Tribute to AJ

07-22-2008, 05:09 AM #1 (**permalink**)

Hello Everyone

It's been a while since I posted and thanks to Heidi, she reminded me that I am still welcome on this forum. We have had a terrible few months and I have felt a bit lost with my craft. Not knowing what to do!
I wanted to post my tribute to our beautiful AJ here with other pet lovers to read. The tribute is in the form of a letter I wrote to the RSPCA here in NSW, Australia. It is self explanatory.

14 July 2008

Dear RSPCA

I am a bit unsure on how to start this letter, but it’s purpose is to thank you from the bottom of our hearts and to tell you about our beloved cat, AJ. All too often we hear about the sad and difficult things that the RSPCA has to do, AJ’s story is one of love and success.

We purchased AJ (an abbreviation of Alexander Jessie) from your former Jubilee Road, Wallsend shelter in Newcastle on 19th July 1992. He was approximately 6 months old and described as a male, black and white domestic short-hair.

He quickly became a major part of our family and grew up with our daughters. I worked for many years and my husband, Kerry was at home with AJ. They soon became fast buddies and the love we all had for AJ grew with each year.

Almost 3 years ago, an emaciated male cat started coming to our home. With perseverance, love and care, Thomas also became a much loved part of our family. While he and AJ were not close, they respected each other’s space, he continues to be a patient, adorable and much loved family member.

About 22 months ago, AJ suffered a stroke and he received impeccable care from our local vet. The stroke changed his personality significantly which meant that we all had some adjusting to do. We were not sure that he would continue to have a good quality of life, however, he gradually became as good as he was going to be given that by this time he was 15 years old.

Several months prior to his death, AJ developed a cancer on his larynx that was constantly infected despite medical intervention. We were monitoring his day to day activities to report to our vet and we all became increasingly concerned when he would no longer eat and drink despite all of our best efforts. Throughout this incredibly difficult time, we cried, grieved and discussed the issue of euthanasia, our major focus being on what would ultimately be in the best interest for our beautiful boy.

On June 27th, after telephoning our vet, we took AJ in to be euthanased. We were appreciative that this particular vet would perform this last act for us and AJ, as he had been AJ’s primary carer those staff present on this occasion, were ones we had developed a strong bond with over the years.

Several years ago we became Life Members of the RSPCA because we recognise what a wonderful job the association does and we wanted to help as much as we could.

It’s almost impossible to convey our grief and the love we have for AJ. He is desperately missed by us all and our hearts are full of him and always will be.

We had almost 17 years with him and we wouldn’t have missed that for anything.

Thank you for the opportunity to tell AJ’s story.

Regards

07-22-2008, 10:11 AM #2 (**permalink**)

I am so sorry for you loss, God Bless you and your family. What a wonderful life your AJ had with such a loving family. Hugs

07-22-2008, 10:34 AM #3 (**permalink**)

Thank you for sharing. My prayers are with you and yours. God Bless and keep you!

07-22-2008, 10:54 AM #4 (**permalink**)

he is was a very beautiful cat be happy in the memories of him i had a cat babbies that was 14 when she pasted and i had the privalige to hold her when she passed and said her last good bye to me it was very special to me i know your loss and soon the greif will pass and joyfull times will be there as a new cat may come in your life and remind you of aj we have a mama cat now that is much like babbies so it is like she is still here with me in some ways

thank you for being one of the good animal owners we always hear about the bad ones it is nice to hear of the good ones

blessings

debbie j

07-22-2008, 11:57 AM #5 (**permalink**)

im so sorry for your loss, she was a beautiful kittybaby

07-22-2008, 01:18 PM #6 (**permalink**)

Sending prayer to you and yours. A pet is just as much as a part of a family .

Deb C

05:55 PM

My Heart Aches For You. I Know What It's Like To Lose A Beloved Cat. I Lost Two A Year Apart. I Still Miss Them Terribly. I Have To Tell You I Have Several Pure Bred Siamese And I Am Almost Sure That Your AJ Was Part Siamese. I Was Shocked To See His Picture And The Familiar Traits Of A Siamese Cat. He Was Absolutely Beautiful. He Looks To Be Part Choclate Siamese.

07-24-2008, 07:39 AM #8 (**permalink**)

Hello Everyone

Thank you so much for your kindness, it is appreciated.

07-24-2008, 07:45 AM #9 (**permalink**)

Quote:

Originally Posted by Appleannie

My Heart Aches For You. I Know What It's Like To Lose A Beloved Cat. I Lost Two A Year Apart. I Still Miss Them Terribly. I Have To Tell You I Have Several Pure Bred Siamese And I Am Almost Sure That Your AJ Was Part Siamese. I Was Shocked To See His Picture And The Familiar Traits Of A Siamese Cat. He Was Absolutely Beautiful. He Looks To Be Part Choclate Siamese.

Hello Appleannie
I suspect you are right. Another indicator was his fur, which was much softer and finer than our newest cat of 3 years, Thomas. Of course we never knew his parents as he came from the RSPCA and they were not even sure when we bought him how old he was. Thanks for acknowledging our grief. Sending you a hug.