The years 1999 and 2000 were piling disaster after disaster on me. Finally, I lost the job I had for 11 years in July and was really down in the dumps. I was working outside feeling sorry for myself when I heard a cat meowing. A black cat was about 5 feet away. I said, here, kitty and she ran away. I went in to get some food and water and left them for her. She wouldn't let me pet her yet.

I was digging my garden and the black cat started rubbing against me! She was purring and wouldn't let me work. "It's not time to garden; it's time to pet the cat now!" She cried to come in. I noticed she was getting round and feared she was pregnant. I installed her on my enclosed porch and on September 22 she presented me with four kittens. I got her spayed and kept her and one of the kittens.

I found out that this cat had been around for about 3 years, would eat food at the Dairy Mart but wouldn't let anyone within 20 feet of her. The fact that this fraidy cat picked ME was very special and made me feel useful again.

This was how I got Diamond (or she got me.)

Three days after the kittens were born I started a new job. The three kittens I place for adoption were through the group I now volunteer with for the last 3+ years.