Sparky was found as a kitten under a porch, about 6 weeks old, in very poor health and close to death. Lisa,the angel who found him, took him under her care and nursed him back to health. Lisa owned a pet rescue and worked with pet adoptions at Petco, where my husband was working at the time. She started telling Jay about this cat, Sparkplug, who was quite the little bullet when he got out of your hands, and who just didn’t get along with the other animals or people. She was worried he wouldn’t get adopted because he wasn’t friendly enough. As they walked past his cage, Sparky stuck his paw out and grabbed Jay’s shirt. Jay stuck his hand in the cage to pat him and Sparky began to purr. “He doesn’t act this way with anyone. He likes you” she said and she offered to foster him to us. He definitely chose Jay and it was clear from the beginning that it was simply meant to be. Despite his difficulties early on, he was a very healthy, jubilant cat for 14 years. And he was actually really friendly with people once he got to know them. He brightened our lives every day and brought us comfort through the toughest times. We saved him, but in reality he saved us. He was our best buddy and he was just the goodest boy. I imagine he’s living his best life up there in heaven, beyond the rainbow bridge, bounding around in the clouds, chasing the birds and the squirrels around, and eating all the treats.