Jodie-puss

Jodie became part of my family in an unusual way.
I used to be a teacher and one morning almost 13 years ago I arrived late and upset because just as I was leaving home my cat was run over and killed by a motorist.
Children pick up cues very quickly so I explained briefly that my cat had died and that was the reason for my lateness. At the end of the school day, a little girl waited back beside my desk. She told me her cat had had kittens and she would like me to have one. That nearly set off the tears again. Such a sweet gesture. Gently, I said no thank you as it was too soon. The little girl squeezed my hand and went home.
The next day at the end of the lessons, the little girl held back again and at that point I could see her mother trying to get my attention from the classroom door. She was holding a box with, you've guessed, a tiny kitty inside. My pupil understood the day before was too soon but thought the next day would be fine.
So that's how Jodie became a cherished part of my family. She's named after the darling little girl who wanted to ease her teacher's sadness.