Posted on 11/06/2011 9:23:54 PM PST by tcrlaf
MYFOXNY.COM - The cat that gained international attention after being lost at JFK Airport and then being found two months later has died.
Jack was on the brink of death when he was found in a customs room at JFK but it was hoped that he would survive after intensive treatment.
He was supposed to be on a flight to California with his owner when he disappeared in late August.
The veterinarian caring for Jack said more than two months on his own left the animal so severely malnourished and dehydrated.
He developed dangerous skin and liver conditions while trying to survive on his own at the airport.
(Excerpt) Read more at myfoxny.com ...
Dear FoJs:
It is with tears that I must tell you that Jack has gone over the rainbow bridge. He was with Karen yesterday, and his condition was worsening. He was treated overnight, and she (and I) both had extensive conversations with the vets at Blue Pearl regarding his condition.
Jack had extensive wounds on the back of his body, and the wounds were unable to heal because his skin had deteriorated due to the malnutrition that occurred while he was lost. Despite antibiotics, the infections were worsening, and his skin was continuing to deteriorate.
He needed surgery to treat the wounds, but there was not enough available skin to close the wounds after the surgery. The vet compared his skin condition to having severe burns over 50-60% of his body. The vet was very clear that she had conferred with every possible doctor regarding options for Jack, but none of them left him with a substantial chance of survival and all of them involved him suffering.
Jack had been through so much, and the last thing anyone wanted was for him to suffer more. Jack was bathed in love and crossed over just a few minutes ago.
We thank everyone who has gone on this journey with us. We have been introduced to people we have come to not only respect, but love. We will continue our work on this page… and will also be starting a dedicated website in Jack’s honor. We want people to understand the risks that attend putting an animal in cargo, and we hope to spur change in the industry so that no one else ever has to go through this again.
We honor Jack, we honor all the other animals who have been killed, injured, or lost while being transported through cargo procedures, and we honor all of you who have taken the time to share your kindness and love with us.
RIP Jack the cat
That’s a damn shame. The best I can come up with is he was found, among people who cared for him, and did not pass alone.
R.I.P Jack
It would have been too much to save him.
But we always remember a lost pet and welcome a new one into our lives.
May Jack find happiness on the other side. Jack, RIP.
Literally millions have been following this story, that looked like it was going to end happily.
The original indifference of TSA, and American Airlines to this is what set off an internet fury, and tons of bad press for the airline.
Cats are resourseful, but a declawed cat can’t chase down much in the way of food, or defend itself from other animals.
I think I just got something in my eyes, everyone - excuse me for a couple minutes...
RIP, Jack.
Damn, I hate to hear that. I had higher hopes after hearing he was better. RIP Jack!
Cats need a diet one third in protein. They’re obligate carnivores and an insufficient diet is rapidly fatal.
What happened to Jack was sickening. He will be missed.
in 2002 my children and I were coming back from Germany. On the last leg of our journey the stewardess informed us that our cat was lost.
I freaked the hell out. The pilot was in the radio with the tower the whole flight while they located out kitty. Eventually they found our cat and he made it to our final destination just an hour after we did, but it was scary.
I gotta give United props. EVERYONE cared about our cat, from the stewardess, to the pilot to the tower and on. Losing our cat as a HUGE deal and was made a priority.
Poor Jack. RiP, and suffer no more.
I’m very sorry to hear that about Jack.Damn airline.
I used to travel with my dog flying in cargo and never had a problem. But years ago a friend’s son was returning to college in Washington State out of JFK, and brought his dog with him. Somehow the crew at Seattle forgot to unload his dog, who proceeded onto Tokyo! By the time the dog got back to Seattle he was fairly traumatized but did recover.
Not too sure what alternative there is for folks flying with pets. This sounds like Jack didn’t have a well secured traveling cage.
From the American Airlines Facebook Page:
UPDATE: November 6, 7:20 PM CDT
Unfortunately, Jack the cat had to be euthanized by the veterinarian today. We are deeply saddened that Jack the cat has passed away, and we offer profound sympathy to Jack’s owner, Karen Pascoe, for her loss. Our heart also goes out to the Friends of Jack and those in the cat-loving community who have grown fond of Jack since he went missing. We understand that a cat is a beloved family member for so many, including our own employees.
From all of us at American, our sincere apologies to Karen and Jack’s family and friends. We also thank all of you who have provided support, ideas, kindness and understanding for Jack along the way.
TRANSLATION: Please don’t sue us, because after all the bad publicity, this could cost us A MILLION, or more!
The only way I would fly my pet across the country is if he was sitting beside me the whole flight.
I’d sooner drive across before I’d fly.
I was flying from Rochester to San Jose once with my Lab. They sent her to Idaho instead. That was a horrifying experience.
That is a shame.
My husband took our Lab with him to hunt in S Dakota?
I cannot remeber the exact state.
I made a flyer with my dog’s picture-
“ Hi! I am ____. This is my first time flying, and I am really nervous. My daddy is in seat____. Please let him know that I am safely boarded.”
My husband passed the flyer to the gate attendants, and the flight attendants.
The flight attendants loved the flyer of our dog, and proceeded to make sure she was safely on the flight.They informed my husband of her status while boarding.
The best way to ensure the safety of your pet is to make your pet personal to the staff at the airlines.
No one is going to ignore a cute picture of your pet.
Too bad. Sad to hear.
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