Goodbye Jack

Jack died peacefully in his sleep last night. His brave wee heart failed and despite the best efforts of lovely Gail, he didn't make it. Hugh and Ross buried him in our garden this afternoon, between his two pear trees. Ross phoned me to tell me that they chose a spot "that a cat would like." No wonder my Mum was always so fond of Ross when he was a wee boy; he has grown into a fine young man. 

I feel so sad, but have no regrets over his life. Few humans have such a happy life as Jack the cat, and I truly believe that he was contented, which is a great gift. He loved his Dad best of all, he also loved his brothers, Jill, and me. The house was his castle and the garden was his jungle. He fought other cats, killed mice, climbed trees and observed James as he gardened. He was friendly and companionable and would come out of the house to greet us on the path when we arrived home from work. He kept an eye on everything that happened in and around the house, and had lots of favourite places and routines. He was a handsome fellow and kept himself lovely and clean; it amazed me that his fur smelled so nice as if it had been washed with shampoo rather than cat spit! He basked in sunshine and always found a cosy corner when it was raining. 

He was such a good cat and we will miss him very much.