Editor:

I am writing this letter to call attention to a very small individual who is making a very big impact on the feeling of community in the central Richmond District. This small individual happens to be an orange cat named Picasso.  

Picasso, described by his guardians as “limber, athletic and strong,” takes twice-daily walks around the neighborhood in a fashion usually reserved for the canine world – on a leash. While this may seem a bit restrictive, Picasso enjoys the experience, as he holds his head high, sniffs the air, follows interesting scents and greets with a friendly cat-smile all the neighbors who come to say hello.  And there are many neighbors – including residents, families in the playground, people working outside, runners and walkers – who now know of this little cat and look forward to seeing him. This is part of what makes a community.

So, if readers of this letter happen to be in the neighborhood of 19th Avenue and Lake Street in the morning or early evening, and if they happen to see a small, orange figure walking with a regal air of confidence, leading a person, on a leash, they are invited to come and say hello. Picasso the Cat reminds us that often it is the small things that bring communities together in a big way.

Jacqueline Summerfield