Not guilty

 

Not guilty

                                Solomon, pleading his innocence

This little cat is imprisoned. He has been sentenced to 6 weeks internment and it’s all not his fault.

Almost four weeks ago, Solomon, his brother Lenny, their friend Zula the Abyssinian and Arthur the young cocker spaniel moved with Susannah and Frankie into a lovely house. They were joined by James, Martha and Edward and their cat, Freddie, hamster Fudge and even younger cocker spaniel, Lottie.

 Zula teaches Lottie the correct etiquette around  cats. Arthur and Solomon watch.

It is probably not ideal to go on holiday just after moving house, though it’s actually a very good idea to take a break from the upheaval. Holidays have to be organised well in advance. Abandoning it would have been very disappointing and Susannah and James deserve a chance to relax. Is ‘relaxation’ possible with three children and two working cocker spaniels? Well, a change is as good as a rest . . . and other well-worn clichés.

                                                    Lottie

Solomon, Susannah’s Somali (long-haired Abyssinian) is the sweetest, gentlest little soul. Unfortunately, he caught his leg and broke it while being enthusiastically pursued by Lottie, who was trying to play with him. He hasn’t a nasty bone in his body and purred all round the vet as he was examined.  Of course, he was in shock, but he’s always affectionate to the vet. He doesn’t enjoy being incarcerated but is very patient and only has another three weeks to endure it.

                                            Arthur and Lenny

We are going to their house every day to feed and water the cats and particularly to look after Solomon, who is a very fastidious little being. So far, we have only seen Zula once, and Freddie not at all. Lenny announces his presence with loud miaous. He loves people – all people – but is not desperately keen on other animals. He also loves food and resembles a furry football, in colour and shape. He was in his element when Susannah was selling her old house and people were coming to view it. He yowled all around them, shouting, ‘Look at me! Here! Look at me, I’m lovely. Make a fuss of me.’ Most people were amused and entranced by him, but some – there are always some! – definitely disapproved.

                                        A squeaky ball is involved . . .

Roxy and Gilbert are really enjoying their version of cat-sitting, which involves rushing upstairs to check all is well and rushing down again, then sniffing quickly as they rush on their way to the garden where they proceed to rush up and down, taking in the newest scents left by the foxes. There's always lots of rushing where Labradors are concerned. 

The foxes have also been busy rearranging the shoes left in the outside porch by the front door. Helpful, aren’t they?