I just can't say no....

I simply cannot turn away an abandoned kitty. I'm the kind of person who wants to take home every collar-less kitty I see outside because I believe no cat should have to live in the elements. Just the other day, my fiance and I were getting on the thruway and he pointed out a black cat in the grass a few yards from the on-ramp. I yelled at him to pull over and he looked at me like I was nuts. Pull over? Right here, in the middle of the thruway? What are you going to do?

So I didn't end up rescuing that kitty, though I was terrified that it would get hit by a car. I hope it found safety. Fingers crossed!

Anyway, so I can't turn a cat away. Even if I am so overwhelmed with cats that I'm tripping over one every time I take a step in my house. Even if we go through so much cat litter already that I need to put out five garbage cans every week. The neighbors must think we're out of our minds.

Well, maybe I am.

My friend calls me five minutes after I drop her off at her house.

There's a cat in my driveway, coming right up to me. Looks very dirty and boney, but is very friendly. What should we do?

I'll be right back over.

Sure enough, the cat is all black fur stretched over jutting bones. Scabby skin, thinning fur, saggy belly. Definitely a male. So hungry he can't resist the dog treats (the only thing I have in the car at the time) I use to lure him over to us. We get him in the car, I give him some dog food (again, the only thing I have in the car) which he chows down as if he hasn't eaten in days.

And off to Haven House we go. Luckily I have one cage left available for him. I treat him for fleas and mites, give him some dewormer (which he hates me for) and get him settled in with some blankets, food, water, and a litter box.

We're gonna call him Edson, after the street we found him on.