Many of us have experienced the
heartache of losing a pet so it is interesting to read what Christine &
Trevor have written:
We lost our lovely dog Gemma (15), then our two
cats Lucy and Tigger (19 each) all within 18 months of each other. I can only
say to anyone who, like us, wondered whether adopting another "too soon" might
be an act of disloyalty, that once you have done so, there is no regret. It
doesn't stop the loving memories of (or the grieving for) your past pet -
(nothing can take away that bond ) - but the knowledge that you have given a
loving, caring home to another that is so deprived, helps to compensate for the
loss and fills the great roar of silence that exists in a suddenly empty home.
Getting any creature - battered by the turmoil of its life - to trust again and
to actually see the first glint of love in its eyes as it realises that you are
NOT going to desert it is one of the most touching and rewarding experiences.
We know. It's just happened to us!
It is interesting to note that when Flossie was at the Farm she was
very depressed and did nothing! It all goes to show what a bit of TLC will
do! |
Tom has
taken the longest to learn what not being afraid is and each night he still
creeps onto the bed to cuddle down by the side of me as if he needs protection.
When he's nervous, he sits in the wardrobe and we've kitted out the bottom of
his two favourite wardrobes with soft bedding and even a bowl of water for his
kidneys! He's at least 12 years old, and we are happy if he is happy and don't
expect anything too lively from him. Inky is a strange little thing. He
hadn't got a clue how to play and often looks like a wise old owl for his 2-ish
years sitting on the sofa looking down on the ways of the young, whilst Flossie
(older than he is) dashes around.He is very affectionate, eats for Britain, and
like a butler, is always at the door waiting to welcome us as we come in! In
the morning he has taken to sitting on Trevor's chest to encourage him to get
up and eat his cornflakes, and waits (not terribly patiently,) for the left
overs! He doesn't jump or leap or show any real "catty" traits, but likes to
sit on the grass outside, or the carpet inside. Flossie is a lively,
funny, playful pussy who has taught both Tom and Inky how to chase and "kill" a
long piece of red cord. They both sit and watch her as she parades around with
it in her mouth, and then they try, too! We think she is into bondage as she
can wrap a string accurately round the legs of two pieces of furniture until
they are tied together! We are waiting for her to tie up Inky and Tom next! She
must also have ancient Egyptian blood, because with the red cord, she can lay
out a perfect geometric square on a flat surface. She is incredibly adventurous
and has made the acquaintance of all the neighbouring cats. When they come up
to her, she just squeaks a meow, then turns her back on them and sticks her
tail straight up in the air! They appear to be quite impressed by this
procedure because afterwards they very politely escort her up and down their
garden as she inspects their plants and property! We call her Princess Floss!
|
Sunny is about 10yrs old but
hasn't realised it yet! With the record age for a cat being 32yrs he has
hopefully got lots of time left! Please do not be put off by the age of a cat,
the older cats are the ones that need a loving home the most and having them
around even for a short time enriches your life as well as theirs! |
Sunny was
settled within the first week of adoption. He can use the cat flap, and has
inspected the neighbourhood, but has decided that a warm spot in the sun by the
window is 'His' place to snooze. His condition has improved every day, and now
looks a lot younger than he actually is. He gets on with the other cats by
making out they do not exist, and they all seem to be quite happy with that!!
Sunny could eat all day if he could, it is only laziness that stops him from
taking the other cats food. He is very cuddly, and loves affection and
stroking.He knows his name, but never needs calling for food, as is waiting by
his bowl in advance of dinner time!! We are very happy we have
him! |
Muscat is a British Ragdoll and was homed in September
2003. We recently received a donation from the Ragdoll Cat Club which was
reported in 'What's News', prompting Patsy her new owner to update us on her
progress. |
Muscat has
really blossomed into a contented cat. She has a loving and trusting
personality, eats well and has put on weight. Her fur has grown at least an
inch! She has totally taken over the house but we love her for that. She is a
typical ragdoll and goes limp when we pick her up. She follows us around the
house, flops on the floor and lies there with her big blue eyes gazing up at
us. She has an incredibly loud purr and loves having her tummy tickled. We are
really pleased that we have adopted her and hope to have her with us for many
years. |
Emma
panicked a bit when she realised she had not contacted us - we do like to know
all has gone well with the adoption!
I just realised the care agreement I signed
stated I would notify FOAL within one week of signing it to let you know how
the cat is settling down! |
Sprite is now
known as Max. When we got him home we put him into a room of his own but
within 1 1/2 hours he was edging out of his hiding place and having a big purry
stroke....within 3 hours he was lying on his back in the middle of the room to
have his belly rubbed and by the evening he was sitting on our laps in the
lounge, purring and watching TV with us! We let him out for the first time on
Saturday and he came back within 1 1/2 hours...didn't seem too interested. He
is an extremely affectionate cat and follows us around the house miaowing until
we give him a stroke...he has also taken to sitting on Tim's desk when he is on
the coumputer and has even managed to turn it off a couple of times - he's even
sitting on my lap as I'm typing this! |