Friday, August 19, 2011

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.




14 comments:

Susie said...

Dear Marion,
My heart hasn't been in blogging for quite some time now,(we lost our only son in Dec( but I do quietly peek in on my favorite bloggers from time to time.
I was so very sad to read about your dear George's passing. I know we have said many times over our blogging friendship how much he looked like our Vincent (who just turned 12)
I'm sure George issmiling down at you and remembering what a good life you gave him.
xoxo

Sara at Come Away With Me said...

Hello Marion. It was difficult to read through your post about dear George...I know how heart wrenching it is to lose a beloved pet and I feel much sympathy for you and shed more than one tear as I read. This is a lovely tribute to him. I hope you can take comfort in knowing what a wonderful life he had with you that otherwise he may not have enjoyed. Why do these little furry creatures touch us so?

A Brit in Tennessee said...

Ooh Marion, my heart is heavy reading this post...
Sweet, sweet George, he was such a beautiful cat, what a gorgeous face.
This is a beautiful tribute to a fine gentleman !
Godspeed over to Rainbow Bridge George cat.
Hugs,
~Jo

Oliva Ohlson said...

It's so sad and hard when a DEAR and LOVED pet goes. George looks so much like our Tonto, who had a long and great life with us. He was so lucky to have had you as his "family".

Beth said...

Marion, I am so sorry about the loss of George. I know you loved him and will miss his presence in the garden and in your lap.
Hugs, Beth

mrspao said...

RIP George. I'm so sorry to hear of your loss. It is so sad when our dear furry friends pass on. Sending you hugs from Kent.

DeniseinVA said...

I'm so very sorry Marion, George was certainly a very handsome cat indeed. Sending a big hug from Northern Virginia.

Betty said...

Dear Sweet Friend,
I've wanted to scratch George's ears from the time I first 'saw' him...He had such a presence.

He was so near home all the time...
Bless his sweet heart.

I'm glad Kenzo became a part of your lives...I liked the picture of him in Daddy's lap!

Love you...Betty

Diane at My Cottage Garden said...

My heart broke for you as I read this post. I have a little stepping stone in my garden that says 'cats leave pawprints on our hearts'. I'm sure you left some handprints on his heart as well.

He had a lovely life with you.

Betsy said...

I am sorry to read about George.
I know it hurts and I am sorry for your loss of such a sweet cat.
Betsy

Mountain Mama said...

I'm so sorry you lost your fluffy friend. He was a very handsome fella.
I hope you are doing ok.
Hugs!

Deanna said...

So sorry to hear about George. I know just how you feel. We had Boris for 18 years before he passed. He was born in our garage and moved all around the country with us. He watched over both of our daughters when they were little and loved to be read to! Wonderful post of rememberance.

Kerri said...

My heart is heavy reading about your loss of dear George, Marion. It's so hard to lose our furry friends. George was a wonderful companion to you and he obviously basked in the loving care you gave him. I know how much you miss him, and dear little Kenzo must feel lonely for his company.
Your photos and words are such a touching tribute to him. RIP dear George.
xoxo

Barbara said...

George was such a beautiful cat and I know the heartache of losing such a pet. Blessings to you.