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V Daly's avatar

Beautiful article as a fellow cat servant! Your reflection on how midlife can feel like net losses rather than the previous period of net gain resonated with me. You are right that we need to think about all the gifts we have been given, rather than what has been taken away, including from the animal friends in our lives. Thank you.

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Craig Oliver's avatar

Thank you for sharing.

It can feel like we are set to the negative.

But pausing and considering the gifts is definitely the way to go. Also realising we are the cat servants!

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David Baillie's avatar

Hi Craig,

I feel your pain, I have two rescue cats that have been with me for 15 years now, I’m steeling myself for the day they are no longer part of my life. One of the best things I’ve ever done, they even played a major part in my divorce, and as such they will always get top billing in my house (sorry Tara the dog).

Hoping that Phoebe makes an appearance soon.

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Craig Oliver's avatar

Thanks David.

Amazed that she is back after 10 days!

You and I share the Scottish thing of learning to push it all down.

Amazing how cats can teach us a thing or two.

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David Baillie's avatar

Great news, not the first time mine have went wandering either. My friend got trackers for her two, it's amazing how far they wander!

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Tom Wilkinson's avatar

What a journey for you and the fam. I wholeheartedly agree that we should think about what we've been given rather than what's missing. It reminds me of the quote "Love looks through a telescope; envy, through a microscope". I loved the blog and keep them coming! Best wishes, Tom Wilkinson

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Craig Oliver's avatar

I hadn’t heard that quote, Tom, but it’s a good one!

Phoebe now back safely - sending a post on what happened tomorrow 😀🐈‍⬛

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Linda Miller's avatar

I loved your article - it really struck a chord. Cats are my favorite companion animal but I love all animals. Please let us know if Phoebe is back home safe and sound.

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Craig Oliver's avatar

Hi Linda - she is back! Thank you for your concern. I will send an update on what happened in the next day or so 🐈‍⬛😀

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Linda Miller's avatar

Thank you so much for letting me know - that makes my heart happy🙏🏻♥️ I don’t know whether Phoebe is amenable to being an indoor only cat but she would certainly live a lot longer if she was. All of our cats were because we have predators like coyotes, foxes and great horned owls in our area.

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Craig Oliver's avatar

Thanks Linda. You have a kind heart.

We live in Chiswick, West London - where the wildlife sounds a lot tamer 😀. We will certainly be even more watchful given the scare.

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James Copsey's avatar

Great piece Craig. Thank you.

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Craig Oliver's avatar

And thanks James. Phoebe has returned. Feeling the swirl of emotion…

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James Copsey's avatar

Wonderful news!

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