Isla (Isla Smila)

Age 10. Nickname “Isla Smila” — because she smiles a lot; hard not to smile with kittens around.

Personality: Dedicated animal rescuer. After school each day walks every alley checking for stray animals — “most of the time she comes back with at least two kitties or a kitten and a doggy.” Started rescuing animals when she turned 10, when she was first allowed to walk the streets alone.

Current animals: 80 cats + 10 kittens + 16 dogs + 3 puppies.

Inventor: Co-created Cat Bot with her parents.

Family:

• Mother: Veterinarian. Gets home 10 minutes after Isla returns from school; helps treat injured rescued animals. Co-inventor of Cat Bot. Name not yet decided.
• Father: Works at “Petico” — a pet supplies shop (not a place that sells animals). Gets home 30 minutes after Isla returns from school. Co-inventor of Cat Bot. Name not yet decided.
• Grandmother: A millionaire — has $8 million “and still counting” — “five gigantic safes full of money.” Wealth built over generations through a family rule of saving 50 cents for every $2 spent. Previously owned the NYC mansion; now retired to a care home; family lives in her mansion.