THERE wasn’t a dry eye – or a whisker out of place – when a very special ginger guest arrived at Bramley House in Mere.

Dementia Friendly Gillingham presented resident Sandy with a lifelike ‘Companion Kitten’, made possible by funds raised by Farnfields Solicitors.

An appeal was launched to find the perfect recipient – and it was a heartfelt letter from Sandy’s friend, Lauri, that proved purr-fectly compelling.

Sandy, who was diagnosed with dementia just over a year ago, had been forced to leave her home and the cats she adored.

Once a dedicated worker for Cats Protection, she later founded her own rescue, Cats at the Mill, helping hundreds of felines find loving forever homes. Ginger cats, especially, held a special place in her heart.

Lauri wrote: “Sadly her dementia has progressed quite quickly, but I would love to think that having a moving ginger and white cat would hopefully bring her the love and comfort that only cats can.

“I also hope it may help to bring back some of the amazing memories she shared with her beloved babies”.

When the robotic kitten – soft, warm and gently purring – was placed in Sandy’s arms, her reaction said it all.

Beaming with delight, she promptly named her new companion Agatha.

Lauri later said: “We wanted to say what a lovely afternoon it was! It meant the world to us to see how much Sandy loved Agatha. I don’t think we have seen her looking so happy since she was at home with her own cats.

“Thank you so much to Dementia Friendly Gillingham and Farnfields Solicitors for making Sandy’s dreams come true again by having her own little ginger cat to look after.

“What I found extra special, was how Agatha was bringing back memories of her own cats. And Sandy is already remembering her ‘old girls’ who she hasn’t talked about in a long time.”

Thanks to one small kitten, Sandy is feline fine once more.