Two barely born kittens were left in a box at the Ishikawa house in April, 1980.
They were called Bert and Ernie, to encourage Baby Bit to learn her /r/ sounds.
Bert was killed by a car later that year.
Ernie here delights Shichiro, three generations of Ishikawas, and many others.

A white mother cat and her 3 kittens were dumped at the Ishikawa house, after Bert and Ernie. Bit helped take care of what eventually became 10 cats.

Haarlem, The Netherlands, 1980: Throughout her life, Bit was always drawn to animals.

Two dreamers:
Bit called Ernie "Princess" and cherished her as a sister.