Four years ago today, a child was born that, unbeknownst to me – would change my entire life. One of four babies, of which only two survived – this little thing would come into my life 102 days after his birth – and he has been by my side ever since. I am, of course, talking about my dear son Beavis.

When I agreed to take him, I really was hoping that he would be affectionate. I have had pets in the past, like guinea pigs and other cats who were never as loving as I wanted them to be. But from day one, I raised Beavis with immeasurable attention and love – and I am happy to say that he has reciprocated all the love I have given him a grillion times over.

Today is Beavis’ birthday, and I could not be more proud. As soon as the clock chimed midnight, I grabbed him and gave him the biggest hug I could – and have been wishing him a happy birthday over and over again ever since. Many people I know tell me that I am crazy for loving him as much as I do – but to me – he is the closest thing I will ever have to a biological child, and since I do not want to have a child – I am going to give Beavis all the love that I would give a child that had my blood running through his veins.

Beavis, although a domestic short haired housecat – is unlike any other cat in this world. He is handsome, curious, finicky, talented, funny – and very loving. Almost everyone that has come into my home or seen his picture on line has told me how amazing he is. He is admired by everyone who has met him and even receives fan mail and gifts from people all over the world. He has won the Cat Connection’s Cat of the Month contest – and his adorable face graces many different cat websites – thanks to his mom, Christine.

If I wrote everything about Beavis that I love so much, I would be writing this column until his 14th birthday – so I will just list a few. My friend Wendi in California once told me that there is no greater love than the love a parent receives from a child – and now that I have Beavis – I could not agree more. I can’t tell you what it feels like to come home and have Beavis run up to me and lick the side of my head when I pick him up. To feel his little paw grip my shirt as he licks my head is one of the greatest feelings of love I have ever felt. And when we wrestle and he winks at me during our battle to let me know that he is aware that we are just playing is also an unbelievable feeling. But my absolute favorite is when I am asleep and I feel him climb onto the bed and fall asleep in my arms.

As I prepared to write this column, I tried to think of an appropriate song to end it with. And when I played Bruce Jacques’ Days And Weeks – I immediately knew it was the right song – because as I played it, I looked at Beavis sleeping on the closet floor – and felt the tears stream down my face as I heard the words of the song. It’s funny, but for someone who does not want a child of his own – I sure have a weak spot in my heart for my little boy. Everyone tells me that I would be a great father if I had a child of my own. But when I hear that, I laugh at them – because in my eyes – I already am.

Happy birthday Beavis. You are the best son a father could have. I love you.