Current Pets
Vincent
In 2008, Melissa had the bright idea of stopping by PetSmart after we returned a tuxedo rental . . . and we came home with a new adoptee to keep Mei Mei company. He’s another orange tabby, but with white swirls and polydactylism (extra toes). The swirly pattern, reminiscent of a Van Gogh painting, is why we named him Vincent. His extra toes—one on each foot—is why the pet adoption group had originally named him Mittens.
Vincent somehow established himself as the dominant cat over Mei Mei, probably because he has no fear. Mei Mei was a little timid and cautious, and Vincent will just plow right ahead without a thought. He gets himself into a lot of trouble this way. He has a patented quizzical tilty-head look. He’s very lovable, but not very bright.
When we adopted him on October 1, 2008, they estimated his age at about four months, so we approximated his birthday as to May 31, 2008. The two cats got along pretty well; they pretended to hate each other but, if we get home early and take them by surprise, it’s wasn’t uncommon to find them curled up together on the couch. Vincent also had an unusually close relationship with our dog Nena. He has now outlived both Mei Mei and Nena—he’s the last pet standing (for now).
- Species: Cat (Felis catus)
- Breed: Mixed (domestic shorthair, orange and white tabby; polydactyl)
- Birth: Approx. May 31, 2008, near Woodbridge, Virginia
- Adoption: October 1, 2008, from Lost Dog & Cat Rescue Foundation
Former Pets
Nena
(A reflection on her life will be posted soon.)
- Species: Dog (Canis familiaris)
- Breed: Mixed
- Wisdom Panel 3.0 genetic estimate from 2016 suggests: 1/4 (25%) Chihuahua, 1/4 (25%) Russell Terrier, 1/4 (25%) mixed/unknown hound, 1/8 (12.5%) English Springer spaniel, 1/8 (12.5%) Miniature Poodle
- Birth: Approx. December 4, 2012, in San Juan, Puerto Rico
- Adoption: June 28, 2013, from Lost Dog & Cat Rescue Foundation
- Death: September 20, 2026, at 13 years old; euthanized due to canine degenerative myelopathy
Mei Mei
Read a reflection on her life here: Goodbye, Mei Mei
- Species: Cat (Felis catus)
- Breed: Mixed (domestic shorthair, orange tabby)
- Birth: Approx. June 15, 2006, near Fairfax, Virginia
- Adoption: November 1, 2006 (found stray)
- Death: August 21, 2021, at 15 years old; euthanized due to kidney failure and arthritis
Childhood Family Pets
- Spike (dog)
- C.K. (“Curiosity Killed”) (cat)
- Bruno (dog)
- Bonnie (cat)