Events & News

Mittens -- A Wonderful Life

My name is Mittens and I'd like to tell you about my life. I was born in Richmond, VA and was the King of our neighborhood streets. When I was about a year old, I met a family that I could see desperately needed me, so I decided to adopt them, and moved off the streets to take matters into my own paws to get their life in order.

They had 2 grade-school age children, who were almost as cute as me, but for my purrfectly beautiful grey coat with a white tummy and white paws. My new home was inside where I loved to curl up on the warm radiator covers, and at bedtime, I curled up beside the kids to help them go to sleep.

In St. Mary's as the kids grew bigger, I still slept at the head of the stairs between their bedrooms to keep them safe, and was often referred to as the "Nanny Cat" (mind you, not my favorite nickname).

During holidays, the family did a fair job with decorating the Christmas tree, but it was never complete until I laid under the branches to survey and approve of the decorating and twinkling lights. A few times I had to climb the tree to make my own adjustments. I also checked each present was securely wrapped.

I took a lot of pride in always ensuring the toilet paper was hung correctly in the bathrooms, and more than once, had to point out that it needed to be changed. When I heard family cars coming into our driveway, I always hopped up on the window sill to make sure cars were parked correctly, especially when the kids started to drive. I always met each family member at the door, and listened to them drone on about their day. Frequently, I had to console family members by sitting on their laps and having a chat with them.

When the kids started dating, I made it a point to scrutinize all boyfriends and girlfriends. I am very proud to say that I was the first in the family to sanction the new boyfriend, who became the brother-in-law!

As the kids got older, they went off to college and I helped them study by pointing out important text with my paws. A favorite game was chasing the pen light on the carpet. But at the end of the day, I usually climbed to the top of the furniture (posing like the Lion King -- he must have copied me) to survey my domain and ensure that all was well with my family.

I became very sick when I was 14 years old, and had to go to sleep. In memory of my wonderful life, my family is making a donation to SMAWL to help other homeless cats, until they find their furever homes. My family says that I helped them more than they helped me, and that every home needs a loving pet. Well, I admit they were a mess until I came along. I know my family misses me, but I will see them again. Besides, in the meantime, I have a lot of new responsibilities now keeping the heavenly cherubs in line. The work of a good kitty is never done.