Retirement Home Resident Writes Cat's Biography

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A woman living in a retirement home who writes biographies of the residents was approached by a resident's cat, Luckee, who demanded that the biographer write her own biography after the biographer had written one for a resident dog. The biographer nervously agreed to interview Luckee, unsure of how to properly interact with the feline.

Why it matters

This story highlights the unique relationships between retirement home residents and their pets, as well as the creative ways residents can find purpose and fulfillment in their later years, such as through writing biographies. It also touches on the sometimes-rivalrous dynamic between cats and dogs, and how a resident's pet can take on a sense of importance and status within the community.

The details

The biographer, Peggy Keener, lives in a retirement home where she writes biographies of the residents. One day, a resident named Inna Hays approached Keener, asking why she had written a biography of the resident dog Koda Hochfeld, but not of Inna's cat Luckee. Luckee was apparently offended that a mere dog had received more attention. Keener nervously went to Inna's apartment to interview Luckee, unsure of how to properly greet and interact with the feline. Luckee made it clear that Keener was not worthy of her full attention, and the interview was stilted. Inna shared that she had found Luckee, a "frightened, dirty little creature," in a church parking lot one day and felt an immediate connection, leading her to adopt the cat and name her Luckee.

• Peggy Keener lives in a retirement home where she writes biographies of the residents.
• One day, Inna Hays approached Keener about writing a biography of her cat Luckee.

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