Every so often a profound bond grows between a person and a Tabby’s Place cat. Volunteer Joyce and gentle Albert were the epitome of such a bond. As his Special Needs correspondent and his cherished friend, Joyce was a sweet constant in Albert’s life. Albert left this world last week. We thought it only right that Joyce should pen his tribute here.
I asked if I could write a tribute to Albert my Love.
Albert chose me to write for him [as Special Needs correspondent, sending monthly updates to his sponsors] in October 2008. As Albert moved into different rooms I went with him. Around March 09, Albert started acting un-Albert like. He’d let me pet him twice, and then he’d go into a crate and not come out.
One day a volunteer saw Albert having a seizure. He was given an MRI, diagnosed with brain cancer and given a couple months to live.
As the months followed I became an advocate for Albert. I made sure people knew about Albert, and he got a pet bed on his chair and had his favorite food to eat. In fact, he wound up with quite a fan club plus his own video on YouTube.
In October Albert got an Upper Respiratory Infection. I prepared for the worst, but he came out of it. Then I got a call on Tuesday Nov. 17 that he was back in the hospital. I stayed with him, talking and petting him. He even got up and came near me, so we stood together with me petting him and talking to him. I convinced him to lie down and go to sleep, which he did.
Wednesday I got two e-mails he was better. Then Thursday I was told he had struggled trying to walk up his steps, and was lying in Yasmine‘s crate. I sat with Albert for an hour, and he perked up a little, wagging his tail.
As the vet team at Tabby’s Place could tell that Albert was suffering and at the end of his battle, it was decided to put Albert down in his favorite chair, with his beloved fur blanket, which I asked should go with him when he is gone.
Albert taught me a lot about courage and love, and he got me to be more sociable at Tabby’s Place. I will love and miss him forever!
I know I speak for all of us at Tabby’s Place when I say that I am grateful, to the depths of my heart, that Albert had such a devoted friend as Joyce. Rest well, beloved Albert; we will meet again.
Joyce, thank you for letting this handsome, sweet guy into your heart. You clearly earned your way into his. Rest in peace, furry Albert.
Joyce — you are an angel and I know in my soul how much Albert cherished you, as you cherished him. You will be together again, never fear! Albert, you were a beautiful and special little cat and you will be missed — til we all meet again, rest in peace, little love. And God bless you, Joyce.
I miss Albert tremendously. In fact I still can’t go into the Lobby, because that was where Albert lived at the end of his life. I am glad I knew Albert, he was one very brave cat. “Albert My Love you are free, free of all your suffering, and now you can walk, run like all other cats do.” Joyce
RIP Albert – you will live forever in the hearts of those who loved you. Joyce, I’m sure that Albert recognized you as a special person for all the loving and caring that you gave him.
Although it is heartbreaking to hear of the passing of a beloved cat such as Albert, it is a balm to the heart to know that he was truly loved by such wonderful people like Joyce. RIP sweet Albert, God bless Joyce!
Thank you, Joyce, for being such a good friend to Albert. He was a very cool cat and will be missed.
Albert this poem is for you sweetheart.
MISS ME BUT – LET ME GO
When I come to the end of the road and the sun has set for me.
I want no rites in a gloom filled room why cry for a soul set free?
Miss me a little, but not for long and not with your head bowed low.
Remember the love that we once shared.
MISS ME BUT – LET ME GO
For this is a journey that we all must take and each must go alone.
It’s all a part of the master’s plan.
A step on the road to home.
When you are lonely and sick of heart.
Go to the firends we know and bury your sorrows in doing good deeds.
MISS ME – BUT LET ME GO.
Love Always,
Joyce
Dear Sweet Mozart- When we “discovered” you (quite by accident as we explored the nooks and crannies of Tabby’s Place) living in the apartment with your buddy, Max, you were a delightful surprise! Your beautiful clear blue eyes and lovely fur coat were magical and your disposition was likewise. You will be missed by all still here, but you will also be welcomed by those who left before you.
As you readers will see, this HAS been a rough month for Tabby’s fans. The tribute to Mozart above ended up here by mistake, but King Albert would understand and pardon me.
And now, for the regal Albert, we will miss you, beautiful monarch. You graced the lobby with your magnificence and you always gave audience to your adoring subjects. We appreciated the brief time we had to know you and love you, sweet sir.
Joyce the poem for Albert is truly beautiful, it is obvious that he was truly loved and will be missed by you. Please continue your good deeds at Tabby’ Place in his honor.
Albert, I am so glad I got to meet you on Nov 8th when I came to Tabby’s Place for the first time. I am glad I got to spend time with you because black kitties are my favorite! I wish I could have got to known you better as I start to visit more often, but I know you had the best care and love during your time there. Say hi to Coors in Kitty Heaven…he was my special black kitty.