“Here I am. My name is Mari. That’s Mar-e, not Mare-y. I am, without a doubt, the Classic Calico Cat. Not dilute, not blurry, just pure, solid real black, white, and gold Calico. And, without a doubt, proud of it. Yes, I am. I am the calico cat you see sitting among dogwood blossoms in a Japanese screen print – round, soft, a princess among flowers. Sometimes, I am shown reaching for a butterfly. Sometimes, I just show my own calico grace.”

“My dear person crossed the rainbow bridge. She’d adopted me from Feline Rescue when I was just a baby. I miss her – I surely do. But she told me, ‘Mari, you will find someone new. You are such a sweet and beautiful cat. Many people will want to love you.’ I so hope that’s true. Could you stop by and see if you feel love in your heart for a Classic Calico Cat?”

“I do not have my front claws, so I will surely be harmless for your Japanese screen prints that feature ladies just like me. I’d rather have my claws back; my feet don’t feel right without them. But I’m not giving up on me just because of that. I can still knead and purr with the best of cats, and I often do. Try me in your lap; see what you think.”

“I am, right now, washing myself carefully so that my black is the blackest, my white the whitest, and my gold the most golden when you arrive to meet Mari. I am a lady. I am a woman. I am a girl. I am a feminine feminist. I am self-assured and lovable. I have purpose and intent. I have munchies and toys. I am waiting and hoping, hoping and waiting. Just put $120 in your pocket, come in to Feline Rescue, and meet Mari. I am pure calico grace.”