RIP Charlie Boy....

 

My sweet, shy barn cat, Charlie Boy, was put to sleep this week.  He was nearly 15 and had been with me for over 12 years.  Originally it was intended he would live in the house with access to outdoors just like Button.  But it became clear he was actually pretty feral.  Although he'd come from a domestic home on the Orkney Mainland it was a home with 30 other cats so the term "domestic" was used loosely!  After a week of him being terrified in the house and me at my wits end, we were both relieved when he made a bolt for an open door.  He then continued to live in the nearby barns and byres, coming for food each morning and slowly trusting me.  He always hated being picked up but would sit somewhere so I could put my arms round him to "cuddle" him,  There were times when all he wanted was breakfast and "please don't touch me" signals were clear.  But usually he waited for me each morning and learned to walk *between* my feet to his feeding station (top of an old barrel).  

He'd been his usual self, though I noticed he was thinner than normal and I had recently wormed him.  Then on Thursday when he came for breakfast it was clear something was very wrong with his stomach - he looked very pregnant!  So he was quickly bundled into a box, carriage arranged on the ferry, and a good friend dropped everything to pick him up and take him to the vets. The vet phoned soon after his arrival and it was as I feared, the prognosis wasn't good and I took the advice of my vet to do the kindest thing.

I am really sad, but he had a good life on his own terms, with plenty of food, cosy places to sleep and a fuss when he wanted.  He had a better life than many humans......  

Button will be celebrating!  Charlie was the dominant cat, I think they had a couple of bad fights where she came off worse, but generally they avoided each other where possible....

RIP my sweet boy, may your spirit run free.....