G's New Charge

Although a bit overwhelmed by all of the choices, G ultimately picked this little black kitten--black to match Smokey--to be his very own:

Her name is Sidney and she is without any doubt G's kitten. She hangs limp as a rag doll whenever he carries her around, never biting or clawing to get away. And when he is at school, she pines for him, mewing pitifully in between naps. She sleeps with him every night and enjoys just about every toy he plays with. She especially likes the matchbox cars and Hot Wheels race tracks.

G's adoration is mutual, although it has been interesting watching him grow into the role. His respect and care for animals was there; instinctive, learned or both, I don't know. But the responsibility of it all gave him pause. He's never had a pet so dependent on him or devoted to him. He is proving worthy.