How I just adore and love to pieces these two faces.

My little Bernard. The Ben Bodhi. Benny B. His name changes, depending on what he’s doing. Yep, totally has alter egos.

And Stella. Don’t let this snapshot fool you, she’s rather chunky in the live and flesh.

I’m trying to put her on a diet. I consider myself a very responsible pet owner, so I’m not sure how she ended up as such a fatty.

So. I have a theory when it comes to animals: that they find us. They are the ones who choose their homes.

They just let us think we’re the ones who are in control.

This theory has long standing street cred, at least in my case.

Little Benny was just that … little when I found him. In the parking lot of one of my favorite Vietnamese restaurants. And no, he was not about to be someone’s dinner.

These two little boys were carrying him and being the cat lover I am, commented on how cute their cat was.

I was taken aback by their: “No, ma’am. He’s not our cat.”

It was the ma’am part, not the cat. Obviously. The former was more disturbing to me.

I’m sure they thought I was a little loco when I then had to ask them, “boys, do I look like someone old enough to call ma’am?”

Their silent, blank stares were response enough.

Onto the cat.

What was the deal?

They had no idea, but they couldn’t keep him. As if on cue, their mother walked up and said how terrible she felt for not being able to keep this kitten — she didn’t have enough money for food or general care.

Her concern was genuine and real. She was worried about this little skin and bones thing that had been wandering the parking lot for a few weeks.

I walked away. I said no. I couldn’t take him. What would I do with him?

I left.

And then promptly came back.

The face, that little orange tabby face already had me.

From the moment he stepped foot in the house, it was as if he already knew it. And me. He was right at home.

As for Stella,  she was actually spotted by my niece. Who exclaimed, “there’s a cat!!!!!”.

I had that brief moment when I heard those words. You know that moment where you think , oh fuck, what am I going to do?

Because I knew I wouldn’t be able to resist her.

And I didn’t.

Well, of course I tried to at first.

I started with getting her fixed and updated on shots.

When I picked her up and found out she was already el preggo and needed to have a quiet recovery, I decided I couldn’t let her go back outside, into the great wild.

She would rest up chez moi.

Benny was thrilled, and the rest was history.

I very well couldn’t put her back out after Benny set sights on her. He’s one of those who loves all creatures and wants to be pals, with everything and everyone.

And now, these two are such a pair.

They sleep together. Play together. Open cupboard doors together. All around get into trouble together.

They’re two of my loves.

Just so we’re clear, the “A” after Stella stands for Artois.

And yes, it is the best beer.

Is it strange that I give names with ending initials?

Probably.

I caught them last night up on the kitchen counter. They totally know that’s one place absolutely off limits. But.  They just looked so cute.

Pining away for food.

Trying to convince me with these pitiful looks on their faces.

Which, didn’t work … I stay strong when it comes to trying to de-chunkify my animals.

They got over it quickly. Followed me to bed. Curled up next to me.

I fell asleep to the sound of humming purrs.

Rather meditative.