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When my friend called to tell me kittens were looking for a home, I said I was not ready to adopt. I was still mourning the loss of my Butch. It didn't take long for him to convince me these kittens needed homes now and if I waited, they would be gone.

It was over an hour's drive to the shelter, and when I walked in, I thought the kitten sitting alone in his litter box with the scratched up nose was not very cute. The other three kittens were just scared and did not want to be separated.

The shelter staff said the orange kitten sitting by himself did not get along with his siblings, and his nose was scratched because he kept banging his head on the cage in an attempt to get out. I instantly felt sorry for him and asked if I could hold him.

Once he was in my arms, I knew we would never be apart again. He nuzzled my neck and just started purring. Because his nose was swollen and scratched from banging his head, he kind of resembled a boxer who had just gotten out of the ring after a bad beating. My friend suggested I name him Rocky (as in the movie.)

Rocky also turned my boyfriend into a cat lover. He was an amazing cat that loved to vocalize and have his back and butt rubbed. Our little Rock Master passed away last week, and we are numb. Life without him will not be the same. I keep telling myself we had 11 amazing years together and I should be grateful, but my heart is broken.

I'm so glad I drove to the shelter that day and brought the little man into our lives. It changed us forever. Rest in peace, Rock Master. Mommy and Daddy love and miss you so much!