My mom had a cat, Smudgy, who decided one day just to move to another house down the street. She would come over every now and then (her sister, Sooty, stayed with Mama), but she lived somewhere else. When I came home to visit, I’d see Smudgy hanging out in that other driveway, perfectly happy.

Lenny could have done that, too. He was very social and loved all people. But he chose to stay with me. I miss him terribly, but I feel so happy that he chose me. He was a sweet kitty guy.