by Jenni Girouard

Created on: May 22, 2008   Last Updated: October 31, 2008

I have found a new best friend. Some one who will love me for who I am. Some one who wants nothing more than to be love right back. Yes, I am talking about my newest kitten Shadow. One thing I think I should explain before we begin is that I am what you could call a saver. I will save and bring home any lost, pathetic looking, or sad animal that I see. That is, of course, until my husband gives me that "we already have five animals" look.

Let me begin by telling you how we found Shadow. It was a scorching hot September day and my mother was at her kitchen table eating breakfast before work. She heard the most disturbing cry and wondered where it came from. She looked all over the kitchen and then realized it was coming from outside. She opened the kitchen door and the pitiful cry became louder and louder. Well, there by the side of the house, hanging from a rake, was poor little starving Shadow. He was just a little black mess of fur. His bright blue eyes were just beginning to open, and his tummy was completely empty. As you may have guessed, my mother rescued him. She brought him in from the heat and hand fed him some warm milk. We fed him warm milk for the next six weeks from a little tiny baby bottle. He was so small that he fit just perfect in the palm of our hands.

The first few days were touch and go. Each family member came over during the day and took their turn feeding Shadow. You see a baby kitten has to eat every two hours. Every day Shadow became stronger and more active. He soon started playing with me like I was his older sister. He would nibble on my fingers and my toes. As he got stronger he would even try and wrestle my feet. He was my new best friend. He followed me all over the house just as if he were a real shadow. He slept with me at night and kept me company during the day. Every time I came home, there he was waiting for me by the door. I felt as if he had waited the whole day just to see me come home. He made me feel special.

Today Shadow is eight months old and he is the healthiest kitten we have ever had. He brings me unspeakable joy and laughter on a daily basis. He plays hide and go seek, and loves to watch the television. He wrestles with the other two cats and thinks our dog is his mother.
So, if you are in the market for a new best friend. For some one who will love you unconditionally; I swear to you nothing will bring you more happiness than adopting a kitten.

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