Little Miss Newt was born in September, 1988. She came from the proverbial box of kittens in front of the grocery store, intended as a playmate for Johnny. I took her home and they were lifelong pals.

Newt was small but mighty, brooking no nonsense from the other cats and more than able to take care of herself. Even as an adolescent, she had the other cats whipped into shape in short order, occasionally rearing back on her haunches to box the ears of a larger cat who was too pushy. She never picked a fight but was always willing to give as good as she got--and more. Even in her last days, The Boys in The Back would take a big step backwards when I opened the door to let Newt into the back rooms.

Johnny is the kind of cat
You can dress in doll's clothes...
But Not Newt.

Johnny is the kind of cat
You can hold in your lap for hours...
But Not Newt

Johnny is the kind of cat
Who runs to hide when guest come calling...
But Not Newt

Johnny is the kind of cat
Who is afraid to jump
From the second storey window...

But...

...Not...

...Newt!

Where Johnny was easy-going, Newt was focused and deep. She loved to snuggle under the bed covers and give us thousands of kisses.

She was diagnosed with hyperthyroid in 2001 but responded well to medication for two years. In the summer of 2003, she became anemic and began losing weight. We tried to reverse the inevitable flow of time but finally had to let her go.