A heartwarming gift all the way from Scotland has brought smiles and tears to a Pembrokeshire charity shop which was the victim of a mean theft.
Staff and volunteers at the Tenby Air Ambulance store were devastated when their store’s much-loved black toy cat was stolen from the window display last month.
The cat had been a feature of the shop’s displays for the past three years, despite many offers from customers to give it a new home.
A social media appeal for its return failed to appeal to the conscience of the cat-napper, despite hundreds of angry responses from customers far and wide, one of whom described the theft as ‘despicable’.
But on Monday, a parcel was delivered to the shop in Upper Frog Street and inside was a replacement toy black cat from an anonymous well-wisher.
“The postman was so excited that he waited while we unwrapped the parcel,” said shop manager Kirsty Gardiner. “And there was this beautiful black cat with a lovely note. It won’t bring our other cat back, but what a lovely gesture. I have to admit, we shed a tear.”
Kirsty and Karen are pictured with their new shop cat, Bonnie, together with another little black moggie – both donated by well-wishers. (Image: Western Telegraph) The unsigned note said: “I was so sad that your shop cat went missing recently.
“This lovely cat was given to me about 50 years ago and I had no kids to pass it on to.
“I know it will get a good home with you in your shop so please take it, enjoy and if the original one turns up – great.
“If not, this can be its Scottish cousin come to stay instead. Meet Bonnie from Scotland!”
Bonnie has now taken up her new position in the shop window, but in a safe position close to the till.
But there’s still no sign of the stolen cat, whose theft left the shop team ‘devastated’. There are fears it could have been dumped after the social media outcry following its disappeance. (Image: Western Telegraph)
Added the shop’s assistant manager, Karen Ward: “We were all devastated when the cat was stolen and there’s been such a massive response from people – there hasn’t been a day gone by when people have asked about it.
“We have also had a little black toy cat given to us by a gentleman.
“It really shows how much people care.”