Gary (the cat)

[Moesha]

I thought I better clarify the topic this time so as not to have any confusion like with original thread.

The trip started off typical. Within two minutes of leaving the house, someone had pooped in the car. That made for a lovely hour's trip. When we got there we checked in. Gary was quite the nasty guy. Hissing and swatting at the lady as she tagged his trap. I guess that was part of his charm though. I had signed for them to test for FIV/Leuk with the understanding that if a positive result came back, the cat would be euthanized. I left saying a cheery goodbye to Gary and the stray girl I had brought along.

My mom went to pick them up and they brought her an empty trap. Gary had tested positive for leukemia. I never would have suspected that. He'd been around here for at least 6 months and had gotten to be a very big boy. When my mom called in tears, I thought for sure the sweet girl had been sick or pregnant and didn't make it through the surgery. But it was Gary. I really hope the vaccinations work because like I said he's been associating with 3 of my kitties out back. They've all had shots, although Jose is due for his boosters. I haven't read much about leukemia since this is the first kitty in all the strays that have come around here that has tested positive.

It's going to be strange around here. Gary was not what you could describe as a pet. Actually, the only real word that I can think of to portray his personality is "galoot". He was very eccentric and funny to watch. He loved his food and liked Juliet. Other than that he was a loner. I am glad he never showed signs of being sick. There would have been no way for us to give him any kind of treatment.

Here are a few pictures that I had posted before of Gary.

[Freedom]

Oh Moesha, I am so sorry to be reading this about your Gary! your mum must have been STUNNED!

FeLV, feline leukemia is quite contagious, although I "think" through saliva. Do that research you mentioned.

FIV, aka Feline Aids, is not nearly as bad. A cat with that should be kept as an indoor cat, however. My Bobby is FIV +. They can only transmit that through a deep bite. Thakfully, all my cats get along and Bobby himself is such a love bug, just wanting to smooch with everyone, that it is not an issue here.

RIP, Gary. You knew the love of a PT'er, that makes you one lucky fella.

[Cinder & Smoke]

SAFE Trip to the Bridge, Gary!

{{{Hugs}}} and my Sympathies to you for all the Love you gave to Gary during
his too brief stay in your care. Fur Sure he'll remember those Good Times!

/s/ Phred

[Scooter's Mom]

I didn't expect to see this thread in here.
RIP sweet Gary... you were a beautiful big tomcat, roaming the neighborhood, protecting your area.

The photos Moesha took of you are wonderful. Play hard at the Rainbow Bridge.

[Taz_Zoee]

I gasped when I saw the title of this thread.
I am so sorry this happened. I'm sure it was a shock to your mom AND you. I'm surprised they didn't call you to at least let you know ahead of time so your mom wouldn't have been so shocked at seeing an empty trap.

RIP Gary, you sure were one handsome fella.

[Emeraldgreen]

I gasped when I saw this thread. I'm so shocked. He was just doing his thing yesterday and
now he is gone. I'm thankful he had a place where he could come for a meal everyday and I'm sure he felt like it was home. Rest in peace big beautiful Gary. Maybe you will find Mary's Buddy and become friends as you both left this world in the same way.
Prayers that your other cats will be just fine and that the little girl kitty will recover well from surgery.

[Medusa]

Moesha, I'm really sorry about Gary. This is what I experienced w/Buddy just two weeks ago. Yes, feline leukemia is very contagious. If the cats share a litter box, drink from the same water bowl, exchange saliva through sneezing, etc., they can get it, too, so there was no option for our boys but to help them to the Bridge. Gary looked so much like the feral that I fed for years, Old Tom. He was a loner, too, but he sure sired a lot of kittens. At least now your heart will be able to rest knowing that Gary is healthy and well at the Bridge. RIP, Gary and peace to you, Moesha and Mom.

[jennielynn1970]

I'm so sorry to read this about Gary. I'm sure you mom was shocked and wasn't expecting to receive an empty cage.

I'm glad that Juliet is ok, and thankful that she tested negative (I'm guessing she was negative).

Play hard at the bridge gary. My mom and dad's boy squeek just went there today as well, so you'll have a buddy to be with. He can be a bit of a bully, but he's a good boy, just like you.

Rest in peace, gary.

[Catty1]

I am so sorry to hear this. What a handsome boy - wonderful markings and face.

Hugs to you for feeding Gary. He is happy and healthy at the Bridge.

And...with him being Felv positive, perhaps there are lives being saved. But how sad that Gary's passing had to be the cause.

{{{{hugs}}}}

[Moesha]

I'm glad that Juliet is ok, and thankful that she tested negative (I'm guessing she was negative).

Juliet is one of the ones that has been here for a year and a half. The new girl that went and was "snipped and tipped" today doesn't have a name. She does look a lot like Juliet though. The unnamed girl did test negative though.

[jennielynn1970]

Oh gosh, I'm sorry!!! I thought I was getting something wrong!

Glad the unnamed little one was negative!

[Anikaca77]

RIP Gary.

Take care.

[GILL]

We are feel so sorry for you.

[CultureJunky]

I am so sorry to read this. What a beautiful cat Gary was, such a big lovable looking boy, I can see why you are so shocked. I am sorry it didn't turn out the way you anticipated. Rest in peace Gary knowing you were loved dearly, you really were.

[catmandu]

I REMEMBER WHAT MY VET SIAD WHEN I TOOK GEM AND CHARCOAL IN TO SEE IF THEY COULD BE SAVED AND IT TURNED OUT THAT THEY TOO HAD FIP.
THAT IT WAS A KIDNESS TO TAKE THEM IN BEFORE THE DISEASE TOOK OVER AND THE POOR CATS HAD TO SUFFER.
I REMEMBER THE ANGELS I TRIIED TO HELP BUT COULDNT.
GEM , KARINA THE LITTLE MOTHER HAD HAD TO BE STOPPED FROM NURSING HER BABIES AT 5 WEEKS, AS SHE HAD FIP TOO.
THAT BROKE HER HEART.AND NUGGET HURT BY MEAN KIDS.
SCRATCHY, SCRATCHIER , ORANGE BLOSSOM , ORANGIE AND FREDDY VICTIMS OF CARELESS DRIVERS.
TIGER AND ROADBLOCK WHO WERE INJURED AND HAD TO BE PTS.
AND SOME WHO NEVER CAME AROUND AGAIN, CATZILLA FOR ONE.
YOU DID YOUR VERY BEST FOR GARY, WHO LOOKS SO MUCH LIKE THOAMS TABBY.
AND AS MY VET SAID , HE WONT SUFFER FROM THAT SAD DISEASE.
HE WILL JOIN OUR STRAY ANGEL AT THIER STRIP MALL, AND THERE WILL BE A BANQUET THERE IN YOUR HONOR WITH GARY, IN HIS WINGS OF SILVER AND GOLD THERE TO GREET YOU.
ONE FINE DAY.