Bodie

Bodie with Mom and Dad

The iconic lighthouses along the Atlantic coast of North Carolina have a special pull on Ashley. They help guide those who seek their way home. So it was fitting that her husband proposed to her at Bodie Island Lighthouse. It’s a special place for Ashley. Familiar. Safe. Home.

When they later moved to Minnesota, Ashley held the lighthouses tenderly in her heart, smiling as she remembered them. She promised herself that her first pet would be named Bodie, the second would be named Tuck after the Currituk Beach Lighthouse. The third is saved for her fluffy cow who will be named Hattie after the Cape Hatteras Lighthouse.

As she contemplated adopting a cat, Ashley told her husband Shane that her heart’s desire was to find a black and white cat. Not all black. She wanted a tuxedo cat.

On a hunch, Shane stopped at the Woodbury Humane Society. And there he was - the perfect tuxedo boy for Ashley. Excited to share the news, Shane sent photos and a video of a frightened boy to Ashley.

“Oh, he’s beautiful! But he looks so sad!” exclaimed Ashley as she studied the pictures.

Ashley could hardly sleep that night as she waited like a young girl, to meet - Bodie (of course).

Bodie’s first day at his forever home (a bit scared)

The next morning, they met the scared little boy. Ashley was in love. Everyone believed he came from a good home as he was well trained and friendly to all. 

His young life was a mystery. Bodie was found hanging out at the loading dock behind the Humane Society. He just wanted in. Ashley believes he sent out his own (lighthouse) signal so she would know where to find him.

She held the soft ball of fur in her arms. The perfect tuxedo boy. Ashley whispered in his ear as they finished the paperwork. “Hello sweet boy, your name is Bodie.”

They estimated he was about a year old. His long, fluffy coat enhances the softness of his personality: calm and kind. Officially he was a stray cat. But not anymore. After a wellness check with his new friends at Carver Lake Veterinary Center (he was just fine), it was time to settle in.

Bodie acclimated to his forever family with great ease. Ashley has a home office and Bodie is happy to help. Inevitably, while she’s on a Zoom call, he will hop onto Ashley’s lap directly in front of the keyboard. It’s a surprise and delight for everyone participating. Soon Bodie will fall back onto Ashley as she rubs his tummy and continues the meeting. Thankfully she is a woman who can multi task.

Bodie is a busy bee helping Mom

When they moved to a new house, Bodie paced about as he couldn’t find a place to rest and watch outside.  As a “tuned-in” mom, Ashley had an idea. She carefully moved a chair in front of the bay window - facing out.  Bodie was delighted. He immediately sprung up onto the seat. He slowly reviewed his outside domain. This will do just fine, he thought. He turned once and laid down. Home, he thought. It is officially Bodie’s Chair and it’s best if no one else sits in it. It’s his second favorite place to watch for danger and of course, a nap. However, the best place is at night, above Mom’s head - on her pillow. He can smell her and keep her warm. His purring is a calming sleep balm. No one gets cold.

As a good mother, Ashley bought (probably) hundreds of cat toys for Bodie. Like clockwork, he would bat them about with a bit of amusement and then walk away. Again. And again. But Ashley was not deterred. Alas, the picky boy found an empty toilet paper roll. Bingo! He will play and toss and chase and stick his paw through this random but delightful piece of paper. It IS his favorite toy! The only one he needs.

Ashley doesn’t mean to boast, but Bodie really is that perfect cat. Grooming is their love language. He will even close his eyes as Ashley runs the brush down his long body. Soon his flat fur will fluff up, creating a King of Cats appearance.

Next on the “almost perfect” list: Bodie doesn’t scratch the furniture. He doesn’t even use his scratching post. Perhaps he doesn’t need to scratch as Ashley easily keeps his nails trimmed short and clean. When it’s time for this chore, he will even kick up the next paw when the first one is done being clipped. (We are all jealous, Ashley).

Most days when Ashley is on a Zoom business call, Bodie jumps up on to Mom’s lap. No one misses a beat and Ashley’s free hand will quickly fall onto Bodie’s tummy for belly rubs. All the computer voices are familiar to Bodie. He’s even been known to hiss when something goes a skew. A real team player.

The King of Cats

When they travel Ashley’s mom will stay with Bodie. At first, it was understood that Toni didn’t like cats. At all. But she volunteered to cat sit and ensure Bodie was okay.

Well, that didn’t take  long. When they first met, Bodie walked right up to her, rubbed her leg, and welcomed her with a soft “meow.” Not sure what to do, Toni bent down to pet him. And so the love story began. Bodie is never far from adoring arms.

Beautiful Bodie

Then it happened. In September 2024, Mom and Dad dared to bring home…a…a…dog!

Bodie could smell something new. Mom and Dad were chatting a lot. Bodie jumped down from his Crown Chair to investigate.

“What is that?” Bodie thought as he watched the commotion from a safe distance. His nose was working overtime. After a day or two, they became “cordial” with one another. Of course, the little Chocolate Labrador is called Tuck. Ashley’s goal of naming her pets after lighthouses was working quite well, thank you. She smiled at the thought of making this - these - dreams come true. “Just look at those sweet faces,” she thought to herself. Okay, she says it outloud, too. She can’t help it.

Tuck has very specific perimeters: he’s not allowed in the living room (where Bodie’s Crown Chair resides), and stays in his comfortable kennel. From there, he can see and smell all that’s happening.

Bodie shows off his tuxedo suit

On occasion, Ashley will not be able to find Bodie. A quick review of the space above the kitchen cabinets, she can find him keenly observing that darn dog … and his Mom. He’s definitely a  Mommy’s boy.

As spring slides into summer, Ashley and Shane are eager to learn how Tuck will do in water…a river, a lake? Bodie is content to stay home; Mom and Dad can tell him all about it when they return.

As everyone settles in for the day and the lights begin to go out, Shane reaches down to scratch Tuck and guide him into his kennel. Tuck wags his tail and catches a quick kiss on Dad’s hand.

Mom lies down in her bed as Bodie jumps up in concert after her. She adjusts her pillow. Bodie gently places his paw on her forehead.

“Good night, sweet boy.” Ashley gently pets his soft leg.

Everyone is where they should be.

Familiar. Safe. Home.

###