Ask the Animals: A Vet's-Eye View of Pets and the People They Love By Bruce R. Coston [SIGNED BY AUTHOR] St. Martin Press, 2009, First Edition, First Printing "She was arguably the ugliest creature God ever gave breath. We chose carefully the clients to whom we showed our new charge. We hoped?at least I did?that a few of them might show an interest in adopting the cat. But most reacted with unadulterated revulsion. I can't say that I blame them really. She was truly pathetic. As time went by, she began to come out of her shell. At first, she just hissed less. But as the human contact required by her frequent treatments continued, she began to enjoy the attention. Soon she would come to the front of the cage and rub against our hands. Then she began to play. We grew to enjoy her more than ever we imagined. In no time at all it became clear to me that any real attempt to adopt this kitten out would probably result in staff mutiny, perhaps involving violence directed at me. Most veterinary hospitals have adopted mascot strays, orphans, or abandoned patients that become ad-hoc staff members. They sometimes pay for their keep by becoming unwilling blood donors or de facto receptionists. But usually they are shameless moochers of free food, medical care, and the attentions and adulation of a steady stream of clients. If this cat was to become the hospital cat, she would need an appropriate name. Many were proposed and promptly abandoned. The, in jest, someone suggested Cyclops. Though her single eye was not centered in her forehead, as a descriptive the name certainly fit. By consensus we decided to call her Cy for short" Pages in unread, unmarked condition. Includes dust cover?minor shelf wear to cover. Author inscription and signature on cover page. 1st edition, 1st printing. Promotional pamphlet included.