Thus, Philip and Ginny acquired one another, and a love story began that continues to this day.

Ginny shared Philip's physical pain, but Ginny's did not spring from an accident, it was the result of neglect and abuse at human hands. Still, this spritely little dog carried a deep love and devotion in her heart for humans, and (soon to be discovered by Philip) for other furry beings.

Ginny and Philip acquired the habit of walking in the wee hours of the morning. One morning, Ginny alerted at the sight of a homeless kitten. Although Philip was afraid the dog would harm it, Ginny soon proved him wrong by nuzzling and washing it much like a mother cat would. When they returned home, Ginny was so anxious and upset that Philip sensed she wanted him to feed the cat. They returned with a can of dog food to the vacant lot where the kitten was living . Within a few days, they were feeding not just one cat but several, and with cat food instead of dog food.

Ginny has the unerring ability to ferret out injured or disabled cats; perhaps she has an empathy toward them because of her own early mistreatment at human hands. In any case, Philip's household was soon enriched by Ginny's "finds": Madame, a deaf cat Ginny "chose" from the shelter, Vogue, whom they found being kicked around by a group of neighborhood hoodlums, and Revlon, who lost an eye due to mistreatment.

Over the years since Philip and Ginny first met, their cat rescuing efforts have achieved national attention, first with an article in Good Housekeeping, and later with the release of the book, followed by a sequel, "The Blessing of the Animals". Nowadays, Ginny, Philip and Sheilah feed over 200 strays twice a day. They have found homes for dozens of the homeless, they have spent thousands of dollars on veterinary care, including spaying and neutering. At one point when funds were running out Sheilah (who formerly disliked cats) sold her antique dolls to raise the money for cat food and medical care for their strays.