About 6 years ago, Carol and I went on vacation to the Florida Keys, and at the time, we had our cat boarded out at a local kennel. While we were gone, the cat, Rocky, who was 17 years old at the time, became very ill and died. The loss was almost like loosing one of our children. Carol and I were devastated.

After we returned home, we decided not to have any more pets, which would be a first for us. We've had dogs and cats almost since the day we were married.

Well, this long, cold, dreary winter and my deteriorating health made me a bit lonesome for a furry, feline companion, but not just any old cat would do. I wanted one that was just like Rocky. A bit of searching by my daughter turned up Rudy, a beautiful, 9-month-old tortoise-shell kitten, one that is just as mischievous, very loving, and a great companion. She sleeps with me in bed at night, and when I'm in the family room watching TV, she comes to me wanting to play with her favorite toys, or begging a snack. She drinks out of the aquarium, tries to catch the fish, which is a panic to watch, and goes crazy when she sees a squirrel or chipmunk just on the other side of the patio's sliding glass door. She spends a lot of time watching birds on the deck feeder and hoping that she could just get out there and chase them around.

Here are a couple photos of my new BFF. The old fart with the oxygen tube shoved up his nose, whose lap she is sitting upon, is what is left of me.

Gary