Alfie is a seven-year-old flat-coated retriever. He does not live up to his name, however, as he resembles an explosion in a mattress factory. He is a soft old gentleman, kind and very loving.

His best friend in the world is called Lilly. She is a four-year-old ginger female cat, very beautiful and regal in her outlook on life, every bit the lady of the house.

One day last summer, Lilly disappeared and was away for three days. We were all very worried and were constantly calling her day and night. We had asked all the neighbours to look in their sheds and garages just in case she had got locked in somewhere, as it was very unusual for her to disappear for any length of time.

Alfie missed her terribly and regularly went into the garden and held his nose in the air as if he could smell her. My son went into the garden and was calling her and a whole range of different cats appeared on the fence, all meowing. It was quite comical and we called them ‘the motley crew.’

The next day I thought the worst, so I decided to phone the local vets. It was a very sunny day and the back door was wide open. While on the phone to the vets I heard a very distant meowing, which became progressively louder. My heart skipped with joy, and the lady on the phone heard it too. She asked if she was back, and there she was - looking a little thinner and a bit sorry for herself.

Alfie immediately jumped up and rushed to her, excitedly wagging his ample tail. He licked her all over and nearly lifted her off the floor with his nose, so obviously relieved that the wanderer had returned.

After a hearty dinner, she settled down with Alfie in his bed and went fast asleep, glad to be home at last. She wasn’t the only one who was glad that she was home. 

 

Lesley Holloway (UK)

 

In the Middle of a World...

"In the middle of a world that has always been a bit mad, the cat walks with confidence."

Roseanne Anderson

Sponsored Advert