This page is a tribute to a very special and very brave cat. This is Tiffles's story:

A phone call to the vet from a shop. The shop assistant said the man in the shop next door had an injured kitten. Sure enough, he did. He had kicked poor Tiffles so hard that his hips were broken. There was internal damage. Tiffles was crippled for life at the age of 4 months by a man who stood over him and said "I don't want him, his f***ing legs don't work".  Poor Tiffles was in agony. He couldn't even empty his own bladder. For a long time the vet had to do this for him.  The RSPCA were called, the vet offered to testify in court because the injuries could not have been caused by any other means than a kick, but no prosecution took place for "lack of proof".  In time Tiffles managed to walk but not normally. He could not stand on his hind legs, but walked flat on his hocks, like a rabbit. This often made him sore. His bladder control was minimal. He could not climb, and used to watch wistfully when the other cats jumped up to higher levels. When he had stopped growing, Tiffles endured 2 major orthopaedic operations to straighten his legs and enable him to walk as other cats. His happiness when he discovered he could walk up stairs and jump on things was well worth every penny of this expensive treatment (which was paid for by the lady who was caring for him).  Tiffles was the friendliest, most affectionate and loving cat anyone could meet.  However, his internal injuries were very serious and things got worse for Tiffles.  He had acupuncture to help his bladder control and general health, and this helped for quite a while, but eventually Tiffles's health deteriorated to a point when sadly, he had to be put to sleep after a short, but in spite of everything, happy, life.

Below is a poem dedicated to the memory of brave Tiffles.

IN REMEMBRANCE
To all those who feel life is sorrow and strife,
Remember Tiffles, who knew how to be happy.
To those who think life will be harder tomorrow,
Remember Tiffles, who lived for today.
To all those who envy another man's lot,
Remember Tiffles, who bravely accepted.
To those who seek vengeance to right all their wrongs,
Remember Tiffles, who always forgave.
To those who would glorify bravery in war,
Remember Tiffles, and his quiet courage.
To all those who cry when the pain gets too bad,
Remember Tiffles, who never complained.
To those who give up when the going gets tough,
Remember Tiffles, who never lost heart.
To those who feel hatred for others around,
Remember Tiffles, who gave only love.
And to those who think death from this world is the end,
Remember Tiffles, whose spirit will never die.

(c) Mary Askew