TJ left us much too soon

It’s with a heavy heart that we write this post to inform you that TJ crossed the Rainbow Bridge yesterday afternoon 07/25/2024.

He was diagnosed with Acute Kidney Injury after the abdominal ultrasound showed the presence of renal infarcts in both kidneys and bile duct obstruction. Blood was found in his urine test and he never regained his appetite; his condition was compromising his liver and other vital organs.

Only 23 days after Oliver’s passing, once again we had to make the heart-wrenching decision of letting TJ go to save him from suffering any longer. TJ crossed the Rainbow Bridge in the late afternoon, all wrapped up in a soft blanket and so much love, both Paul and I were by his side until the end.

TJ was rescued in June 2015, at only a few weeks old, right after we lost our senior rescue cat Tommy; they both had the most beautiful big green eyes ever so we named the newcomer Tommy Jr. but we always called him TJ .

TJ became Vito’s bestie as soon as he arrived at the Sanctuary, a baby brother with whom he shared nine years of fun and games.

TJ was that kind of cat that behaves like a kitten no matter how old they get but he was also powerful and majestic like a lion.

During his nine years at the Sanctuary, he was the healthiest cat of them all, he was playful, mischievous and always hungry like a wolf; watching him suddenly fade away at such a young age hurt like a knife.

Words can’t describe how much we miss him and always will. Run free precious TJ, go chase Oliver at Rainbow Bridge like you always did. Until we meet again

WEDNESDAY 07.24.2024

TJ has been receiving IV fluid treatment since Tuesday noon. He’s been giving all sorts of meds (antibiotics, pain killers, corticosteroids, etc.) Nothing has worked so far and after 4 days he continues not eating on his own.

Bloodwork and urine tests indicate renal failure but the abdonimal ultrasound results will give us more detailed information to know what to do next.

TUESDAY 07.23.2024

Rushing TJ to the vet clinic. Yesterday, TJ stopped eating but we thought it was due to the extremely high summer temperatures we’re experiencing these days. However, as hours went by he continued to be anorexic and became extremely letargic.

At night he was running a fever with heavy breathing, and this morning he vomited some “pink liquid”.

Over the last 9 years at the Sanctuary, TJ has always been a very healthy cat so we are very worried about this sudden health issue.