Two years ago today, I adopted Jasper.

My friend P’s college roommate C lives out in the Maryland countryside. This pregnant cat came to their house and they took her in. She had 5 kittens on 3 July 2024.

They found homes for 4 of the kittens but the 5th kitten needed a home. So, P just happened to text me and our other friend G to see if either of us might want a kitten. G has a dog. But to P’s surprise, I said yes.

C’s family originally called him Toby Tiger. She described him as striped with a pink nose, white paws, a white tipped tail, and ears that were slightly too big for his tiny body.

He was tiny when I got him—my hand covered his entire body. When I was looking back through the text exchanges about him, I found one where when our other friend G commented how tiny he was, I replied:

“They said his mother was on the smaller side, so he may stay small.“

I’ll let you be the judge if Jasper “stayed small.”

I firmly believe that pets come into your life when you need them.

After I lost my beloved pup Dexter in 2020, I didn’t want another pet. Not ever again. I just couldn’t contemplate it because the heartbreak of losing Dexter seemed greater than the joy of having a pet.

I was clearly still grieving Dexter when I had that opinion. I’ve since changed my mind. While there is still a Dexter shaped hole in my heart, that hole has been stitched together with Jasper’s joy, love, and companionship. Jasper brightens my world just as Dexter did. Jasper makes me laugh and he comforts me and he always keeps me entertained with his shenanigans.

So, I’ve now been owned by a cat for two years. I say “owned by” because if you haven’t heard, dogs have owners but cats have staff. And that is soooo true.

I am Jasper’s human servant.

But it’s totally worth it.

PSA: Whether you choose to adopt or buy a pet (from a responsible, ethical breeder please), the most important thing is to make an informed, ethical decision based on your unique circumstances. Most importantly:

• Do your research, understand the species, and what pet ownership of that species entails.
• Please avoid puppy mills, irresponsible breeders, and “fad” pets (e.g., don’t get a rabbit at Easter just because it Easter and rabbits are cute).
• Consider your lifestyle and what kind of pet best fits your home.
• Commit to lifelong care—pets cost money to keep and they are not disposable, no matter where they come from.

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