MONTE

Monte came to us with buckshot under his skin. A juvenile male, he survived who knows what. He was with us for almost a year before, through our vet, we found him a loving home with a lady who was missing a beautiful cat she'd had for many years, and had to have euthanased some months before when he was ill and in pain.

Despite the buckshot and a damaged eye, Monte is a very spirited boy who loves people and gallops (he doesn't run, he gallops) to the door to greet his special human visitors, and he captivates each one with his winning ways. He seems fully aware of this and can coax even the most unplayful human to throw the ball, toss the mouse, pet the cat, and generally exhaust themselves at his whim.

The only times Monte gets out are when he has his regular walks on the lead. At these times, he sniffs every scent along the walk and then more. He manages to cajole his long-suffering owner to go the course at least two, and most of the time, three times around.

The rest of the time he is an indoor cat with a lovely roomy outdoor cat run in an enclosed yard with everything a cat could need for entertainment.

The things he likes best though, are the clothesline, where he drapes himself on a piece of canvas to enjoy the sun and breeze, and of course, the peg basket. He is very much loved in his new home.

Sandy was getting on in years when he was surrendered to us, and he settled immediately into his comfortable new surroundings.

While he can take short walks, the longer, taking in the views walks, are with the aid of a stroller. He loves this, and taking in the local sights is one of his favourite pastimes.

In fact, quite unknown to him, he and his stroller have become one of the local sights and he gets plenty of attention from onlookers. His new 'Mum' adores him.