I heard him long before I saw him. For weeks the neighborhood dogs had been constantly barking. Every morning when I let out my two dogs, they chased something off the patio. A cat. They passionately loathed cats. I could only catch a glimpse of him now and then as he flew to safety .. underneath a pile of things at the side of the house.

Then one afternoon as I was taking out a dead tree in the front yard, he came running in to the tree as though in the movement there would be some prey. He was hungry. My husband drove up about that time and saw me greeting the cat and knowing me well, said, "So, I guess that is your new cat". Well, I had pet birds at the time and two cat hating dogs.. I didn't need or want a cat. But, I brought him inside and fed him. I watched the newspaper every day for someone who might be looking for him. I really thought someone had dumped him off into the neighborhood.

He seemed most grateful for a safe place and insisted on being by my side at all times. He couldn't seem to get close enough.. stayed right underneath my chin when I sat down. He Loved me with a capital "L" *sigh*. Who could resist that? I Loved him back.

After several days and no sign of anyone claiming him and my assuming he was dumped there AND the fact that there were several non-neutered toms around who will kill kittens and juveniles given the chance, I realized I had a cat. He had adopted me. I took him to the vet to get his shots and discovered he had ear mites that needed to be treated a couple of times a day.

School had just started and the kids were making the rounds selling things.. my doorbell rang and there stood two of my little neighbors hawking their wares, when in came the cat twining around my legs. The oldest little boy said, "Where did you get that cat?" I said, "Well, he just came up. He's been here for awhile". He said, "That looks like my friend's cat who has been missing". My heart sank. We were so in love.

I told him to have his friend come take a look at him to see if it was the same cat. The little boy came and verified, yep, sure enough, it was his cat and reached out his arms for him. *big sigh* Since he needed to be medicated, I asked the little boy if he would have his mother come and get the instructions for the medicine and at that time he could take him. He said, Yes, he would be back. They did not come that afternoon and the next morning we went on vacation with someone coming in to care for the pets.

I knew when I got back home I could expect to lose my new love but they never came for him and he has been with me for 11 years now.... very close..