In September 1997 our then cleaner, knowing we’d recently lost one of our two cats, asked if we’d like a kitten to replace him. The children were keen so… we went to see the litter. There were two left. So we brought them both home, two sisters, named Tikka and Nutmeg.
They have both been independent and dictated the rules to both Dogs with whom they’ve shared the space…
But twenty-three is pretty ancient for any moggy, even one living the South London equivalent of the Life of Riley.
So Sunday Tikka passed onto to whatever Elysian Field, full of mice and lickylicks that cats go to. We will miss her neat walk, her half-Hitler moustache, her regular presents and her food demands…
My name is Geoff Le Pard. Once I was a lawyer; now I am a writer. I've published several books: a four book series following Harry Spittle as he grows from hapless student to hapless partner in a London law firm; four others in different genres; a book of poetry; four anthologies of short fiction; and a memoir of my mother. I have several more in the pipeline.
I have been blogging regularly since 2014, on topic as diverse as: poetry based on famous poems; memories from my life; my garden; my dog; a whole variety of short fiction; my attempts at baking and food; travel and the consequent disasters; theatre, film and book reviews; and the occasional thought piece. Mostly it is whatever takes my fancy.
I avoid politics, mostly, and religion, always. I don't mean to upset anyone but if I do, well, sorry and I suggest you go elsewhere.
These are my thoughts and no one else is to blame. If you want to nab anything I post, please acknowledge where it came from.
Iām not surprised. Impossible not to feel dreadful after sheās been such a permanent fixture. Iāve never been brave enough to have another cat after Puss, incredibly traumatic to go through that again šæ. Hope the baking helped.
So sorry Geoff, it’s heartbreaking when our furry friends shuffle off of this mortal coil. After twenty three years, she is a grown up child. Bless her. Bless you all. š
Yes. The kids said their goodbyes. They haven’t known a time when she wasn’t here so it’s been a rite of passage in many ways. Her sister still carries on.
Sheās gorgeous. So sorry sheās gone, but twenty three is a ripe old age indeed, and thatās twenty three years of happy memories she leaves you with.
TanGental 
Aw safe journey over the rainbow bridge, Tikka šš½š
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Thanks Ritu. I hope Sonu lives as long…
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šš½š
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Aw, dear little Tikka. What a lovely life she had – a magnificent innings. Hope the rest of you are ok and not too sad.
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Yes, the kids rallied round, Jenni was great to have guide us too. Rather numb so i baked…
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Iām not surprised. Impossible not to feel dreadful after sheās been such a permanent fixture. Iāve never been brave enough to have another cat after Puss, incredibly traumatic to go through that again šæ. Hope the baking helped.
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The family came into the bubble which may or may not be legal and we had dinner together which was grand.
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My condolences to you and all those who loved her.
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Thanks Barb. It’s always tough but she lived a good life and we have many memories
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RIP Tikka. So cute. She had a good long stint and a fabulous garden to explore. Hugs to all.
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She knew every corner. Esp those with potential presents to release in the kitchen! Thanks for the kind thoughts
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So sorry Geoff, it’s heartbreaking when our furry friends shuffle off of this mortal coil. After twenty three years, she is a grown up child. Bless her. Bless you all. š
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Thanks Willow and for the email. I’m really touched .
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It’s a really sad thing to lose a friend, especially such an old one.
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What a sweet baby. Sorry to hear of her passing.
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Thanks Cherie. She had a good innings and we have lots of memories
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Very sorry to hear your sad news
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Thanks bruv
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So sorry for your loss.
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Thanks so much.
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Always sad to lose a fur baby. Do you still have Nutmeg? 23 is a great age for a cat.
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Nutmeg is on Linda’s lap as I write. She’s deaf, dotty and still going! Thanks Di.
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Bless her. She’ll miss her sister and playmate, even at her age.
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Sorry to hear of Tikka’s passing. I’m sure she’s happy wherever she is now. Condolences to all the family. I know you’ll miss her.
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Yes. The kids said their goodbyes. They haven’t known a time when she wasn’t here so it’s been a rite of passage in many ways. Her sister still carries on.
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So sorry to hear this, Geoff. It’s hard losing a pet. Condolences to you all.
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It is but her sister is still here, still nagging at us to provide good and laps to order.
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Does she miss her sister?
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Not obviously
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I am sorry to hear this, GEoff. I am also very attached to my cat. Twenty three is a very long life for a cat, I must say.
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Yep, she was exceptional which makes her sister even more amazing
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Aw pretty kitty, who had such a loving home here on earth, the only place better could be the other side of the Rainbow Bridge! God Bless you all. ā¤
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Thanks Annette. She seemed to enjoy her life. Not big of body but for sure of heart
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A beautiful tribute to Tikka, Geoff. It is never easy to have to say goodbye.
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No, it wasn’t easy. Uncomfortably numb…
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I keep hoping as I get older that I will exit before my pets. Sounds morbid but I really love my dogs.
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Yes. Losing the cat was hard. Losing Mylo… not sure i can envision that
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Yeah don’t. Not worth the time. š
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What an amazing age for a cat. A clear sign of how lucky she was to live with you, Geoff!
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What an amazing age for a cat. A clear sign of how lucky she was to live with you, Geoff!
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Yes she and her sister – who is still going – are survivors
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Awesome!!
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Always a sad loss when a pet dies. 23 is exceptional for a cat, well done Tikka.
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And her sister is still going
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Amazing! They must have great genes.
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Aw so sorry for your loss. My oldest kitty – a Siamese – almost made it to 21. And even though it was time, it was still very hard to see her go.
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Yes I felt very numb all yesterday. I baked for ages just to do something
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Sheās gorgeous. So sorry sheās gone, but twenty three is a ripe old age indeed, and thatās twenty three years of happy memories she leaves you with.
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Yep. Her sister is clearly missing her so we will have to watch that
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As someone above said, it is very hard to lose a friend of so many years. Heartfelt condolences.
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Thanks Jennifer. Yes it is sad, but lots of splendid memories
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What a wonderful innings. Bon Voyage, Tikka.
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Thank you… she was one stubborn old lady to the last.
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