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Teachers learn the lesson of love ...

New homing officer Sheila Pennell recently popped in to see how her very first ‘love-match moggies’ were settling in – and found that kittens Oscar and George very much approved of their adopters, teachers Rachel and Richard Bourne of Chestnut Drive, Erdington.

Says Sheila: “It’s so nice to be invited to visit and see how happy pets make people, and vice-versa. Richard told me how glad they were to ‘have two together, as they have each other for company, and they don’t feel guilty when they have to go out’.

This match didn’t start off made-in-heaven, as Richard and Rachel had a wedding and a holiday booked, but the CP fosterer agreed to give them space to reflect, and encouraged kitten-visiting times till the couple were really sure these two were the right kittens for them. And as they are teachers, they now have all the time in the world – well, till September – to get to know, love and fuss them. 

Rachel renamed the kittens, who were Casper and Chester, and says they’ve soon got used to their new names - George the tabby and Oscar the black and white. “They were 4 months old when we adopted, but what was great was that meant everything was done – vaccinations, neutering, worming etc. We keep an eye on both at meal-times, as George is small and needs to eat more and, if we’re not careful, Oscar muscles in and has more than his fair share! It’s lovely to see them play together and, as Richard says, knowing they’re happy together gives us peace of mind when we are out.”

The kittens are obviously smitten with their new home – and have already met extended family, friends and friends’ children. And another ‘tick’ in the box is that Richard, who teaches media studies, has invited Sheila into his college to talk to his students about Cats Protection and the part stories, good publicity and journalism can play in promoting the work of a business or a charity.

** We welcome the chance to educate, Richard, so CP thanks for the op-purr-tunity!