Do you consider yourself an animal lover? Do you own a cat or dog? A bird, maybe? Some people take their love for animals to new heights, throwing them birthday parties and dressing them in the purr-fect outfits. (I couldn't resist using an animal pun.) I myself have been a cat lover my entire life, owning several of varying genders, sizes, and personalities. At present, I have a sassy Calico named Callie who seems intent on finding (and claiming) the most unexpected nooks and crannies in my apartment for lounging.  Cats have a special affinity with writers like myself. Their quiet, often lazy disposition makes them ideal companions, especially when we're typing away at the keyboard.  I respect dog lovers -- and they're abundant -- who want nothing to do with cats. Frankly, I like dogs, but there's no arguing the fact that they're much higher maintenance than their feline counterparts. A day doesn't go by where a dog in my complex passes up the opportunity to en...

Sam Steingard couldn't find a date for his high school prom, so he took -- who else? -- his cat Ruby! Steingard's mother bought the cat a dress and a sparkly collar for the occasion, and the two took plenty of pictures together. Ten years ago, Ruby was spotted behind a Ruby Tuesday's restaurants, and that's how the name came about. The family and their neighbors only have great things to say about the feline. As it turns out, she's very friendly and loves people. She and Sam share a very intimate bond. When he was younger, she'd walk with him to school, and once they'd arrived, she'd walk herself home and meet him there after school. Same enjoys talking to her in a baby voice and giving her well-deserved treats. There's no question that Sam wasn't too jaded about not finding a human date for the prom -- little did he know the "purr-fect" one was at home! Do you feel this young man was nuts to do such a thing?  Do you think it...