It pains me to write this, but George, who lived one door down from us, died last night. Very sudden and completely unexpected, devastating both his 'mum' and ourselves. He had been for his usual visit the day before and was well and seemed in peak health, and now this. He was, like so many ginger cats, a real charmer, full of personality, character, smarts... he adored people, and while the myth is that cats are aloof, George was as far from that as it is possible to be. He made his rounds of the neighbours, insouciant and carefree to the end, charming everyone who crossed his path. He came by here most days, though not in the coldest of winter days. He'd spend the day inside here sometimes, sleeping on his chair. He had his own bowl and his own catnip toys and he knew where they were and was never shy about asking for food or toys. It is painful to realize he is no more and we are all mourning him greatly. His almost daily visits, sometimes many per day, brightened up my own days, and gave me such pleasure. My little cat Lucy adored him and was glued to his side when he was here. Missing him so much, and so sad for his 'mum'.