Confessions of a Cat Breeder

No one really knows where the chubby, tabby male came from.

Some people thought that he once lived in an old house that bordered the back of Rothwell Street. The neighbors remembered that when the elderly owner had died, the property was sold, and the house was demolished.

Thus forgotten, Chubby became just another homeless cat; until, that is, the night of the incredible snowstorm in the winter of 96.

Chubby appeared at the back door of one of four condos converted from a large Heritage building on Rothwell Street. He stayed at the back door for several days and lived through the worst snowstorm anyone could remember. Each of the four families would have adopted him, but he refused to remain in any of the suites, preferring the outside elements. Consequently, it was decided that the care of this little tabby male would be shared by all.

Chubby now lives in his own two-level condo, built by a carpenter who was hired by the residents of Rothwell Street. He is very content, cherished by the four families, and sheltered from the rain, heat, and cold. Ice cubes are added to his water in the hot weather, and even his linen is washed every day.

Because of his stocky build, the residents named him Chubby. At first, Chubby was very shy, and would not allow anyone to touch him. But, gradually, he became familiar with his new name, and more comfortable with the families. Eventually, he greeted everyone on their way to and from work.

Early each morning, this shy tabby would venture out to the front of the building on Rothwell Street. There, he met Tia, who delivered letters and greeted him with kind words and kitty treats. Tia became so taken with Chubby, that after a few months, she adjusted her postal route to spend more time with him. She decided to call him Cherub, her little angel . He got very excited when he saw Tia coming because he knew breakfast had arrived.

Eventually, to give the families a break, Tia would give Cherub fresh water, and some grooming, as the comb was always kept on a little shelf in his condo. Tia became very attached, and Cherub decided that Tia was his friend.

Tia is no longer delivering letters, but Cherub still watches for her early each morning at the front of the building on Rothwell Street.

Thank you to four families, for providing so much love, and helping this sweet tabby to become Chubby - the cherub condo kitty of Rothwell Street.