Notes: It's overdue that I have written a song for my best pal Ziggy, who is my cat and favorite creature living on Earth. Being that I am a certified dog person, our two cats are impressive in the thoroughness with which they have won my heart. It's fortunate that Lucy has never learned to read, because I love her too much for her to ever find out that Ziggy is my fave. But if I can't be honest here, I can't be honest anywhere.

A lot of dog people who love a particular cat will say stuff like "he's so great because he acts so much like a dog!" Ziggy acts nothing like a dog. He is aloof, fearful of strangers (especially children), emotionally selective with family members, and needs to be perched up high as often as possible. He is also medicated for clinical anxiety, which means he is alternately blissed out on drugs, or crying for no discernible reason. In addition to these traits, he is fiercely bonded to me. While he can sometimes go days between actual snuggles, he loves to be near me, to know I'm there. He spends most of his days on a pedestal bed, just behind my right shoulder in my home office. He starts purring when I sit down to work. Lately I have noticed that he purrs when I pick up my guitar. I'm as grateful to have him there as he is to be near me.

This song is simple and not very sophisticated. Basically, I love my cat and this is my way of telling him I'll always look out for him. The wonderful portrait of him that accompanies this track was taken by Rebecca last winter. I think it captures his essential spirit, and the genuine wonder with which he often views the world around him. It is the closest you are likely to ever come to knowing him. If he met you, there's a good chance he'd hide.