What's Up with the Cat?

I get asked that a lot.

When I first signed up as a seller on Bonanzle (www.Bonanzle.com), I was assigned their generic avatar, a goofy looking guy with a straw hat.

Needed to replace him asap!

I'm more comfortable holding a camera than posing in front of one, so there aren't many photos of me lurking about.  And I hadn't really created a brand for myself yet, so I had nothing I could use that would represent my business.

I had just lost one of the great loves of my life to kidney failure.  Bear Kitty was 17 and ruler of the roost.  Then suddenly he started slowing down.  I watched his demise with sadness, but also with amazement.  Animals can teach us so much.  He tried his best to keep the disease from interfering with his day.  His favorite catnip toy brought him so much pleasure in those last days.  I'd watch in adoration as he grabbed it up in his paws and rubbed it all over his head and chin, purring, drooling and smiling.

I still have that toy tucked away.  I can't bear to part with it.

Having him as my avatar in those early days brought me solace.  And still does.  But these days, it also brings me recognition.  I use him as my avatar everywhere. Anyone who sees him on the web knows right away it's me.

There are those who think that your avatar should represent your business if you want to be taken seriously. Maybe there's some truth to that.  But at least in my case, my darlin Bear Kitty has brought quite a bit of traffic to my booth, and some of that traffic stays to shop.  So I think I'll keep him.