Nova was a dear friend. I had the pleasure of knowing her for about 5 years. When we first met, she was a little kitten about the same size as my hand. We shared a couple houses in San Jose, then she moved with me up to Seattle. She was a small and tough cat, but had a real affectionate streak. When I came home from work, she would come racing inside just to say hello, not asking for more than a scratch on the neck.One day I went on a trip, and Nova went to stay with someone else... but she didn't remain there long. She ran off to find other adventures. I often feel quite guilty about Nova - the last time I saw her, she was very upset. She tried to follow me out the door, and I had to shut it on her while she was meowing for me. She was such an excellent cat - I can't think of anything more I could ask of a companion. I have to hope that she's still bringing love into someone's home. If you happen to meet a black cat, about 12 years old (as of 2006), who's missing her two "upper fangs", and possibly living in the Federal Way, WA area, say hello for me!