When I was little, my sister got a cat. His name was Cookie, because he was black and white. I suppose that's what really started my adoration for cats. When I was in 2nd grade, he ran away, and that was the end of having a pet. I begged my dad for years and years. But even I knew, the answer was always no. Until one day, when he had a change of heart. I didn't know at the time, but he, my mom, and my meemaw went to a shelter to look for "the one". When they first saw her, she was unavailable. She was going to be adopted. They left empty-handed. Then, by some miracle, the next time they came in, they learned that she was newly available again! On December 3, Meemaw told me that she had a birthday present for me, but that it was too big for her to carry. I had no clue what it would be. I remember my mom getting out the camera and me automatically smiling. I turned around, and there she was. My cat! I seriously thought it was a dream. There was no way my dad would let me have a cat. But sure enough, it was real. It didn't take long for me to decide on a name. Piper fits her personality so well. She used to be so cuddly, which I loved, but now she's not. My mom and I decided that her "love language" is quality time. She's pretty much always in the same room as me. She knows exactly when I'm having a hard time, and her purr is the most soothing sound I know. I know that we were made for each other, and I love her with all my heart!

Marcie Phipps
Parker, CO