Casper The Commuting Cat: The True Story Of The Cat Who Rode The Bus And Stole Our Hearts

I’ve changed so much over the years and found myself again; in the course of doing so, I’ve had many cats in my life. As I’ve built myself up again, the cats have contributed to my confidence and my belief in myself. I never think about what they can give me, just what I can give them, but, looking back on it, they have all done so much.

This wonderful relationship that we can have with our animals should never be taken for granted. If only I could have one more minute with Casper, I would make sure that he knew just how much he meant to me while I was blessed to share my life with him. Take that time if you still have the gift of your fellow creatures in your life – hold them, love them and cherish the moments you spend together, for there will never be enough.

CHAPTER 30

Remembering Casper

When I first started to write this book, I was a little overwhelmed at the prospect. I had never attempted such a thing before but the publishers were very supportive and felt Casper’s story was one that would speak to so many people that I felt it was the right thing to do. I made that decision only after thinking very carefully about everything that has happened. The one question that I kept asking myself time and time again was: how could one little cat have made such an impact?

Over the months since Casper’s travels had become known, I had received letters, emails and messages from across the globe, all of them full of kindness. This one cat had touched people. He had ignited a spark of something – perhaps love, perhaps recognition – that made it clear to me that we all have much more in common than maybe we realize.

We spend so much time hearing and reading about such awful things – wars, crime, people hating each other and doing terrible things. What Casper’s story has made me remember is that there is a lot of good in people. When things are difficult, our natural instinct is to reach out to each other, even when the other person is a complete stranger living on a different continent. If Casper has made two people talk to each other on a bus, or strike up a conversation over a newspaper article, or chat over the garden fence about that funny little cat who liked to ride on the bus, then I genuinely feel that he has made a difference.

I’m not an overly religious person, but I do believe that all of us have that ability to change things – whether we’re a person or a cat or anything in between. When I realized just how much Casper had meant to people, many of whom had never even met him, I decided that I had a duty to make sure that his whole story was told. I only hope that by sharing these words I can give some comfort to people who have lost their own pets, and make them realize that they aren’t alone.

I spent many happy hours remembering my lovely Casper, and all the cats who went before him The whole process reminded me of things I thought I’d forgotten. It made me find out more about this funny little cat who’d managed to construct a world of his own every day. I went to the bus depot to talk to all the lovely drivers and company staff who had known Casper and had helped; I spoke to neighbours and passengers who had known him well; I met people through Facebook and other sites who all had stories to share.

It all started to make sense to me at that point, as I found out more and more about my own cat and his secret life. I also realized that people were waiting for an opportunity to talk, not just about him, but about the animals they had loved and lost. It was as if Casper gave them an excuse to be honest about their feelings.

If you are reading this because you, too, have lost a beloved pet, please take comfort in the fact that you experienced a wonderful relationship with them. Yes, the pain of losing them is awful, and you may feel that you simply can’t go on without them, but you will. And the reason I believe you will is that loving makes us stronger. Through sharing our hearts and hopes, we expand our capacity to care. Don’t feel ashamed by your emotions, don’t think that you have to close yourself off and never discuss or remember the creature who brought you so much pleasure, for what would be the point of the pain if we didn’t sometimes allow ourselves a shred of happiness?

If you are reading this because you think that previous bereavements have been too much to bear and that you cannot risk more hurt, then please remember all the cats I’ve lost over the years. If I had taken that approach, I would never have known Casper; I would never have had the strength to bring him into my life. If that had happened, there would have been thousands upon thousands of people who would never have known his story and taken joy from it. Grief and the fear of being hurt again can be powerful emotions, which can prevent us from doing what our hearts truly desire. If you love animals, don’t deny yourself the love and company they bring.