Boots, who died today 18 Jan 2013
One feels like a murderer, because in herself she was still quite perky (thanks to good attention from the vet). However, she was yowling a lot and seemed to be becoming rather disorientated. Apart from being distressing to us and no doubt to her – but who knows what goes on in a cat’s mind – the vet warned us that as she became more confused she would run the risk of coming to an unpleasant end, either going off and getting lost or allowing herself to be mauled by a dog, or run over by a car.
So we made the difficult decision and at least she did have a very ‘happy’ end. This she completely deserved, as she had given so much happiness to us and to the many she came into contact with over a long number of years in cat terms, and at the very least 16 in ours. She moved up to Derbyshire from Devon with my father in October 1999 when she was already several years old. Ever since Tom’s Barn began in 2000 she has been on the scene, and the arrival of Douglas’s Barn was bliss to her – firstly because this was her true ‘home’ where she had lived with my father until his death in 2004 and secondly because so many lovely Douglas’s Barn guests spoilt her wonderfully. Life with us next door was never so rewarding!
As one of our ‘children’ sums it up. ‘Poor darling Boots, we’ll all miss her such a lot. She brought a lot of joy for a little thing in her time didn’t she?’
So sorry to hear about poor little Boots. RIP. A pet helps to make a home. She will be missed.
Love
Sadie
Thank you so much Sadie. In a way it is ridiculous to feel so sad but you know what its like, don’t you?
Ahhhh, so sorry to hear about Boots passing, but you did the best possible thing. Although Douglas’s barn is ‘pet-free’, I must shamefully confess that when we stayed there, we did welcome Boots in and she spent a very happy night curled up at the foot of the bed! I know how you must feel, I am dreading the day when our beloved kitty, Chubby, is no longer with us. They’re part of the family aren’t they? RIP Boots and what a wonderful life you must have had!
Best wishes
Susan
Susan, thank you so much for your understanding comments. Boots had many good friend like you. She always felt Douglas’s Barn was where she rightfully belonged and loved the warm welcome she used to get from people like you. She was very discreet about her visits to pet free territory next door and we thought it best not to quiz her too deeply as long as she didn’t force herself upon anyone not so keen on cats… As you say she had a wonderful life but she gave us all so much pleasure too. We do miss her friendly presence.
We know exactly how you must feel, Marion and John. Our pets become as much a part of our lives as our children and other family.
We lost our two cats within a year of each other (we think the one left behind just couldn’t live without his brother) – and we too confess to enjoying Boots’ company in Douglas Barn (and she enjoyed the fish!). There is nothing finer than sitting in front of a nice fire with a cat purring on your lap.
So farewell, Boots. You had a long life and a loving family. You will be missed by all who knew you. Off you go a-hunting and a-playing in the great cat heaven.
Best wishes
Edwina & Tony
Edwina and Tony, how lovely! Thank you. Boots was such a ‘people cat’ and loved the attention and fuss she got from you and so many others. It is lovely to think that she really had a most happy existence, and she gave us and so many of our guests – mostly the Douglas’s Barn ones because she really reckoned that was still her home – such a lot of pleasure. thank you for your kind and understanding comments.