And, of course, everyone has their own preferences and their own reasons and should get the cat who is right for them, but it still hurts my heart a little to see my beloved girl- such a truly worthy and wonderful cat- struggle to find a family.

It’s okay though. Because I’m lucky enough to be her foster and it just means I get to have her a little longer.

Here are some of the ways in which she’s made my life better in the past week or so:

1. She is my cuddly “little spoon” and sleeps politely snuggled up next to me. TBH, I sleep better with her around.

2. She cracks me up with her total defiance of the normal laws of gravity. She loves being upside-down. I’ll often be going about my business and just look over and she’s in the middle of the floor, belly up, looking at me upside-down.

3. She’s always happy to see me! When I get home from work, she’s always there chirping and chatting for some love.

4. She’s an easy keeper. She doesn’t jump up on things like counters or tables, she doesn’t fling litter everywhere, she doesn’t tear up furniture, and she’s able to entertain herself (mostly by napping) when I’m not home. She doesn’t even shed very much! And she loves to be brushed, so coat maintenance is pretty easy.

5. She’s SO affectionate. She loves being in my lap, she purrs and gives kisses and headbutts and flops at my feet.

6. She’s cool with the dogs. She would probably prefer to be a single cat, but she’s shown that she can live peacefully and happily with dogs.

7. Honestly, being around her is just healing. She’s the perfect balance of loving, funny, and chilled out. She’s the one I want to be around if I’ve had a bad day or am not feeling my best.

There’s someone out there who needs Dharma just as much as I did. Someone who thinks that the fat middle-aged ladies deserve a chance, too. Let’s find her the perfect home.

Dharma is five years old, spayed, up to date on shots, and fully vetted. She’s available for adoption through Open Door Animal Sanctuary, but because she’s in foster, she’s available to met by appointment only. Please fill out an application at odas.org/feline or email jeanette@odas.org for more information. Her adoption fee is $75