Stephen Downes never much liked cats. But one day, his sons Patrick and Benny find three kittens at the bottom of the garden. The strays soon become part of the family.Stephen falls in love with Blackie, a confident, friendly cat who keeps him company while he's working and takes naps on his study floor. But one day Blackie's tail begins to droop and he seems listless and despondent. Stephen is alarmed and wonders what could be ailing his usually robust pet.From the family vet to an eye specialist and eventually to a vet hospital, Stephen pursues every avenue to cure Blackie's illness and keep his beloved cat alive...Deeply moving yet unsentimental, Blackie is a beautifully written tale about love and companionship. In describing the life of Blackie, Stephen expresses the intense experience of loving another living thing.
