Rosie's story begins in April 1992. I had moved into my first home with Graham, my partner of 7 years, who is now my husband. Once we settled in I brought my cat from my mums, Kitty. She hated the new house, wouldn't eat or settle. After a few days I took her back to my mums because I thought it wasn't fair on her, even though it crippled me, as she is my baby.

I couldn't stand the house without a cat as I had lived with cats all my life so I found out about a local cat rescue and went along with my sister to see a Persian there. The Persian just didn't want to know me, lifted her tail, showed me her starfish and that was it. My sister said 'look I think someone is trying to get your attention here'. This little brown and white tabby was clawing at the bars, rolling over, showing me her tummy as if to say 'please pick me'. Of course, how could I not pick her, she was adorable.

I went to collect her the next day, I was so excited I couldn't get there quick enough. I am sure she knew I was coming back for her, she looked so happy as if she remembered me. I put her in her box and took her to her new home. The first thing I did was give her some food. Blimey, could she eat, she didn't leave a thing. That first night she slept between our heads as if she was worried we'd abandon her. Her fears were reassured next morning when she awoke with us still there. In fact a week later I brought Kitty back from my mums and she settled straight away, I think she just missed the company of other cats, I was so happy my Kitty was back with me as I missed her terribly.

Here is a picture of Rosie's first week with us. At first she didn't know what a sofa or fire was for but quickly, in fact very quickly she understood.