He’s known as one of the most influential leaders of the 20th century, and although Winston Churchill passed away almost 50 years ago, through his legacy of love for our feline friends the former British Prime Minister is now influencing potential pet parents to choose the option of adoption.
Doggedly devoted to his purring pals, Churchill enjoyed the company of cats throughout his life, and while a meowing menagerie would make themselves at home at Chartwell– the Churchill family residence– over the years, thanks to a cat who was given to Churchill as a present for his 88th birthday in 1962 a rescue kitten in 2014 has been given the gift of a bright future.
Jock, the marmalade-colored cat who was Churchill’s constant companion during the final two years of his life, remained at Chartwell after his beloved pet parent’s passing. Crossing Rainbow Bridge in 1975, in memory of the larger-than-life public figure’s fondness for his cat companions the Churchill family requested that there always be a ‘Jock’- an orange cat with a white chest and paws- residing at the home.
In March Jock VI, a 7-month-old rescue kitten, was welcomed at Chartwell. Known as Malley during his days at Croydon Animal Samaritans– a registered charity which has saved the lives of dogs and cats in need since 1974– the cat was awarded the coveted position when Jock V stepped away from the limelight at the National Trust estate to live in Scotland with Chartwell’s former House and Collections manager.
For more information regarding Croydon Animal Samaritans:
Photo Credit: London and South East National Trust
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