“Cats know how to obtain food without labor, shelter without confinement and love without penalties.” – Walter Lionel George

Growing up, my family was never a “cat family." We always had a dog and the occasional hamsters; but never a cat. But all of that changed two years ago from this current week. Throughout this current week two years ago, I came in contact with a sick-looking, skinny, adorable little fur ball on my front step. This little cat just wanted love, affection and maybe some food. Little did I know, the sick-looking, skinny, adorable little fur ball would become one of my favorite things in the entire world.

Now, let me break down the series of events of this week as simple as possible for you:

August 12, 2014 – Cat appears on doorstep… Want.

August 13- August 15, 2014 – The cat goes missing in action during a three-day thunderstorm… Constantly wondering if the cat is OK.

August 16, 2014 – Swimming in backyard pool… Hears meowing coming from under the pool deck. The cat has returned.

August 16, 2014 continued – Neighbor calls Animal Control on the cat. Animal Control comes and tries to put the cat in the crate. The cat is clearly not happy about it. Mom cries as the cat is taken away because she feels bad.

August 17- August 21, 2014 – Animal Control posts a picture of the cat on their website and Facebook (waiting to see if someone claims him). My mom and I constantly visit the cat in the animal shelter. No one claims the cat.

August 21, 2014 – Adopts the cat.

August 22, 2014 – Takes the cat home. Names him “Gus."

Gus has easily become one of the most beloved animals within our household. He is adorable (clearly), friendly (yet a little anti-social) and lovable. He constantly wants to be around people. Everyone who meets him loves him, even if they normally aren’t fans of cats.

Growing up, cats scared the living daylights out of me. I felt as though their eyes were staring too deep into my soul. The idea of hissing would make my stomach turn. Since adopting Gus, I have realized that I love cats more than I ever really thought I would. I have grown accustomed to their menacing ways (for example, jumping on your dresser while whacking random objects on the floor), constant laziness and even, dare I say it, the dreaded litter box.

Although I’ve grown to become accustomed to the abnormal ways of cats, I have learned how important patience is. I have learned that it’s important to realize that not every animal is going to be the same. Some will crave more attention than others. But all of them deserve to be loved equally.

After adopting Gus, my family has since adopted another cat, Gavin. Although we were never a “cat family” growing up, I wouldn’t change the fact that we are a “cat family” now. Every day I am reminded that the best things can be completely unexpected, and I wouldn’t change that reminder for the world.