Saffy

This is 'Saffy' in one of her many mischievous moods during her first Christmas with me some 18 years ago.

I have had dogs, horses, ducks, pigs, chickens and bantams for most of my life, but never had a cat, until 'Saffy' arrived - and how my life changed thereafter!! She arrived in a cardboard box tied up with string and was tipped onto the carpet by my partner at the time; he having rescued her from someone at his work who was no longer able to keep either 'Saffy' or her brother. I told my partner that I had never owned a cat or knew anything about them and that she might not get on with the various duck and fowl menagerie, and he should take her to the local Vets or Cats' Rescue ...... but he opened the box ...... and 'Saffy' entered our lives. She didn't upset the hens or ducks and became a huge part of the family, and how could I resist this bundle of fluff?

This is a little tribute to 'Saffy' (old scanned photo) and to Maeve & Tony who kindly gave Saffy a wonderful home for her last years as I was unable to take her with me when my circumstances changed. Saffy died this week just before Christmas, the time when she arrived with me so many years ago. She was an extraordinary character and will never be forgotten.