First there was Miss Kitty, Who arrived one winter day, Malnourished and lost, Seeking refuge between the straw bales. She hunted and moused, doing well then she moved under a broken slab Next thing we knew 4 kittens emerged Each so different from their mom. When the homestead became too small the little family of 5 moved on to the vacant barn across the road It was the smorgasbord of mice and moles, with bunnies and birds for variety, It was time for mixed tabi cat Emily to come and be the new queen of mousing, moles and rabbits. The 2 abandoned grey kittens moved in, Fluffy and Misty, And the rodent brigade was formed. They had a great life on the homestead. Then one cold winter day the groundskeeper let them in to the studio, and voila, no more outdoor only cats. They took to human comforts in a flash. Misty, he was an adventurer. Fluffy, she was a cuddler. Watching Emily teach Fluffy to hunt. I felt for the live, practice mouse. Eventually she caught on. Enhancing the rodent brigade. Now, back in the city my son needed a pet. Amy the super cute black and white tuxedo cat became a prankster in our apartment. Most of her time spent wrapped around human necks, she was clueless in the ways of hunting. She did well with her leash and harness, Becoming one of the therapy cats with Emily. Amy, alone while we were at work and school, caused chaos and too much meowing. Her friend Smokey all white with gray patches, joined us as the unadoptable cat at the rescue. His heart murmur did not slow him down. He was popular at my office and also did well on leash and harness joining the other therapy cats. Carrying tomatoes and peaches around the house, we never knew what would come next. Climbing the chain link fence of the dog run, He cleared it in under 2 minutes, with joyous expression. His adventure chasing a butterfly and jumping so free, Landed him in my pond full of duckweed and algae. Not his favourite day, however, He stayed clear of the pond after that. On weekends city cats Amy and Smokey, made the 4 hour commute to the homestead. The 5 of them providing more love and entertainment, Than one would think possible. Misty wandered away one year. Smokey loved us for 7 years. Fluffy loved us for 17 years. Amy loved us for 20 years. Emily is still loving us at 20 years old. I am forever, a crazy cat lady with the mug to prove it. I am forever, a crazy cat lady.
