23/07/2026
Our Little Lion, Woody
I’ve been searching and collecting lions around South Yorkshire, but this little lion found me over ten years ago. He was my neighbour’s cat, but over time and many trips over to see me, we bonded. My neighbour moved, and at a chance encounter at the local tip over six years ago, where she was moving again but couldn’t have pets, meant we were reunited! My mum and I have looked after him ever since, and he quickly became family.
Everybody who met Woody instantly loved him, and he would soon be on a stranger’s knee, such a loving cat.
As more of an indoor cat and because we have a small garden, I always struggled to get a variety of shots and with scenery and backgrounds I love. When his health and weight were declining, I thought one last little adventure, and where better than barlowsunflowers? We’ve visited a few times over the years, and the owners have always been so accommodating for me as a photographer but also for my mum’s birthday and now with Woody. It was such a special evening with gorgeous scenery, light, and plenty of tears. Woody seemed to perk up, and I think he enjoyed the attention from everybody!
Unfortunately after over a week without food as he couldn’t keep anything down, he was deteriorating rapidly.
Today we said goodbye, our memories together immortalised in the many pictures taken.
Sleep well, Woody ###
