In the autumn of 1999, someone found a gray and white Maine Coon kitten in a parking lot in Lombard, IL, seemingly lost and alone. Almost exactly a year later, someone else found a black and white tuxedo kitten in an alley fighting off a dog. What do these two events have in common? They were found by people who worked with my wife, Valerie. She had made it known that she was interested in adopting kittens, so her coworkers told her about the kittens. Valerie and I (James) adopted these two kittens. Our existing cat, a snow-white girl named Speeders, accepted Buddy and taught him how cats fight. Buddy Bear accepted Angel Marie and taught her as Speeders had taught him. Like many Maine Coon cats, Buddy Bear was the sweetest, most laid-back cat. Angel Marie was a truly playful kitten. They were with us 18 and 17 years, respectively, despite health issues. I was very consistent giving them their medications. After all, their lives depended on those meds, especially Buddy, who had a heart condition. Angel LOVED to play, especially with her Daddy, chasing strings or laser dots or other toys. Angel was Daddy's girl; Buddy was Mommy's boy. But they were also friendly and loving with their other human servant. :D We loved them dearly. They had long and happy lives and we miss them dearly. Thanks for reading our story.

James Mills
AURORA, IL