Fabio Marchioro

All things considered, we know cats are not like people. We don’t regard ours, Miadora and Shy, as daughters, and our nieces will be thrilled to know, we are not planning to leave our assets to our furry companions. But we spent a small fortune to bring our two cats from Brazil.
Despite the fact that with that money we could have paid our rent in High Park Avenue for a few months or pay all our other bills for a (long) while, if necessary, we would do it again. No questions asked. Well, maybe only one: how much?

They live with us since December 2000 and we feel responsible for them. Besides cat food, litter and water, their only demand is a vigorous scratch behind the ears, a little bit of our attention and a small space above a radiator by one (or more) window sill to watch the snowflakes float by. Continue reading

They have three kids, a mortgage and condo fees. They pay hydro, water, heat, cable, internet, cell phones, a land line, the lease of two cars and cereal boxes fill up the kitchen cabinets to the brim. It is a cliché, but it’s not my fault: karate classes for their twin sons and ballet lessons for the girl.

Despite their best efforts, bills are starting to pile up. Mary “The Web Designer” and Harry “The Speech Writer” are turning into “The Juggler Couple”. And they are working harder than ever to avoid becoming “The Insolvent Couple”.

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