“Nightfall” by Alberto Giurioli (courtesy of Miguel Angleu):
Little did I know that the events of that night would test my resolve to the limits. To put it bluntly, Freddie, obviously traumatized beyond endurance by the past two days’ experiences, went berserk. That night I didn’t sleep at all since he ran amok, wailing and throwing books, papers and plants onto the floor. From time to time he would land with manic speed on top of my legs, and a split second later, just as fast and using my body as a trampoline, he would launch himself across the room to swing menacingly from the curtains. In between, he practised Spiderman’s walk up the walls, tearing the wallpaper as he went. I spent the night covering my head with a big pillow and peeping from under it in case any stray missiles came my way.
Courtesy of The Dodo:
In the morning, although by then feeling utterly traumatised myself, I dragged my reluctant body along to carry on with my duties as usual. After giving me one last dirty look, Freddie finally retired to his bed in the pen, which was now left permanently open. He didn’t sleep but rested, his eyes cold and reproachful. Seeing him so unhappy, I decided then and there to give him the freedom of decision, to stay or to leave. However luxurious his existence in the study had been, there was no denying that a prison is a prison, no matter how sumptuous are the surroundings. I have never kept any animal with me by force and I wasn’t going to start now. It was more than twenty-four hours after the operation, the weather was fine, and he had been treated for the past four weeks like an honorary member of the family, revered and fed the choicest morsels; now it was up to him. I opened the kitchen door wide into the garden and left the study unlocked. It took Freddie a minute to catch the incoming breeze of fresh air, and he bolted.
“Opening” by Philip Glass, performed by Kristina Socanski:
When that night there was no sign of him, I began to worry. “What…”, “If…”, “Maybe…” I kept fretting, and in the end I went to bed with a heavy heart. The morning arrived drenched in cold rain. After feeding the birds I walked into the study and while glancing casually through the window, whom did I see but my wayward protege, wet and cold, sitting huddled up on a fence. Through the glass pane his eyes were directed at me, and he seemed very grumpy indeed. I ran outside with a dish of chicken and speaking softly, approached the fence. Freddie would not take the offering. Thinking that he might eat by himself, I placed the plate on the ground. I also left the front door open in the hope that he would come in and out of the rain. My conciliatory efforts were spurned and it became clear that all he wanted to do was make me feel guilty. “Remember me?” said his eyes, “Thanks to you, I am now in pain, feverish, and soaking wet. I will die soon and you are responsible for all this. I shall haunt you forever, just you wait and see.”
“Nuvole Bianche” by Ludovico Einaudi (courtesy of David Kerr):
If he wanted to upset me by staying put in the chilly rain and in my full view, he more than succeeded. When he disappeared later in the morning, leaving behind an untouched plate of chicken, I sincerely thought that he had gone for good and felt awful. The next morning, to my amazement he appeared at the back door and when I opened it, he hesitantly walked in. I sprang into action and welcomed him like the proverbial prodigal son with three dishes of the most tempting morsels. While he hungrily breakfasted, I arranged a large box, well padded with blankets and his mink coat, in the kitchen since it was clear that he associated the study with bad happenings. Replete, Freddie settled on his mink bed but his eyes still indifferent, and it was only when he fell asleep, tummy up, that I began to feel cautiously optimistic.
“Comptine D’un Autre Eté “by Yann Tiersen (courtesy of Haburu):
Courtesy of Good Morning America:
I was aware that the success of Freddie’s adoption depended on a great deal of patience, resourcefulness and kindness that would have to border almost on the point of madness. This was not going to be as difficult to strive for as might have seemed, since I had permanently on display on my noticeboard newspaper cuttings that had pictures of mistreated animals. In times of strife, I only needed to glance at the pictures of a bedraggled, almost drowned kitten, a half-starved dog or a paint-covered hedgehog which had been used as a football, to feel an anger that could only be assuaged by doing something positive. As far as I was concerned, there was nothing I wouldn’t do to persuade Freddie that the safety and comfort of a real home was preferable to his nomadic existence fraught with danger, however exciting it might have been at times. It was, I reasoned, only a question of devising the right technique. In Freddie’s case, I knew that a cat who had survived so far by living off his wits, fearful of any contact with humans, hiding in the daytime, huddled at night with other feral cats for warmth, never knowing when his next meal was likely to be, should in principle, if I knew anything about animals, respond to the combined treatment of intensive pampering and kindness.
Courtesy of HouzzTV:
“Marie” by Alberto Giurioli:
“‘Marie’ is an homage to the concept of love in our lives. Love that we have forgotten, love towards someone close to us and love towards nature. Alberto’s inspiration comes from the love he felt in his life from experiences, people, animals and places such London – anything that made him feel that warmness inside his chest. Love that everyone needs especially in these times.”
naturetails 
I think Freddie will come around!
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Thank you, dear Joanna, for this third part of Freddie’s story: I found it really fascinating, just like the previous ones.
It was a compelling tale that teaches us a lot about compassion and caring
I also really liked your music selection as well as the videos.
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Thank you, dear Luisa, for your wonderful comments! I am happy that you liked all the music, videos and I presume my painting! Thank you again, dear Luisa, for your time and kind words, much appreciated!
Joanna
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Your painting is fabulous 🐈😻
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Thank you, dear Luisa, Freddie liked it!
Joanna xx
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Joanna, so nice to hear about Freddie. Wonderful painting, the photos and music too. 💕
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Thank you, Monica, for your wonderful comments! Your beautiful and kind words are deeply appreciated!
Joanna xx
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As ever, you’re most welcome, my dearest friend
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Likewise, dearest Luisa!
Joanna
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Looking forward to reading what happens next. Totally different challenge than keeping Gabby healthy.
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Thank you, Pat, for your insightful comment! And astonishing results! Your thoughts are greatly appreciated!
Joanna
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You’re making me blush, Joanna.
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I mean every word, Pat!
Joanna
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This series is turning out to be so interesting and gripping , Mary!
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Oops…Joanna🤭
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Thank you, Indira, for your lovely comments! The name is not important, I know you mean my story!
Joanna x
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Cats are experts at getting what they want and need. Freddie knew where to go, that’s for sure! It is safe to say you went over and above for him. You have put together another lovely assembly of music and videos. I love that last one with the house all geared up for the cats. And that last piece of music is particularly lovely. This is a tale of true devotion!
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Thank you, Carolyn, for your wonderful comments! Yes, you are right, Freddie could read my mind and he knew I meant well! I hope you liked my painting which shows my devotion! Thank you again, Carolyn, your time and kind words are greatly appreciated!
Joanna x
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Joanna these are so many words and with thess photos. Anita
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Thank you, Anita, for your kind comment, greatly appreciated!
Joanna
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You’ve always explained to us how intelligent animals are, and so I can’t believe that Freddie will be grumpy with you for very long.
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Thank you, Malc, for your short comment!, greatly appreciated.
Joanna
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You’re welcome Joanna. I know I normally leave a longer comment, but I can’t always be sure if you’re going read them as you don’t always reply. I love reading your posts regardless, and this one was no exception😊
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I don’t reply?! When this happened , please tell me, Malc! I am waiting for the comments and reply to every single one! I left a reasonable comment on your posts, I don’t know if you have replied because I could only see that you liked it!
Joanna
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Here’s the reply to your comment on my latest post Joanna
“Thank you so much Joanna. Your comments are always such a pleasure to read 😊I admit that my posts don’t have a consistent theme, but as you can probably gather I don’t always follow the well-worn path, which is what makes life interesting to me.
By the way, we’ve been following your advice on feeding the slugs and it seems to be working, and while I’m at it, I did respond to your latest post but I’m not sure that you’ve seen it.”
…and here’s the comment I made on your previous post
“Ah! So now we know his name is Freddie. Quite an appropriate name because all the Freddies I’ve known have been characters, and your Freddie appears to be no different. I’m amazed at how patient you are with all his idiosyncrasies, but I should never have doubted it. It goes without saying that I’m already waiting to see what he and you get up to next. Thanks for another great read Joanna”
I’m not sure why you weren’t able to see them as I’ve just copied these comments from the posts themselves. Pleases don’t worry about it, it’s just that sometimes I seem to spend more time reading and writing on other people’s post than I do my own. 😊
Malc x
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Thank you so much, Malc, for your gracious reply! I didn’t see your lovely reply to my comment because when I looked just after your message it was liked by one person. I didn’t look up again as things here are difficult, the court case is dragging on, I have to be away sometimes for a day or two, and I will not be at home this coming Tuesday. This could be why I didn’t reply to your comment, although I remember your words as I read them. It could be the day I had two men were doing a house survey for the mortgage broker. Whatever the reason, I apologise! The problem with getting the mortgage is letting me down, I hope that stress is not going to finish me off! It is the beautiful comments that keep my spirits up!
Thank you, Malc, normally, as you know, I am not so chaotic!
Joanna x
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That explains it then Joanna, but responding to everyone’s posts and comments is nigh on impossible for all of us. At least you know that I haven’t been ignoring you, which is the only thing that would concern me. I’m sorry that things aren’t running too smoothly for you at the moment, but you know where you can find a sympathetic ear if you need one 💙
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Thank you, Malc, I know you are a special friend but putting the problems I have on your shoulders would be a worry for me. Like many fools, I wish I hadn’t made the choices I had!
Joanna x
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That was then and this is now Joanna. You still have a great future in front of you – and I can assure you that sharing your feelings are absolutely no problem to me at all x
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You are just so adorable, Malc! Thank you! Just in case, please give me your email address as when I had to get a new laptop, all addresses disappeared! I had to rely on someone to transfer my various things to my new laptop, and the result was more problems!
Joanna x
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Done!
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I do hope, Malc, you will not regret your kindness!
Joanna x
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Of course not 😊
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Thank you!
Joanna x
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Dogs need somebody to take charge, cats like to feel like they are in charge. Such an amazing difference in attitudes. Freddie just needs a bit of time to accept your generosity without looking like he really enjoys it. Happy Saturday Joanna. Allan
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I am so enjoying the story of Freddie! Thanks, Joanna, for this funny and thrilling serial!
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Thank you, Harini, for your wonderful comments! I cannot tell you how much I appreciate your time and kindness!
Joanna x
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Thank you, Allan, for your wonderfully thoughtful comments! Freddie was in charge but he was kind to me and to the birds. Thank you, Allan, for your kind words!
Joanna
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Thank you, Joanna, for the third installment of the cat’s story, which is just as captivating as the previous ones. Your detailed description of how Freddie ran amok after the operation and the subsequent compromise is fascinating. The beautiful painting perfectly captures the essence of the cat’s story.
Your effort to avoid any potential stray missile made me smile. It reminded me of a friend who had six cats that left intricate designs on his sofas and other furniture by scratching them. Despite his regular nail-trimming efforts, it made little difference.
I appreciated your statement that prison is prison, no matter how luxurious and comfortable it may be. Every living being needs its own space and freedom. I respect your decision to give Freddie the choice to stay or leave. Your care and compassion made him friendly and led him to return home, even if it was through the back door. The entire story highlights your patience, endurance, and perseverance.
Your post, as always, is packed with fascinating pictures and videos. I particularly enjoyed the videos from The Dodo, Good Morning America, and Houzz TV. Lastly, the painting is outstanding. You’re a talented artist as well. It’s a pleasure to read your two posts in quick succession.
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Oh yes! I do like the painting. It’s wonderful!
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Thank you, Carolyn!
Joanna x
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Thank you, Kaushal, for your wonderfully thoughtful comments! I love your understanding of my motives .I still had to teach Freddie that the birds are untouchable and that will be interesting read! I am so happy that you liked my painting as it was inspired by Freddie and he liked it! I don’t have a talent but have aptitude to paint interesting pictures of all my animal friends!
Thank you again, Kaushal, much appreciated!
Joanna
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It’s always a pleasure to read your posts, Joanna. You’re welcome, always!
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Thank you!
Joanna
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A beautiful selfless story and gift to Freddie and your love. It is soo relatable as I felt the exact way about my ferals and thankfully one came back to me, “Stargazer” and is my forever cat that sleeps on the other side of my across from Ollie. I laughed at this as I get it.. I’ve been here too many times.
“welcomed him like the proverbial prodigal son with three dishes of the most tempting morsels.
And the mink coat my client gave me was the coat I wore to the barn everyday when I was mothering them all there sitting on the barn floor. I kept thinking my client was turning over in her grave.. Lovely story and love you share Joanna. xo 💓
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Hello Joanna,
I love cats and my heart is so touched by your story and your videos you share. Cats are just amazing how they look after each other and make such good companions for each other. I don’t keep animals now as I want to provide space for wild animals but I have seen some homeless kittens living in the hedge and it pulls at my heartstrings. Take care, from Morag 💜🎶
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Thank you, Cindy, for your wonderfully thoughtful comments! I am going to publish my nature stories in a few books. I would like to support a few animal charities to save as many animals in need as possible!
Joanna xx
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Thank you, Morag, for your lovely comments! Much appreciated!
Joanna
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You’re so very welcome, Joanna. I love that and what a wonderful cause. I am now so grateful to Pets in Need show went above and beyond to help. 💕
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Thank you, Cindy, much appreciated!
Joanna x
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