By Beth Sluys
Northside News
My husband and I have lived on Madison’s Northside for a little over three years. In those years we have made new friends as we have gotten to know neighbors and their pets, joined a community choir, and volunteered for various nonprofit organizations. In a recent Northside News writers’ meeting, I was asked how I like Madison, the Northside in particular. I shared that I love living here, and most surely feel lucky that we have a home on the Northside. But more, I told them the story of Nala as a way to express this sense of place.
Nala was a cat that belonged to my neighbor Brandon, a talented musician who lives next door. When we met Nala, she was already quite old, thin and struggling with a serious thyroid condition. Another neighbor, Jill, had also gotten to know Nala and was interested in lending a hand with her care. We met on a cold January day earlier this year at my home, enjoying scones and hot tea while we discussed the issues related to Nala’s care. We created the Nala Team to help with administering medication and tending to her when Brandon could not. Jill would keep Nala at her home when Brandon was out of town. We shared text message updates related to her care, cute photos of Nala (I made her a fleece sweater), and became a beautiful team of caring souls who just loved this kitty. More importantly, we became better neighbors and friends.
Last month, Brandon texted me to say Nala was not doing well and he was taking her to the vet. Later in the day, a text message indicated there was not much they could do for Nala. Her time had come. My husband and I and Jill all arrived at the vet’s office and spent time with Brandon and his sisters as Nala lay in her loving owner’s arms. We all were weepy but also a bit silly as we shared our favorite Nala stories and laughed through our tears at the joy she had brought to all of us, the three of them having grown up with her and the rest of us relishing the brief time we had known her. Today, there is a small memorial for Nala out in my garden planted with a Kitten Around Catmint in tribute to the well-loved cat we all miss. However, the friendly bonds are still there and we are all the better for having known Nala.
Ah, the Northside Vibe.
Do you have a Northside Vibe moment you would like to share — a story that represents the best of living on Madison’s Northside? Email your story to Rita Lord at the Northside News at submissions@northsidenews.com.