Let me start by “ripping off the bandage:” we lost dear Jonathan yesterday.

As you know, his kidney values had taken a severe turn for the worse last week.  We started aggressive fluid therapy, which can reverse rapidly failing renal insufficiency.  It can often work wonders.  But, there is no way to know how effective it will be without trying.

After 2 days of IV fluids, Jonathan seemed a little better, though he was still not eating.  We opted to push fluids another day or two, just to be sure.  He was clearly very tired, but seemed to be resting peacefully in his cage.

We checked on him often … but, in the late afternoon, Dr. C. came to us with the news that Jonathan had passed on his own.

I went to see his body, seemingly lying in peace in a nice warm blanket in the Surgery Room.  My mind flashed to how much fun it had been to have him as a resident.  Out of the almost 3,000 cats that we have seen, no cat has brought more joy or laughter to the building.

Just one look at that face and you couldn’t help but smile.  There was such an earnest-looking being staring out from that face (which looked like it was “kissed by a Mack truck”), and the surrounding mantle of water-soaked fur.

He managed to look regal and slovenly at the same time.  His beautiful fur was marred by poor self-grooming, and there were often bits of food or other detritus hanging from him.

He was funny without trying.  He would trot around the Lobby looking like an animated ball of fur.  He was a cruise missile, programmed to seek the nearest lap or treats.  He is undoubtedly the record holder in lap time, and he could move like lightning when he heard the crinkle of a treat bag.  Just a crumple of paper in my office and he would appear, as if by magic, at the gate (keeping my FIV+ office mates in).

As sad as I am, it is hard to think of him without smiling or, even, laughing.  And, as gentle as he was, I saw witness to an encounter with Anka, our most butt-kicking-capable cat.  On that day, as Jonathan walked by Anka’s gated area, Anka smashed against the barrier, startling Jonathan.  Did our Persian hero run, which was the smart move?

No. Jonathan turned to face his enemy and did his best imitation of an angry cat, puffing to the maximum.  I didn’t have the heart to tell him that he looked comical and not threatening.  After a few seconds, he trotted off, knowing that he showed Anka who “was boss.”

What an amazing chain of events that led to sharing paths with him for a while. Good work, Universe.  It was worth the pain.

Your correspondent,
Jonathan (the other Jonathan)

Note: Since dear Jonathan has passed away, we have transferred your sponsorship to another cat in need: Rufus. Like Jonathan, FIV+ Rufus is a Special Needs boy with an unsinkable spirit. You can meet Rufus here, and look forward to receiving your first update on him later this week.

If you prefer, you can select a different Special Needs cat to sponsor. Click here to meet all our Special Needs cats, and contact us by email if you’d like to transfer your sponsorship. Otherwise, you will receive updates on Rufus each month going forward. As always, your generous support will go where it’s most needed.

Thank you for your love and beautiful generosity to Jonathan. The Tabby’s Place cats are deeply fortunate to have you in their lives.