Number 3 appeared one day along with a cohort, who we ascribed the name "Ol' Yeller," a yellow cat no doubt. Ol' Yeller was skin and bones, and we fed the two of them thinking that someone had set them out. #3 was, well, the third cat- besides our own gray tabby, Stinky, and his buddy from across the street, Jingles (aka Freeway).

We soon noticed Stinky and #3 getting along very well, although 3 and Jingles did not get along as well. #3 stayed more and more, apparently liking the fare that was provided at our home. Much to our surprise, we realized that a neighbor was trying to lure OUR #3 to their house. Well, the cat was really their cat! We were the thieves. Slowly, though, we realized #3 was not going home. They had bought a big dog, and had a new baby, and were probably great parents, but #3 apparently doesn't like to play second fiddle.

Stinky is from New York, a true alley cat. #3 is from Tennessee, and when we moved to Alabama, we brought them both. They are buddies in the true sense of the word. #3 is very much a people cat, making friends wherever he lives. Much like our naming him, our new neighbors have done the same. We must bear in mind that our food has to be just a little bit better!

#3's name makes for a great "Who's on First?" gag when meeting new people. It being an inadvertent joke adds to the humor. As in "Who many cats do you have?" "Two," is the reply. "What are their names?" "Three." "But, I thought you said you had only two cats...." I won't discuss the time our family named a cat "15".