“So I don’t paint very well, and I don’t think I’m Dutch, but, other than that, I am Van Gogh. I’m quite orange, which seems to have been the artist’s favorite color – except, of course, for blue – which I’m also not. But I do have missing ear parts – I do. Evidence of a previous life in the alleys and streets. It happens to the best of cats, and I am one of the best.”

“I am gentle and kind and middle-aged. In some fading brawl, I picked up the FIV. I’m as happy and healthy as a cat can be, but I can’t go out and about yowling and howling and doing tomcat stuff any more. My immune systerm won’t put up with it. I need to live a cushy, plush life indoors with some cushy people who just love big ole orange cat dudes. And I am a big, goodoleorangecatdude – with the emphasis on the good part.”

“Somebody told me that she thought I was a character from a Hemingway novel. I do have stories to tell, but I don’t use a lot of words to tell them. I’ve been places, done things, rattled around in alleys and dumpsters. Might have fought in the Spanish Civil War – might have.”

“I don’t need to tell the stories. What I do need is people who will pet me and love me, toss me a toy every now and then, and let me, sometimes, shed a little orangey fur on the sofa. At least, I’m not a big Golden Retriever, just a little, middle-aged cat guy. I’m seeking a kind place with kind people, reliable food, and soft beds. In return, you’ll get, for your $120, a genuine Golden Stress Reliever – me – the famous Van Gogh!”