In memory of Monty

Dearest Monty - you came into my life in 2008. It was the year my cat Mimi passed, as well as my grandma, and then my father in early 2009. I got you as a 10-month old. You were the prettiest little black and white cat I had ever seen. You had a little black nose and were called 'Dotty'. That name didn't seem to suit you, so Lord Monty you became. Living in South East London never quite seemed the right location for you - you were always a bit grander than that, despite your humble, rescue roots. You were small for a boy cat, perhaps because you came from a house full of cats. Maybe you didn't get fed enough as a kitten. Whatever the reason, you were a little, handsome boy with a tiny miaow and a lovely, white puffy chest. You were my first boy cat, and you came with your sister, Millie (or 'Lucky' as she was known). Oh Monty. When you went missing that time, when I moved home. I was beside myself. Over a week you were gone. I'd printed out 'Wanted' posters to put up around the neighbourhood. And literally, that evening, before I was due to drop these posters and leaflets, there you were, sauntering from next door's garden into ours, like nothing had happened. I was mad, but so relieved to see my boy. Monty, you have moved around with me a bit, haven't you? Our final resting place was in Windsor - it was like you'd arrived. Finally, a posh postcode, fitting for The Lord. And how you loved to lie outside in our little garden, on the seat, basking in the sunlight. Those are the memories I hold dear - of us sitting in the sun together, you me, Ade and Millie, reading the papers, drinking wine, listening to the radio. Just happy, simple times. I'm so sorry you got ill. First it was kidney disease, but only early stages. You wouldn't eat the special and expensive food we got you, so back to the Felix we went. What could we do? And then, last year, you were losing little patches of fur. And then your nose swelled up. A tumour, they said. And how I cried. We gave you steroids to manage the illness. You sneezed all the time, but you were OK. Sadly the tumour grew, and your beautiful face became sore and swollen. The end just came so fast, though. I wasn't ready. You were still eating till a few days before, and then you weren't interested. Oh Monty, I can't believe you left us last week on the 17 March 2021. My darling boy, so lifeless on the sofa, but never angry, just quiet and still. We knew we didn't have much time left with you. But I'm so glad I was able to spend that afternoon with you, stroking you, saying goodbye. I only wish we'd had longer together. 13 years doesn't seem long enough. I'd give anything for longer. We miss you so much. The house seems so quiet without The Lord, Our Saviour (as we called you). Thank you for being such a lovely cat and special presence in our lives. You were and are much loved and I have so many happy memories of you. My dream is that I will see again, one day. All my love, X

by Caroline Smith