Go ahead. Call me a "crazy cat lady". I don't mind. I even have the action figure.

I've always had a weakness for kittens who need homes. I say, "I'll take him and find him a home". And then I do. With me.

I firmly believe animals make their humans' lives calmer and more joyful with their love and their crazy antics. I would never be without pets in my life. I didn't exactly plan on having five at once though.

Mister is the wise old man of my crew. He's named for Mister McGoo, a clumsy cartoon character from my childhood. He is a big, clumsy galoot. He loves everyone. He's the official greeter at my house. He gets to the front door before I do when anyone knocks.

Fergus is my super model. He never takes a bad picture; and he knows it. He's the opposite of a greeter. When anyone knocks at the door, he growls as he runs the opposite direction.

Wallace is a behemoth. He weighs in at about 20 pounds. A friend found him when he was about 5 weeks old. Since she wasn't a cat person, I offered to take him until we could "find him a home". He was the most ferocious kitten I've ever encountered. He could fit in the palm of my hand; when I was brave enough to try and pick him up. It took three weeks before I was able to pet him without bleeding. Once I'd won him over I couldn't give him away.

Josie is the only girl in the household other than me. She's also named after a cartoon character from my childhood. Anyone remember Josie and the Pussycats?

She is a diva. Her throne is atop the dresser where none of the other cats dare approach her. She loves Mister and me. She detests the other cats in the family.

That leaves my newest foundling, Boo. He's named after Boo Radley. And I did get him last Halloween. He brings toys to me to throw for him. He then brings them back to me to throw again. He also puts his toys in my purse, my shoes and his water bowl. I came to work on a snowy day recently wearing my galoshes. I told a coworker one of the galoshes felt tight on my toes. I pulled it off and pulled out a purple catnip mouse. A present from Boo.

As I said, I'm a crazy cat lady.