Sam [is] was an altered male, about 20 pounds, who came to me when the apartment complex his former owners lived in (which did not allow pets) hired a maintenance man who was allergic to cats and became a walking cat-detector. He likes eating and going out on the fourth-floor balcony to survey his domain. He is a morning person and walks on me to wake me up. His favorite spot is on top of the stereo. He is all black except for white chest, groin, and rear feet.

On Bastille Day (July 14) 1997 Sam died of complications of diabetes.

Laurie is a spayed female, about 14 pounds, who came to me when it looked like Sam was getting a little weird from being left all alone in my apartment all day. She likes eating and sleeping, especially in the sun. She is a night person and often doesn't even get up before I've left in the morning. Her favorite spot is on the foot of my bed. She is orange tabby with sporadic white markings.

On June 21, 2007 Laurie was euthanized due to kidney failure.