One night Ben and I were on our way home from a night on the town. Ben saw a cat by the side of the road that had been hit by a car. He thought it was the funny-faced Meezer that we both liked. We really regretted that we didn't adopt him when we had the chance. About three months later we came home from work to find him sitting on our flat-bed trailer like he was waiting for us. Ben grabbed him and put him on our porch so we could have him checked out by the vet, get his shots, and have him neutered. We were saddened to find out that Otis has feline leukemia.

Our vet encouraged us to have him euthanized, but we went home and did some research. We found that with some luck and care Otis could live for years...or that he could be overcome by the disease within months. We decided to give Otis a loving home for whatever time he has left. Our female cat, Asia, was quite lonely by herself, so we asked our vet if it was safe to have them live together. The vet assured us that as long as we got her vaccinations and boosters, and waited the recommended time before introducing her to Otis, that the risk to her was very low. Otis had to live on the porch by himself for two months.

We were more than a little worried about bringing him inside. He is probably two or three years old and had been a stray tom cat. It was hard to imagine that he wouldn't have some bad habits! We finally brought him into our home on Christmas Eve. We had a lot of company for Christmas, and Otis won everyone's heart immediately. I should say everyone's heart but Asia's. Asia is a bit of a psycho-cat. While Otis is a big, graceless, lummox, Asia is about half his size and is declawed. She still manages to show Otis who is in charge. She pouted about having to share her house with Otis for months. They have managed to become great friends (most of the time).

Knowing that Otis probably had some undesirable behaviors we made up some house rules. The number one rule was that we would keep the bedroom door shut at all times. Nothing is worse that cat pee on the bed! That rule was broken the first night. Otis ogred the door open and planted himself on the foot of the bed. He has slept there every night since. If one of us wakes up in the night, he comes up for some snuggles and then goes back to his spot. His behavior has been perfect in every way. Otis never tries to go outside. He knows that outdoor life in Montana is not very cat friendly. He has the good life inside, and he knows it.

We know that our time with Otis may be cut short because of the Leukemia. His immune system is compromised by the disease, so we need to be prepared to deal with any infections he may develop. For now though, Otis is a happy, healthy, pudgy boy! He found two people who will give him all the care and love that he deserves.