I was an empty-nester; life was darned lonely. I wanted to adopt a dog for companionship after my 10-hour work days; however, outdoor pets weren't permitted where I lived. Although I'd never spent any time with cats, I began to search for the perfect cat buddy. A coworker found some tiny kittens in a gutter near her home and took them in. I later rushed to see them; there were only two, and she wanted to keep one. I picked up the pocket-sized gray tabby with a drop of milk on her nose and immediately fell in love. Before I left with her, I'd named her SweetPea, who IS absolutely the sweetest cat. Several months later, with some cat-raising experience behind me, I looked for a playmate. I learned of an orange tabby kitten living in the tree of an abandoned house. Two hours of coaxing followed; then Taylor came to me. I took the playful 10-week old home to meet Sweet Pea, who was aloof. Within hours though, she accepted her new playmate and a family was made. SweetPea is my "thinking" cat; she acts in response to 50 distinct commands, and has climbed onto my tummy every bedtime for 12 years to give forehead kisses while "hugging" both sides of my neck with her paws. Taylor, now 11, is my "emotional" cat, coming from any room to snuggle me at the first hint of sadness. When I come home, she lays on her back, legs splayed, in the most unusual welcome I've ever seen. I am hopelessly in love and seriously bonded to my girls. They influence my life decisions. I hope to outlive them; I cannot imagine anyone loving them as I do. More important is that "Peenie" and "TayTay" live long, healthy, happy, and fulfilled lives.

Ar Foster
Fort Collins, CO