In memoriam

Name: Teddy

Owner: Foal Farm

Tribute: It is with regret to announce the sad loss and final goodbye of the beloved Teddy, who passed away on the 22nd June 2010, after a short illness, to cancer. Teddy came to live here on the 28th September 2002, aged 6, after he was a victim of a road traffic accident, and he had to have his tail amputated which left him without complete bladder control. This made life for his owner rather difficult, as they lived in a flat, and we were privileged and thankful that we could accommodate and look after him here. Who would of believed that this fabulous cat would have made such an impact on all the staff, volunteers, visitors and of course his sponsors, and became such a popular character. He would greet everyone with a hello and would take every opportunity to climb on shoulders for a love and a purr in the ear, especially if you were in the staff room, or sitting, having a cup of tea and a piece of cake in the tea room area! He loved the sunshine, and would go anywhere around the farm to show his presence and to anyone willing to give him some fuss. He certainly was blessed with the perfect name; he was just like a Teddy bear. Teddy also played a vital role in FIB, because of his calm and friendly personality; he was our main cat testers. The past year or so he did suffer with his incontinence and also on occasions suffered with constipation, but with the care from the staff and our superb vets, he lived a happy life here. Sadly in May 2010, a lump appeared on his front left foot which at first was thought to be a very bad infection, but within a week or so, two other similar lumps appeared, and after the bi-opsy results confirmed our worse fears that they were malignant tumors. Teddy peacefully passed away on Tuesday afternoon of the 22nd June 2010. He will be very missed by as all and will always be fondly remembered. His ashes are with us at Foal and we will shortly be arranging his final resting place here. R.I.P Teddy XX

Name: Koshka (re-named Kizzy)

Owner: Kelly German

Tribute: It is with great sadness that I had to have Koshka (re-named Kizzy) put to sleep on Thursday 15th July 2010. She had developed hyperthyroidism back in 2009 and last week had just become very lethargic, not interested in her food and a cough. A trip to the vet soon established she had an enlarged heart and fluid on her lungs. At a ripe old age of 19 I couldn't put her through loads of tests. She chose me in October 2006 and even though she was the grumpiest cat I've ever owned, over the years we developed such a bond. In her later years she'd learnt to sit on you to give you kisses and for the occasional dribble on your dressing gown but would soon tell you when she was finished with the love for the day! She is missed terribly and has left a big gap in my life.

Name: Dizzy

Owner: Kerry Brady

Tribute: I had the heartbreaking decision to have my little cat, Dizzy, put to sleep on Saturday. I adopted her from Foal Farm in 2002, when I was looking for a flat cat and we happened to be perfect for each other. Sadly, she was diagnosed with kidney failure in 2007 and was on special renal tablets and renal pouch food for the remainder of her life. I made the decision to let her live with my father who is retired and my sister, so that she could have 24 hour care and company. My sister treated her like a little princess which was perfect for Dizzy. The vets were always amazed at how she had lived so long with the problems she had. Sadly, two weeks ago her health started to decline even more due to the kidneys, and although we were told she could have fluids pumped into her, she wouldn't have had much hope of seeing out the month. My sister and I stayed with her while she was put to sleep, as hard as it was, but we couldn't leave her. We said our goodbyes and told her she'd be pain free very soon. She'll be so missed by myself and my family. Thank you to Foal Farm for giving us 8 years together. I attach a photo of Diz in her better years. I think you'll agree she was the most beautiful cat!

Name: Thomas

Owner: Lynne

Tribute: We fostered 19yr old Thomas just before christmas 2009 and soon after our vet found a large abdominal mass. We were told he probably had weeks but they turned into months until last week he grafually started fading away and eventually could not stand-still purred though. We decided that it was unfair to make him suffer more. Despite only having him for 6mths his death has left a huge hole-he was such a character!!

Name: Tessa

Owner: Simon and Jenny Bettridge

Tribute: In August of 2004 we had taken the decision, having recently moved into our new house in a leafy area of Kent, to look for a new addition to our family � a nice small puppy. We looked around several rescue centres not finding any suitable dogs, until we arrived a Foal. Jenny immediately fell in love with a seven year old huge mastiff cross called Tessa despite being everything that we weren't looking for, it was love at first sight. It is often said that a pet chooses their owner and this was definitely the case with Tessa. She had been at Foal for over a year, loved by all of the volunteers and staff, but because she was deemed as not being suited to a home with other pets or children was still awaiting her new home. We went through a process of visiting Foal to get acquainted with her and to make sure that we were all happy. We fell in love with her straight away, and seemingly her with us. When it came to taking her home on a hot 14th August 2004 we couldn't have been more excited and we found out on the ride home that neither could Tessa. She covered the two of us and the car in fur and slobber! We were both covered in kisses all the way home! Over the last six years Tessa has become such an integral part of our lives - not a pet, but our friend. The happiest, silliest and soppiest, most lovable dog we have ever known. Unfortunately today (1st June 2010) we had to take the heart-breaking decision to put her to sleep as she had an inoperable cancerous growth and it had started to affect her life. This is the most difficult decision either of us has ever had to make, and although we know it is the right one and best for Tessa we are devastated and miss her terribly. Rest in peace Tess, our baby, we love you to pieces always. Simon & Jen. XX