Hello, Charles fanciers.

It is with many tears that I must tell you our beloved boy is gone.

Charles had a fairly good stretch last weekend, as you can see in these photos from Saturday and Sunday volunteers. He still enjoyed stroller rides, and he was still eating and looking for attention.

But Charles’s symptoms worsened as the week progressed. He was no longer enjoying food, his stool remained liquid, and, despite receiving a large quantity of fluids, he couldn’t shake off his dehydration. He continued to suffer from a fever. And he was much too quiet, surely his way of letting us know that he was tired and just couldn’t keep up the fight any longer.

We cannot claim to be surprised by this, but it’s still heartbreaking.

We’re grateful that we were able to have our sunshiny boy in our lives, albeit for far too brief a time. And we’re grateful, too, for the amazing amount of support and love you sent via e-mail and in person. It has been nothing short of profound to witness such an outpouring of love from FeLV+ Fund sponsors all over the world. Thank you for letting Charles become such a cherished part of your life.

If there is any comfort on this heartbreaking day, it is that our boy was fully adored … and he knew it. Charles was a cat whose zest for life matched his bright stripes, and every day at Tabby’s Place was a fresh adventure. From suitemates Oram and Tucker, to doting staff and volunteers, to you, devoted sponsors, Charles lived at the heart of so many hearts.

Four little letters — F-e-L-V — could have marked the end. But thanks to you, they were the beginning of the happiest chapter of his life.

Thank you for being here for Charles so generously. Each of our FeLV+ cats is deeply fortunate to have you in their family. We will carry Charles’s love forward in all that we do.

Your correspondent,
Stephanie