China

Eight years ago on a warm September evening I was watering my hanging flower baskets, that hung just outside my living room window. 

At first I thought I was hearing things.  I turned the water off and stood still for a moment.  I rolled the hose up and turned to go in, and I heard it once more. Slowly I walked down the driveway toward the sound, and there I found the cutest little black and white kitten I'd ever laid my eyes on. 

It was in the middle of the road batting playfully at a pebble, stopping every now and then to look my way.  I made my way to the end of the drive and squatted down calling softly, "Here kitty, kitty, kitty."  Perking her ears up she narrowed her eyes and stared my way.  She stood still, sizing me up. 

I called again, "Here kitty, kitty, kitty."  Suddenly she leaped in mid-air and came bounding up to me, running into my leg and rolling over in a ball of fur.  I put my hand out to coax her and she came right away.  I picked her up and carried into the house, checking for a ID tag. 

I offered her some milk which I warmed slightly in the microwave.  She lapped it up quickly, looking up into my face and meowing every now and then, only to return to the milk until it was gone.

I couldn't just put her back into the street for fear that she'd be hit by a car.  I made a pact with myself that I'd keep her on my patio for 2 weeks.  If no one came looking for her and she didn't leave on her own accord at the end of two weeks, I'd bring her into the house and claim her as my own.

Long story short:  she stayed.  I took her to the vet for a check up and vaccinations.  Later she was spayed and has been a loving and wonderful pet ever since.

Isn't she pretty?