(April 28, 2007, includes updated text and photos) -- Mayor Bob Foster and First Lady Nancy have added a new familymember to their hosuehold. The Fosters adopted him from LB's Animal Control facility (on Spring St. near the Nature Center) and named him "Noah."

"Noah" (about 2-3 yrs old , roughly 13 pounds) is one of the animals taken by Animal Control from the now-shuttered "Noah's Ark." Like others from that facility, he's being held longer than usual for adoption.

"He was the most social of all the cats and would nuzzle his way into my arms as if to say "Take Me Home"...and of course we did."

No, the Fosters didn't issue a release about this. We learned about it unofficially...and we asked their permission to report the following...and they said yes. Mrs. Foster provided the photos on this page at our request.

For over 17 years, the Fosters had another cat: Gizzy. About four years ago, Gizzy survived a bout with feline lymphoma. The Fosters ensured Gizzy received veterinary chemotherapy...and it worked.

Gizzy lived another four years...but then developed osteosarcoma (bone cancer).

Recently (and unknown to many people), the Fosters quietly cancelled a planned cruise so they could stay home and tend to Gizzy.

"We cancelled many events for Gizzy." Mrs. Foster said. "She was so important to both of us. She was much more important than a trip, she was family and like a child to us. Our friends would have done the same thing for their pets."

Gizzy seemed to rally for a time...but when she could fight no more, the Fosters had a vet come to the house so Gizzy wouldn't get upset making a trip to the vet...and Gizzy left this world peacefully a couple of weeks ago.

"Now Noah is going to be a challenge...He is getting a little settled in one room but if I carry him out of that room he totally freaks outs and I can't handle him! So he is staying in one room right now," Mrs. Foster said.

Noah is a lucky cat. We expect he'll control the household soon.