“I purchased this painting in a tiny shop nearby — two black cats and a sable cat at Cluny, the medieval cloister also nearby. The artist, Pouchelon aka Pouch, was an illustrator for Le Monde. Most of his paintings feature cats! He obviously anticipated the arrival of my two black kids and my sable kid. Even the proportions are perfect: hefty Charles in the lead, wiry André in the middle and dainty Serena bringing up the rear.” quoting Deborah in her account of how she got her three cats from Maine to Paris.
My friend Deborah once took her three kitties to France. Their full adventure can be read if you type Post 1022 in the search box and enter. Two of the three cats have gone on to the greatest adventure of all now – over the rainbow – and, sadly, Charles joined the late Serena on August 31, 2011. Charles’ half brother André survives.
Deborah shared a project she’s put together in Charles’ memory with me. I knew he and the other kitties were special – pedigree – Bombays, yet little did I know Charles had been featured on Animal Planet in “Cats 101: the Bombay”! This purr baby – because Charles had a constant purr according to Deborah – seemed to fit the classic definition of the breed, with his desire to snuggle with his humans, for example, and which Charles did especially with his special human BBF, Deborah’s young granddaughter!
Deborah writes: “He stole my heart, immediately, with his purr, and then his self-assured swagger, and his loving nature.”
So sorry to read this sad news about Sir Charles, a very special cat.
Yes, he had health issues the last year of his life….
I’m so sorry that Deborah lost Charles, what a beautiful kitty he was. That was quite a story of their trip to France, and I do love the painting!
It is one of the downfalls of existence, but I especially feel bad for his biggest fan, Deborah’s granddaughter…..
My heart goes out to Deborah and kitty Andre on the loss of Charles. He was a handsome fellow. If Deborah would like, we can add flowers for Charles, and Serena, to the memorial garden here.
I loved the story of the three cats and their adventure in Paris.
She would appreciate that, Lavinia.
Will do!
I jyst found the post 1022 and the Deborah’s letter . What an adventure ! Deborah by boat to Paris and the cats by plane ! This asked a precise organisation!
Yes, and Deborah was fortunate she had family help in country and the taxi driver in Paris!
My reply above has been submitted before the end . No time to correct the typos !
Yes Deborah was fortunate and also very friendly.
About Provence I have just posted about.
I read the Deborah’s post about the death of Serena .
And now it is Charles ! What a sadness !
You make me know Pouch ( I am ashamed to say I did not know him )
Why this Deborah trip to Paris with her cats ?
Where did you find the medieval Pouch ‘s painting ? 🙂
In friendship
Michel
Her trip to Paris was to try to convince a mutual friend, Ralph, to give up an apartment in Paris, where some financial and legal issues were complicating his life, and move to Provence. Unfortunately, he resisted the help and has since died. She intended to move to France if our friend had been more amenable to her plan. She speaks French, studied at the Sorbonne in the early 1970s.
Rather, the problems were in Paris, not Provence.
The drawing was found in a tiny shop near our friend’s apartment.
Deborah was delighted her kitties were welcome in Paris restaurants. In America, service animals are allowed in restaurants, but the rule generally is no animals allowed for health reasons, not even pedigree cats!
Thanks , Doug, for your answers to my questions .
I had understaood your friend worries were i Paris . Provence is an enchanted place . I h
That is sad about Charles. He was a handsome boy. And that painting is wonderful.
Yes, I agree. The serendipitous find of the drawing that matched her cat population at the time becomes even more precious, I have no doubt, now that just one kitty boy remains.