When I was out of work, out of friends and away from most of my relatives, my daughter got me an Australian Terrier. He was my reason for coming home from work and sweet companion. I've had a dog ever since.

I wasn't into cats until a stray black cat decided he was going to live with me. He pushed his way onto my lap on the front porch one day and just refused to leave. After several days camped on the porch, he was invited in. He met all of the dogs with no fuss, had impeccable manners and loved everyone. He earned the neighbors respect by catching rodents. He slept on one side of me while the 'big dog' slept on the other side. Black Jack stayed exactly one year and one day before he left. He is the reason I have cats today --- and always will.