I’ve always been drawn to the innocence of children and animals. I also happen to be wild about animals – wild or tame, on the farm or flying, big or small – you name it. That’s what drew me to become a vegetarian as a young adult, and vegan in recent years. Throughout my childhood, my parents adopted many pets, mainly of the rescue variety. From cats and dogs, to ponies, horses and birds, a wolf named Buck, a tortoise named Aristotle, and a loveable rat named Ratty Rascal. Recently, I have been blessed with my adopted sister cats, Lizzie and Kimba, who inspired me to write Dizzy Lizzie.

Though sisters, you’d never know it. Lizzie is a tuxedo kitty who clowns around like a court jester. While Kima is pure white and regal as a queen.

They behave more like a mix between cat and dog. They love to go on walks with me and come when I call. They also like car rides, hotel stays, and family visits, as well as flirting with new people. And like all animals, they adore affection.

I like to call them my “synchronized kitties” because they often lay in the exact same position, but inside-out – like the Yin Yang symbol.

Finally, both Kimba and Lizzie love laying upside-down like otters, begging for tummy rugs. Moreover, Lizzie has an amazing cat trick – she does somersaults! When desperate for attention, she tucks her head straight down and rolls over, perfect as an Olympic gymnast.

UPDATE: I’m heartbroken to announce that my beloved Kimba and Lizzie passed away within a year of eachother recently, from a rare heart condition. The vet thought it was a likely result of their difficult early days as feral kittens. I miss my two lovebugs terribly, but will be forever grateful for the great joy they brought to my life.