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I Got A Cat For My Sick And Grumpy Grandpa, And He Turned His Life Upside Down
I've been photographing my grandfather, Jiji, since I had no clue how to use a camera. One day, 94-year-old Jiji’s life was turned upside-down by Kinako the cat.
Since the War ended, for 64 years, Jiji commuted to his office, but in 2009 he was sent to the hospital. The doctor said he was sick. The once outgoing man gradually lost his interest in life and became grumpier than ever. It was around that time that I brought Kinako to live with us.
An extraordinary friendship gradually grew between the two. Who would have thought that a timid kitten would befriend a grumpy old man! The border between human and animal melts, just as shy Kinako melted Jiji's heart.
More info: akiko-dupont.com
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#1
Love
Final score:
364points
Bobby Beebe 8 years ago
This one is my fave I must admit. The emotion coming from this photo is strong, comforting and most importantly genuine. There is peace in this photo.
Dennis Hartnett 8 years ago
you're very right - but I would add happy - peace & happiness!
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get in 8 years ago
Either your grand dad is a small man or that cat is a tiger. Don't always label old people as "crabby", most elders are in pain which doesn't produce smiles and happy people. I'm not even old yet and am in constant pain which makes it difficult to be in a "happy" state of mind and always be smiling and in a good mood.
Cheryl Unger 7 years ago
Akiko, Your photos are lovely, all of them. However, I must agree with Bobby that this one shows peace and comforting and mutual respect for each other, a cat and his person.
Craig Lenny 8 years ago
The beautiful thing about household pets is that their love is unconditional. No matter what you do or say they will love you for life. 🤔🙄
Aissaoui Zakarya 8 years ago
They seem like they knew each other since ever ............ Wonderful pic
RELATED:
#2
Unison
Final score:
363points
Bengu Cimendag 8 years ago
I'll try to illustrate this beautiful moment and would like to send it to Jiji & Kitano if possible! I hope so❤
Akiko DuPont (Submission author) 8 years ago
Have shown your illustration to jiji and kinako and we all AdoRe it!! Arigato x
Load More Replies... Barbara Baxendale 8 years ago
Any kitten would melt a grumpy old man but this photo says it all !!
#3
One Love
Final score:
360points
Deborah Bellesfield 8 years ago
Love is very powerful stuff wrapped in a furry, purring package. Hold this in your heart.
deborah darsie 8 years ago
One of my favorite interactions with my own cat. Peaceful, contemplative and loving
#4
Side By Side
Final score:
318points
Bobby Beebe 8 years ago
Wouldn't it be awesome if they both were dreaming about the same thing! Like a delicious fish...
#5
Better Together
Final score:
258points
#6
Stripe-y Afternoon
Final score:
258points
#7
"I'll Be Watching You"
Final score:
242points
Eleazar Hernandez 8 years ago
This shot is amazing and so emotional. It tugs at my heartstrings!
Amaranthim Talon 8 years ago
This is my favorite so far- The cat guards and is his spirit animal
maryhadalittlelamb 8 years ago
in other BP threads, this will be "cats plotting something evil"
#8
Me Time
Final score:
227points
Bobby Beebe 8 years ago
Seriously, cuteness overload, I consider myself a dog person but I may have to change!
Elina Kuusisto 8 years ago
I'm definitely a dog person, but now I have 2 step cats (I'm a dork) and I love them! It's funny to watch them all interact :)
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Deborah Bellesfield 8 years ago
Sheltered in the absolute knowledge that he is loved and that he is the most wonderful cat in the galaxy.
#9
Kitty Fishing
Final score:
221points
Bobby Beebe 8 years ago
What a wonderful bond between man and beast. It is truly amazing how pets have such a profound effect on us and (hopefully) we to them.
Claudia Wunderlich 8 years ago
I do cat sitting, funny i always say the same if i play with them with a cat stick : cat fishing :D <3
#10
Pen Fence, Paw Fence
Final score:
170points
Bobby Beebe 8 years ago
Love the glimpse into a foreign newspaper. I am so fascinated with character-based languages and their relationship to phonetics.
Emanuel Ziel 8 years ago
Woah, is this Chinese newspaper? Looks interesting. Are you guys reading vertical?
Mayumi Hashimoto 8 years ago
It's in Japanese. Japanese can be written both ways vertical and horizontal.
Load More Replies... #11
"Hey There"
Final score:
162points
Christine Oliver 8 years ago
Love this one! Can't help but giggle at the look on the cat's face. I bet there was pouncing shortly after this shot! 😄 Also the contrast between the beautiful stripped couch, window shades, and cat is amazing!
#12
Kinako The Cat
Final score:
155points
#13
Every Night, Working Together
Final score:
150points
Bobby Beebe 8 years ago
Hey, at 94 if I could be half as good as Jiji then it will be alright. Senior citizen goals...
#14
Jiji The Grandpa
Final score:
146points
#15
Chilling
Final score:
143points
#16
"Off I Go. Me Time!"
Final score:
122points
#17
Along With The Sun. Breakfast Together
Final score:
119points
#18
Itadakimasu: Jiji's Dinner
Final score:
118points
Neill Augustine 8 years ago
I love the small plate at center, Delft or something akin, with its artwork from another culture.
#19
There Will Be Days Like This
Final score:
86points
Bobby Beebe 8 years ago
Beautiful post thank you for your art. It was touching, meaningful and told a beautiful story.
#20
Gochisosama: Was Kinako's Dinner
Final score:
82points
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What do you think ?
Bunnies are better!! 8 years ago
Cats always have a way of getting anywhere-especially into people's hearts
Akiko DuPont (Post author) 8 years ago
Thanks everyone for taking a look! Hope Jiji and Kinako gave everyone a warm smile.
Kevin Camp 8 years ago
I think many younger people think its funny to laugh at the grumpy old folks, I know I could never understand that mentaility. But now at 52 years old, I can start to understand it. You look back on your life and wonder what the hell it was for? The simplest things can be a very large pleasure, such as the companionship of an animal, that simply needs love and attention without drama and lack of dignity that people bring into an equation. Especially when the older person cannot do the simple things they've always done in the past. This gentleman now has a reason to live. I am sure his caretaker does the best they can but it can humiliating when the once adult in the room is reduced to being cared for like a child. Glad he found a way to help him enjpoy his remaining days.
Aunt Messy 8 years ago
You've got to love a big ginger kitty. It's 100% unscientific, but they tend to be the loviest huggiest cats around.
Bunnies are better!! 8 years ago
Cats always have a way of getting anywhere-especially into people's hearts
Akiko DuPont (Post author) 8 years ago
Thanks everyone for taking a look! Hope Jiji and Kinako gave everyone a warm smile.
Kevin Camp 8 years ago
I think many younger people think its funny to laugh at the grumpy old folks, I know I could never understand that mentaility. But now at 52 years old, I can start to understand it. You look back on your life and wonder what the hell it was for? The simplest things can be a very large pleasure, such as the companionship of an animal, that simply needs love and attention without drama and lack of dignity that people bring into an equation. Especially when the older person cannot do the simple things they've always done in the past. This gentleman now has a reason to live. I am sure his caretaker does the best they can but it can humiliating when the once adult in the room is reduced to being cared for like a child. Glad he found a way to help him enjpoy his remaining days.
Aunt Messy 8 years ago
You've got to love a big ginger kitty. It's 100% unscientific, but they tend to be the loviest huggiest cats around.
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