While the people at the shelter were really nice, there were simply too many cats and not enough homes.  I found myself on death row and my days were numbered.  Fortunately, a wonderful organization called the Citizens' Animal Management and Protection Society (A.K.A. CAMPS) came to my rescue.  They frequently rescue animals from shelters and do everything they can to find them good homes.

This is where my good friend Mary Lou Bozich enters the picture.  Mary Lou, (A.K.A the Cat Nanny) who works in the Criminal and Juvenile Justice Office, heard that Governor Leavitt and his staff were looking for a little company of the feline persuasion.  Someone for the newly created position of  Top Cat.

Mary Lou contacted CAMPS with a list of job qualifications.  I fit the bill, except for a minor detail: being neutered.  I was happy to do the responsible thing and soon I was on my way to my new job as Utah's Top Cat.  Oh yeah, I had to be declawed too so I won't scratch up the furniture in the Governor's Office.

Being the first Top Cat of Utah, there wasn't a job description to follow.  When I first came to the palatial State Capitol, I would wander around the governor's staff offices and try to sit in on important meetings in the governor's conference room.  I also liked to investigate all of the windowsills in the offices and find places to hide.

Now that I am settled into my duties, what I really enjoy is sleeping on my fleece blanket on a couch in the governor's private study, especially in the afternoons when the sun is coming through the west windows.  And it is a great place to find out what is happening in the world.  Someday I would like to write my memoirs about all of the things I have learned.

Each night and on the weekends, Mary Lou takes me to her home.  I enjoy the car ride in my carrier and I get to spend the evening with her two cats, also orange tabbies.  I think I would be pretty lonely if I had to stay in the Governor's Office all night.  In the morning, it is back to the Capitol.

I have to admit, Governor Leavitt and his staff have been really great folks with which to work.  And they take pretty good care of me too.  However, they do like to wake me up from my nap.  But that is a small price to pay to be Utah's Top Cat.

If only Rufus could see me now.