Mama Kit Kat wrote about Kitty-Boy: It all happened when we least expected. Gazing outdoors on a beautiful summer morning, a forlorn solitary gray bundle of fur hesitantly lingered nearby, looking up at us with questioning eyes. Instinctively, our thoughts turned to our own delightful pair of cats, a mother-daughter duo who had decided to choose us several years prior. At that time our experience had always been with dogs, so the cat world was all new to us. However, our desire to share our hearts and home with these delightful little felines overcame our initial fears and has proven to be rewarding beyond all expectations. Call it divine design or a plea for help, but this little gray kitty now sitting nearby watching us intently was making up his mind and probably wondering "are these good ones or not?" So it was natural to feel empathy for this little cat right away. He seemed to be searching for a kind word or a gentle gesture and perhaps this was the right place to find it. Hesitantly at first, but warming to us fairly quickly, he decided we must be okay. Questions arose right away: where did he come from? Did he have a home? We soon realized that this charming little fellow, although homeless, must have known some kindness at some point in his life, due to his sweet and gentle disposition. We felt very sad however to witness that he would drop his head if a hand was raised, which indicates he has encountered abuse in his life. Undaunted, however, he managed to believe that there were still good people yet to be found who would help him. This was the start of his journey to us, and a new beginning for him. . . An interesting side note, our two spayed females always objected to any "stray" animals coming onto the property. Not this time. Although they did not mingle much with him, they would not even attempt to chase him away. This was a first. We knew then that there was something special about this kitty. Did our cats sense something we didn't? Was there an innate communication between them in which they "understood" his plight in a manner that we never could? It's truly amazing what we can learn from the animals. It became readily apparent that this sweet little guy had no home of his own. He was hungry and wanted in. He would come several times a day looking in the door. When we went outside he would come running to us from the woods and then follow us around the yard. You could see he needed food, and was lonely, so we began feeding him. He savored every single bite, and acted as if he'd won some sort of kitty lottery! Belly full and content, he would then dutifully clean his paws, roll on his back, and ask for a neck rub. All this followed by gentle purrs and soft meows. Then he would walk over to our door, looking in as if to say, "Okay, I'm ready to go in now." Hoping that somehow, he had a safe place of his own to return to, we watched anxiously as he walked off into the woods each time, our hearts aching about what to do. We found ourselves looking for his subsequent "returns" and if "late" we'd wonder where he was. He was like clockwork. To give this new little friend a decent chance at life we decided to step up in his behalf and do everything we could to help him. We began by taking him to the vet to get his vaccinations, have him neutered and prepare him for a good and loving home. He'd obviously had a very hard life thus far, and yet through the difficulties and hardships he managed to survive and his spirit and will to live remained strong. To open this new chapter, he arrived at the vet's office, received a physical exam, lab work, and was scheduled for neutering. To our dismay, the vet called that afternoon to say he tested positive for FeLV and FIV on Elisa testing. Knowing that these tests in some cases can be false-positive, we requested that an IFA test be sent to an outside laboratory. The IFA is a more detailed test and can be confirmatory. Our resolve did not waiver from continuing our efforts to help the little fellow. His appetite remained great, his demeanor happy, and he presented himself in such a way that you knew he wanted to live. We transferred him to a cat specialist, an absolutely wonderful and knowledgeable doctor who was willing and able to provide medical advice, care and understanding throughout our efforts to place him in a home. Despite his FeLV and FIV status, his quality of life was very good. He was so happy to be shown love, kindness and attention that you can feel it every time you were with him. He liked other cats and had an enthusiastic zest for life, and was more than willing to share his love and appreciation and enjoy every moment of it. The last several months of Kitty-Boy's life were spent at a wonderful place called Best Friends Animal Sanctuary, which is located in Utah. Unparalleled in their efforts to help ensure that all animals are given a chance at a happy, quality life, Best Friends gave Kitty-Boy a chance at a life as normal as possible, with other cats to play with, groom and sleep curled up beside. Their care of this precious kitty was nothing short of miraculous, and they seemed as touched and effected by him as we were. Although we never gave up home that someday he would have his very own "forever home", we were, and are, eternally gratefully for everything Best Friends did for Kitty-Boy. We are continuing to learn more about FeLV every day. Respected institutions like Cornell University have excellent information on this condition. There is hope for FeLV positive cats and in a safe and loving environment they can often live long and happy lives. Kitty-Boy has left behind a legacy of love, education and hope. If we can educate just one person, save just one cat or kitten, his life will not have been in vain. We are gratified to see that there is credible information from respected researchers that shows these animals do not have to be euthanized just because they test FeLV positive. While complications, such as those that took Kitty-Boy from us, are always possible in FeLV and/or FIV cats, it is just as likely that these cats can live long and otherwise healthy lives. They are "special needs" kitties, but with the same desire and will to live as any other. They are capable of enriching lives, teaching us the lessons of being willing to open our hearts to those in need, and giving them that second chance. We were committed to giving this cat that second chance at a decent life, and although it is now too late for Kitty-Boy, it's not too late for the multitude of other cats and kittens that rely on educated and caring individuals. If you can, try to learn more about "special needs" kitties and help to educate others. These animals can live long and very happy lives in the proper environment. All they need is a chance. Help us to give them that! Your Legacy lives on, Kitty-Boy!!!!