I'm here with just a quick post to share my sad new - one that only an animal lover will really understand. I got back from holiday yesterday morning knowing that my dear old beautiful Barney cat was not well. My daughter had told me through the week that "something" had happened probably a minor stroke or bleed on his brain and although he wasn't in any pain he just wasn't well at all. I came home really hoping that things weren't so bad - but as soon as I saw him I knew that it was time to let him go. At the grand old age of almost 18 years he already had a problem with his kidneys and although controlled well with diet he had lost weight through it and I think his poor body just gave up.
I used to show and breed British Shorthair cats- only in a small way- when my kids were little, and Barney was my very first kitten born in the cupboard under the stairs, it was a life long love affair between us, I really was the love of his life! - he was my constant shadow and loved sitting on my lap with his head tucked under my chin, the most gentle beautiful cat I've ever had with his bright green eyes and black eye-liner.
These photographs were taken a couple of years ago - my beautiful boy at around 14 or 15 years old - still in his absolute prime - and that is how I remember him
I am just heartbroken and devastated that he is gone but surprisingly I feel quite calm now that it's all over - because I think I did the very best last thing that I could for him, and the vet let him peacefully fall asleep in my arms.
I'm not feeling particularly crafty or bloggy at the moment - so I'll take a few days just to recharge.
Rest in peace my beautiful boy x