If there was a contest for “World,s Grumpiest Cat,” or “Sourpuss of the Year,” Halie would win hands-down, but unfortunately she,s got a very good reason to be a little cantankerous. As a kitten, Halie was abused and neglected. In fact, for the first two and a half years of her life she was left essentially alone, with little affection or guidance — human, feline or otherwise. As a result, she never learned any basic social skills, and by the time we found her she was absolutely terrified, having decided the whole world was against her. It,s taken a lot of time and patience, but over the years she,s come a long way. She still doesn,t like to be picked up, and she doesn,t have much use for other cats or litter boxes, but she spends most of her time in the lobby where all the action is, and she,ll even let our resident repairman give her long neck massages while she purrs away sweetly.

Everyone here at Tabby,s Place has the same recurring dream that Halie does: Outside, the sun breaks through the clouds as a rainbow arches over the parking lot. The front doors swing open, the lobby fills with golden light, and in steps an angel, that rarest of cat-lovers. She puts her fists on her hips and says, “Give me the cat that no one else wants.” On the day that happens, Halie will be right there, ready for her new home.