A few years ago I went to Hampton court (not that one) near Leominster. Lovely gardens and a fantastic river walk. Whilts there I was accosted by the "owner" - Dotty the cat.
Dotty was semi-feral; he was quite happy to lord it over everyone, but I dont think he was ever totally domesticated. He did however adopt me!
The first time I met the furry hero he came from nowhere and decided I must be a soft touch. He then followed me round the gardens until he was side tracked by a load of birds.
I subsequently returned to Hampton Court Gardens and each time was greeted by my friend. The last time I saw he stayed with me for a couple of hours which was charming. Again he came from nowhere and we had a lovely afternoon (my wife walked off and left us to it!). Its a bit surreal being followed round by a cat that isnt "your".
I returned to teh gardens last year, and although I was told that Dotty was around, I couldnt find him. I went there again this weekend and was informed that Dotty had passed away at the age of 15 through "old age".
I would have loved to have seen him again as I was very fond of that cat, and he cheered me up everytime I saw him. I suppose what made it special was that he wasnt anyone's pet, and chose his friends. Dotty hated being indoors but loved people. I've never heard of such a gentle and friendly wild cat; he hated being indoors but made sure he was fed by the lovely people who run Hampton court.
If you go to the gardens there is a little gravestone in the vegetable garden by Dotty's favourite tree. A lovely touch for a lovely little cat who will be sorely missed by all who knew him.
RIP Dotty. Thanks for being my mate.
A marshal waiting imnpatiently
Doing the hard Guardian cross word takes team work
