‘This photo of my daughter Serena and cat Toffee was taken by Victoria Upton, a family friend and photographer. Serena (middle of three) is now 25 years old so it is an image that we have had for 20 odd years.
Toffee was an adorable, much loved family cat who engaged and interacted with us all. Sadly he was run over a few years later. There was a squashed mouse a few inches from his nose so we all felt that he had died doing something that he loved. We were all able to say goodbye and he was buried in the garden, a story that I have used in bereavement training.
The photo is a happy reminder of the glorious relationship that we all shared and I have used it in our charity presentations for ‘Our Special Friends’ as an image to illustrate the human-animal bond.’
Belinda’s winning image features in the 2020 ‘Cats & People’ charity calendar which is now on sale to raise funds for International Cat Care’s feline welfare work.
To find out more and to order your copy of the calendar visit: icatcare.org/shop
I love the photo of Serena & Toffee. It reminds me of my love for cats at that age & even before. Our cat, Phoebe … a 14 year old rescue that we’ve had for 4 years, is lying beside my desk chair as I type this. Your Katzenworld blog & newsletter have been delightful breaks during this planet-wide COVID-19 crisis. They remind us that there is still good in this world & beauty & love that crosses species in a time when we need those reminders more than ever.
I can see why this precious photo of Serena and Toffee is a winner. My heart just about melted! What a sweet reminder of the relationships we have with our four-legged family members.