This is Big Ben. He has a sad story but a happy ending.
I took him in several weeks ago. His original owner had left him behind when she moved out two and a half years ago. In all that time he has lived in the same cul de sac and was fed by two elderly ladies but sadly they never allowed him in their home and neither did anyone else. He was allowed shelter in the greenhouse but that was all. The woman who mainly fed him said he was always pushing his nose up against people's windows trying to get in but not one person in the whole of the road bothered with him. She even said how she used to shut the patio window curtains at night just so she didn't have to see him staring in at her.
Apparently he would shed on her red carpet which is why she didn't ask him in.
So his life was spent outside looking in.
When I think of all the vile weather we have had and the miserable time he must have had it makes me want to cry.
NO home comforts, no mummy, no care.
The elderly lady's daughter convinced her to seek help when his eyes were all matted up and his coat was so matted he had trouble walking. When I went to pick him up I was shocked by how matted he actually was - and he is a shorthair! He was a little gem though and was such a softy at the vets. I couldn't sex him either as he was so matted, he stunk to high heaven and was filthy dirty. His blood test was FIV+ but all things considered he wasn't as bad as we first thought. He had a dental, was shaved off and we estimate him to be about 15 years. His ears are an ongoing problem but will get better - there was more muck in there than a compost heap!
He has the most amazing character - he seemed a little bewildered to begin with but showed no sign of wanting to be outside again and has rarely left his heat pad. He is a real softy, with a deep purr and just loves being stroked.
I can't believe I have found him a perfect forever home too. He has been with his new mummy for over four weeks now and hasn't even bothered to leave the sitting room let alone the house. He joins her on the sofa and watches TV and has fitted in beautifully.
I'm really so happy for him - I just wanted to share his good news with everyone. We don't know how long he has of course but it doesn't matter now, he's loved and wanted and very much part of a family. Every time it rains here I can't help but think of him tucked up all in the warm surrounded by love and comforts.
............... and Ben lived happliy ever after x
The photo was taken about a week after he came in - he had had a severe hair cut but his eyes were on the mend!
