I love my little boy.

When I got him I just felt so strongly about him. When he slept on my pillow, or, better yet, curled up against my body to sleep, it was so amazing. I was so incredibly happy to have him.

Getting the email from my mom that I couldn’t bring him with me really devastated me. I was totally heartbroken. Even though she changed her mind when she saw how upset I was, I didn’t really get over it. I was still so hurt from the thought of leaving him behind.

When we got here there was an immediate personality change in Joey. He got very aggressive, and I got bit and scratched and was very frustrated. As well as upset - where was the sweet little boy I had adopted? Had I ended up with yet another cat who would grow to dislike me?

But over time, his old personality came back, and he became a sweet, lovable kitty again. He still has his moments where he gets grumpy, but I just roll my eyes and tell him to cut it out and leave him alone until he snaps out of it. But best of all, he’s still my little shadow. He talks to me all the time. He greets me every morning by jumping on the bed and purring and cuddling up to me. He follows me from one end of the house to the other, even comes when I call. He lays on my desk when I’m working, staying right nearby, purring. What a great pick-me-up that is, when things aren’t going right… I just have to turn and give him a pat and a hug and feel his warm fur against my cheek.

I frequently pick him up to give him a cuddle (setting him back down before he gets upset ). I get down on the floor with him to play and talk. I bring out the feather-toy to watch him run around all crazy-like. He just makes me smile.