Myah’s Story: Finding Coco
When I was in third grade, I went to BARCS’s original building on Stockholm Street several times throughout the year in search of a black and white tuxedo cat. There was an upcoming pet-themed show and tell at my elementary school, and I wanted to have a pet to introduce to my class. I already had goldfish, but figured that wouldn’t be very feasible.
One day, my mother and I toured with a woman and her daughter who were volunteering as tour guides at BARCS. Once we were in the cat area, I heard a kitten crying and meowing and immediately approached the cage. The nametag read “Chalupa and Gordita,” two 2-week old tabby kittens that needed to be fostered. We continued to walk around the shelter, but before leaving, I wanted to go back to see the meowing kitten again. Gordita was still meowing, and he started clinging to the cage with all four paws. The woman offered to let me hold him, and although I was nervous, I said yes. My mom pulled out her black flip phone and took a picture. At that moment, he chose me. He stopped crying once I held him. I still have the shirt and bracelet I wore the day I found Coco.
My mom and I were unfamiliar with fostering, but we had to foster both of the brother kittens together for me to keep Coco. The mother and daughter offered to foster them and return the one kitten, but I didn't want to be away from him. I remember eagerly sitting in the backseat with both kittens in a box, peeping at them. The kittens were so thrilled; they were eager to jump out. We fostered them both but only had room for one permanently. I can’t recall Coco’s brother too much. He took a while to open up, and he hissed frequently. However, near the end of the fostering term, he showed me love and allowed me to pet him.
It still baffles me how I fell in love with something I wasn't searching for. The first time I went back to BARCS was for service work with CollegeBound Foundation at the new shelter on Giles Road. We walked a few dogs and then went to the cat section. I was tearing up as I was flooded with memories. I heard kittens cry, and it reminded me of the moment when Coco chose me.
On March 27, 2026, Coco will turn 15!