Some cats work for a living -- hard work

The bodega, a New York City institution and a close cousin to the curiously independent pet-food stores that thrive on almost every block, may become a chapter in the history-books. This means that the bodega cat may also vanish.

Bodegas and small stores are the means by which much of my litter and food comes into this house. I salute my distant cousins who work in these stores, and wish them long years and prosperity.