Shelley began this incarnation on May 12, 1989 in Roswell, Georgia. In August of that year she and her sister Turq left their mother and siblings to take up residence in the Armistead household. The humans had foolishly attempted to run a home for two entire months without feline supervision, so there was much to be put right. Unfortunately, Turq was called away to other duties within the month. Shelley persevered, and soon had Wayne and Cynthia well-trained. The humans did introduce an assistant feline, Maggie, after Turq's departure, and it was good to have one's ears bathed properly again.

Maggie was hardly accustomed to the new quarters, though, when two bouisterous young canines joined the family. The dogs were huge (Australian Shepherds), but Shelley soon taught them proper manners for visiting inside the house.

Six months or so after Shelley began her reign, something began to feel different. Soon there would be a baby human in the house. It was obvious that this new arrival would occasion many changes. Pregnant humans apparently cannot handle litter boxes, so Shelley and Maggie found themselves free to roam about outdoors—and hunt. Shelley loved hunting, and soon stopped eating any food the humans provided because she stayed so full of birds and mice and squirrels and even the occasional rabbit or snake. Maggie preferred a more contemplative life, and spent her outdoor hours sunbathing.