Since I have had about 10 cats in a mobile home in the past, I can empathize with Poppy Z. Brite and her husband, Chris, in their efforts to help stray cats. Opening up your home to so many needy animals is hard financially, but it can also be emotionally rewarding. I remember holding my little Sappho in my shirt pocket when I brought her home as a kitten and smiling at my new baby. Then, I remember holding her in my arms on her last night on Earth as she died of cancer. Even though it broke my heart to lose her, I loved that I had all those years with her in my life. I still smile, when I think of her. Recently, Poppy lost the cat she referred to as her soul mate, William. Even though she mourned his loss and still had a slew of cats to care for, she opened her home to twin kittens. Unfortunately, she had to rush one of them to the hospital since this interview and pay over $400 to find out that the little guy may have pneumonia. She and her husband are role models for other animal lovers. If you can’t take in more animals, maybe you can help give them a better life by donating to causes like Poppy’s cats.

When Darlin didn't return after Mary McHugh let her outside nearly a year and a half ago, Mary thought her feline friend was gone for good.