In Memory of Meeko 1/29/2021 – 4/2/2026
Meeko came from a heartbreaking hoarding situation, along with his friends Hudson and Enzo, all rescued in January of 2026. Confined to a single room, feline leukemia and FIV positive, and without adequate medical care, he suffered from severe oral disease that impeded his appetite. On his tongue were ulcers, carved deep, making every bite of food an excruciating undertaking.
When he arrived at the sanctuary, he ate with an intensity that exposed just how needy and vulnerable he was at that moment. The pictures we’d seen of him when we said, ‘yes’, showed an emaciated cat. The one eating before us showed tremendous promise despite all of the odds stacked against him. We all fell in love with him very quickly.
Meeko was quite independent. He loved people and was extremely compliant with any treatments required. He had a certain way of eating his dry food that made a constant mess – he would take a mouthful of food from his bowl then drop it on the floor to eat each piece individually, drooling all over the place, but we loved him all the more for it. Despite the pain he was in, he still had the best attitude and enjoyed life.
One of our treasured moments with Meeko was witnessing playtime with catnip toys. He plopped onto them like a dragon guarding his hoard. It was the first time we’d witnessed him simply being a cat. He was a quiet observer who just sat back and watched the world around him, happy to take in the moments of calm while sunbathing on the catio or napping in a cozy condo. He was such a special boy.
Unfortunately, as we know all too well with feline leukemia, we didn’t have as much time with sweet Meeko as we would have liked. The leukemia started taking its toll, and his body started to fail him. End stage FeLV symptoms and pain from his mouth became too much for this charming boy, so we gave him the final gift of a gentle passing, surrounded by those who loved him.
Meeko now stands over the rainbow bridge, able to be fully himself and free of any pain, with all the Shadow Cats who came before him.
Thank you to his amazing sponsors, Linda L & Sue R. Thank you to the volunteers who loved him and gave him the attention he deserved and needed. Thank you to our staff who cared for him and made his short stay the most memorable few months of his life. Thank you to Vista Vet for the medical care he received. Thank you to all who loved Meeko in person and from afar.
We love you, Meeko, and we always will
Meeko had 2 Sponsors
Linda Larson
Sue Richards