On June 20, 1987 - when Pasadena Humane Society had an adoption booth at a cat show held at the Los Angeles Convention Center - I adopted from you a kitten.

I was not looking for a kitten. Indeed, I already had a Russian Blue (who was put down because of kidney failure at the age of 17-1/2 in 2000) and a Sealpoint Siamese (who was put down because of kidney failure at the age of nearly 20 just last year). When I went into the PHS room, I told myself that I would adopt only if I could find a tortie to replace a feral tortie that enjoyed my hospitality until she was hit by a car while sitting in her very own driveway.

Fate intervened, and I left with a kitten that I always referred to as a "tortico" because she had too much white for a real tortie, but not enough for a real calico. I named her Freckles.

Now, sadly, Freckles will be put down on Friday. She has cancer and, at the age of 16-1/2, is too old and too weakened by the disease to endure treatment.

But I wanted you to know that this precious creature, whose life and well-being you entrusted to me, has been very much loved and cared for and protected. And I wanted to thank you for the joy and the beauty and the pleasure which Pasadena Humane Society provided me in the form of Freckles.

This is a picture of her. Freckles is on top; Serena, a true tortie whom I rescued two months later from someone having a garage sale who was going to take her to the pound, is on the bottom. The photo was taken in August 1987. (Incidentally, the photo is faded and discolored because it's been on my refrigerator for 16 years.)

Gratefully,
Jeanne B.
Hollywood, California