A cat who lived at a cemetery and comforted mourners for 20 years has been laid to rest after he died of old age.
Barney the wonderful cat spent his days walking the area of a church burial site, comforting those who were visiting their loved one’s graves.
But on Friday, the 20-year-old cat died of old age.
This has unpleasant news were heartbreaking for the local community.
Grounds keeper Alan Curzon said he has now been laid to rest at the place where he spent his entire life brightening up the lives of hundreds of people during their darkest moments.
This cat basically lived with his owners near the St Sampson’s Cemetery in Guernsey.
But, after they moved in another area he kept coming to his former neighborhood and was eventually re-homed there.
Alan, 63, the cemetery sexton who has cared for Barney since 1996, said everyone was just heartbroken.
He add: “When friends and families have suffered the terrible loss of someone close to them and go to visit their graves Barney was always there to cheer them up.”
“We are placing a plaque on the wall and a bench and have found a little space for him in the cemetery where he is buried as well.”
“The place won’t be the same without him..”
Alan add Barney was well fed everyday– and even had Christmas presents left by people for him.
“We would take care for him and he would give a lot of comfort to a lot of people.”
“He had his own home but would spend his days walking around. If he heard a vehicle coming he immediately run to them.”
“I have been here 20 years and he was just a tiny kitty then – he was born in 1996.”
The Rector of St Sampson’s Church Rev Timothy Dack said: “I think the Barney provided a lot of comfort to so many people.
“Whenever I was taking a funeral up their relatives were so happy to see Barney wandering around.”
Many visitors to the cemetery have described Barney’s support as very helpful.
Writing on Facebook Debbie Ann Le Page stated: “God bless you Barney, remember that nice sunny afternoon, I laid down on the grass in the cemetery and we cuddled up together for two hours.”
“I needed a support that day and there you were my buddy!! God bless you.”
Sue Falla, whose daughter is buried at the cemetery, writes: “I always felt my child was never alone when he was there. Really going to miss you, Barney, RIP.”
Autumn LeLievre described Barney as simply “amazing.”
Kelly Ogier also wrote on the Facebook page: “All our family adored you so very much and we will always be so thankful of the comfort you gave us.
“You brought comfort to us all and we will always love you xxxx.”
Pauline Goddard said: “My kids loved going to see him when visiting their Gramps grave – a cute cat that will be missed by many and now keeping our lost loved ones company .”
Karen Wilson said: “Such terrible news.
“He came up to us after we buried my sister and he brought a smile to everyone.”
Andy Baker wrote: “He should have his very own small grave here because this place was his home all his life.
Mandy Hardman also said: “He belongs in this place.”
