A little over five and a half years ago, on a dark and stormy night, Mom headed out bravely into the rain, thunder and lightning.  She and her best friend were heading to the Humane Society where I was staying.  I didn’t have a home and needed a human to love me.  The humans in charge at the shelter thought I would be perfect for Mom so they introduced us.  It was love at first sight!  It was also “antsy pants” at first sight!  I was all over the place exploring every little nook and cranny.  At one point I got myself wedged between two file cabinets and the humans started to panic.  Oh, I should mention that the storm had turned off all the lights so there was just some dim light available.  I knew I was fine but you should have seen the humans!  They didn’t know what they were going to do.  I guess it was at that time I decided this human was the one I wanted for my Mom.  Obviously she would take care of me and would be concerned when I got into trouble.

Now today I’m turning SIX!!!  That’s a paw and a claw in cat years.  My older brother, Hemingway, turned six in December and he thought he was such hot stuff.  Well, now I’m the same age, but I’m even hotter!  My flame blaze fur proves it!!

From Hemingway:         Happy Birthday, little brother!  Even though I didn’t really appreciate it when Mom brought you home on that stormy night, I’ve sort of gotten used to you.  I know we still have our squabbles, but Mom knows we’re not real serious.  It’s just that “catling rivalry” stuff.  I hope your birthday is special and that you get so many treats you will feel it’s necessary to share.  (If you don’t, I’ll tell Mom!)

From The Mom:             Shakespeare, you add such comic relief to the house.  I always know when it’s mealtime ‘cuz you’re either circling the house or you’re sitting on top of your food container.  You never let me forget your treats at night.  When I put them down you scoop them up just like a vacuum cleaner.  Nobody loves food more than you do.  You’re not a cuddly cat, but you still want to be petted and brushed.  You look for me when you’re lonely.  You talk like crazy whenever I’m in the kitchen.  For some reason you seem to think your food comes from the microwave.  Believe me……it doesn’t.  Thanks for being such a fun part of our family all these years.  Happy Birthday to my orange fellow!  May your special day be extra, extra special!