My baby boy almost made it to 16.
Allister chose me in the softest, bravest way. When I went to adopt him, he was scared — watching from a safe distance. The rescue offered to let me hold him, and I said no, let him be for a minute.
When I finally extended my hand for a gentle first hello, he leaned forward and licked me. That was the moment. I was claimed.
They had named him Allister, and he was always Allister — steady, gentle, himself from the start.
In that first year of togetherness, he slept draped across my neck like a tiny, warm scarf, purring his steady little heartbeat into mine.
Allister tended to hide from most people, but if you were one of his few “accepted,” you knew. Snuggles freely given, pets welcomed, belly rubs allowed — and if he really liked you, he’d give love nips that absolutely hurt. Tiny daggers of devotion. His way of saying, “You’re in my circle.”
From the very beginning, he protected Pinto. She was his BFF, his chosen companion, his little responsibility. And she was good for him in ways only a best friend can be. In her early years, all their whole‑body play made his unique leg stronger. She made him stronger. She brought out the best in him — confidence, movement, joy — and he gave her safety, steadiness, and devotion in return.
He’d guard her fiercely, but he’d play with everyone, gentle and goofy, never territorial, never unkind.
Over the years he became the gentlest diplomat in our home — Switzerland in cat form. No drama, no politics, no territory battles. He just wanted peace, softness, and an arm to hold.
His signature move was the arm‑tribute: wrapping his front paws around my arm, settling on my left side, and purring like he was plugging himself into safety. He didn’t need the throne. He didn’t need the spotlight. He just needed that one quiet place beside me.
Allister brought calm to every room he entered. He softened the edges of the day. He made the house feel more like home.
He was love without noise.
He was comfort without condition.
He was my sweet, steady boy.
My little lion man, with his terra cotta nose.
And I will always carry the way he chose me.