The Cats of Parliament Hill Blog

by Klaus J. Gerken Parliament Hill, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada, North America, Planet Earth, the Sol Planetary system, the "Milky Way" Galaxy, the Local cluster of Galaxies, the Universe, and whatever is beyond or ever was before. Latest update: Thursday, 13 November 2008

Preamble

Brian Caines Thursday, 13 Nov 08 Hello All: Please see Julia's note below. Shadow was a cat who was abandoned on the Hill but because of a medical problem, which is now controlled by diet, he was adopted. Unfortunately, because of a personal situation he is again up for adoption. I am wondering if you would be so kind as to send this message to people you know as he is the sweetest thing and he is deserving of a good home. Please help to get the word out. Thanks, Brian *********************************************************** Hi Brian, I'm emailing you with some news about us and Shadow. His physical condition is good. However, our space and lifestyle are proving to be an unsuitable fit. He has not shaken his nocturnal activities and this is starting to affect our daily lives. We're both at work and often have evening engagements and so he's alone a lot of time. He's always wanting food and perhaps this is due to loneliness or boredom. I wanted to let you know this now as we are considering putting him up for adoption to a more suitable home. If you know of anyone who might be interested please let them know of our plans, and if we can inform the Humane Society of other potential adopters for Shadow. Julia *** For the latest photos of Shadow see below. k

IMPORTANT NOTICES Please under no circumstances abandon cats or kittens on the Hill or by the Cat Sanctuary. The cats will not readily accept newcomers and for the most part chase them away. Nor is it a given new cats will find the Sanctuary in search of shelter and food. Most abandoned cats are very disorientated and will just randomly wander off finding starvation and death - especially in the winter. If you can no longer care for your cat, please take her to the Humane Society where she can be well taken care of and put up for adoption. This is what we do for any abandoned cat we find. And it causes us great grief when we cannot capture one - which happens way too often. And if you give kittens as a gift for Christmas, ensure the person or the household you give them to can provide for them. If not, then you should reconsider your priorities. No kitten deserves to be abandoned like an unwanted toy. Owning a pet is a serious responsibiliy. If you don't share that feeling, you shouldn't own a pet. It's as simple as that. Abandoning your pet is a criminal offence with up to 2 years in jail. Perhaps you who would be so callous should think about that. Treat your pets well, and they will reward you with unconditional love for the rest of their lives. Should we all care so much as they care for us. Klaus J. Gerken Before you abandon a pet you can no longer care for, please contact these organizations:

Previous logs are available at the Library and Archives Canada:

All photographs by Klaus J. Gerken unless otherwise stated.

Comments are always welcome: Please send any comments to kgerken@synapse.net (We reserve the right to publish any comments on this blog).

Invitation I would like to invite anyone who has recollections or photographs of the colony before the present condos were built; especially any recollections or photographs of Irene Desormeaux before Rene Chartrand took over caring for the cats, or even prior to that, to send them to kgerken@synapse.net . We are trying to establish a definitive history of the cat colony for a book to be published in the next year or so.

A Brief History of the Cats of Parliament Hill There is a story that Colonel By brought hundreds of cats with him when he built the Rideau Canal in 1826, to take care of the rodent population, but unfortunately that cannot be confirmed. What can be confirmed is that cats were employed in the Parliament Building (as in many other building) as pest control until 1955 when they were replaced by chemicals. Until 1970 ground keepers fed the cats in various locations, when Irene Desormeaux began feeding the cats where the existing colony now resides. Rene Chartrand began helping her in the mid-nineteen eighties and began building some wooden structures (some of which can still be seen) for the cats to keep warm in. In 1987 when Irene passed on to take care of stray cats in a greater colony beyond this world, Rene took over and loyally fed the cats to this day. In 1997 Rene and a friend built the existing structures. Brian Caines began helping about that time, and I began helping out in 2003. That year brian and I decided to put together a support team to ensure that Rene would be ok (he's in his mid-eighties now) and that the cats would always be well provided for. We now have a team of eight caregivers who volunteer their time to this amazing cause. * The cast of characters: Irene Desormeaux (Who started it all in the 1970's) Rene Chartrand (Who took over when Irene passed on in 1987 and maintains the colony till this day -- he built the shelters in 1997) The Support Team: Brian Caines (Ensures the colony's health and welfare) Klaus Gerken (Official Photographer, and Keeper of the Blog - I do the weekend shift) Laura Jaremkow Lorraine Milobar Sally Sax Helene Pomerleau --Kathryn Bunn --Leyla Di Cori --Heather Ferguson Sebastien Badour Ben Asselstine Lia Alfonsi Christ Oliver - Author of "Fish Lecan, Maria Dorfinkley et les Chats de la Colline du Parlement" and the blog below:

True Stories about the Cats on Parliament Hill by Christ Oliver

The Alta Vista Animal Hospital (For medical care). Purina for cat food. And a host of many others. And the cats: *Coco (RIP 2005) *LePune (Lost 2003 and perhaps sister to Brunette and Lulu) *Big Mama (RIP 1985? to 2006) The white mother and her brood: *Thumbelina (Adopted by Sebastien Bador 2008) Snowball (AKA Six Toes - lives with the white mother on the east side of the Hill) *Kid Jr (lost 2006) *Blanchette (lost in 2003) Blackie Fluffy Brownie *Lulu (lost 2004 and sister to Brunette) Brunette Ti-gris Bebe (Integrated 2000) Bruno (2003/4 - adopted by myself Feb 2004 - and flourishing) *Smokey and her three kittens living in the West Block ( put up for adoption fall 2004 because they could not integrate, no matter how much Smokey tried) *Monty (lost 2004) *The black and white we never got to name who only stayed a month (summer 2004) Spot (Integrated 2004) *Samantha (Lost Nov 2004) Max (Integrated 2005) *Shadow (Integrated 2005 - but probably there earlier and the father of Smokey's kittens)) - Put up for adoption March 2008 because of special medical needs *Penelope (Abandoned Christmas 2005 - taken to the Humane Society Feb 2006) *Lillian-Wentworth (Integrated 2007 - Believed stolen from the colony Spring 2008)) *Phoebe (The new white - taken to the HS by Brian and Laura 18 June 2007) *Hero (15 years old - abandoned - taken to the HS for adoption) *Mike the cabbie (Abandoned July 2007 - Named by Joanne Stanbridge) - Taken to the Humane Society 24 July 2005. *Great Tiger (abandoned in the heaviest snowfall of the winter - rescued by Laura and taken to the Humane Society for adoption - March 2008) Betsy (2008) Hangs out with the whites. And so many others who just walk in and out or are adopted when we can catch them.

Note for all: As Rene Chartrand is now in his mid-eighties several years ago Brian Caines and I decided to put together a support team so we check on the cats to ensure that Rene has been there to care for them on the previous day and to leave some food and water in case he would be unable to make it for whatever reason. To date Rene has not missed a day and is still, and always will be the primary caregiver. Besides, our help allows him to take the occasional well deserved day off, especially when the weather is bad.

The Blog

Klaus Gerken Monday, 5 October 2008 Not many photographs. I missed the annual clean-up this Saturday because of other commitments, but did manage to get down around 4 in the afternoon. Then fed the cats Sunday morning and down again around at noon.

The Centre Block

Ti-Gris

Blackie and Bebe

Visitors and Blackie

Visitors

The East Block and the Langevin Building

Rene

The National Art Gallery and Lowertown

Brownie

Brunette, Blackie, Brownie and Max

Snowball walking away - guess I was a little bit late with breakfast

The colony from a different angle

Helene Pomerleau Tuesday, 14 October 2008 Photos from last Saturday's winterizing of the condos.

Klaus Gerken Thursday, 16 October 2008 Some photos from the Thanksgiving weekend. Unfortunately I was (and still am) in the grips of a bad flu, so didn't stay very long each time I visited each of the three days. Saturday:

Sunday:

Monday:

Brian Caines Saturday, 18 October 2008 Hello All: I have been able to confirm what Sally and Laura saw. This morning I had a good look when Betsy rolled over for me and yes, our Betsy has dangly-bits. She is definitely a male. I guess that puts an end to my sexing cats. My record is not good; Lillian-a male, Mr. Fox-a female and now Betsy- another male. I give up! The Hill was lovely this morning. The trees are spectacular. Such colour. I met Ben and we had a great time with da puddies. Certainly, Brownie appreciated Ben's attention and lap. Betsy was at the colony for a while until Max (!) chased him away. He came back again for a nibble, but as we were leaving for the Market we noticed he was eating at the Whites' bowl. He seems to want to stay with the group, but he will need to persevere. Brian PS. We also met Tim, a cat lover from Switzerland, who comes to Ottawa frequently to work with Agriculture Canada. He was taken with the colony so no doubt we will meet again. He said visiting the cats will help with missing his own cat.

Brian Caines Sunday 2008-10-19 1:20 PM Hi K: I fed the cats both yesterday and this morning and Betsy was there with the group. S/he is still trying to find his way. He ate a little at the colony and then he finished his meal with the Whites. He is starting to trust me (a little) and he allows me to pet him, but only when he is on one side of the fence and I am on the other. Progress of a kind I believe. Tomorrow, weather permitting, Laura, Ben and I will wash down the condos and maybe go through and throw out some stuff from the shed. I hope you are feeling better. Brian PS. Ben and I also found out that a gentleman takes care of a feral colony living on the Scarborough Bluffs on Lake Ontario, just east of Toronto. We were told there are about 30 cats in the colony and a veterinarian spays and neuters the cats and also provides basic health care. The kind people of this world more than make up for the rest.

Brian Caines Monday, 20 October 2008 11:57 AM Hello All: Ben and I met on the Hill this morning (Laura was held hostage in Cobdon) and we were able to scrub down the condos. They are nice and clean, but I suggest you have a look sooner rather than later as it doesn't take long before they are dirty again!! Brian

Klaus Gerken Wednesday, 29 October 2008 Just made it before the rain began on Saturday and gave the cat lots of food. I didn't see Betsy or the whites. Went down again around 5pm and brought down 6 more cans of wet. And since Rene hadn't been there the cats were ravenous and ate everything I put down, then disappeared to a warm and dry place. On Sunday, a bright clear autumn day, I fed the cats around 8am, and then went back around 11 - 12 and later around. In the morning Betsy was there, harrassed by Blackie and Fluffy. I fed her/him by the gate and then, as some early visitors scared Daisy away I took the bowl and brought to where the whites hang out - to my amazement Betsy followed along, albeit at a distance. Both at noon and in the evening there were lots of visitors. I spoke with many of them, and many had been to the blog. Unfortunately my camera decided not to focus properly over the two days and some of the photos are a bit blurry. Saturday:

Sunday:

Brian Caines Thursday 30 October 2008 Hello All: Vaccination Success The planets were aligned! The weather, although somewhat cool, was perfect for the annual vaccination of da puddies. Laura and I cleaned up the around the colony yesterday after the inclement weather and this morning everything was nice and dry. As always, we held off feeding the cats until Lara, Bonnie, Amanda and Meredith arrived about 10 AM. We are all getting so good at this that the cat round-up and vaccination show was not only done in record time, but all the cats requiring vaccination were vaccinated this year (for the first time). Fluffy, Max and Bebe were caught immediately at the cat bowl. It has become so routine for Bebe that she more or less continued eating while Lara administered the needles. Ti-Gris was more cooperative than usual but Brownie and Blackie were more reticent which surprised us and they were among the last to be done. As usual, Spot had to be caught and held down firmly. He growled and struggled until the deed was done, at which point he quickly disappeared. I have the feeling that he will be holding a grudge for the next day or two but he'll come around; he always does. We also got Snowball this year and the White Mother. Although Betsy/Bugsy was close by, attracted by the hubbub, we decided against trying to catch him. We felt it would only traumatise him while he is trying to integrate. Next time. And our dear Brunette was spared any indignity this year because of her dotage. Lara had a look at Brunette's bo-bo (no need to worry), Max's eyes (no need to worry) and White Mother's ears (no need to worry; it looks fine and there does not look like there will be any blockage of the ear canal). So things continue to be well with the beasties. The group would like to thank Lara, Bonnie, Amanda, Meredith and everyone at Alta Vista for their support of the colony. That the cats are in such good health is due in no small part to their ongoing care and attention. What a wonderful group of people and what a great asset to the colony. And I would like to thank Ben, Klaus, Laura, Lia and Sally for the help this morning and to the rest of the Cat Caregivers for sending out positive vibes. What a great morning! Brian * Klaus Gerken Thursday 30 October 2008 Some photos from this years' annual vaccination of the cats.

Klaus Gerken Wednesday, 5 Nov 2008 Photos from this weekend. Betsy making great strides. She now follows Max around. Cool weekend, but glorious sunshine and lots of visitors. 2 visitors donated a warm cot for the cats, which Bebe immediately appropriated for herself. Saturday:

Sunday:

Loraine Milobar 04/11/08 9:12 AM Hi All, Just got back from feeding our little friends this morning. They are all fine and happy. I am a bit worried because I did not see Fluffy. I called but never showed up. Betsy man was around the colony and ate his full wet meal. I feel so sorry for him because I think he really want to join the gang. Even Ti-Gris reproached him to be to close... Finally, I did not see the Whitemother but saw Snowball. Have a nice day! Lorraine * Brian Caines 04/11/08 2:12 PM Hi Lorraine et al: Fluffy was around when I fed the cats yesterday . No doubt he was away on an adventure while you were there. I agree that Bugsy seems to want to integrate with the colony. Both Ben and Laura saw him at the sanctuary on Sunday and he actually looked into one of the condos. We'll give him a good price if he decides to stay. As well, he ate from my hand while he was on the visitors' side of the fence and he let me pet him, so he's starting to relate to humans. I have my lecture tomorrow morning at the National Gallery so I will drop by the colony at lunchtime as it is supposed to be a lovely day. I hope it's as nice as today-I just finished with winterising the garden although it was sad to take down the patio furniture on such a lovely, warm day. Brian * Brian Caines Wednesday. 5 Nov 2008, 3:40 PM Hello All: Sad news. When I arrived on the Hill this morning to feed the cats there was no sign of Fluffy. I called and looked for him following Lorraine's message saying that she had see him yesterday but without any luck. When I returned to the colony at lunchtime a visitor asked whether I had seen the note posted on the plaque. The note said that "Johanne" had taken the brown and white cat (she seems not to have known his name) to give him a good home. Needless to say I was upset. Helene arrived and we both advised the RCMP who recorded the incident but I don't think there is much we or they can do. I can only hope that he adjusts to living indoors and that he is well loved and well cared for. I know that it will be quite an adjustment for him as he was abandoned on the Hill as a three month old kitten and he enjoyed his life outdoors with his pals. How anyone could do this without speaking to anyone in the group simply astounds me. And to think that she believes that she is doing a good deed by stealing a much loved animal rather than doing the right thing and adopting a cat in need from the Humane Society leaves me gob-smacked. The only decent thing she did was to leave a note. I am sorry to be the bearer of such sad news. Brian * Klaus Gerken Brian, I am incensed. Can I send your message along with what I am going to write to the Citizen and the Ottawa Sun? This will not go unnoticed. I assure you, if I can do anything about it, Fluffy will be back. In fact I implore all of you to send a letter to the local newspapers. I know the person may have meant well, but these cats are incredably well cared for and there is no need for this. Write a letter! All of you! Right now. k * Laura Jaremkow Wednesday, 05/11/08 7:30 PM i just saw the blog. i'm on my way to the hill cause if have to see my other babies. i honestly don't know if i 'll stop bawling anytime soon. .:laura:. * Brian Caines Wednesday, 05/11/08 8:03 PM Hi All: The theft of Fluffy is just so unbelievable. That someone could so cruelly and selfishly steal Fluffy from the only home he has known and a home where he was happy and well looked after is beyond the pale. There are so many people who have invested so much love, dedication, and attention to all the cats, and Fluffy was one of the favourites the Cat Caregivers and the many visitors to the colony. He will be really missed. Brian * Kathryn Bunn Wednesday, 05/11/08 8:21 PM This is such sad news. All Fluffy knows is Blackie, Max, Bebe, Tigris, and the other cats. They are his family. We and all the members of the public and tourists are his family. I am sure Sebastien can attest to how difficult it is to take an outdoor cat and bring it into the indoors after he rescued Thumbelina. Just as my two adopted cats are fearful of the outdoors to a large extent and are indoor cats, I am sure Fluffy will be scared of the confines of the indoors. I just wish this person could have looked at the OHS website and seen how many adorable cats really do need a home. Fluffy doesn't need a home. He has one. Kat * Fran Wyliw Wednesday, 05/11/08 10:05 PM Dear Klaus, I live in Fairview, Alberta and I greatly enjoy reading your blog. I am completly outraged at what has happened to Fluffy! How could anyone do such a thing? I am attaching a letter to this woman Johanne that I have also sent to the Ottawa Sun and the Ottawa Citizen in the hope of being of some help. I sincerely hope you can get Fluffy back, and I look forward to reading more of your blog as time goes on. With great interest, Fran Wylie PS I haven't seen anything about Hobo in a long time. Is he OK? --- Dear Johanne, I know you meant well, but you have not done the right thing by taking the friendly brown cat from Parliament Hill. He is well looked after by a very organized and dedicated team of cat lovers and he is happy living there. The friendly brown cat is named Fluffy and he has a huge fan base. His friendly face is well known all over the world and we will greatly miss him if you do not return him to his home. If you feel you must "rescue" a cat, the Humane Society has many friendly cats of all ages and colors that need your help instead. Please return him before his winter coat loses its conditioning. Sincerely, Fran Wylie, a big fan of all the Parliament Hill cats Fairview, Alberta

Klaus Gerken Thursday, 6 Nov 08 2:10 AM Letter to the Ottawa Citizen: Fluffy, long-haired, chocolate-brown with white spots, and one of the most friendly cats on Parliament Hill has been stolen by a woman named "Johanne", who left a note to the effect that she had taken him home. Fluffy was not in distress, was in good health and like the other cats on Parliament Hill, well provided for by the volunteers who care for them. I am outraged that someone could do such a thing. Fluffy came to the Hill as a kitten about 12 years ago and has known only the colony as home. He will not adjust well to living indoors. Indeed, taking him indoors for any length of time will destroy his winter coat and, if brought back to the colony, he will not survive the winter. He must be brought back now. Besides, this is his home, and the other cats in the colony are his family. Johanne, you may have thought you were doing a good deed, but you have not. Bring Fluffy home right now. For more information visit The Cats of Parliament Hill at http://www.synapse.net/kgerken * Brian Caines Thursday, 6 Nov 2008 7:28 AM A message from Bonnie for the group. Brian Subject: RE: Our Sweet Fluffy Date: Wed, 5 Nov 2008 16:40:03 -0500 Brian: Ohmigod___..how can people do that? Do you think putting an ad in the paper or on the radio stations would help? I can't believe that someone would do that. All we can do is pray that she was simply a misguided but well-meaning person and that he is in a loving home. My heart goes out to you and the rest of the crew and especially to Fluffy! Hugs - Bonnie * Helene Pomerleau Wednesday, 6 Nov 2008 8:33 AM Hi Klaus, for the blog: Johanne, A "good home" like you said for Fluffy is the Hill, with the other cats, his family. Fluffy is the cat star of the Hill. He loves everybody, he enjoys to be with all the tourists (he always gets all the attention he wants). He his happy there. He belongs there. What you thought may be a good thing was totaly selfish. You don't know anything about the cats of the Hill. There's always somebody there to look after the cats. A lot of great people help too, giving food, donations, offer to help during during a snow storm. There's a lot a good people. It's too bad you think you're the only one. We are a great team. We take good care of all the cats. They all have a home. Do you know that one of the others cats is 18 years old? And that she's more in shape that some inside cats? Her name is Brunette and her best Friend is Ti-Gris. They are so cute together. I'm pretty sure you never saw them together, so cute. And Fluffy,the leader of the gang (with Big Brownie of course), has his best friends: Brownie, Bebe, Blackie. He always sleeps with them. They love each other. Did you think about them? They are a family, a gang, a team. You destroyed that. Do you really know what it means for the cats? You should have asked us. I do not think Fluffy will ever be happy inside. Honestly, how could you ever think that you're doing a good thing when you take a cat from his home, his friends, his family, his whole life? How could you think that he could ever be happy alone when he used to living with ten others cats, a group a caregivers that I'm sure he loves (you should, but really I hope you'll never see it, his welcomes when he sees one of us)? Please, everyone makes mistakes. I believe you when you say that meant to do a good thing, but it's not. Absolutely not. Not at all. So take him back. I'm sure he'll be thankfull and HAPPY. And we'll be thankfull to you. And the thousands of persons who visit Fluffy will be too. You have broken the hearts of Rene Chartrand, the Catman, all the Cat Caregivers, the many visitors to the colony and especially the cats. Helene * Sally Sax 10:04 AM Hi everybody, I've created a facebook group to raise awareness of Fluffy being stolen, so with any luck, someone who knows Johanne will see it and be able to convince her to bring him back. Here is the link for those of you who use facebook (if you haven't received an invitation to join from me already): http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=40675131509 Sally * Lorraine Milobar 10:10 Sally: Good idea. Keep in mind that her neighbours, friends or other people will notice that she has a new cat that respond to Fluffy's description and might report her to us or the police, etc. Again, thanks for doing this. Lorraine * Kathryn Bunn 11:08 Hey guys. I sent off a letter to the editor of the Ottawa Sun, Citizen, and Metro. I think it may be published tomorrow in the Citizen (somewhere amidst the letters about Obama being the new president) as they called me asking for confirmation that I wrote the letter. In addition the Manager of Letters to the Editor just sent me an email wanting to ask me some questions on the letter. The letter was written in a hurry and it is not my best work but here it is: Everyday natives of Ottawa and tourists visit the cat sanctuary of Parliament Hill. Immediately they fall in love with the wonderful cats that meet them so affectionately. Unfortunately, many of us were left saddened by the news that Fluffy, a beloved long-haired brown and white cat, had been taken by a member of the public. While this individual left a note saying she wished to give the cat a good home, she neglected to understand the profound impact her actions have on not only the caregivers and fans of the cat colony, but the cat itself. Fluffy has lived at the colony since he was a 3 month old kitten. All he has ever known is the freedom of the outdoors, the love of his fellow Hill cats, and the love of complete strangers.Taking a cat that has always been an outdoor cat and putting them in the confines of a home is stressful for the animal. It is immensely difficult for the cat to adjust to the confines of the space and learn indoor cat behaviours. If you want a cat, do not take one from a cat colony that is managed with the help of a group of volunteers and supported by the public. Go to the Ottawa Humane Society. They have dozens of cats in need of homes. Regards, Kat * Lorraine Milobar 11:14 AM Dear Kathryn: Thanks a million for taking the time to write to our local newspapers; it cannot hurt! I really appreciate this effort and let's hope someone will notice dear Fluffy and report the person who took him. Your letter is clear, precise with kind words. Thank you! Lorraine * Sally Sax 11:17 AM Well said Lorraine and Kathryn! Sally * Klaus Gerken 11:26 AM Well said. I sent mine this morning along with a photo of Fluffy to the Citizen, but haven't had confirmation yet. k * Lorraine Milobar 10:30 Dear Klaus: Thank you also for writing. Much appreciated. I shouldn't tell you this but this morning when I left the hill after feeding our dear little friends, as always I check the large bin at the back to see if one of them is sleeping and there was Baby and Blackie_but no Fluffy_. * Klaus Gerken 11:35 AM It'll be really difficult going to feed the cats this weekend. Fluffy was always the first to greet me in the morning with quiet meow and a head but against my hand. Since Fluffy hasn't been house trained I hope this woman has a white carpet and white furnature. k * * Sally Sax 12:50 PM FLUFFY RETURNED!!!!!! Hi everyone, great news! Johanne returned Fluffy at lunch today. She spoke with Brian and H‚lŠne and rest assured, she understands that she was wrong to take Fluffy and is very sorry. Fluffy did not take well to his indoor surroundings, as was predicted -- he peed all over the couch and carpet. Hooray! Sally * Klaus Gerken 12:57 PM What great wonderful news! k * * Lorraine Milobar 1:48 PM Sally: I cannot believe it. I think I will drop by this afternoon just to see him. Lorraine * Brian Caines 9:01 PM Hello All: As some of you may know, Fluffy has been returned to the Hill. (HOOOOOORRRRAAAAYYYYY!!!) When I dropped by at noon today he came running out of the bushes where he loves to lie in the sun to greet me. Helene and I got to meet "Johanne" who was still at the colony. We both let her how her stealing Fluffy had affected the group and the upset that her theft had caused. As justification she said she was only thinking of Fluffy's well-being which we let her know was not an excuse. Anyway, he was returned in good health and certainly did not hold a grudge against her as he sat by her (sweet thing that he is) while we were speaking. However, he wasn't returned because of a guilty conscience but because he did not like being inside with a stranger (HELLO??) and he let her know that in that very special male cat sort of way. She said to me while she was leaving that she realised that she had done wrong when she took him and that she had done the right thing by returning him. Just before leaving the colony I heard one of a group of four men say that he had heard that one of the cats had just been stolen (news travels-Klaus' Blog, Sally's FaceBook?) and I was happy to let him know that our dear ole Fluff is happy as a clam to be with his pals again. So let's celebrate the boy's safe return!! Brian * Brian Caines 9:39 PM Kat: What a wonderful letter you wrote to the Citizen. I am almost (I said almost!!) saddened that it won't be published since our dear old Fluff has been returned to us safe and sound. Thank you so much for taking the time to put your heartfelt thoughts on paper. You put into words everything the group was thinking. Cheers, Brian * Bonny Zuran 9:44 PM Yay - good on ya Fluffy......what a nice way to end the day! Thanks Brian.

Shadow (Photo by Julie White)