Wednesday, 22 April 2026

My Shadow


I've been thrown another curveball. Another setback, which means I'm finding things quite difficult at the moment. But this one has been keeping me going, just by being by my side, pretty much all of the time. This is quite unusual behaviour, as she's always been very independent, and never been what you might call a lap cat. It takes me back to when Lily was younger, and the times Mog would lay up against her back at night, or when she would insist on being there at bathtimes, like a little furry guardian. 

As cats go, she is THE best. At 11 years old she still has the silkiest fur and the most sparkly green eyes, which are filled with mischief on occasion, but can see right into your soul at all times - especially where food is concerned.

Instead of sitting on the armchair, she will sit beside me on the sofa, and if I wake during the night, she is fast asleep right next to me - sometimes so close that I can hardly move to get out of bed. Then, as soon as I get up, she follows me downstairs. It's as though she can sense things are not quite as they should be. I almost tripped over her, while I was coming out of the bathroom this morning! She was waiting for me, right behind the door.

The sun is shining, here,  and I have had the chance to spend a little bit of time in the garden, which has done me a world of good. 

Thank you, again, for all your kind words and messages. Have a lovely week.

Back soon.
J. X

36 comments:

  1. What a lovely little companion. Animals definitely know when something is wrong.

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    1. I've felt very reassured by her presence. X

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  2. So sorry to hear of your set back, life is a bumpy road at times. Between your lovely cat and the garden, they will help soothe you so you can get through the days ahead. Take care x

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    1. Thank you, Viv. The garden definitely helped, this weekend. But I've ended up with an aching back :)

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  3. Sorry to hear you've had a set back. Animals can sense when somethings not right and want to be near you. I hope everything works out okay for you, take care xx

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    1. I've only ever known her to be like this with Lily. I'm not complaining, except, perhaps, when she takes up too much space on the bed! Xx

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  4. I'm sorry to hear that life continues to be difficult at present, I hope you're able to turn a corner soon and that this challenging period can be put behind you, life can be so turbulent at times. Animals can be a real comfort, I'm sure they know when something's amiss, they're aware of more than we give them credit for and know when we could do with a little emotional support. The sun is forecast to shine all week, enjoy it while it lasts.

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    1. Thank you, Jo. This weekend has been particularly lovely. Including some much needed sunshine and warmth. X

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  5. Animals bring us such comfort and know when we need extra company and reassurance. Enjoy your garden and your furry friend:)

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    1. Thank you, Rosie. I was enjoying both at the same time, yesterday :)
      Mog was sitting beside me on the step, while I drank my mug of tea. Xx

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  6. Animals can bring comfort, they do seem to sense when things are not quite right.
    Sending good wishes to you as you traverse this setback.

    All the best Jan

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    1. Thank you, Jan. She is great company and reassurance. Xx

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  7. I am really sorry to hear life continues to be difficult. It is hard to keep going when things are at odds with what you would like them to be. Wishing you well. Hoping there is sunshine ahead. Jean in winnipeg

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    1. It's been one thing after another Jean, but I'm soldiering on. Thank you for your kind words. Xx

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  8. Continuing to send light, love and prayers to you my dear Friend. I especially pray those curveballs knock it off! I’m so glad you are spending time in the garden as I believe the outdoors are so healing. I love your beautiful fluffy shadow. It’s so funny how they do just “know” don’t they? Blessings and hugs. Xoxo

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    1. Thank you, Carrie. The outdoors is incredibly healing, except when you're creating a wildlife pond and get a stiff back! :)

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  9. Dear Jules, I'm so sorry that you've had a setback to deal with. I hope it is not something too serious and you can turn things around, soon. In the meantime, I am sure Mog can sense that you need her comforting and she is there for you. Keeping you in my prayers.

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    1. Thank you, Bless. Mog is a huge comfort and reassurance. You must miss having your lovely Dancer. Xx

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  10. She is a very cute cat, your Mog. Doesn't she look just like the Mog in the children's books? I can't at the top of my head remember the author but my children all loved the Mog stories.

    I am sorry to read you have had a setback. Wishing you the very best, and lots of cat cuddles, too. Cx

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    1. I love the Mog books! And a lot of people assumed she must have been named after them. But she did, in fact, get her name because of the Meg and Mog books, which were Lily's favourite at the time. Her gotcha day was also Hallowe'en, so a witchy theme made sense. X

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  11. It never fails to amaze me at the perception animals have about their human companions. They seem more aware of our needs - whether it is just a different level of awareness, or scent or something of a higher plain - of our need for gentle companionship and support.
    They are incredible. Long may Mog keep you safe when ever that curve ball appears and disrupts things xxx

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    1. It is quite remarkable isn't it. My old terrier was also very perceptive. Xx

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  12. I am always in awe of the incredible power of perception that animals have, an instant understanding, and they are always there for us. She will be by your side with unconditional love to support you as you travel along the path this unwanted curve ball takes. Holding you in my prayers.

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    1. Thank you for your kind words. She has already followed me downstairs, into the kitchen, this morning. But I think that might be more to do with being fed :)

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  13. Looks like great company! Animals are so lovely!!

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    1. Yes, it would feel rather empty here, without any animals around. X

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  14. Dear Jules, I'm so sorry to read of your setback. I'm glad you've got a beautiful companion to keep your spirits up. Sending you love and healing thoughts. xxx

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  15. Hello, my dear friend. I am sorry that you are having a time of it. And I pray that soon, you will feel better. Until that time, know of my thoughts and take care of yourself. Hugs!

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  16. So sorry to read things aren’t well - I’ll be hoping for a swift change so you can get back to what you love. A little shadow is always good for the soul - it seems they just know when we need them.

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    1. My little shadow has been the perfect pick-me-up. I'd feel lost without her now. X

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  17. Botherations…but thank goodness for our furry friends. They certainly know more than we give them credit for. x

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    1. She's been so affectionate. It really helped pull me through. X

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  18. Hello Jules. I am really sorry to hear that life has thrown another curve ball in your path. It happened to me recently and it has really taken my breath away. I hope that you will be ok. Glad that you can still see and enjoy some of the simple pleasures of life and that Mog is helping in her own special way. Ten years blogging, that is a wonderful achievement.
    Thinking of you x

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    1. Thank you, Beverley. Sending lots of love your way. Xx

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