Wiley, our 14 year old cat and faithful companion died on January 19, 2009.  It was unexpected, because he was quite active up until the end.  A cancerous tumor got him, and we’re just grateful that his illness was brief. 

In snow in Idaho	Waiting for lunch	In Hopetown
Wiley in command	Looking for gators	Computer Cat

Wiley was the most adaptable and well traveled pet that Steve and I have ever had.  We adopted Wiley, and his sister Wendy, from a Pet Rescue League in Ft. Lauderdale, FL when they were 8 weeks old. Shortly after their first birthday, we moved from balmy Florida to the mountains of Idaho in December of 1995.  The airlines misplaced their carrier somewhere during the connection at Salt Lake City.  Their already long travel day was extended by a couple hours while the airlines sorted it out, but they eventually arrived unscathed in Boise.  This was Wiley’s indoctrination to a crazy life traveling with the Schrimshers. 

Wiley loved Idaho.  The supply of rodents was endless, and he was a merciless hunter.  He wanted to go outside the house first thing in the morning, and we wouldn’t see him again all day.  Early on, however, he figured out that it was safer inside after dark, so we enjoyed his company all evening. Idaho winters did however, cramp his style. Every day Wiley insisted on trying different doors of the house, just in case one exited to warm temperatures and green grass instead of snow. 

After the initial move to Idaho, Wiley didn’t travel much until he was 9 or 10 years old.  That’s when we started taking him for winters on the sailboat in the Bahamas and camping during the summer in Idaho.  His biggest adventure was moving aboard the Salty Turtle when he was 12 years old.  He traveled 9000 miles with us doing the “Great Loop”, Bahamas, and St. John’s River.   

Writing the Blog	On the edge	Off Duty
Watching raccoons	What is that?	On the prowl

Wiley seemed to enjoy boating as much as we did, except for rough seas.  When we started the engines, Wiley raced to the flybridge and sat will Steve on the helm seat, driving the boat.  When we docked at a new port, Wiley was anxious to explore, but never ventured far.  He particularly liked our stops on the Erie Canal and Trent Severn, where he could enjoy the grass 10 feet from the boat, and not have to navigate “miles” of dock to reach shore. 

After a hard day!	New friend in New York	Watching dolphins
Reading	On lookout	Writing Christmas Cards

People were amazed how he would return to the boat when we called his name…well, at least most of the time.  I do recall one frantic night when he didn’t come “home” until 2 AM at Surf City, SC, and he was dripping wet when he jumped back on board.  What had happened that night?  One of four swimming adventures.  And then there was his infamous extended stay at Henry’s in the Georgian Bay, Canada.  He was in trouble that day, but we quickly got over it. 

Wiley was a GREAT CAT!  We miss him a lot…

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