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One September, I lost my best friend, Tiggy, to chronic renal failure. He died 10 days before his 20th birthday. I was devastated. This cat had grown up with my son and had comforted me as he left home for college and I became an empty-nester. I knew when Tiggy passed away that I would get another cat, but I needed to grieve first.

I soon found myself on the internet looking at pet adoption sites to see who had orange tabby cats available for adoption. I began following one large litter of them at one shelter. I believe there were six!

One by one, they were adopted, until there was one left. This was in late November. I called to inquire about Pippin. Yes, he was still there and would be at our local adoption fair that Friday night.

Not really certain if I was truly ready to bring a new cat home, I went out there to visit him. He was, of course, adorable; 3 months old, he climbed inside my coat. I found out that he was blind in one eye from birth, but it didn't slow him down any while playing. And then one of the workers happened to mention, "He has a brother here, too."

I thought all of the other cats had been adopted, but I was told one had been returned because he scratched someone! Good grief, all kittens scratch. I couldn't break up a family and ended up adopting both brothers, Pippin and Poppin.

Seven years later, my two babies (they don't know they are cats) are the lights of my life. I've had to have numerous surgeries and had to spend a lot of time in bed. They make the most wonderful nurses!

The cat that was returned to the shelter has turned out to be the smartest cat I've ever owned. He acts as my secret service agent and understands many words and commands. Each is so special in his own way. They have been written about in the NYPost and won a local pet magazine cover model contest.

Story submitted by Nancy Cox from Wilmington, North Carolina.

This story was originally shared on The Animal Rescue Site. Share your very own rescue story here!