Author: Shadow Cats

In Memory of Ruby       4/21/2007 – 11/11/2023

Just as sweet as can be, that was our Ruby!

Ruby was adopted when she was very young way back in 2007. We don’t know the story but Ruby was turned in to Austin Animal Center in 2015 by someone who said they could no longer care for her. Original adopter not found.

There are two things to know about Shadow Cats and the care we have for all our cats always. First, on their microchip, we are always listed as first contact even when adopted, for this very reason. Second, we stand by the phrase “Once a Shadow Cat, Always a Shadow Cat”. No matter what!

We opened our hearts and arms to welcome Ruby back home. Shy and reserved and a little hesitant at first, still scared, she spent her early days back home getting to know us again and her roommates. It did not take too long before Ruby decided she was home and became more relaxed and her sweet nature started to blossom.

Before we moved to the new sanctuary she enjoyed her days relaxing and chilling! But when we moved to our new digs, a different kitty emerged! She was even sweeter, if that was possible, and she became part of the tabby gang in Harmony. Always thought of as still a shy girl, this suddenly disappeared! She became a little more adventurous, no longer content to blend in, she wanted to be a little more where the action was.

Her mischievous side started to show. One day we knew all the doors to Harmony had been closed, but amazingly the door was open and several cats were in the workroom! How did that happen? Our Ruby opened the doors and let them all in – we have the videotape for proof! 😊

Ruby had a soft side and loved to be held like a baby, so we would dance with her. She loved being petted and brushed, her soft purr saying she approved!

A friendly girl, she got along with all her roommates. Yes, her life has been full; she enjoyed every moment, our sweet pretty girl. Everyone that met her, kitties and humans alike, loved her.

Ruby has weathered many medical issues along the way. She now has inoperable kidney stones, kidney disease, diabetes, and chronic urinary issues. She never had a complaintive meow to give us when we checked her glucose, gave her meds, or gave her fluids. She was the best patient, an incredible cat.

For the last 8 years being back home, we know Ruby has lived a great life, her best life. She is now 16 and battling ill health. The look in her eyes tells us she is tired, the battle is too much and she cannot stay any longer. It’s time for us to let her go, but we will never forget the tender love we have in our hearts for our sweet Ruby girl. Tears have fallen as we say goodbye, but we smile and celebrate her life. Our Ruby, our sweet, pretty, gentle Ruby, we will miss you so very much sweetheart. Fly high on your wings.

We believe that in life, all we can hope for is to live a long one, to feel fulfilled, and to be surrounded by the people and animals we love. Ruby has had that.

Thanks always to our amazing staff for their daily care of Ruby. Thanks to our veterinarians. Thanks to our volunteers and her sponsors for their love. Thanks to our Sanctuary Manager Sarah for many beautiful words about our Ruby.

Ruby had 4 Sponsors

Chiemi Perry

Shanna Lott

Whitney and Carl Magnusson

Jennifer Bristow

In Memory of Love       4/21/2007 – 11/11/2023

Miss Love!

The first thing you could not miss about Love was her stunning green eyes. Everyone who met her was intoxicated by their beauty.

This sweet old gal came to us in January 2023 from Schertz, TX. She is 17 years young and spent most of her life with her beloved person. Unfortunately, her person had to move to assisted living and was not permitted to bring Love with her. Her granddaughter worked very hard to find Love a new forever home but due to Love’s age, medical issues, and severe arthritis, she was just not having any luck. We could accommodate her since we had an opening, so with her suitcase packed, Love was on her way to her retirement home.

We were a little concerned about her advanced years – would she settle in? Would this be a hard adjustment for her? We wanted to make sure she was not too stressed and was comfortable with her surroundings. Well, Love took everything in her stride, and after her initial few days of isolation to decompress, she waltzed right into the Oasis area of the house as though she had always been here. She walked around the place and out on the catio, and promptly took over a bed on the kitchen counter that for the last year has been her spot! She was home! She had her special stairs to get to the kitchen counter since we did not want her to be jumping at her age, with her severe arthritis. A bit like us all as we get older – jumping is off the cards with aching joints!

Love has been with us for almost a year, a year filled with lots of smiles at the antics of the old gal! Sure, she could be a bit grumpy at times, but she had earned that right at almost 18. She loved to be in the window in the sun and would not like it if any other cat would try to take her spot, fair enough we would say! She loved being out on the catio laying on a comfy bed in the sun, who doesn’t! We may have even got the occasional paw swat as we walked past, but that was all part of the charm that was Miss Love. We knew she was a big old softie inside and loved us all as we loved her.

The health of our kitties can take a sudden turn at any time. We know this to be true of us humans and our own cats, too. This happened suddenly and unexpectedly to our beautiful girl. She suffered seizures, and was rushed to the emergency clinic, but she could not recover. Held tight in loving arms, our beautiful girl Love fell gently asleep.

The kitchen counter will be a little emptier now. We will miss you, pretty girl, your quirky self, and not being able to drink in those big beautiful green eyes.

Everyone needs a little Love in their world and we were lucky to have known this very special kitty named Love. Reat easy, precious girl, you were loved deeply.

Thanks to all who cared for her, our amazing staff with us day and night. We could not do this without your care compassion and love. Thanks to her sponsors who loved her from afar and always thanks to our volunteers.

Love had 2 Sponsors

Pat Helke

Eric Urben

In Memory of Timmy       4/6/2022 – 11/8/2023

Timmy!

He was small in stature but made up for it by having the biggest personality you could imagine. He was a character! It was so easy to let our hearts be stolen by this brave little boy. His big sparkling eyes were so intoxicating and with his sweet demeanor, your heart would just melt being around him.

A good friend in Lovelady, Texas, found Timmy while doing TNR work. He did not look well at all, almost skin and bones. She was able to trap him and get him to a vet quickly. He was FIV positive, but even after lots of tender loving care his health was not improving. He could not put on weight and suffered from severe digestive issues. After trying so hard for so long, his rescuer needed help and reached out to Shadow Cats. We decided together that by coming to Shadow Cats we would be able to get him additional testing and treatment and try to get him feeling better.

Timmy came to us in February of 2023. The moment he arrived there was not a dry eye; he was so tiny, skin and bones, but he was the friendliest, goofy boy with a will to live and enjoy his life.

Monitored closely by our veterinarians and caring staff, his initial diagnosis was not good. He was suffering from severe IBS and malabsorption. Although he had an appetite that would make us smile each day, his body was finding it hard to process food for weight gain and energy. He had a mountain to climb to get well, but our boy was brave and a fighter. Most kitties in Harmony are on special diets with their food in feeders activated by their microchips. Being so small Timmy found, in a very short time, that as a cat approached his feeder he could sneak in there with them and steal even more food – such a smart boy! 😊 He lived his best life with us for a few months, and although plagued by ill health he participated in everything, photoshoots and events, always wanting to be part of anything going on. He did not look his best at times but to us, he was model material with those long legs and big sparkly eyes. He was stunning!

The mountain to climb for Timmy was too high. We and our veterinarians have tried everything in our power, but the IBS has likely turned into lymphoma, medications are not working, and his weight was declining further. His days with us have come to a close; he could no longer fight. His eyes had lost the sparkle that we loved so dearly. It is way too soon, Timmy not even 2 years old; how we wish it wasn’t so…

Our Sanctuary Manager Sarah said this today,

‘Timmy is a cat that has touched the lives of those he’s met, and even some he hasn’t that have watched him through a phone or computer screen. He’s brought a lot of laughter here at the sanctuary as our little cage-climbing gecko, and many smiles from his sweet disposition and quirky little personality. Letting him go has been an incredibly difficult decision to make, but we know it’s the kindest path we can set him on now”

In his time with us, he has enjoyed lots of love from staff and volunteers and has cuddled in beds with all his kitty buddies. He has laid in the sun out on the catio, jumped on the highest shelves to watch the rabbits and squirrels outside, he has been one of the gang! And oh! He has worn the most stylish sweaters. He was one of a kind!

As Timmy ever so gently fell asleep he only knew the love we all had for him. He was so very special, so popular, our brave and courageous boy. Gentle whispers in his ears told him how loved he was. Forever in our hearts, thank you for the wonderful memories you have left us, Timmy. We will miss you, our goofy boy. Fly high, sweetheart.

Our special thanks to Holly. Without your care and love in rescuing Timmy we would not have been able to be part of this precious boy’s life.

Thank you always to our caring staff and veterinarians, our volunteers who showered him with love, and everyone who loved Timmy near and far, there were so many.

Timmy has 1 Sponsor

Lisa Garcia

In Memory of Sunflower       9/20/2006 – 10/28/2023

A sunflower is a flower associated with radiance, joy, and positive vibes. A big bunch of sunflowers never ceases to bring a smile when you are lucky enough to receive them.

So too with our sweet girl Sunflower, she always made us smile. This little senior lady, estimated around 17 years old, was rescued from the county shelter in Conroe, Texas. In a cage, she had no hope at around 17 and with a FeLV diagnosis. The deadline for euthanasia was days away, so last-minute preparations were made and we were able to accommodate her. It was almost 6 weeks ago that she came to us. She was so ill on arrival that we knew then that whatever time she had we would make sure it was going to be the best days of her life. She was suffering from a host of medical issues.

After a short stay in our ISO ward, with lots of care and love, Sunflower joined the gang in Cookie’s Annex. The Annex is a little quieter than the main room filled with youngsters, and we felt Sunflower would be happy with some of the older cats in the Annex.

Sunflower settled right in! A gentle lady but with a little spice to her. She stood her ground and took no nonsense! This old gal appeared to have a hard shell but was a big old softie on the inside. She loved our pets and attention. She made friends quite quickly with her roommates and was observed cuddling with some of the gentlemen in Annex – you go girl!

The numerous medical issues have been too much for her though. The leukemia has spread to major organs, she has severe anemia, and we have done all we can. Today we said farewell to our sweet feisty girl.

We celebrate the few weeks she had with us. It has been a gift to have her and care for her; she has been a joy. Sunflower got to have some fun with her Annex buddies, got some cuddles from them, and spent lots of time out on the catio laying in sunbeams. Her last few weeks have been the best we could give. We opened our hearts, she stole them, and we gave her all the love we could give. Who knows what her life was before she was with us. We do know that she left us knowing she was loved and cherished.

Sunflower fell asleep ever so gently and peacefully cradled in loving arms surrounded by love and light. Although her time with us at the sanctuary was short, we will always remember our sweet and spicy senior lady with the big beautiful eyes. When we see sunflowers we will smile and think of our girl with the same name.

Run and play at the Rainbow Bridge, sweetheart, healthy and restored, happy and content.

Our thanks to our wonderful caring and compassionate staff and Dr Murdock. Thanks also to her sponsors and our volunteers for all the love and kindness given to Sunflower.

Sunflower had 2 Sponsors

Debbie Patterson

Amy Juried

In Memory of Mei       9/15/2022 – 10/5/2023

Sometimes our kitties are with us for their whole lives and sometimes it is for just a short time. It’s always a shock and seems even more sad when the time is very short. Just a little bit ago we said goodbye to dear sweet Mei.

When a newbie comes to the sanctuary, we are always so excited to meet them; we love them before they even cross our doorstep. Our hearts want to save everyone all the time and we know this is not the reality with feline leukemia. It can strike very suddenly as it did with sweet Mei.

It’s heartbreaking to us when we lose those that we have promised to help, but we have given them a chance.

This was the story of our pretty girl Mei. Found on the streets of Austin as a stray she wandered into the garden of a wonderful good Samaritan who fed her and worked to gain her trust. Finding out she was FeLV+, the July heat brutal for this young kitty, we were contacted and able to welcome her to a new home.

Mei was very timid and we gave her all the space she needed to settle and over the last couple of months, she has. She has enjoyed all we can offer to make her feel safe, give her the best care, cuddles, kisses, and love every single day. She enjoyed playing with toys and had a comfy bed to sleep in; she loved to sit on the high shelves in Cookies Annex, just keeping an eye on us all. She was so pretty, had the floofiest tail you could imagine, and was very photogenic!

We know with leukemia things can change in the blink of an eye and for Mei they did just that a little while ago. Difficulty breathing, lungs filled with fluid, the saddest decision we make, but the last gift we can give – a gentle peaceful passing. She was cradled in loving arms as she ever so gently fell asleep.

You will always be remembered Mei, we loved you very much.

We hoped we would get to know you for much longer, but what we do know is you were the sweetest girl and we gave you a chance. We just had celebrations for her 1st birthday. Mei was with us for just a very short time since July but our love for her was immense.

Run free and frolic over the Rainbow Bridge, sweet Mei, free of all pain and suffering.

Thanks to our compassionate caring staff and our volunteers who loved her. Thanks to our veterinarians who cared for her, her sponsors, and special thanks to the good Samaritan who rescued sweet Mei.

Mei had 1 Sponsor

Kathleen Stidham

In Memory of Dapper Dan       3/7/2018 – 9/21/2023

From a tough start at the very beginning of his life, Dapper Dan was so very fortunate to find himself with the best foster parents Dana and Alex. He was so fearful, a little bitty tuxie boy at only 3lbs, also coping with an old eye injury. He did not trust humans and was very cautious.

His foster parents looked after this little boy while searching for a permanent home after he tested positive for feline leukemia. We were contacted and as we had experienced several losses at that time we had space. We were so happy to welcome Dapper Dan just three years ago in September of 2020.

We have so much patience and we give our newbies the space to feel comfortable and get to know us. Dapper Dan was very shy but curious about us humans. He explored his new surroundings, spent time out on the catios, and had his special toys he played with. He was full of life, a healthy very handsome tuxie boy. He stole our hearts and became a favorite of staff and volunteers very quickly.

With a little time, Dapper Dan was very comfortable in his new surroundings. He made lots of kitty buddies and was part of the gang in Cookie’s Place. He was never front and center for any happenings but was the cat that would be watching from the high perch on the cat tree keeping out of any trouble going on from the young ones. He was a little older and knew better and acted accordingly. 😊

With a little more time, Dapper Dan began to seek out attention from us humans. He decided we were okay after all! He enjoyed lots of chin scritches and his head seemed to melt into our hands when his chin was scratched! He loved belly rubs; how can such a shy boy love his belly rubs but he did! Petting Dapper Dan he would roll over and invite that belly rub every time and even a lap was a good thing, too.

In the 3 years Dapper Dan has been with us he has truly lived his best life. From a tough start, he blossomed into the most handsome kitty – his fear of humans had left him, he had friends, he was loved and cared for every day, he lived a wonderful life, the life he deserved.

Feline Leukemia is a dastardly disease and can raise its ugly head when you least expect it. Over the past couple of weeks sweet Dapper Dan has struggled with some health issues. Our amazing veterinarians and staff did all they could but today the fight had left our boy and he told us it was his time. Cradled in loving arms he ever so gently crossed the Rainbow Bridge and gained his wings.

Fly high, Dapper Dan! We will miss you so very much. You were loved deeply by all and will always be in our hearts, our sweet shy boy. Dapper Dan was 5 1/2 years old we hoped we would have longer. We know tonight you are getting the best belly rubs…

Our thanks to our incredible staff, his sponsors, and Dr Murdock and all at Liberty Hill Veterinary Wellness. Special thanks to Dana and Alex. It has been a gift every day that Dapper Dan has been with us.

Dapper Dan had 4 Sponsors

Deborah Anderson

Dana Guruprasad

Alexander Guruprasad

Sharon and Ben Mineo

In Memory of PopTart       1/8/2008 – 8/24/2023

Few things are harder than saying goodbye to one of our kitties at the sanctuary. Whether it is expected or sudden, many tears are shed as we hold them close and gently send them on their way. They all leave gaping holes in our hearts. PopTart has done just that. Our beloved PopTart gained his wings today.

PopTart was one of a kind; he was special, and he was the most amazing kitty. PopTart came from a managed colony in Houston looked after by good Samaritans. He was there for a few years and had become somewhat friendly to people. He developed health problems, chronic diarrhea, and inflammation that seemed to be getting worse by the day. Shadow Cats was able to help with resources from the One Life Fund but it was evident PopTart needed very close monitoring with ongoing veterinary care.

We had space at the time and his caretaker, Sean, packed his bags and he was on his way to Shadow Cats. Understandably, he was very shy and reclusive at first, but quickly grew used to our presence. He made friends with other kitties and was often found curled up in a bed with different roomies, especially female roomies. What a rascal!

Then lo and behold one sunny afternoon a volunteer was sitting in a chair and PopTart was in her lap in a flash. We were all so thrilled and this was the shape of things to come. Our boy was becoming really social! He was ready for laps, pets, and lots of love! His health greatly improved and we were able to manage his digestive problems with meds and special diet and constant veterinary checkups.

Many of our kitties are internet-famous, Poptart sure was! He was, to put it plainly, very crossed-eyed. He had the most distinctive look, the cutest crooked smile that anyone who met him instantly fell in love with! This made him all the more handsome – well, really he was beautiful and we told him so, but we didn’t want to ruin his credibility with the ladies by telling him he was beautiful, so handsome it was! PoppyTart (our nickname, you know we love nicknames) always seemed like a happy boy – happy to see us, happy to be with his buddies, happy to eat, a member of the chicken gang😊 and happy to oblige us with lots of photo shoots. He has been a wonderful fundraiser for Shadow Cats with some of the most incredible photos, thus becoming so famous! He was even a nominee for President of the Cats at the sanctuary! A runner-up! Not bad for a boy from a colony in Houston who was shy and reclusive when he first came!

Not seeing PoppyTart waiting at the door to greet us will be heartbreaking. We loved this boy with everything we had. His buddies in Harmony will miss him, and his bestie Elsie and a couple of other ladies will miss him, too! He was quite the ladies’ man at times; his gentle ways, sometimes goofy ways, and his sweet nature made him very popular! He loved all cats; he was like the “Soother in Chief ”. The kitties were drawn to him and he made them all feel calm, he was such a cuddler! We have over 850 pictures of Poptart in our library nearly always cuddling a buddy. He was special. To know him was to love him and we did, ever so much.

Our amazing boy has struggled with some health issues recently. He suffered seizures, and a stay at the hospital and the best care could not change the sad outcome today. PopTart was tired, the fight had left him, and he told us it was his time. Held in loving arms, he peacefully and ever so gently fell asleep. He was surrounded by love and he heard soft whispers in his ears telling him he was the best kitty ever.

The sanctuary has lost an icon today, another of the old guard. PopTart was well-known and loved by so many. Words cannot express how much we will miss him. He was a huge part of our family here at the sanctuary. Thank you for the joy and laughter you left us, PopTart. Time will never erase the wonderful memories you gave us, and we will cherish them. You may have left this world but you will forever live in our hearts. Rest easy, precious PopTart. You sure were one of a kind, a special one.

Thanks to our staff who cared for him every day, our veterinarians, his sponsors, and all who loved him from afar. Heartfelt thanks to his rescuers and caregivers, Sean and Amy. We have loved every moment PopTart was with us.

PopTart had 10 Sponsors

Roy Calfas & Greg Havican

Julia Laroche & Jon Morgan

Jeff Smith

“In honor of my mother, Dorothy Juried, who had a soft spot for the Siamese!! ;o)”
-Amy Juried

Gail Bischoff

Jennifer Davis

Aubrey Hawthorne

Vicki Langlett

Alice Anthony

Sarah Benjamin

In Memory of Bastet       11/5/2015 – 8/21/2023

This girl was full of personality!

Our gorgeous girl Bastet has only been with us a few months but in that time she captured our hearts and brought us so much joy.

She was loved dearly and was in a home, but as we have said before circumstances change in people’s lives and sometimes sad things happen. We do not judge ever. Bastet found her way to a rescue in the Dallas Fort Worth area. She was having medical issues and the diagnosis of severe kidney issues made it hard for them to manage. We were able to accept Bastet in April this year and she quickly settled in to the Oasis area of the sanctuary.

Full of personality was an understatement! At first, she was a little hissy, she was scared and did not realize that this place she had come to was home and she would be safe and cared for always. Well, after her initial period (for all newbies) Bastet was out and about in the house and the Oasis area. She was a changed girl. So affectionate and loving, she wanted nothing more than to be on our shoulders, laid on the back of our shoulders, and grooming our hair. She would follow us until she was offered that shoulder! She was always waiting on the edge of the kitchen counter to talk to us and get on that passing shoulder. We were happy to oblige!

As well as her giant personality she had a beautiful crooked smile. A birth defect, Bastet only had teeth on the right side of her mouth, so she had this smile that made her even more cute if that was possible!

Only being with us for a few short months does not diminish our love for our gorgeous girl. She was loved deeply by all that met her; she was a part of the gang in Oasis, she was part of us!

Bastet suddenly began to have serious issues, kidneys failing, and also cardiac problems. After a brief stay at the hospital, the always devastating decision was made with our veterinarians that Bastet, even with the best treatment, could not recover from the medical issues she was fighting. Our final gift, she passed ever so gently knowing that she was loved so very much and that she will never be forgotten. Her time with us will be in our hearts forever. Thank you for the joy you brought us, Bastet, in your short time with us. Oh, how we wish it could have been longer.

We loved you precious Bastet, your personality and your quirky ways, and your beautiful crooked smile. Fly high on your angel wings, sweetheart.

Thanks to all her caregivers, volunteers, her sponsors, and all that loved Bastet.

Bastet had 3 Sponsors

Shanna Hughes

Sarah Sammon

Lisa Garcia

In Memory of Victoria       7/4/2009 – 8/9/2023

Our beautiful girl Victoria gained her wings today. She was the most gentle loving and sweet kitty. Victoria was 14 years old.

We hope that in the 5 years that Victoria has been with us at Shadow Cats, she has forgotten all the previous years. Victoria lived in a cage for the first 9 years of her life, barely able to move around. We do not know why, but we are forever thankful we found her. When she came to us we all shed a few tears at the condition of this beautiful girl. She was not able to stand for any length of time, her fur was matted and she was so overweight she could only take a few steps. She was very depressed and sat with her head down. With daily monitoring and excellent veterinary care, Victoria gradually came out of her shell, but she had many medical issues that stayed with her all her life.

Over the coming months, Victoria found that humans were her friends and she started to accept other kitties being around her too. It was hard for her because she could not move easily due to confinement for so many years. Her eyesight was greatly impaired and she was almost deaf.

After all she had been through, how was Victoria so sweet? She was the absolute sweetest kitty you ever met. We felt she was happy to be with us and we were so thankful she found our way to us.

Everything that could be done to make her life the best it could possibly be, was done. Our staff was amazing with her; she had her daily walks and massages, the best medical care every day, and was monitored constantly by our veterinarians. She had acupuncture on a regular basis to help with arthritis and lots of treatments to continue to make her feel good. She could be quirky at times, making us smile. One of those quirky things was that she would always sit with her front paws crossed – it was so cute!

You know our love of nicknames. Vicky T as she was known by all the staff at the sanctuary is what Shadow Cats is all about. Our beautiful girl could easily have fallen through the cracks and been forgotten. All of us would not have been able to share in the life of a beautiful soul, this special girl, if that were the case. This is our mission, here for those that need us the most.

Vicky T stole hearts, all of our hearts. Everyone that met her was smitten by her gentle ways and her sweet demeanor. She became quite svelte and learned to walk steadily again for short periods and enjoyed her time on the catios. She made lots of kitty buddies and would always love to be in a lap and enjoyed being brushed. Vicky T was living a good life surrounded by love every day. She was beautiful in every way.

Over the years with us, she has struggled with health issues. Recently Victoria was diagnosed with an inoperable aggressive tumor affecting her ear nose and throat. Our time with our precious girl was coming to an end. Vicky T had many visitors in her last days; our volunteers played the harp one day, and the flute another day. The room was filled with love as Victoria fell asleep ever so gently in her favorite bed, her paws held in the hands of her carers. So many kisses sent her on her way. She left us knowing she was loved deeply and her life mattered so much to so many.

Words cannot express how much we will miss our precious girl. She was a shining light. We will cherish the beautiful memories of our sweetest girl, our brave and courageous girl, and she will live in our hearts forever. The corner of the Oasis room where her favorite bed was will always be known as Victoria’s corner. Every day she was with us was a gift to us. Every day with us was special for Victoria too – it was a day filled with freedom, safety, love, and care. Rest easy, sweet beautiful Vicky T, you were loved to the moon and back, sweetheart.

Our eternal thanks to her rescuer Dawn Burt. Thanks to our staff that looked after Victoria every day with such love and care and gave her the best life. Thanks to Dr. Murdock, Dr. Murphy, Dr. Birdwell, and all at Liberty Hill Veterinary Wellness who cared for Victoria over the years. Thanks to our volunteers who gave so much love to Victoria. And so many thanks to her sponsors and all who loved her from afar.

Victoria had 8 Sponsors

Diana King

Tamara and John Thompson

Neena Reeve

Catherine Zirkle

Genie Baranoff

Nancy Henry

Margaret Koch

Kelly Perez

In Memory of Jack       5/28/2005 – 7/27/2023

Jack!

His personality was larger than life!

Jack and his sister Scarlett were adopted as little bitty things and lived a wonderful life in a home. Circumstances change in our lives and we at Shadow Cats understand that, there is never judgement.

Little did these two siblings know when they were adopted that when anything in life happens that phrase we live by “Once a Shadow Cat, always a Shadow Cat” would mean so much.

Jack and Scarlett returned and we welcomed them with open arms. They both settled in well. Unfortunately, Scarlett passed a few years ago.

But our boy Jack! He has been the life and soul of Shadow Cats. A distinguished gentleman in his younger years, he had the air of an elder statesman as he grew older. A goofy sweet elder statesman! He didn’t have the best of habits, and sometimes some mop-ups were needed. We didn’t care, we mopped up and just said Oh Jack and he would look at us with that look “it wasn’t me?” We knew better! He could be a bit stubborn too in his later years. We accepted him the way he was and we loved him all the more. He made us smile every day.

He was the best sport, never minding when we put a hat on him for a fundraiser. His picture was used so much over the years, he has been quite the star on social media. With that slightly eccentric character and good looks, Jack was not short of friends, especially lady friends. He really could be a flirt. One special lady caught his eye, our dear Violet. They were cuddle buddies so we will make sure she is given lots of extra loving care in the coming days.

Jack was a set your clock by feedings kind of guy, front and center always and if treats were around, he could hear the sound of the treat bag being shaken even if he was fast asleep. He has been known to open the cupboard and spill the treats everywhere. Another Oh Jack moment!

We cannot begin to say how much this boy was loved, a favorite of so many near and far. As his health deteriorated over the past few days, he has had so many visitors come to see him, all with treats in hand. Jack was loved deeply by so many, a popular lad!

Jack has battled advanced kidney disease for a while but with the added diagnosis of cancer, his time with us had come to an end. Surrounded by love and light, he ever so gently fell asleep. The tears have fallen freely but through them, we have shared stories of this goofy boy, his antics, his internet fame, his known bad habits, and his incredible love of food and treats. Precious Jack, we celebrate your 18 years! The Wild Side room at Shadow Cats will never be the same. Jack will not be looking through the window or waiting for the door to open so he could greet us, or looking at us with those big beautiful eyes asking for treats.

His sister Scarlett was waiting to welcome him at the Rainbow Bridge. Jack is now being his goofy self and maybe even flirting a little with the ladies. There is much celebrating at the Bridge as Jack reunited with lots of old friends from his time at Shadow Cats.

Thank you, Jack, for bringing so much joy to our lives and giving us the best memories to keep in our hearts forever. The sweetest boy, you gave us more love than we could ever give back. Our beloved Jack, you will be missed terribly.

Our heartfelt thanks to his caregivers and our amazing staff who loved and cared for him daily. Thanks to our volunteers, his sponsors, Dr Murdock, and all staff and doctors at Liberty Hill Veterinary Wellness.

Jack had 3 Sponsors

“Wishing you lots of love, lots of playmates, and lots of treats – from our Jack to yours!”
-Jennifer Jackson

Julie Young

Tim McMullin