Let me begin by saying that I never was one to show deep affection towards an animal. They have a tendency to leave you before you're ready to let them go, so I found it's best not to get attached. That all ended with our cat Misha. For 15 years, she was the most devoted and loving cat. Then my Misha got very sick. After many attempts to prolong her life, we had to let her go. I decided that I was not going to let myself love another animal again. Sometimes, the unexplained can happen. The day after we lost Misha, a small tori cat appeared on our deck. My wife opened the door and the cat dashed in. She found me sitting in the easy chair where I always sat with Misha. She jumped up purring and rubbing the top of her head under my chin; just as Misha used to do. Her loving personality was exactly like Mishas'; right down to her ability to melt my heart. We realized then that before going to her final destination, Misha found the time to send us her replacement. She must have known I would be very lonely without her. The little stray became my Brandy. I believe Misha sent Brandy to take her spot on my lap and to love me as she had. From the very first night to the present, Brandy sleeps in the exact same place that Misha did; on a pillow at the top of my wife's head. I will never understand how this little cat, who came out of nowhere, can have all of Mishas' endearing qualities, but it's very comforting to know that My Misha lives on in My Brandy. I believe there certainly is a higher power.

Gus Angels
Concord, NC