Awake and up all night

He was - they treat him like a king and him and his cat sister had the run of the house. Sis still does as she's doing well for her age too, around 12 and also a rescue.

My daughter and her bloke never had kids, so all their time and love have been lavished on several cats they've had over the years. I don't think any of them were kittens though, as they've all either been rescues or cats given to them by folk who'd got bored with the poor little things. Imagine doing that - we think it's cruel xxx

So do I Gill. I think cats are very easy to look after. All you have to do is feed them. They are very independent.

Yes, far easier than looking after dogs. OH and me are really hoping we can get a cat, once his hospital appointments start to slow down, as it wouldn't really work just yet.

In the meantime, I've sort of adopted next door's kitty as his owners don't give him enough attention as far as I'm concerned, and he's left out in all weathers. I'm a hard nut but when it comes to animals I just melt. I can imagine you being just the same my lovely xxx

I am Gill. I love animals. I get visiting cats from neighbours. Fluffy is here every day  he wasn't being well looked after. Ever since I started feeding him he has put weight on and his coat has improved.

Gill, I was contacted by the local occupational health team after I had my stroke to see what help I needed. Then this lovely lady from the team came round to the house for a chat-she was here about 2 hours! 

She then said she would write a report with recommendations for what she thought I needed and within about a week the Red Cross phoned-they arranged delivery to the house of a mattress like a hospital mattress to go on top of my mattress. The occ health lady was obsessed with the fact that I might get pressure sores because of not being able to move position in bed due to having 2 stomas being connected to a night drainage bag and having poor mobility.

She also let me choose where I could have grab rails fitted in the house, got the shower chair, two perching stools, and a trolley I could push so I could take my cups of tea from the kitchen to the living room safely without falling over. A joiner came round and put all these grab rails exactly where I needed them and fixed my bannisters while he was at it! 

All these items were given on long term loan. I’ve since returned the mattress because I was sliding all over it(!) and the trolley because I felt like Mrs Overall in Victoria Wood’s programme. The rest I can have as long as I like. It’s a brilliant service.

I know your hubby had a stroke-did he not get any of this kind of help? 

Sarah xx

Oh well done you. A few years ago we did the same with a poor little thing who had really bad sores on his skin, mange probably.

He was semi feral but did have a house much further down the road. He was too nervous to let us approach him, but came several times every day to be fed, and it only took a few weeks before his coat was really glossy. We really loved that little boy, but one day he didn't turn up. When it became weeks, we accepted he was gone and cried buckets. I still get a lump when I think of him now.

Hey sweetie, if you're getting tired get yourself off to bed, as I don't want to keep you up with my rambling. I'm supposed to be having an early night, as I'm off up to my lass's in the morning. What do you reckon lovey? xxx

Yes I am going to bed now. Feeling tired. Sending big hugs lovely lady.xxx

Sarah, thanks so much for replying love - I thought your meds had knocked you out!

Yes, OH did have a stroke but we never heard anything afterwards. Obviously, since then a lot more has happened and his mobility has really gone downhill so he could have a good chance of getting something similar like you got. He certainly needs grab rails in the bathroom as showers aren't practical, and it's a struggle to get him into the bath. He has to use my hand as a grab and neither of us feel safe!

I wonder if his GP could set the ball rolling? xxx

Night night Sonia, sleep well sweetheart. Hugs and love xxx

Mrs Overall  That's what we call the old lass round the back!