In September 2020 my girlfriend, her sisters and her mom were on a trip to Gettysburg Pennsylvania. On their first day exploring the battlefield and the town they stopped to pick up a pizza and have a picnic style lunch. While they were outside of the car, my girlfriend heard a sound, like a cat crying. She, and her sister, went into the nearby woods and discovered a cute little orange kitten, trapped in a pricker bush up against a tree.

My girlfriend was determined to rescue this kitten. She carefully extracted him from the pricker bush and they decided to bring it back to the hotel. Prior to stopping she bought a carrier, food and dishes. They kept the kitten with them as the toured the battlefield; and my girlfriend grew attached to him, at this point she was not sure where he would end up. This is when I offered to take him.

First you must understand that I have never had a cat in my life. I am a veteran of Afghanistan who suffers from PTSD, anxiety, depression and have had to deal with many personal demons since my return from overseas.

I had also tried to befriend a dog as I had heard they could be helpful, what I found was he was too much with my work schedule.

While I was attending counseling a fellow veteran pointed out the advantages of having a cat. His voice was ringing in my head as I volunteered to take this kitten. I came home to find my girlfriend with him in my house. I could tell he was scared, but I immediately fell in love with him. My girlfriend told me they had named him Getty after the town he was found in and it was on 9/11 so that is his birthday. This is another significant date for me, as I spent time at ground zero immediately after the attacks.

To say Getty was shy would be a lie. Our first night together, we spent on the couch with him sleeping in my arms. We did that for several nights. When we transitioned to the bed, he apparently felt it was ok to again curl up in my arms or on my chest, either way this tradition continues until today.

Getty has provided me with friendship, companionship and warmth (literally). Not only has he helped this veteran relax, sleep, and cope, he has given my parents an opportunity to enjoy a pet again. He waits at the door for me to come home from work at two am. When my parents come to the house, he comes over to say hi. He provides all the intangibles that an animal can provide.

I especially want to thank my girlfriend for hearing his little cry, I think of what could have happened to him and I shudder.

Getty truly has become this veteran’s best friend.

— Getty is loved by Christopher Guziec