A Tale of Two Kitties

We have recently had two young, female foster cats. Both are about 8 months old, and both were found in very unfortunate circumstances.

Amani (top) had been dumped on the street and was pregnant. She was tame, so somebody had "owned" her at one time. We suppose they were fundamentalists who didn't believe in birth control but thought it was acceptable to toss a pregnant lady out on the street. She was starving when a kind person found her and called our dear Mary. Mary collected her and took her to the vet for an abortion (no pro-lifer is our Mary) and sterilization. She is a fierce little thing. Her name -- Peace in Swahili -- is certainly a misnomer. She growls when she plays and runs around like a wild woman. She also loves hard, wanting to rub her face against you and be as close as she can. She has yet to find a home, but somebody who needs lots of love will come along soon.

Isabella (bottom) is a very quiet little thing. She is a beautiful cat. She was discovered, on a 100 degree day, taped up in a box in an empty lot near the pound. She survived, but we are wondering if the experience may have affected her more than we immediately thought. She may be a little slow. She is also very affectionate, curls up and naps on or near us, and is a gorgeous torti dilute. Nancy is very taken with her and has been trying to justify adopting her as a pal for Elphie.

The bottom line -- neuter your pets unless you plan to breed them. Never dump an animal. Cats and dogs are people with four feet and fur -- only nicer.