Royalty in residence; Torte crosses Rainbow Bridge
Administrator | Jan 31, 2016 | Comments 1
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A Sheltered Life – photographs, and stories, as told to Maggie Haylock-Capon, by Liza, resident greeter at the Loyalist Humane Society. File photographs by Alan R. Capon.
(If you are unable to adopt a cat or kitten, there are many other important ways to help the LHS. Donations of Javex and other household cleaning products, garbage bags, grocery bags, litter, cat food and kitten food are welcome. The Loyalist Humane Society is located on County Road 4, (Talbot Street), near the intersection of Tripp Road.)
Hello, Everyone,
There has been some sad news at our shelter this week. A regular contributor to my blog, Torte, has crossed the Rainbow Bridge. You will remember her as the author of The Torte Report, in which she detailed daily happenings at the Loyalist Humane Society. Only a short time ago, she related the amazing story of Hetty, the feral cat who hitched a ride with Raymond and Bessie Villeneuve and went on an exciting weekend adventure.
Torte was a mature cat when she arrived at our shelter and raised quite a few eyebrows on that occasion, I might add. She impressed all of us in a big way, for she tipped the scales at about 20 pounds. I am ashamed to confess that, at first, we made her the butt of some rather mean fat jokes. But Torte was a sweet-natured tabby who never held that against us. She soon became a favourite. especially with shelter newcomers who found it comforting to snuggle up beside her for a nap. She offered a lot of snuggle room!
Torte’s numerous attempts at dieting became legendary. Mrs. Moffatt did her best to help her with a weight loss plan, on more than one occasion, but never with any success. Once she actually gained a pound.
When Torte began to lose weight, a few months ago, Mrs. M. grew concerned, for she was not on a diet. She was taken to our shelter veterinarian and blood work was done, but it revealed no apparent cause for her weight loss. Despite the best of care and much extra attention, our dear friend Torte crossed the Rainbow Bridge.
She was an ordinary-looking tabby cat ( although super-sized) who was rarely given a second glance by potential adopters. Probably they feared that her grocery bills alone would send them to the poor house. Still, her gentle disposition endeared her to everyone here. She was very much a part of life at our shelter and will be sorely missed by Mrs. M., our volunteers, and all of the cats. We are grateful that she found a place with us for the last two-and-a-half years of her life. We were fortunate to have become her forever family. We’ll miss you, Torte. You were one of the best.
Now, over to Franco for News Flashes From Franco (who else?)
-Liza
Hi ya, All,
Well, Liza just about said ‘er all. Torte was a sweet ol’ gal who never got mad when we razzed her about bein’ fat. We all was laughin’ fit ta kill the day she busted da cat tree. Climbed up for a snooze an’ broke it ta pieces. Then there was the time she ‘n Liza formed that fool book club with meetin’s in Liza’s vine-covered cottage. Torte hadta sit outside the winda ta listen to da discussions cuz she was too fat to get through da door. She never got hissy when we made fun o’ her though. She was a good scout and i’se sorry she’s gone. That mean ol’ Liza says when St. Peter sees me comin’ fer the Rainbow Bridge he’s gonna raise it afore I can git there. I think she’s blowin’ smoke. He could use a fella like me ta take care o’ mice n’ rats.
WANTED
A Sheltered Life is urgently seeking applicants for the position of roving reporter. The successful candidate will report to Liza, managing editor of this blog. Must be cat-puter literate (laptop supplied) and available for evening and weekend work. Blog submissions will be similar in nature to the former Torte Report. Rate of remuneration commensurate with experience. All resumes to be submitted by Feb. 10 to the office of the shelter manager. Preference will be given to those with references.
WINKY AT LARGE
Hi, Folks,
My name is Winky One-Eye and I am a guest blogger on A Sheltered Life this week. And do I have a big scoop for you (and before you ask, No, it did not come from the litter pan).
Remember last year’s Katnip Tea? Rumour has it that an even bigger and better event is being planned for this year. I have the inside track on this story, because the star of the event, Julian Gallo, just happens to be the dad of Dorian Williamson, the very kind man who rescued me and brought me to the shelter.
All of us here at the shelter are looking forward to another wonderful afternoon, complete with a silent auction and guest appearances by some pretty big names.
There is more big news here at the LHS. We are now entertaining royalty. Prince Philip is in residence. I must admit that he is not looking at all well – rather mangy in fact. He is balding, has a wonky eye (I should talk), tattered ears and a dazed expression. He was found on Philip Street, hence the name. Mrs. M. is hoping that a rescue will come to us from Queen Street or Elizabeth Street so that Old Phil will have a spouse. Of course, a stray from William Street would give us a Prince and if a cat were picked up on York Street we could entertain the Duke of York. Something tells me Her Majesty would not be amused by any of this.
I have decided to apply for the job left vacant with the sad departure of Torte. I feel that I have all of the necessary qualifications for this position, including a very fine, pin-striped suit. Hopefully, you will see my name in print again, very soon.
Yours, Winky
Filed Under: Margaret Haylock-Capon • News from Everywhere Else
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I look forward to these and share them with other people. Such droll wit!