How to Adopt the Kitten on PEOPLE’s Latest Cover with Robert Irwin

I had just started as an editorial assistant at PEOPLE back in 2005 when one of my editors sent me on what now seems like a very old-school mission: Run up to the ABC offices, and pick up a VHS tape of a new show that was about to come out called Dancing With the Stars, so they could screen it and decide whether it was worthy of coverage.

There were three professional dancers as the judges — Carrie Ann Inaba, Len Goodman and Bruno Tonioli — and a cast of fairly random celebrities, including Elaine’s boss from Seinfeld (John O’Hurley), the guy Mike Tyson bit on the ear (boxer Evander Holyfield), one of the New Kids on the Block (Joey McIntyre) and other under-leveraged legends who deserved another moment on prime time.

What a magical formula that turned out to be, and for the next 20 years PEOPLE has avidly covered the dance competition, devoting countless interviews to the stars and the pros competing for glory.

This year we were super excited to see another PEOPLE favorite on the cast list: Robert Irwin, the son of the late Crocodile Hunter Steve Irwin, whose family we’ve been documenting for years. 

“I don’t think I’ve ever interviewed a more upbeat, conscientious and charming 21-year-old in my career. Robert remembered facts about my Australian family, asked about my kids, and we gossiped about our fave Aussie snacks: Vegemite toast, pavlova and Tim Tams!” says senior reporter Gillian Telling.

She adds, “The fact that he grew up in the public eye and is still so humble speaks volumes to how he was raised. He definitely credits his hero — his mom, Terri — for that. He also truly exemplifies his dad’s free spirit and love of life. I’ll be rooting for him on DWTS; if the guy can wrangle crocs, skydive and surf among sharks, I have no doubt he can pull off the paso doble with ease.”

But what I love perhaps the most about this story are the adorable costars in the shoot, including Cassie, the kitten who shares the cover with Robert. When Cassie (9 weeks old at the time of the photoshoot) is spayed and old enough, she will be available for adoption through L.A.’s Kitten Rescue. Kittens that are currently available for adoption can be viewed through the nonprofit organization’s online gallery.

For the first time, PEOPLE is partnering with our sister brand InStyle for a flip cover and mini-issue featuring Kerry Washington and a preview of the fall fashion season. Thanks for reading, clicking and watching!