Reflection Through The Seasons

A TRIBUTE TO GEORGE.....

George was a rescue cat, we were never certain of his age, but think he was about two when he came to live with us 11 years ago.

Everyone in the village knew George, he was a country cat by nature, a hunter.... he enjoyed the freedom of the woods and the riverbank. During summer months he was a free spirit often staying out both day and night, returning only when he wanted feeding, but, as the days grew colder, his love for creature comforts turned him into a home loving cat.

When George went missing over a month ago, we weren't unduly concerned at first, but after a few days of noticing his bowl of dry food remained untouched on the bench, we began looking for him, thinking that maybe he been locked inside someone's garage or garden shed. I made posters with his picture and pinned them on village notice boards, but still heard nothing. Then after a month of searching, we heard the dreadful news that next door's gardener had discovered the remains of a cat in dense overgrowth. By the time we got to hear about this the gardener had disposed of the body. I took a picture of George along for identification..... the gardener felt pretty certain it was George... but added what remained was in a pretty bad state.

It was news we didn't want to hear, but at the same time, it was best to know the end, though it was tragic and not continue to live in hope of his return. We miss him terribly and we often kid ourselves that we hear him meowing at the door, or feel we've caught a glimpse of him in the garden.... I'm sure his spirit lives on, so in our hearts he is with us still. I know Kenzo misses him too, just the mention of the name 'George' and his head and ears perk up all expectant.

George was featured in many of my posts over my years of blogging and so I feel it is fitting that I devote a post of his pictures as a tribute of the happy times and the love we shared.

In memory of dear George.....

.........our beautiful cat.

who loved to snooze on a comfy cushion in front of the fire

I shall never forget that look....

He was a free spirit.....

but loved his creature comforts.

He had his ways of letting you know he wanted to come indoors

Let me in please Mummy....

He was my constant companion in the garden....

.....always at my feet.

.....loved to sun bathe.

......happy to keep me company in the summer house....

....or on Grandma's bench.

....and despite him feeling somewhat put-out when Kenzo came to live with us 16 months ago, they did become friends.

We miss you George and remember you fondly when we see the scratch marks on the fence where you sharpened your claws, the little sleeping nests you made under the bushes for summer snoozing and your dish, still awaiting your return that I haven't had the heart to remove yet.