Isle of Arran Branch

Oscar

A real character of independence, strength and yet a capacity for affection that was ever ready for giving. Oscar came to us in the Summer of 2007 from Pirnmill. His owner had been an elderly lady of the same fierce independence and who would not let anyone help with Oscar who was showing signs of being unwell at the time. She was eventually admitted to hospital and the neighbours contacted me. Jeff and I collected him - he was a ready and willing rescue! He was covered in fleas and had some very nasty growths in his ears. On a trip to the vet to check him over we found that he tumours in his ears which was likely to have been caused by his pale fur and skin, a feaure of light coloured cats that canmake them subsceptible to the suns rays and develop cancer.

He seemed initially unperturbed by this although I did need to regularly clean his ears and for a cat who was a 'fighter' he took this well, indeed very well now I recall!

He was kept in a cat pen and I advertised for him to have a new home. Needless to say none came forth. I also advertised for both him and Muffy asking for help financially with their care as vet bills were the order of the day for them both. In fact one person suggested we put them to sleep if this was the care they needed. I wonder what they would have done if I had been a doctor and said their husband/wife was going to cost money for care and so we should put them to sleep! Let me say now that both of them had a wonderful life for the time they were with us. Indeed Oscar decided he wasn't staying in a cat pen, even though he had lived outdoors most of the time with the elderly owner. He had decided he was coming in the house. After I saw that there were not too many upsets he stayed. His love...crashing out in front of the fire or Rayburn!

He was very good with everyone and loved sleeping on my lap. A cat that had in fact missed the comfort of a home with love and affection.

His love of the sun continued much to my annoyance and worry at trying to reduce that aspect to help him with his ears.

As time continued the tumours became worse. We were told that he couldn't be operated on.

Around eighteen months after he came to us Oscar's battle came to end.

I miss him still.

I take comfort that although we couldn't find him a home his last year and half with us was in a home where he was loved and adored. Where food was always there, a warm lap, or cosy fire, sunny spots and safety. He didn't have to fight for his survival any longer and simply emjoyed the time he had left.

Thank you Oscar for what you brought to me, I wish you a peaceful and safe journey.