Precious, a proper Persian lady

The following, rather well-written letter, came to us from one Precious Brotheridge-Russell - a very proper Persian lady!

They often say that moving home, along with getting married, is the most stressful thing you can do in life. Well, I can’t say I know much about the whole matrimony thing - I’m a bit of a spinster, you see, never really found the right Tom to settle down with. But as for starting a new life, I think it’s a rather a doddle - even at my age. I moved to South Woodford just over six months ago to spend my retirement with Katie and Mark and things have been - and you‘ll have to excuse the cliché - rather purrfect.

I’d lived for a little while at a cats’ holiday camp called Chestnuts near Epping Forest, but the late nights were starting to get to me and I felt I could do with a bit of a quiet life away from the hustle and bustle of a busy feline hotel. It was nice for a while, welcoming new cats to their rooms for a week or two, helping the little ’uns who were away from home for the first time, but I always felt it was a bit of a stop-gap for me. I’ve also got a bit of a dickie ticker, so craved the simple life to ease the strain. I’m well in my Seventies and their aren’t many cats still working at my age… Anyway, I digress. So, the opportunity came up to share a flat in East London and I went for it.

I spend most of my days lounging around in the living room, watching the wildlife out of the window (I’ve always been a bit of a birdwatcher, truth be told), pottering about on the balcony or giving Katie a hand in the kitchen. I sleep a lot nowadays, too, what with the heart condition, but I don’t like to go on about that. It’s nice to live all on one level, as my bones aren’t what they were. Of an evening I take it easy, sleeping on the sofa, sprawling out on the rug, and I also can’t resist a lap if there’s one going spare.

Still, once Katie and Mark have hit the sack I tend to have a midnight wander around the flat - just to make sure it’s all locked up - and catch 40 winks myself. I’m an earlier riser, so I’m up at about five o’clock in the morning, when I like to get up and do a bit of singing. That’s right, a bit of a singsong. I’ve always found it rather dandy for the spirits - start the day as you mean to go on and all that. Plus, I do like to try to keep up with the noisy old crows who live in the garden downstairs. I had quite a voice in my day - us Persians can hold a tune or two, I tell you.

I’m not entirely convinced Katie and Mark expected me to sing quite so loudly, but I think they’ve got used to it - even if they do look a little bleary eyed of a morning. I suppose I’m a bit on an old eccentric, really. Anyway, life is good and although I’ve got the dodgy ticker - but I don’t like to talk about that - I consider myself a lucky old puss. I must dash, I’ve having my hair brushed at 6 o’clock. Pip pip!

 

Thank you Precious. Pip pip to you, too!

Editorial Note:
Actually the Precious case is more interesting than Precious is aware! In February 2007 when she went to live with Katie & Mark, because of her heart condition her immediate future was unsure and we did not want them to be landed with Vet costs, so they kindly Fostered Precious. The South West Essex RSPCA continued to kindly accept responsibility for any treatment. However, under Katie & Mark's kind & expert attention, and presumably the actual flat enviroment itself, suited Precious so much her condition actually improved. In a Vet report June '08 not only had she not progressed to the next stage but if anything she had stabilised. The Vet was amazed. Katie & Mark therfore proudly formerly adopted her 16 months later (June '08). The point being also that Fostering offers a loving relationship too...see our page if you want to consider this outlet.