CHARLEY's STORY

 She showed up ten days ago. I called her Bagheera.Like the panther from "Jungle Book".  Big eyes.Big heart.  I watched her eat bird seed voraciously.Bird seed I had scattered on the ground.  I watched her hide under the bench. Scared. Alone.

 For ten days, she would look in the door. See us. We'd see her. Who could resist?  We would tumble out into the yard and sit with her, play with her, cuddle and talk sweet things to her.  To be rewarded with "Purrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr".  She was alone. We would try and find her home. Or, if not, find her another home. Maybe with us. Maybe with someone else. She was darling.

 I contacted every cat rescue organization I could find. I ended  up finding "PAW PRINTS" Cat Rescue. Amazing people. Helpful and kind and passionate about their cause. Lots of support , ideas and information. Unfortunately, they're overwhelmed with cats and kittens and feral cat rescues. The SPCA was not up and running till later this month. Most places were strapped for space and resources. I was on my own with  this. Purrrrrrrrrrrrr.

 "PAW PRINTS"  told me to keep feeding "Bagheera" as I had named her. Keep loving her for a day or two longer, till something could be found.

Smokey had decided, in the meantime, that he would keep an eye on things. "Bagheera" liked Smokey. She would toddle after him non stop. They would lie on the ground together. Eat  snacks together. Then go off together. They spent a lot of time puttering around.

Not sure what Spencer thought of it, because only Smokey was with her. Smokey must have thought this was great. Lots of snacks all round. "Bagheera" was no longer alone. Or hungry.But still no home. Till yesterday. The neighbours beside us came over to say that they had been to visit a former neighbour who had moved away. The lady was missing her Charley. Her indoor  2 1/2 year old little black cat.  It was a total fluke that our neighbours went to visit her in the new house, blocks away.The indoor cat had gotten lost in the move. Even more amazing that Charley's owner came over to see if  this WAS  Charley. No Charley hanging about. She was always around. Till then. Of course.

                                   Five hours later, Charley and Smokey showed up for snacks about 3:30. Was easy to scoop up the little cat, pop her into the bathroom, and call her mummy on the phone. Purrrr purrrrr purrrrr. The rest is history. "Charleeeeeeeeeee," said her mummy when she saw her." Oh Charleeeeeeeeee babeee".  We were sad to see Charley go. She was so sweet. So friendly.

Rescuing a cat is not easy sometimes. You get attached. I would have kept Charley I think, in the end.I think of the nights she had spent outdoors. I would check on her through the night.  The nights have been warm, the days hot. She always stayed by the bench and the water bowls.  Now she has gone home, to soft couches, happy family, and this won't even be a memory.  Except for us. Happy life, Charley.....