Claremont COURIER/Friday, July 17, 2015

Cole Precious Persian, relentless beggar

ets bring us a lot of joy, but loving an animal can also bring a
little sadness. The critters we
adopt as family members usually dont
live as long as we do, and it can be
hard to say goodbye. Once we get over
the loss, though, their memory can still
make us smile.
Its true for Cole, a Persian cat belonging to
COURIER classifieds editor Jessica Gustin Pfahler.
He died last week at 18, a ripe old age for a cat, and
we thought it would be nice to give this furry friend
a Round of A-Paws.
Cole got his name because he was coal-black
when he was a kitten. Before long, though, he grew
gray and beige fur, becoming stripy like the feisty
little tiger he was. He lived in Ventura, California
for many years now, but he had some adventures
before settling down.
Jessicas dad was in the navy and when she was
nine, her family planned a big move to a naval base
in Spain. They had just gotten Cole and his sister
Penny, who were only three months old. They
werent worried, though, because at the time you
could bring pets to Spain with no hassle. Then, her
dads orders changed and they found out they would
be moving to Hawaii. When they got there, both kittens had to remain quarantinedcaged up and inspected for diseasesfor four months before
coming home.
Penny just chilled out, but Cole missed his family
so much that he cried a lot. And every time he cried,
the attendant, who was a pushover, fed him. By the
time Cole was released, he had become one chubby
cat, earning the new nickname Fatboy.
Cole was known for his beautiful green eyes,
which looked like a dinosaurs eyes. Cole was affectionate when it suited him. He enjoyed spending
Sunday mornings with Jessicas mom Anne, sitting
on her lap while she read the paper, and frequently
could be found sleeping in Jessicas bed. Sunning
on the pool deck was another favorite activity.
As he got older, Cole had less patience for the
shenanigans of other pets who came into the household. While he became less of a fat boy, he was

21

RSABG run offers

chance to play hero,
make super impact

ust off your cape, because Rancho Santa Ana Botanic Garden
is hosting a Jr. Hero Run on Saturday, July 25.

more insistent when it came to human food.

He constantly begged for treats, especially bacon,
and if you even began to remove a package of bacon
from the fridge, he would hustle over.
One time he was found absolutely slimy, because he
had jumped on the counter and devoured a bunch of
bacon grease, becoming covered in the stuff in the
process.
Coles family already misses him. They like to picture him in kitty heaven, which might just include a
warm pool deck and an all-you-can-eat bacon bar.

You are invited to don a superhero costume, bring

a water gun and prepare for a confrontation of epic
proportions. Guests will become real-life heroes as
they embark on a mission to invade a fortress and
recover stolen coins.
Watch for lurking villains, armed with their own
water guns and ready to foil your plans. There will
be filling stations located throughout the winding
3k course, so youll have lots of opportunities to reload. The event will feature a base camp with a DJ,
a pizza party along with other food, plus vendors,
bounce houses and a Minion caricature artist.
Awards will be given to the three best superhero
costumes.
Proceeds benefit the Make-A-Wish Foundation as
well as the Rancho Santa Ana Botanic Garden. The
cost to participate is $20 if you register before July
24 and $30 if you register the day of the event. Kids
two and younger get in free. If youre a parent
bringing children but not participating, youll need
to purchase a spectator ticket for $10. You are also
encouraged to follow the events Facebook site, because as theyll be running several $5 off deals.
Groups of guests will take off in 15- or 30-minute
intervals. The first wave begins at 7 a.m. and the last
leaves at 11 a.m. The costume contest will begin at
noon. Youre welcome to enjoy the base camp afterparty until 3 p.m.
The Rancho Santa Ana Botanic Garden is located
at 1500 N. College Ave. in Claremont. For information, visit jrherorun.com or call (909) 605-6889.

Sarah Torribio
kids@claremont-courier.com

Zentagle: A zany way to become zen

Zentangle is an abstract drawing you create using repetitive patterns.

They take concentration, but are relaxing; its almost like meditation.
A good Zentangle can help you reach Zena state of peace and happiness. Try your hand at these examples, and then make up your own!

Photo special to the COURIER

CLAREMONTKIDS/continues on the next page