For as long as I can remember, I didn't like cats. I described them as sneaky and firmly believed they couldn't be trusted around children. But despite my dislike for the furry felines, for some reason cats always seemed to like me. Wherever I went cats would seek me out, sit on my lap and try to convince me of their worthiness. It just didn't work. My husband also had a low opinion of cats but we both loved dogs and always had at least one. Our children enjoyed the dogs but also liked cats and a variety of other animals.
Some time in the fall of 1983 when my daughter Hope was 17, I began hearing something that sounded like a cat. Although I thought the noise might be coming from inside the house, my teenagers always convinced me that there was a cat outside or that the sound was coming from the television. Then came the day when I was in the house alone. I heard the sound, searched the house and found a beautiful cat living in my daughter's walk in closet. He was spotlessly clean, litter trained and very lovable. Although Rocky was given to my daughter by one of her little boyfriends, he immediately found a place in my lap and in my heart.


Comments: 26
We have had dogs all out lives. It hurts so bad when a pet you love dies that we decided not to have any inside pets. It still hurts when they die, but we don't feel we are quite as attached as we would be if we had them inside all the time.
Now that he is getting into senior years he uses them in the winter for hand warmers. When he is in his recliner there is always one on each side and at least one in waiting.
A kitten named Cuddles lives there now.
Cats are so cute! :)
Val, I don't remember exactly what I said to the kids (it was 23 years ago). I'm sure I was a bit upset, but I got over it.
now i think i'll read your article again to warm myself back up with the tale of rocky!
Rocky was a very special cat. He lived inside with us but went out occasionally.
I'm trying to keep Cuddles inside. He hasn't been outside yet (except once to go to the vet - in a carrier) but he comes very close to the door when I go out to check the mail. It's like he's thinking of slipping outside just to see what's there. For the past few days I put him in the bedroom before I went outside - just for safety's sake.