avatarHollie Petit, Ph.D.

Summary

In 2017, Hollie Petit adopted a kitten named "Birdy," renamed her Francis, and found companionship while writing a book in solitude.

Abstract

Hollie Petit, an author, spent six months in isolation to write a book, accompanied only by her cat. Feeling lonely, she visited a cat shelter before Christmas, intending to adopt an older cat. Instead, she was captivated by a kitten with a peculiar purring habit, which had likely deterred previous adopters. Petit adopted the kitten, renamed her Francis, and the feline quickly became the ruler of their home. Petit expresses gratitude to Mary Chang Story Writer for providing a platform for writers to share their stories and photos, and she encourages participation in the January 2022 writing prompt.

Opinions

  • Petit initially intended to adopt an older cat, suggesting a preference for helping animals that might be less likely to find homes.
  • The author's heart was deeply moved by the kitten's unique purring quirk, which she found endearing rather than off-putting.
  • Petit's decision to rename the kitten "Francis" indicates a reverence for Saint Francis, the patron saint of animals, and a spiritual or compassionate inclination.
  • The author values the community and platform provided by Mary Chang Story Writer, as it offers writers a space to share their work, particularly during the festive season.
  • Petit's engagement with the Six Word Photo Story Challenge and her encouragement for others to participate shows her support for creative outlets and writerly camaraderie.
Photo by author. Used with permission by her royal feline, Francis.

A Kitten for Christmas

December Six Word Photo Story Challenge: “Snow & White”

Got boots. Let’s go play outside.

In 2017, I rented an apartment for six months to write a book. I was about three hours away from my husband and dogs so that I couldn’t get too distracted. I took my feline companion with me to keep me company.

Although it was a productive writing period, my cat and I were lonely. A couple of days before Christmas, I visited a cat shelter in hopes of finding my cat a playmate. I envisioned getting an older cat — perhaps one that had been passed over by other adopters. My husband and I have always tried to help less fortunate animals. However, on this day, an adorable kitten who was inappropriately named “Birdy” jumped into my arms and started purring so loud that she squeaked. When she purred hard, she went into a weird spasm that was a cross between a hiccup and a cough. It supposedly wasn’t dangerous, but it was likely preventing her from getting adopted.

My heart melted, and the rest is history. I took her home, renamed her “Francis” (in memory of Saint Francis, the patron saint of animals), and she has ruled supreme ever since.

Thank you, Mary Chang Story Writer for offering us writers a festive place for our pictures and short stories!

Like this story? Here’s the link to the January 2022 Prompt in Six Word Photo Story Publication.

Christmas
Kittens
Animals
Short Story
Monthly Challenge
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