"The Jones"

On the evening of May 17, 2008, Todd Friedman and Megan Andrews presented Tim and Melinda (aka Mike and Susan Jones) the owners of Sassy (aka Peanut), with the first copy of My Secret Life as Peanut.

Known as the Jones in the book, they had no knowledge that this book was being written about their cat's secret life next door. They were utterly stunned and "honored," as stated by Tim (aka Mike Jones).

Below are the actual emails they sent to Todd and Megan. Nothing has been changed.

Todd and Megan,
I'm not sure where to begin..."Thank you" doesn't seem quite good enough. We are all touched by My Secret Life as Peanut. Since you moved in, Tim and I were sure that Sassy was an unwanted guest (or should I say pest) in your yard. We had NO idea (until we read the book!) how much time she spent in your backyard. The photos speak for themselves...Sassy loves you and your beautiful oasis. She has obviously had a second home, and we were just oblivious to it. After being in your backyard last evening, I know why she takes her daily retreats next door...it is truly lovely. I teared up last night because Sassy's story is really a story of second chances. I've never understood how a family could take a sweet cat like Sassy and basically abandon her just because they had to move to another state. Your book showed me that perhaps it was a difficult decision...one they did not take lightly (as I had always believed). As the owner of many pets, I can't imagine parting with one of them. Each one of them is special in their own way. Perhaps it has taught me to be less quick to judge.

When I saw the petite calico in the tiny cage at Petsmart, I was drawn to her. I had always wanted a calico cat. When I read the little cat's name was "Sassy," I just knew she had to come home with us. I had also always wanted to name a cat "Sassy." We had just adopted a one-pound kitten the day before from the SPCA in McKinney that we first named "Tiger" and later named "Leo." Jonathan and Lindsay and I saw so many kittens and cats that weekend that needed a home. We made the decision to adopt a kitten and a cat (instead of two kittens). After talking Tim into the whole two cat thing, we brought Sassy home. I am so happy we made that decision. I truly hope that Sassy's story will encourage others to take a chance on an adult pet. Everyone is drawn to puppies and kittens. I hope My Secret Life as Peanut inspires people to adopt a pet that needs a second chance. The book has an ending that every pet deserves...a happy one. Thank you again for loving "Peanut" enough to write a book about her. Sassy may have been homeless at one time but now she is a STAR. We look forward to the upcoming book signing at IKEA on June 14 and the special celebration on June 7. We feel very blessed to have you both for neighbors and trust me...Sassy feels the same way too!

Melinda (aka "Susan Jones")

(and the other email submitted by Tim)

Todd & Megan,
Thank you both for a wonderful evening. It was extremely enjoyable to just sit and relax with both of you. Melinda and I both are just speechless about the book. We are so excited to be a part of your adventure. We had no idea that you were working on this project and I must say it is very impressive. We showed Lindsay and Jonathan the book this morning and they can't believe it either. It brought huge smiles to their faces when they saw it. We feel really honored that you chose our Sassy to write about. We would love to be a part of the promotion process but we will leave that up to you. Just let us know what we can do to help out.

Thanks again for a great evening and wonderful surprise. We are truly lucky to have such good neighbors.....

Tim & Melinda