Snuggles, a very special boy

Our very own Gill wrote the following story about Snuggles, her very special boy, whom she adopted in 2004:

Six years ago I became a volunteer at my local cat sanctuary. Having worked in an office all my life, to help in the care of animals was like a breath of fresh air. So many cats with differing, backgrounds, some very sad but all welcomed and cared for by sanctuary staff. It was, and still is, very rewarding.

Snuggles was a special cat. Having been abandoned by his owners when they moved house a kind neighbour was feeding him and he slept under cars and anywhere else that he could find shelter. As soon as possible he was taken to a foster home arranged by the sanctuary until a place was available and both of us then never looked back.

A large long haired tabby, a gentle giant who looked like a lion but was very out of condition. He longingly attempted to follow visitors to his pen when they left and when I observed this I knew he would come home with me.

So, on a lovely sunny morning near Easter in 2004 we came home to five other cats and a Jack Russell. Snug took it all in his stride and settled happily with the cats having secured his position with Abigail the Jack Russell with a quick swipe which sent her scurrying under the sideboard. Pecking order settled, all got on well.

Some time later it was discovered he had Diabetes, and from then on needed insulin injections twice daily. Quite unfazed by this he blossomed, put on weight and was a very handsome affectionate boy.

I encouraged him to sit on my lap but at first he was reluctant, I suppose he had not been allowed on the furniture in his previous home. Anyway, it didn't take too long and so that is where I would 'do his hair' which he liked very much.

As the years went by he had other medical problems which necessitated having sterioid and antibiotic tablets each day as well as his insulin but he always took his treatment well having bee cared for throughout by our wonderful vet Anil Nathan.

A couple of times he had to be hospitalised where I was able to visit him armed with by brush to 'do his hair' and together we would observe in the silence the behind the scenes activity in our veterinary practice. Each time I wondered if this would be the end but he rallied and once again came home.

Snuggles never ventured far, he loved the garden and would sit in the bushges in the sunshine. It was so rewarding to see an animal who had been abandoned happy and content. He would jump on my lap and give me gummy kisses because having had a dental also meant he only had a few teeth.

He seemed a very wise boy with a calm acceptance of all he had been through. he sometimes had a faraway look in his eytes, almost as though he had been here before. Eventually in April this year he had deteriorated too much. So, on another lovely sunny morning near Easter in 2009 he and I made our last journey together.

All my animals are precious but just sometimes there is a quality in one that touches the heart a little more and this boy was one. He brought so much to our home, was always with us this kind gentle chap. He was an absolute treasure.

I am still a volunteer at the Chestnut Cat Sanctuary where Snuggles now has a pen named after him. The wonderful work continues with a dedicated team. We are always full with ever more cats awaiting admission - these are the lucky ones.