Riley's birthday
Today is Riley's 12th birthday. It's an arbitrary date - the first time Ros and I saw him in 2014 in Rye Harbour Village. He had been left behind by his previous 'owners' and was essentially homeless. He visited us every morning and evening whilst we were in the cottage and one evening enjoyed sharing a rib-eye steak with me. Eventually we had to leave - leave Riley behind - but we had agreed with the bloke that lived next door that we would return on an agreed date, with a carrier, if André could entice him inside until we arrived. He couldn't provide Riley with a home as he was retiring the following year and would be crewing on an ocean going yacht. The 'snatch' went perfectly and we took Riley home to Brighton to meet our other two cats, at the time, Bertie and Oliver - both since crossed the bridge.
When we took Riley to the vet he agreed that Riley was 2 - possibly 3 - years old. So, today he is 12 - possibly 13. My constant and sole companion since my wife Ros died in January 2022. He adored his Mum - he wandered the house for weeks looking for her. It broke my heart. Now on twice daily Thyronorm I worry about him every day. And love him unconditionally...
Happy birthday poppet ❤