A TRIBUTE TO APOLLO

On March 14, 2025 at 2:45pm, our sweet senior Apollo transitioned to the next life in the arms of his mom and dad, surrounded by his fur siblings, flowers, and a warm late winter breeze. While his death brought us to our knees, it is his life that we hope will inspire others to open their hearts to a senior cat.
 
Apollo was 17 years old, abandoned by his humans, and minutes from death at ACCT Philly in December of 2022 when we saved him with the help of Dr. Cohn. Unsure of how long we would have him, we were determined to let him have the best golden years possible. He got an earful from his dad on the way home. He heard all about his new house, his new fur siblings, his new parents who couldn’t wait to love him. Once he got home and surrounded by love, he flourished. It seemed being loved and protected allowed him to be like a kitten again, albeit with some arthritis and mild kidney disease, but nothing a heated bed and some truly stinky renal diet wet food didn’t solve.
 
Apollo was the king of the house. He was loud, demanding, and sometimes grumpy if the dog walked past him too closely or his brother Buca tried to ”share” Apollo’s aforementioned stinky food, but mostly he loved; perhaps harder than any animal I have had in my 35 years. He seemed to deeply appreciate this new life he was given and was grateful to be given it. His love felt all encompassing and understanding, like that of an old friend. When his time with us was nearing its end, despite knowing he was older when he was adopted, only two years together felt like we were being cheated. He had become an integral part of our family and we felt like we were losing him way too soon, even though he was cresting 20 years old. He made us understand that it truly is the life in your years, not the years in your life, that matter. 
 
Our home is much quieter now but Apollo’s legacy will live on in every senior cat saved from a fate they did not choose when being abandoned at a shelter or dumped on the street. Please consider opening your heart to a distinguished older cat. They are often overlooked and underappreciated. We hope you all find a love like we did in Apollo. 
 
Til we meet again, polliwog.
 
Mom and Dad