“Toots”  the cat that found me and took over my life.  This creature was a semi-feral cat with claws as sharp as razors who adopted me as her companion.  I have to admit that when her kidneys finally gave in and she lost the wherewith all for life the tears flowed freely as I held her whilst the vet made the lethal injection.  I still feel her loss.  

 

My current cat - named Sophie - is as friendly to me as Toots was but unlike Toots she seems to like other people as well.  Toots was a one person cat and had the ability to settle in any place we lived with equanimity.  We moved thirteen times and her attitude seemed to be “so this is home is it?” and within a half day she was settled in as if she had been there for years.

 

Toots was the inspiration for “A Dish of Mince for Polly”.  

 

Toots taking occupation of the fruit basket

This is Sophie whose arrival was most welcome.  My flatmate, Wendy MacIntosh who declared that having a Miserable Old Joker wandering around aimlessly in the house was not an option, decided to buy me a Christmas present.  Result: a thirty dollar gift that is priceless.  This was in the Summer of 1998 in Auckland New Zealand.  I called her Sophie and brought her back to England with me.  Daft?  Yes, but then I am a soppy cat owner.  

 

Sophie among the books