Monday 25 March 2013

End of an era

Today has been a sad day here, it's the end of an era.  Smudge, our first ever rescue cat from the RSPCA has died.

Smudge was 20 years old and over the past few weeks has really started to show her age, she has left a huge hole that can never be filled, she was my baby.

Smudge was dumped at the RSPCA shelter in a cornflake box with her sister Willow (who sadly got knocked over many years ago) on a cold December night.  I think this may have mentally scared her for life as she has never liked the cold since, so much so she didn't like to leave the house for more than a few minutes unless it was over 20 degrees!

She loved nothing more than to snuggle up on or next to something warm, in recent years this has been the aga (Smudge on the right, Tilly left). 

 
When Paul and I lived in Lincolnshire we had a sauna and she used to love going in there with us. She would cry at the door until you let her in, but woe betide you if you dripped on her!

Not once in her long life did Smudge ever catch a mouse or bird, that was far too energetic, she did once find a quail nest and bought us a baby quail, still alive, that I had to feed raw mince with tweezers.

I still can't believe she's gone.

Rest in peace Smudge.
xx





11 comments:

Zanzibah Alpacas said...

So sorry to read your blog... It must be a very sad day indeed ... thinking of you and hoping that those happy memories will get you through this sad time .....what a wonderful home Smudge has had with you after her very bad start ....our animals leave many special paw prints on your heart ... Jayne

Unknown said...

What a lovely tribute to Smudge and what a grand old age. She must have a lovely contended life and has left you such fond memories. Xx

Shirley said...

Having lost both of our cats in the last 2 years we know exactly how you feel Debbie. After a bad start Smudge has had a charmed life thanks to you and Paul. Well done. Shirley & Robbie

Bev said...

Sad news Debbie, but sounds like years of happy memories to look back on. Loved the sauna story, quite an image..

Karen Oglesby - Meon Valley Alpacas said...

A sad time for you, sounds like she had a happy and long life with you. It's so hard losing these special animals they become members of the family.

Patou Alpacas said...

Sounds like you gave her a great life and 20 is a great age, well done.

Rosemary said...

I am very sad for you - they leave a huge hole when they go.
xx

Apple Vale Alpacas said...

You helped her to have a 'good innings', and sounds like she didn't suffer too much at the end, which is something to be thankful for. Thinking of you.

Judi B said...

It's so sad when we lose a cat, they just always seem to be there and do leave a big gap and lots of sadness. Big hugs from LGM. xx

dustydaisy said...

oh Debbie, so sad !
But what a great age and what a wonderful life she had with you.....
I remember her well when we used to pop over to feed her and Twiggy when you were on holiday.
Her age is a great reflection on the love and care you both bestowed on her ...... our oldest cat was 18 - one misses them so much - happy memories eventually replace the sadness ...
all our love
Edward and Grania x x x

A Country Chicken said...

So sorry to read about your sad news. What a great life Smudge had being cared for and loved by you and Paul - lots of lovely memories Lisa