Hi! My name is Carley, and my life is nearly purrfect now! Over a year ago, I was dumped off and someone found me and took me to a place called "CATS" (Committed Alliance To Strays), a service for homeless and abandoned cats.

The people at CATS were really nice to me there, and after I was all cleaned up and 'fixed,' they put me in a big place with my own space, and in isolation until I had all my vaccinations.

One day, some nice people (who were older) decided having a cat might be nice, and they saw an advertisement in the paper about CATS, and a picture of a cat available for adoption.

This couple had driven 30 miles to come see that cat, but when they met her, they discovered she had a sister there too, and did not want to separate them. These people decided they could really only handle having one cat since they both work.

Anyway, they looked at a few of the other cats and were about to leave when one of the CATS volunteers said that there were a few more cats in the isolation room, but if there was interest in any of those cats, they could come back in a few days and take one home.

Well, I heard them talking, and decided if I liked them, that I would begin to put on my show to captivate their hearts. I immediately warmed up to the mister and he was charmed with me, so he pointed me out to the missus and she wanted to free me from my space.

I pounced a little to show my playful nature; I scratched on the appropriate mat to show my intelligence, and I purred a LOT to show how loving I could be.

They decided they wanted me, but because they lived so far away, they didn't think they could return after work before CATS closed during the workweek. They also figured someone else would come before the next weekend and choose me since I was so special.

As they were about to leave without me, the volunteers said they could take me right then since I really only had a day more in isolation. They were very happy with this outcome, and so was I!

Now let me tell you, I have the perfect house for a cat. They have a loft with a view of everything inside and outside, lots of nooks and corners, and they let me sleep on the bed.

I guess I am not really a typical cat....I am an 'indoor cat' and since my people had my front claws removed so I don't ruin their things, I have learned how to sit up like a ground-hog. At first, it was because my toes hurt a little, but now it's because it's fun. I like to sit up at the sliding glass door and watch all the birds at the feeder - it makes me so excited, my teeth chatter loud and I sometimes shake so much I fall over.

I am also a little picky about my food, but you would never know it because I just went for my shots and the vet says I weigh 18 pounds. My family decided this is NOT healthy for me so I am on a diet! Can you imagine?

Sadly, my master has been just recently diagnosed with an inoperable brain tumor, I have been spending even more time curled at his feet and laying under his arm; I bring him my favorite toy to play with him to keep his spirits up. He seems to like it and talks to me a lot.

It makes me sad that he is not well...I wish I could do something special for him -- maybe win him something -- like a train trip to Seattle; somewhere beautiful and not too far, because he loves trains and would really like to go somewhere on one.

I've heard people say that pets have a sixth sense about the health of their owners. This is absolutely true! I have strong feelings about my master's illness, and I feel very protective of him. However, we live one day at a time, the three of us, knowing that our caring for each other and spending time together is good for our souls.