Mallymkun

He doesn't have any fancy pedigree or breed. He's orange, but doesn't really have any distinguishing markings. His eyes aren't bold or striking, he's not large, nor is he surprisingly small. He's not particularly talkative, or especially smart, or notably athletic. He's a pretty run-of-the-mill orange tabby domestic shorthair shelter cat - there are countless cats exactly like him.

But, that's what makes him so special - because he's MY unremarkable orange cat. And the love I have for him has let me, specifically, recognize just how special he is!

He has no unique markings, but I alone have had the privilege of seeing the secret white patch on his belly. I've learned to appreciate the elegant alternating stripes on the end of his tail, his avocado green eyes that somehow point in opposite directions, and his funny mismatched whisker colors. He's got a special chirp meow just for me, and never sits without a back leg sticking out all goofy. In 13 years of life he still hasn't figured out that he can eat food out of my hands, but he's marvelously smart when it comes to opening doors. And when you get him in the right mood, he will absolutely do backflips trying to catch his wand toys.

That's not to say that cats with unique colors or fancy breed pedigrees or any of that are somehow "less" - but getting to know Mally has been a quiet sort of spectacular.

My life is distinctly more joyful for having shared it with this little animal, and he never fails to surprise me with the inventive, creative places he manages to put his butthole. Like my work notebook. DIRECT asshole-to-paper contact. Simply marvelous.

You've heard of CIRCLE, but have you heard of