Grieving?

I cannot say 'Rest in peace' poor cat

As I don't know the situation

Tending, caring for a neighbour's cat

We semi-adopted him

Though have had our own cats in the past

 

Then he became a bit poorly

A bit 'messy' really - you know - the rear end

But only because he had not strength

To get out of his litter tray one night

 

Then a labour of love trying to clean him up a bit

Messy - but difficult or unpleasant things can be done

If we have to do them - put our mind to them

 

What to do? We can't pay neighbour's vet bills

Contact the neighbours to come and collect him

So we did

 

All fine and OK now? But why my weeping?

Well, it seemed harsh to me

Not much thanks from the neighbours

For our looking after their cat

Not that we insisted they should be grateful to us

But the response was 'I thought he was dead'

 

Then unceremoniously plonked in a cat basket

And whisked off home - harshly, I thought

But what more can we do?

Could enquire of the neighbours of how the cat is now, I suppose

 

But doubt he can climb fences now

To get back to our garden

I hate myself in a way

As I feared to return the cat to them

But they are the owners

They know the cat stays with us

 

Happy fireside days

And garden enjoyments in fine weather

Cat was no trouble

We fed him out of our own pockets often

Out of love and care

Though the neighbours brought cat food round

When they went on holidays

 

I'll say prayers for him

For animals - and for people

I know - it seems wrong

Weeping more for animals or pets

Than we may weep for people

Some of it's sentimental, we know......