Trigger warning: loss.
On Wednesday we finally got to say a fond farewell to Francis. Like so many cats he came to us too late. April 23 was when he first came into our care after being tracked in Warminster for a number of months by the dedicated Search and Scan – SAS team. Finally, on 23rd April, with the help.of our very own Diane Oliver his days of being homeless were over.
After undoubtedly years on the streets, it was obvious he wasn’t in the best of health. But we neutered, vaccinated and chipped him, and prayed we could nurse him back to health.
After being here at the rescue, he moved into foster care with Katie Miluk & Johnathan Owen Davis After a couple of months it became obvious he loved these guys and both Katie and I were thinking the same thing. He wasn’t well, if we paid the bills would they become his long term fosterers. There was no hesitation and there he stayed, feeling safe and loved until the end.
We didn’t know the end would come so soon, and on the 15th January 2024, with multiple health issues, the decision was made to end his suffering.
Whilst he was with me at the rescue, I spent many hours with Francis lying next to me at the patio doors looking out on the garden, I always hoped he would get to spend some happy times lying outside in the garden enjoying the sunshine, he was not interested in the slightest 😂, he was happy indoors, there was no way we were going to tempt him out of those doors.
But I always promised I would bring him back to that first safe space he’d known in years. His ashes remained safely in the office until the garden was finished and he could finally be laid to rest.
On Wednesday we all finally got to say goodbye.
RIP Francis it was such an honour to know & love you xxx
