LUCKY WOKE KASSIE THE NEXT morning. The cat's tiny feet pounded across her head a good couple of times before she woke enough to push up and glare at the feline. Lucky stared back nonplussed when Kassie groaned, and the cat marched over, purring while rubbing her head on Kassie's.

'Lucky,' she moaned.

The instant she said the cat's name, Lucky darted off the bed, straight to the door and uttered a pitiful meow. After letting the demanding critter out, Kassie staggered ...