I was at a friend's when he took a phone call from a friend of his. I could tell by his side of the conversation that they were talking about an abandoned cat that neither of them could keep. Before my brain kicked in, my mouth said "I'll take it." I already had a large furry family, cats and dogs, all of which I had met before making a lifetime commitment. On my way home, I picked up a beautiful long-hair tuxedo female cat that looked into my soul, took possession of my heart, and proceeded, gently and quietly, to take over our household. Whispurr was my companion and my muse for nine years. She made it her responsibility to check out everything: each new box, any open drawer or cabinet, the sinks, my open suitcase (so much for packing to take a trip!) and the purses of visitors, among other things. She recently had what was diagnosed as either a brain infection or a stroke which left her barely able to find the food bowl, and walking was almost impossible. The veterinarian who checked her out also found mammary tumors. Her age and my desire to prevent any more pain and discomfort with treatment that may not even be effective meant that I had to let her go. I love and miss her every day but am forever grateful for my uncharacteristic outburst, "I'll take it."

Nancy McPherson
SILVER SPRINGS, NV