A few years ago, I had total knee replacement surgery at Landstuhl Army Hospital near Ramstein, Germany. Kind, extremely generous friends offered to let me stay with them during my recovery. They told me they would take me to my orthopedic and physical therapy appointments at Landstuhl. I knew I couldn't recover at home alone, so I couldn't pass up this deal. Still, I was hesitant to accept their invitation because of one crucial thing: they had cats. Two of 'em, in fact. Rocco and Chino. 

I a...