Lily my dearest, you could have had my lap all day! I would have gladly held and petted you.

I know what you mean about uncomfortable family gatherings. My brother and I don't see eye to eye on most things. He told me on several occasions that he would have put Pouncer down after so much money spent at the vet's because "you can't chose a pet's well being over your family's" Ummm.... I don't question how he spends his money, so why should he question mine?