I went to several shelters during the search for my first cat. All of the cats I saw were just sleeping or ignored me. My friend kept telling me to go to this small shelter far from my house - I thought she was crazy. Why would I find a cat there if I couldn't find one at a bigger shelter? Finally I went and that's where I met Riley, a beautiful gray tabby. She walked right up to the door of her kennel when she saw me and started purring. That's when I knew that she had to come home with me.

Melissa J. Whittemore
San Diego, CA