The following story was submitted in the Pawsitively Picture Perfect photo contest. The top three finishers received $500 in cash, as well as $2,000 in cash and supplies for their favorite shelter. To read more stories, click here!

Alex and Emma were my babies.

PHOTO: JANE WILKENS

I lost Alex in 2021 at 17 and just lost Emma this January, three months shy of her 19th birthday. She was an absolute terror as a kitten.

She and her brother Alex would get into everything. Alex would always follow Emma everywhere so was guilty by default. She would knock things over and then just stand there showing me what she had done. Absolutely no fear.

PHOTO: JANE WILKENS

Alex adored his sister, but they did have their arguments. They were silly and loving. Emma would get into everything - she could be sound asleep on the other side of the house, but as soon as a cupboard was opened, she was there and had to check everything out. She was a diva calico. She slept on a pillow next to me every night. Alex was on the other side next to my pillow.

During COVID and working at home, Alex would come into my office and tell me it was snack time for everyone (there are two other kitties here). We would have a discussion and I always gave in. He was a typical goofy and derpy ginger, and just the sweetest boy. And his tail was magnificent - so fluffy.

PHOTO: JANE WILKENS

Their mom had been a stray, and I got them at five weeks - too soon to be taken from their mom - but I loved and nurtured them and they thrived. They were both gorgeous kitties. I miss them dearly.

This story was submitted by Jane Wilkens in support of Best Friends Pet Adoption & Spay Neuter Center. To read other stories from the Pawsitively Picture Perfect photo contest, click here!