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animals for adoption |
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~ Poppy & Tommy ~ When we went to the R.A.T.S. Christmas Fair in November 2007 it wan an anniversary – the anniversary of the day we first saw Poppy and Tommy. Our old cat had recently died (at the age of 20!) and the house just did not seem right without a cat – or two. We heard there was a R.A.T.S. Christmas Fair at Ampthill with photographs of cats looking for a home and it was with some excitement that we approached the board where the photos were. We were instantly drawn to these two – brother and sister, about seven years old, Tommy a tabby and white, Poppy a beautiful patchwork of tabby, ginger, brown and white with green eyes. We made arrangements to be “vetted”, and the following day we drove to Gamlingay where they were staying.
Poppy & Tommy Tommy rushed forward to greet us. “He’s very friendly”, Jane told us, “he’ll be all over you!” She looked more dubiously at the heap of sleepy fur in the basket. “Poppy may be more shy”. But when I stroked that fur, a deep purr came from Poppy and I knew we would be all right. They were very quiet in their baskets as we drove home. When they were let out into the kitchen, Poppy ran from room to room in great excitement. Tommy was more cautious – after all, a chap has to suss out his territory. We were advised to keep them in for at least two weeks. At the end of that time, neither wanted to go out. Of course it was December and the weather wasn’t very tempting, but we didn’t want to live with the litter tray for ever! We knew they were timid and the garden might be scary at first. Many things were – the doorbell sent them scuttling to hiding places and the arrival of visitors made them disappear. However, time and a peaceful atmosphere worked wonders. They are completely nonchalant now about doorbells, visitors, hairdryers, clothes racks going up, the ironing board, the wrapping of presents – all things which worried them at first. Of course they don’t do Hoovers – does any cat?
Poppy gfggffgfgfggfgffgffggTommy |
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. . . . . Dogs: Pauline: . . . . . 01462 834458 |
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. . . Cats & Kittens: Liz: . . . 01767 681157 |
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. . Small Mammals: Hazel: . . 01234 357788 |
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. . Lost & Found: Linda: . . 01234 822877 |
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We are lucky to live next door to cat-loving neighbours who leave their shed always open for cats to sleep in, and we have a cat path running across both gardens. In the days before he went outside, Tommy got very disturbed as he sat at the patio doors and saw the ginger tom going to and fro. Oh dear, I thought, when he finally goes outside, whatever will happen when these two meet? I needn’t have worried. They’re both middle-aged cats and they sorted it out between themselves. No fighting was needed. Tommy is a big cat and he simply sits there and looks. The ginger tom backs off and comes back when Tommy isn’t there, and he’s never found out what a big softie Tommy is! Although it was into January before Poppy and Tommy were altogether comfortable going out, they now love it. Tommy dancing with the moths on a summer evening was a sight to behold – very Nureyev. Poppy more sedately prefers the garden bench. One of their great pleasures is to be groomed. Tommy loves his brush so much he takes hold of it and guides it under his chin to be tickled.
Poppy & Tommy
As I write, each cat is spread out on the best chairs, the picture of contentment. I am still amazed at how exactly right they are for us and I’m constantly delighted by their beauty and their good humour and affection. I often go into the R.A.T.S. Charity Shop, in Bedford, and look through the folder of cats that have been placed and that still need placing. But I must admit my favourite page is the one with that original photo I saw a year ago, which now says “Poppy and Tommy – HOMED”.
Mrs Christine Hunt
The Re-homing Animal Telephone Service is registered under The Charities Act 1960 No 803364