When I moved here from L.A. in 1989, I had already learned of North Shore Animal League through -- I think -- their advertisements in TV GUIDE, and I'd even made some small contributions from out there.
A year later, after I'd gotten well settled into my apartment and life in general here, I decided it was time for a kitten or two. I never gave it any thought, I just hopped in the car and drove down to Lawn Guyland and up to Port Washington, and spent an amazing couple of hours at North Shore looking at all the cats that were there that day. I'd already prepped the jernt with a litter box in anticipation of having success there, and sure enough, I did. I had no idea what I was in for because I'd never adopted from any place like that, but all went well and that night I had two of the most adorable little girls living with me, who would be wonderful companions for the next 17 and 18 years.