Tabs never knew his real dad. He grew up a stray on the mean streets of Mill Valley, and when he came to live with us, it was more of an employer-employee relationship, where I served as his gravy chef, deep-tissue kitty masseuse, fur stylist and executive assistant.
But he and El Hub had a very special relationship. It wasn’t really parental, but they had a deep friendship. If Tabs were here, he would wish El Hub a Happy Father’s Day and say thank you.
Tabs and El Hub went on many long walks together on the hill outside our condo, exploring further than Tabs and I did. They got into all kinds of mischief over the years, like the time Tabs cornered a shrew by the old oak tree, or the time Tabs found an unguarded turkey egg in the grass, or the time Tabs got into a fur-flying scuffle with a local Russian Blue over catnip property rights.
After a hard day’s work, they loved hanging out together.
Tabs seemed very grateful for the bond he shared with El Hub, and whenever El Hub called his name, “Tabs!” no matter where either one of them were in the house, Tabs always came running and meowed every step of the way.
Anyone who thinks that being the face of a global fashion brand and kitty modeling empire is easy doesn’t understand what it takes — all the sacrifice and commitment. And it also takes having people and cats you can trust who have your best interest at heart.
El Hub was the closest thing Tabs ever had to a father, and they loved each other deeply.
Not only were they colleagues working to build a feline fashion empire. They were also family members and best friends.
Your friendly neighborhood beauty addict,
Karen
Claudiaguelli says
June 22nd, 2020 at 6:17 amThanks to you and your husband for rescued him!! As a volunteer in a local shelter I don’t see many people who take a stray cat in… But the word definitely needs more people like you!!! Thanks!!!
Karen says
June 22nd, 2020 at 3:00 pmThank you for volunteering at the shelter! 🙂 We need more people like *you*!
Jennifer Baird says
June 22nd, 2020 at 11:42 amMy best friend takes in stray cats. She has rescued many over the years. This makes my heart happy and I love how you wrote this!
Karen says
June 22nd, 2020 at 2:54 pmStray cats are the best cats. 🙂
Jennifer Osborn says
June 22nd, 2020 at 12:13 pmOh, too sweet!
I miss that thug!
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Karen says
June 22nd, 2020 at 2:53 pmMe too. He was the world’s best and worst boss. lol
Sarah Lowes says
June 22nd, 2020 at 12:42 pmThat Luxury photo is FABULOUS!
Karen says
June 22nd, 2020 at 2:52 pmHis tum-tum and pantaloons are EXTRA in that pic. I love it!
Anne says
June 24th, 2020 at 6:16 amFathers come in all different shapes and forms. And someone to trust is so important for someone as busy as Tabs was.
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Kim says
June 29th, 2020 at 11:10 amI must say, this just made me tear up a little. I know you all miss Tabs so much and am glad he will always live on in your hearts. <3
Karen says
June 29th, 2020 at 1:56 pmI miss him too. I think about all the time, and I say hi to him whenever I see particularly beautiful sunset. I feel like it’s his way of telling me, “Chill out lady! You’re doing OK.”