It is with great sadness that we write that Copper is no longer with us. We have not seen him for a couple of months. He came for dinner on a Friday evening earlier this fall, then the following Saturday and every day since he has not been seen in the Village.
Copper suffered two major injuries this year. One in March that apparently left his pelvis broken and walking flat-footed on his two back feet. Then, another one around July 4th that severed one of his front legs from the elbow down. We suspect both were the result of climbing into the engine of parked cars. His will to survive and enjoy his life was nothing less than remarkable and inspirational.
We had seriously considered pulling him out of the Village for his long-term safety, but were advised by a veterinary professional that he would not fare well in a domestic setting given his years of living in the Village totally feral.
We are all heart-broken, because Copper was an amazing spirit. He was the heart of one of our larger colonies. Clancy, his best friend, has since left the colony and went to a smaller colony that we care for in the area. He is heart-broken, too. No one cat has tried to replace the energy and order of the colony since Copper was lost.
This holiday season, each of us who care for the colony will honor Copper with a picture ornament on our Christmas tree. He will always be remembered for his remarkable spirit and remain an inspiration.
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