lest I appear biased . . .

we do have other cats; for example: Mary Jo.

One year The Boy wanted a cat so bad, that for Christmas his note to Santa read "I only want a cat", (he was always good about keeping the "wants" simplistic versus his sister's detailed bullet point list). This particular year he had previously had to part with a kitty because of extenuating circumstances and this was his plea. Life being stranger than fiction, shortly after Thanksgiving, but before Christmas, a cat showed up at the back door. It was dark out and she was more black than white, so when I approached her my first thought was "please, don't let this be a skunk". Then I saw that beautiful face, and then her poor starved body that outlined her ribs. I opened the door to put out some food and she rushed into the house. The Boy's face lit up like a Christmas tree, and before any discussion about keeping her could be had, he pronounced her Mary Jo. He knew she was a gift - but he wasn't sure if it was a girl or a boy - but it was a gift to celebrate Jesus' birth - so he named her Mary and Joseph, Mary Jo for short. Many years later, and not a meal missed, Mary Jo rules and bullies her way around. You can pet her so long as she wants it - and not a moment longer. She is not so picky about the food, but is partial to salmon. When she comes down the stairs she sounds like a human (scared the bejeebers out of me the other day when I thought I was home alone). And we love her in spite of the fact that it is on her terms.

"I will not look at you!" "Ha!"
(her terms)