Apologies for not posting yesterday, all will be explained shortly. And thank you to those who checked up on me. It was a terrible day.
Yesterday morning I was woken up by Brian licking my face. Who is Brian, he is my younger son’s cat. When my son and my husband went back to the UK a few weeks ago Brian, who had only just arrived for his summer holidays, stayed here. As he was fussing me I thought I ought to blog about Brian, he is quite a character.
My son got Brian from the RSPCA rescue centre near Shrewsbury in January 2020. The centre thought that he was about 10 years old. Someone had brought him in who had found him living as a stray. I was concerned about him taking on a cat of that age but he was certain that Brian was the cat for him.
Brian made his present felt from the outset. It was clear he wasn’t used to regular meals so woe betide you if you left food lying around. It would be unlikely to be there on your return. However whilst he had some bad manners he had many endearing qualities that more than made up for them.
Brian became a well travelled cat. He came to France last summer and after a few days orientation he would come and go as he pleased. He seemed to enjoy staying in the caravan. When my son went to visit his brother in Swindon, Brian went too. He quickly made the acquaintance of friends who visited and charmed them all.
He was also dog like in his devotion and was clearly extremely attached to my son. In fact for the first few days when my son went back to the UK Brian stayed mostly in the attic. After a while he decided that given that I was the only human company he’d spend time with me.
During the various lock downs he has been my son’s only company. Brian had become a really important part of the family, regularly appearing on Skype calls and even once or twice on my son’s radio show when he’d been recording from home. Being entrusted to look after Brian was daunting because for such a small thing he had become enormous in all our lives.
As you can imagine this isn’t going to end well. Whilst I was changing his litter tray yesterday morning there was a strange crash. It seems that with no warning he had a massive stroke. The vets tried to save him however he slipped into a comma and died overnight. So yesterday I really couldn’t blog. At that time I did not know what was going to happen. However I had wanted to write about him before he died. So this is in memory of Brian, so much more than a cat.
Tales from the Sheshed France 
Such a sad day yesterday and no doubt today also for you and especially your youngest son. After living as a stray, Brian was given a loving home with everything he could need. Although it’s no solace at this moment in time it will be a comfort to have been the human who showed him love, and which he returned in abundance with.
Animals are such wonderful companions, who listen, never argue or judge and give an affection that is quite unique. We form strong bonds with them and nurture them. A pet I’d always so much more than just an animal. Sending you all love.. xxxx
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Thank you xx.
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