then animals are better off than a lot of humans." ~ James Herriot ~ 
I'm really proud of my family ~ every one of us has rescued our cats either from a shelter or from the streets. Some of them were in pretty sad shape when they were adopted, but they have all lived very happy lives and given unconditional love, companionship, and wonderful memories for all of us.
My sister in Spokane, Washington adopted Oscar from Partners 4 Pets on November 11, 1999. He is hilarious! He wanders and snoops around the house all day long. She's always asking, "Aren't cats supposed to sleep all day?" She wonders how she ever got along without him. 
Poor Oscar found himself in a shelter two times before my sister came to his rescue. He's very familiar with how unfriendly the streets can be for a lonely cat and is so grateful to have a loving home. At a hearty 15 pounds, I'd say he is doing very well for himself!  
My sister adopted Sami Sam on April 6, 2000 from Partners 4 Pets also ~ as a companion for Oscar. Sami was nearly dead when my niece brought him home. He was covered in his own filth, wouldn't eat or drink, and no one could touch him. They were sent home with antibiotics and a mission: Save Sami. My niece diligently soothed him and cared for him in the bathroom for 12 straight hours. She even gave him a shower! Finally, he started grooming himself and eating. My sister is sure that Sami was left locked up in a garage all winter because he had such a thick winter coat. He was in this filthy condition and was just dumped off at the animal shelter. Partners 4 Pets rescued Sami from the pound and my sister and niece rescued him from being put down due to his poor condition. This picture was taken only two months later. Do you think they did a good job of bringing Sami back to health? He looks pretty contented to me! At 17 hefty pounds, he must be doing just fine. 
Meet Oscar's cousin - Ginger. My niece rescued her from a horrible pet shop where they crowd as many animals as possible into a tiny, dirty cage. One little sad look was all it took for Ginger to take over my niece's heart completely - she knew she had to take this poor little kitty home with her. Ginger was pretty skinny and feeling the effects of overcrowding and neglect, but she is thriving under my niece's loving care now.
This beautiful kitty found a loving home with my Mom and Dad. She was rescued by the good people at R.E.S.C.U.E.: Cat and Dog Pound Rescue in Arizona. Amy was rescued from the pound and was on her way to a foster family until my Mom saw her on the Internet and decided she loved this kitty the best. 
One day two little girls brought Baby to my door and asked if I could help find a home for him. After loving all over me for awhile, he climbed up on my desk beside the computer and took a little snooze. He instantly stole my heart, and it's a very good thing that a neighbor decided to adopt him because I wouldn't have been able to let him go in another day. He was so darling. I can't bear to think of a beautiful animal like that roaming around with no place to call home and no one to love and care for them. 
 >
A few weeks after this picture was taken it became clear that we can no longer refer to Oscar and Sami as the Sissy Boys. They are both getting very sneaky and dart out the door at every opportunity. My poor sister is a wreck trying to keep them inside. 
Friends at last!  
Oscar and Sami were featured in Sam da Man's Home Handycat column in the Caterwaul Chronicle and received their macho awards.
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Sweet little Cassie made her way to Rainbow Bridge on March 3, 2003 and we all miss her. She was such a charmer! Cassie was very proud of how she managed to keep her figure (as she should be). After all, Cassie was somewhere around 19 years age! No one knows exactly how old Cassie was because my sister adopted her from a shelter in Portland, Oregon.
