Tell us about your name, Gray Lady? My namesake is for the beautiful and intelligent Nine Day Queen of England and Ireland, Lady Jane Grey.  And since my fur has a lot of gray in it, the name suits me well. As for myself, I was living a feral life before I came to live at the Royal Palace of the Countess Teri Ervin, long-standing M Streets Resident and Chief Counsel to the Royal Association of Neighborhood Cats. The Countess is wont to call me Little Girl - all others may refer to me by my formal title, Gray Lady.

Tell us about your lineage, Gray Lady? My beginnings were humble and far from the Manor to which I should have been born. My lot was to wander and roam the Streets of McCommas and Merrimac for nine long years. During those years, which I’ll refer to as My Troubles, a kind-hearted man and his daughter fed me and made sure I survived - the Right Honorable Earl Brad Prann, and his daughter the Right Honorable Lady Virginia Holleman. At a certain point their duties of caring for me passed to the Countess Ervin. Long did I tarry outside her dwelling and would by no means approach her or let her approach me. One day however, I acquiesced and accepted her standing invitation to come and reside inside. It was a harsh winter day that propelled me to my decision, one I have never regretted. Since that dreadful winter, three years ago now, I have resided within her palatial walls along with two other felines, up with which I must put.

Favorite Activities? My time inside is spent grooming – either grooming myself or being groomed by Lady Ervin. My long and plentiful hair demands great amounts of time and attention.

Favorite Time of Day? Residing indoors is not without its obstacles, mind you.  There is a daily battle of favor to be gained from Lady Ervin, every morning, as she drinks her coffee. To be first at her feet, and so upon her lap, one must defy all others and claim their stake in earnest. The moment I see the coffee cup in hand, I run to the edge of the chair where soon she will be, achieving first-in-line status. The precise moment she is seated, I jump up into the most coveted of all coveted spots – the lap.  All is now as it should be.

Any special story to relate?  Oh yes. Since the dreaded days of Covid, M’lady Ervin has had a weekly gathering of countrymen for a night of board games.  The Lady’s sister, trying to gain my favor, procured a special chair for me next to hers. There she would pet me and offer treats.  Seated upon my demi-throne, I was the delight to all present. Our tradition continues to this day, as does my rightful place in the Court.

Lady Gray, any parting thoughts? Now that I have overcome my feral lifestyle, I say to all who would hear, ‘Do not be afraid to change.  Go where you have not gone before.  Welcome the hand that feeds you; trust the ones who care for you and show them likewise great love. In return, you will surely live a life of safety, plenty, love, and great comfort.’