I rushed out to pick up a strawberry cheesecake for the block party. New in town, I relished the opportunity to meet some neighbors. The gray and white striped tabby lying dead on the quiet side street startled me. I slowed as I passed and was reminded of the street I lived on when I was young. If some tragedy befell anyone’s beloved pet, word would have reached the family posthaste. Mourning and a backyard funeral would commence. I wondered if my new neighbors with their annual party were that close. The fallen beauty still lay there on my return.