Obit: Cats' School Cat, Joshua

Subject: Obit: Cats' School Cat, Joshua
From: GUEST,Cats
Date: 13 Jun 07 - 10:36 AM

Many of you out there know I am besotted with my beloved moggies, including the 2 I had at School, Mumsie and Joshua. Mumsie, who was the National Cat of the Year in 1999 died in January this year, and left behind her daughter Joshua. [Named because they took up residence under the RE huts and when the caretaker saw Mumsie struggling to get her kittens in and out, he took pity on them and took down part of the drain wall so they could get in and out... So, as the walls came tumbling down Joshua it had to be.] Joshua has been almost blind from kittenhood and developed glaucoma in the last few years. Altough essentially a wild cat, she was looked after by the 1500 students here and was loved by all, particularly those with Special Needs. She would come to you but never let you pick her up and only a chosen few would she let touch her. Last night we managed to catch her after trying for over a month, as her eye had started to become very bloodshot. The vet said she was not in pain yet but would be in a few weeks. Yesterday night Joshua let me cuddle her for the very first time. She purred very loudly as her life slipped away. After 16 years of looking after my students with learning disabilities, Joshua is gone. Many tears were shed and much love sent to her. We'll all miss you, Joshua.

Subject: RE: Obit: Cats' School Cat, Joshua
From: katlaughing
Date: 13 Jun 07 - 11:33 AM

{{{{{HUGS}}}}}}

So sorry for your loss, Cats. They both sound like wonderful mogs. It's always so sad when we have to let them go.

luvyakat

Subject: RE: Obit: Cats' School Cat, Joshua
From: Rapparee
Date: 13 Jun 07 - 11:40 AM

I'm sorry to hear of your loss, Cats. It's always tough to let go, but they'll be waiting for you Elsewhere.

(If they don't let cats and dogs into Elsewhere I don't want to go there.)

Subject: RE: Obit: Cats' School Cat, Joshua
From: Scooby Doo
Date: 13 Jun 07 - 01:38 PM

Cats,
I am so sorry to hear about Joshua i will be gutted when Whistle passes over.
At the moment she is trying to get out to chase the Squirrels i got in my garden.
Thinking of you.
Scooby.

Subject: RE: Obit: Cats' School Cat, Joshua
From: My guru always said
Date: 13 Jun 07 - 01:58 PM

So sorry to hear about Joshua Cats, it sounds like you both gave each other a final gift with that cuddle at just the right time!
Hugs, Hil x

Subject: RE: Obit: Cats' School Cat, Joshua
From: Hawker
Date: 13 Jun 07 - 02:38 PM

Sorry to hear about Joshua, his allowing you to cuddle him tellsme he knew you were doing the right thing!
Love to you and Bathsheba and Isolde (and Jon)
Lucy

Subject: RE: Obit: Cats' School Cat, Joshua
From: Sorcha
Date: 13 Jun 07 - 03:56 PM

Aw, crap. Can there be another school cat one of these days?

Subject: RE: Obit: Cats' School Cat, Joshua
From: Cats
Date: 13 Jun 07 - 04:13 PM

No, not another school cat. Mumsie was feral and had her 2 kittens in our compost heap. She became domesticated but Moses and Joshua never really did. Having a cat living on campus and outside for most of the year unless they choose to move in is very difficult these days.

Subject: RE: Obit: Cats' School Cat, Joshua
From: MBSLynne
Date: 13 Jun 07 - 04:45 PM

Sorry to hear that Kathy. Elsewhere definitely has dogs and cats, and probably cows too

Love Lynne

Subject: RE: Obit: Cats' School Cat, Joshua
From: Sandra in Sydney
Date: 13 Jun 07 - 06:55 PM

hugs to you

sandra

Subject: RE: Obit: Cats' School Cat, Joshua
From: SINSULL
Date: 13 Jun 07 - 07:39 PM

Joshua had a long and happy life. So should all little kitties.
SINS

Subject: RE: Obit: Cats' School Cat, Joshua
From: Sorcha
Date: 13 Jun 07 - 10:07 PM

So, sneak one in. The kids need her.

Subject: RE: Obit: Cats' School Cat, Joshua
From: Bee
Date: 13 Jun 07 - 11:34 PM

Condolences - and yes, Sinsull, so they all should.

Subject: RE: Obit: Cats' School Cat, Joshua
From: The Fooles Troupe
Date: 13 Jun 07 - 11:40 PM

I think you will find some documented research about pets and people with special needs - including the aged - I have seen media articles on such things here in Australia.

Subject: RE: Obit: Cats' School Cat, Joshua
From: GUEST,Cats
Date: 14 Jun 07 - 04:11 AM

Foolestroupe ~ you are right. Mumsie won the National Cat of the Year for Working with Autistic students.

Subject: RE: Obit: Cats' School Cat, Joshua
From: The Fooles Troupe
Date: 14 Jun 07 - 04:18 AM

What I meant was - obviously the school needs another one. What about trying to catch the interest of a friendly local journalist - a good human interest story - you could get swamped with offers of dozens of cats, though.

Subject: RE: Obit: Cats' School Cat, Joshua
From: Partridge
Date: 14 Jun 07 - 04:28 AM

So sorry to hear this. I've only been a cat owner for 8 months and can't imagine life without now.

love

Pat xxx