Strega was a tiny sweetheart rescued by the Toronto Humane Society in 1989. No one knows for sure, but THS thinks she was already one year old.

Strega was curled up in her cage at THS. She was so shiny and sleek, but thin. I learned that she had been seized in a THS home investigation. Her tough first year had made such an impression on her that she was timid for a very long time. She hid on top of the fridge, and it took a couple of weeks for her to feel comfortable jumping up on the couch to share a snack. I don't think she ever completely got over her rough beginnings in life.

A year later, she was joined by Genji, a beautiful silver grey Russian Blue who wandered into our yard. He was a tiny kitten who could fit into the palm of your hand. He is a big boy now.

And many years later, Strega and Genji learned to put up with the two dogs: Kyoto - a purebred Shiba Inu - and Karinoe - a little Shiba Inu puppy mill rescue. It turned out to be the best thing for Strega, who became a feisty old lady who was boss of everyone, swatting at the dogs from her cozy perch in front of the big picture window overlooking the Japanese garden. Did you know that 17 cat years is the same as 84 human years?

Strega will be remembered for her delicate ways, and I can see her dancing on tiny ballerina feet on the other side of the Rainbow Bridge.

Sweet dreams, little sugar plum.

Thank you to the Toronto Humane Society for bringing this wonderful little girl into our lives. And thank you to Dr. Downer at Bloor Animal Hospital for guiding us so compassionately to the Rainbow Bridge.