On May 5th, our beloved E-Scoop Mascot Jackson (the tabby in our header picture), passed over the Rainbow Bridge. He passed over peacefully in my arms, in the comfort of his home, surrounded by his human and furry friends. Jackson spent his final hours with his best friend Duke, our other mascot, the handsome grey and white tux boy. Jackson's story is below. A story of a feral cat who turned into our loving, friendly mascot.
Jackson will always be part of S.T.A.R.T. His story is one that tells of feral cats that became the love of our lives! Jackson was a feral cat in a colony of 30. He was special right from the start!! All of the cats were terrified except for Jackson. He was curious - always looking at me from a distance, each night he would come closer and eventually he came close enough for me to touch his head. After he checked me out and gave me the seal of approval, he brought his best friend, "Duke" to meet me. They were like Siamese Twins rubbing heads and walking in step with each other. They were inseparable. After a few years, I could touch both of them. It got to where they wanted some lovin' first ...then dinner please!
In 1999 Hurricane Floyd stalled over New Jersey, causing severe flooding in our area and a state of emergency. Unfortunately, the majority of the 30 cats in my colony were lost in local flooding, only eight of my babies survived. Within the next few months S.T.A.R.T., was finally ready to get its own office where we would be able to house a few cats. After four years of caring for this outside feral colony, it was time to bring my eight surviving babies inside!! When the office was ready with cat posts, a feeding station, beds and window perches, we brought them in. At first they all hid and were scared in their new environment. Duke was the worst. He charged, hissed and spit at anyone that came near him. He stayed on top of the refrigerator and cat post (always in a high position to be able to watch us all), we were ready to put him back out, he was so unhappy. But we knew we could not separate Duke from Jackson. Jackson stuck by Duke through thick and thin whatever his buddy wanted, he stayed near him through all the weeks and months until he calmed down. It's like he kept telling him, "Check out these digs. It will be okay!", Jackson never gave up on him. Duke eventually settled in to his new environment, taking on some of Jackson's loving personality!! Jackson was always comforting to all the newcomers that came through our doors. Even the volunteers, Jackson made everyone love him - he would say "Come in, sit and rub my belly it will be alright". Both Duke and Jackson greeted all the caregivers at the door, as soon as a key went in the lock they got up to see who was coming to visit!
In my heart, I know we could have adopted Jackson out years ago, he was such a gentle soul. But his best friend and buddy, Duke, took some time to adjust. We could not separate them and didn't want to part with him! Duke would have been lost without him. Jackson was family, our S.T.A.R.T. Ambassador, and Duke, for the record, is still the Boss!!
At the end of his life Jackson was in great pain but he still would roll over with the little energy he had to have his stomach rubbed and he purred and purred. It was so difficult to say good-bye. All who knew him loved him and will treasure his memory. Duke is still looking for his buddy and occasionally I too look for my precious Jackson. Jackson never failed to bring a smile to all. Jackson will truly be missed but, he will always be in our hearts and memories.
Rest in Peace Jackson.
By Annette Lamberti
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