“Patches” is an understatement of a name for her; her glorious tortoise shell-tabby (Torbie) markings are etched in orange, black and white so vivid even the latter seems to glow; but her keenly defined markings is where her edges end, inside she’s a dreamy watercolor-cat, a two year old girl suffused with tranquil sweetness you’ll feel the moment you hold her.

The most eloquent testimony to his gentleness comes from Buddy’s own boyish mouth; it’s in the delicate way he takes a treat from your fingers — more a soft caress than a nibble, consciously considerate beyond his year-and-a-half youthfulness, all his exuberance carefully contained until he “sits” or “lies down” for you successfully. Buddy was found stray,