an absolute cutie. It was hard to find the right name for him and we all tried. But, one night, after puffing his incredibly furry back up and doing a couple of sideways high steps (vertical jumps really) he fiercely attacked Don's foot! We knew he was a warrior and defender. and he was Rowdy!
He did not like any other cats in his territory. When we brought Lily (a stray) in the house, he swatted her on the head and let her know it was his place. Lily did not like that and never forgave him for it. He was the alpha and like it or not, that is the way it is.
When we brought Smokey home as a puppy, Rowdy swatted Smokey on the head. Smokey got the message loud and clear and only engaged with Rowdy if Rowdy would allow it. They played a game of tag every now and then. It was a fun game to watch and they both seemed to enjoy it.
Rowdy was always in on the action. If he heard any kind of skirmish going on, he would run as fast as possible to the excitement to be in on the action. This action sometimes included non-pet animals that also lived in his territory. This battle warrior usually came out on top, but not with everything in tact. He had broken shoulders, gashes, and even lost ear parts. He was miserable inside the house when he was on the mend. He was on the mend a few times, too.
He stood Sentry. He watched over the place. Even when UPS delivered, Rowdy greeted the truck and circled the driver until he was confident that the driver and truck meant no harm to his territory.
After a night of duty, he would come in, eat and go to the nearest bed. If the bed was occupied, he would patiently wait by the side until he had it to himself. He was not selfish. He shared the bed.
Don and I noticed last Wednesday that he wasn't back from overnight duty. We began looking for him on Thursday. We searched our property for his white fur and found nothing. We expanded our search for a 1 mile radius. Still nothing. We finally had to tell Camille and Olivia and of course, they were so upset. Camille set out to find him at once. She and Don took Smokey and began looking over the property again. Smokey led them right to our warrior. Rowdy obviously died doing his job, and in battle.
What a sad day it is to awaken knowing that he will not be coming in from his overnight duty of keeping vigil on his territory. He is at rest and we know his job was well done. So long great warrior. We are so going to miss you.
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