Sad tributes paid to dead pub cat (From East London and West Essex Guardian Series)

Sad tributes paid to dead pub cat

8:12am Friday 31st August 2007 in

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DRINKERS are drowning their sorrows after discovering a popular pub cat has died.

Eighteen year-old Blackie patrolled the Nags Head, Orford Road, Walthamstow, scratching the ankles of kitchen staff and ensuring he was cuddled by customers.

The pub's joint-owner, Flossie Parsons, said: "He was a bit of a rags to riches story. He was an adopted cat and at first he was like an East End gangster because he would throw his weight around.

"He had a wonderful personality and many of our customers came in to see him specially. He used to take part in our wine tasting events and liked a nice Merlot but hated Rioja."

She found Blackie had collapsed upstairs and she rushed to Goddard Veterinary Hospital in Wanstead where doctors said he died because he had a large tumour in his stomach.

Ms Parsons says a picture of the cat has disappeared from the pub's wall and suspects it has been taken by a customer overcome with grief.

She said: "I hope the person who did it has put it on his or her mantlepiece and has surrounded it with candles."

A tribute from Sharon and Sean, two drinkers at the pub, on the Myspace website said: "Our dearest Blackie, sadly passed away on August 5. It is a moment we will never forget.

"Blackie was much loved by everyone. He was a true character and he filled the Nags with his presence."

They said that what they used to do when they entered the pub was find the sofa Blackie was sitting on. They added that his spirit would never leave the Nags Head.

Another mourner, Jacqui Wicks, wrote: "Met you on the sofa in the Nags on July 1. You helped me with the crossword and to enforce the no-smoking ban.

"Hope to see you again soon. Mine's a Magners on ice."

For more information or to leave your tribute visit www.myspace.com/blackiecarter.