Unknown - February 2001
At least 16 years
For a number of years, as each winter approached, Jennie was heard voicing her concern as to whether Bonne could survive another cold spell. Sadly, in February 2001, Bonnie passed away due to a massive, inoperable tumour.
Bonnie arrived at PussyCat Lodge from a feral colony some 15 years ago. An airgun pellet was lodged in her spine causing slight disability to her back legs. Following an x-ray, the vet assured Jennie that the pellet was causing Bonnie no pain and should be left where it was as removal would be far too dangerous. She became one of the much loved garden cats of PussyCat Lodge where a caring eye could always be kept on her.
Her disability was clearly not recognised by Bonnie who constantly delighted in eluding any human attempt to make friends. I would imagine that many people's lasting memory of Bonnie will be of the sight of her bum facing skywards as she leapt down the side of a fence away from their outstretched arms!
In recent years, her disability gradually worsened but she never lost her feral spirit. She undoubtedly appreciated her regular meals and warm feral house. Though frail and elderly she was not prepared to become domesticated and restricted to a "human" house preferring to live outdoors enjoying the freedom she so loved.
Basking in the bright sunlight on the shed roof (quick escape route close by), Bonnie must have seen many coming and goings. She has had many like-minded friends over the years for whom the garden at PussyCat Lodge had become the perfect home. Some, like Bert, decided to become big softies; others, like Bonnie's dearest friend Pandora, remained feral, shy and wary of humans to the end. No matter what nature, they have all been loved equally.
Jennie noticed a sudden deterioration in Bonnie just prior to her death. Worried that she would just wander off as so many do when their time comes, she decided to confine her with friends, Mirage and Peter, to keep her company. Bonnie, for the very first time, was picked up by Jennie without a struggle and gently placed on a big comfy armchair in her front room. Surprisingly, all three cats settled happily into their new surroundings, not once attempting to leave. Bonnie finally allowed herself to enjoy the touch of a human hand lovingly stroking her beautiful tabby coat; and she purred.
Bonnie died peacefully in Jennie's arms.
Now buried in the garden at PussyCat Lodge, Bonnie has gone to join Bert, Tabby, Mr Rupert, her best friend Pandora and all the other beautiful cats we have all had the pleasure and honour of knowing.
Carol Whaley, March 2001
