Sometimes you chose an animal:sometimes they chose you. Ginger was thrust upon me through guilt. Her owner had died and no relatives wanted her. She was going to the pound. I was a neighbor and finally gave into pressure and took her in. She stayed with me for the next 14 years and I loved every minute of those years. She had dignity, intelligence, a sense of humor, loyalty and was a wonderful companion. Sometimes I still think I can hear her feet softly padding on the floor. I has been 2 years since she died and  I still find it difficult to take in another animal- perhaps soon I will.