When Polly joined us on 23^rd April 2006 she was in a dreadful condition.  A flea allergy had been neglected and she was literally screaming with pain when anyone touched her.  Treated with antibiotics and given lots of tender loving care by her foster mum Pauline, her condition gradually improved and she was able to tolerate a gentle grooming with a brush.  Although Polly was put up for adoption (she was at least 15 when she joined us) nobody showed an interest in giving her a new home.  Having become very fond of this dear little cat Pauline and husband Kenny approached Stephanie to see whether she could take up permanent residence with them as a foster cat with freedom to roam.  Stephanie was delighted that Polly would be able to spend her remaining years in their care but with the Branch paying for any veterinary treatment she required. 

 

Released from her pen Polly enjoyed roaming at will and keeping Casper and Littly the two cats who shared her garden with under her paw.  She and Littly were quite good friends, but although nearly twice her size, Casper would make a detour to avoid a confrontation.   When sunny, her days were spent lying in the sun in front of the garage and as the sun moved, so would she.

 

Polly was an affectionate little cat and like nothing better than to be picked up and cuddled.  When visitors arrived to see the cats in care Polly made sure they were aware of this “very important little cat” by meowing to gain their attention.  A kiss and cuddle with Kenny first thing in the morning and another cuddle with Pauline when she arrived home from work at dinnertime were all part of her daily routine.  When mention was made that she liked a particular brand of food, food parcels (from food collected in a store in Cromer) began to arrive on a regular basis and a new phrase “Polly food” entered our vocabulary.

 

When a nasty tumour was discover on her leg the vets advised us that she was too old to survive an operation.  Treated with antibiotics she returned home for a few more months of tender loving care.  Sadly the tumour continued to grow and it was decided that Polly should be put to sleep’

 

RIP dear Polly, we will all miss you but not as much as Pauline and Kenny who made your last years so happy and loved you dearly.