Four years ago in March, we noticed a scraggley, scrawney gray tabby darting in and out of the woods that surround our house. It was obvious that he was very young and very frightened and very hungry.
I began leaving tuna and cat food out on our deck, but the furtive little feline would only venture near when we were hidden from sight.
We began noticing the little fellow curled up at the foot of our statue of St Francis which overlooks our pond. Often our starving friend would sleep at the feet of the statue. I called our neighbors to see the young fellow and his choice of sleeping area.
That was four years ago, Frankie has long since acclimated to life in and around our home. He speaks a beautiful language, unlike any other cat I have ever heard. We often wonder if he knew that St Francis is considered a "Friend of Animals" or if it was just a happy coincidence. Either way, Frankie is a loving addition to our growing pet household.
Bayville, NJ
