Who can explain it? Despite a farm rich with adopted cats, Corrie clicked into the Lucky’s Place online pets list. She was already surrounded by demanding feline personalities and responsible to a variety of other animals too. But someone’s story sent her down to the Thayne, Wyoming, US shelter for a visit.

The 2-year-old calico wouldn't willingly come out of her little apartment in the village of cats cared for by the Animal Humane Association of Star Valley. She cowered in the litter box space instead of on her blanket in the larger room beside it. But she let Corrie scratch her ears, and pushed against her hand for more.

Clearly this cat held an inner beauty to match her gorgeous exterior. Her gray and fawn markings stood bold against snowy white. Though a broken pelvis and fractured front leg had both healed crookedly, Dr. Tina assured us the remnant nerve damage meant no pain. She would always have a gait particularly her own.

In her first days of freedom, she skulked between hiding spots, but gradually began rubbing up against our Border Collie, who was in the cabin, recuperating from surgery. At first, she would only agree to be touched if the dog was safely between her and a person. In time, she reveled in being stroked, rolling on her back and stretching white paws out like catcher’s mitts in the air. With the run of the farm and lots of time playing with her new many-cat family, atrophied muscles strengthened. Now she frolics with anyone who can withstand her careening glee.

YaYa inspires, entertains, and models a gratitude that--in her presence--we all feel. Like a tidal river, the benefits of this adoption truly flow in both directions. Her name personifies her resilience: Just keep saying Yes!