Poppy was less than 2 weeks old when she was given to us by our Aunty- who had got her from the Rescue centre- who had found her in a log pile abandoned by her mum.
Poppy wasn't a social cat- until she was about 15 years old.
She was small when we got her and she used to hide under the dishwasher, in the in built wine rack- in fact anywhere that she would fit at that time.
She was a great hunter- bringing us mice and birds often- sometimes alive!
I remember once my Nanny had come to visit- I picked Poppy up and she scratched my neck to pieces!
Poppy choose if she wanted to spend time with you- and if you over stepped the mark she would let you know :)
Poppy has had 7 house moves. She passed on Sunday 29th May 2016. She would have been 19 years old in August 2016. So I have had her since I was 11 years old- the August before I went to high school in 1997. She has been with me through high school, college, my parents getting divorced, my aunty and Grandma dying, relationship breakups, jobs, meeting my husband 9 years ago, getting married nearly 5 years ago, getting pregnant last year and the birth of my daughter in Dec 2015, and then she got to spend 5 months with my daughter.
There was 3 house moves that Poppy was living with my brother- I can't remember exactly how long it was- but it was no more than a couple of years (probably less) that I didn't physically live with Poppy- but I visited her and got photos of her.
She came to live with me and my husband 4 years ago March this year.
My husband says that Poppy was unsure of him when she first came- but they were never apart- they adored each other. Husband told me a story of when he was really ill- she came to rub on his leg (in a room she never went in) to say that it would be ok.
Despite Poppy being nearly 19 her health was great- she had some teeth out- and the Vet (known as the Vs in this house as we don't call it the Vets) wanted her to lose weight- she was a large puss cat- she loved food!
The last couple of weeks of her life are not worth writing about- she was poorly and this isn't what I need to remember.
She was so brave- and she deserved for us to be with her- I slept next to her on the couch from the Tuesday and she passed on the Sunday on my lap- both me and husband were there stroking her- she was peaceful.
But like I said- I need to think about the other nearly 2 decades.
She got to meet our daughter- and I have many photos of her on the babies changing mat- both of them trying to fit on it- often daughter grabbing Poppy and yanking at her fur!
Poppy is my daughter, my sister, my mum, my best friend. She always was and always will be.
I can't describe the pain I am feeling- I believe only my brother and husband know how I feel.
Poppy loves the sun- she would sunbath in the rays of the sun in the house- and the conservatory and in the garden.
She will be happy that she doesn't have to go to the Vs or in the car again- she hated that!
She absolutely loves the stick treats and husband taught her that the chicken was in the fridge so she would sit and meow in the kitchen begging for it!
We got Poppy, a few years ago, some steps to the bed- she was getting lazy about jumping up to the bed- she learnt quickly to use the steps and it meant she was able to cuddle (if she wanted that!) on the bed.
I was the only one she would come and snuggle to under the duvet- she would get on the bed and come next to me, I would put the duvet over us both and she would stay there for hours.
The amount of times I told her sometimes she was in the way- but you didn't want to move her as you were getting cuddles!
She would also lick your head- a proper wash of your hair, if she decided she was hungry- of course you would give in and go and get her food as her tongue was not smooth!
Poppy thank you so all the memories and for being the best kitten, Poppy white socks, beautiful, gorgeous, fluffy, puss cat ever.
I will never ever forget you and this pain will never feel ok. I love you puss. xxx