MORE INFO FROM OP:
Not your typical cat distribution system story… I started volunteering at a local shelter during a break from work. I’ve volunteered with dogs before and figured, why not? This time around, the shelter only housed cats. All good—I love animals, even if I’d always been firmly in the “cats are cute but not for me” camp.
But then it happened. Slowly, sneakily, inevitably. They grew on me. Cats are nothing like dogs, but that’s what makes them special. Each one has a distinct personality, and I found myself completely fascinated by their quirks and charm. Enter Barry. He was called Smudge at the shelter—affectionate, playful, food-motivated. My kinda guy. I watched him get passed over again and again, and one day… I adopted a freakin’ cat.
Barry has been the best surprise. He’s full of sass and demands harness time in the yard like it’s a constitutional right. My boyfriend, who’d never had a cat, is now just as smitten. Even Pepper the dog is on board. So yeah, I was chosen. By Barry. And I wouldn’t have it any other way. We love you, Barry. Stay sassy.