When Tony Boisvert and his wife moved into their first apartment, it seemed kind of empty. That’s when they decided to get a roommate. “I’d always had cats,” says Tony, “and I’d seen a program on the History Channel about Ernest Hemingway’s compound where all the six-toed cats lived.” So they set out in search of their own six-toed cat.

The couple checked a few pet stores before turning to their local humane society. “The cats in the pet stores just didn’t look as well cared for,” Tony explains. And when he saw the little kitten at the humane society, he was hooked. “When I picked her up, she curled up right in my arms.” That instant connection was stronger than his desire for the six toes.

Molly settled right in. “She loved the bathroom,” says Tony. “She’d hide between the shower curtain and the liner and spend all day in there.” And as the Boisvert clan grew — they now have three boys — Molly became an integral part of the family.

In fact, she may be the queen of the family. When she wants affection, Molly comes to Tony and demands it. He’s pretty happy with the arrangement, though.

As he sees it, “A lot of people don’t like cats because they think they’re cold, or that they want to be left alone. But it’s just that they’re independent — they don’t think they need to serve humans. That’s what I like about Molly. She’s pretty sassy.”

An artist since third grade — “I started with cartoons like Snoopy,” he remembers — Tony is a freelance graphic artist who still flexes his illustration muscles whenever he can. “Painting animals is challenging,” he explains. “A flower is a flower. With animals, though, you want their personality to shine through.”

And Tony wouldn’t hesitate to go to the humane society first for his next pet. “They have on-site vets, better treatment and care. It’s the best option.”

Visit Tony’s website

Article by Lori Harrison-Smith