This Week at the Farm 3: Taj
Hey there,
This week at the farm 3: Taj is coming at ya a day late because as the title implies it’s about my sweet kitty Taj who crossed the rainbow bridge Friday afternoon. It was a goodbye I’d never be ready for and as hard as it is to write these words our fur babies are a huge part of our lives, and I want to start documenting them more here on the journal. I also want to pay tribute to a friend I had the privilege of living with for 12 1/2 years.
Our Story
I am a huge animal lover, always have been since I was a little girl. And still today it would be a toss up whether I’ve always wanted to live on a farm for the farmhouse or the animals. All of our fur babes are family, but Taj was extra special.
You see, 12 1/2 years ago was a difficult time in my life. I was 20 years old. My dad had been fighting cancer for over 2 years, and I was in a very toxic relationship. At the end, my dad was undergoing treatment at MD Anderson in Houston, Texas. And on the day we had to let him go Taj was born.
Taj Cat
Taj’s mother belonged to my cousin’s cat. My cousin who had made the trip with me to Houston. We were laying in bed that night and she said something like, “I know you don’t care, but my cat had kittens” and showed me a picture on her phone. Then I said something like, “aww I’ve never had a cat inside, if there’s a boy I’ll take him”. I met Taj a few days later and at just 5 weeks old he came home with me.
Growing Up
He was so small he could fit in my shoe. He was so ornery he would climb my curtains like a squirrel! Lol! Taj brought me joy. He helped me heal in a way only an animal can. He was a constant light when there was so much darkness in my life.
He saw me out of that toxic relationship, which ended in divorce. He moved with me 5 times including the farmhouse. We grew up together and made the best memories in our favorite place – home. I took care of him when he was a baby and watched him grow into an adult, and then he passed me up.
My Meow Meow
He went by Taj, Tete, Tete meow meow, Taj-y, Taj Cat, and T. For 12 1/2 years he was the first to greet me at the door everyday. He loved ice cream and yogurt, a good box, sunshine, and any form of running water. He loved to play tag with me in the house. He would sleep on any blanket he could find. He was waiting for me in the bathroom every morning usually chillin in the sink lol! He would drink water with his paw life a raccoon. Sometimes he would sneak outside and give me a heart attack. He would “help” me make the bed every morning because he loved to play with the blankets as I did it. And up until his last night on earth he slept curled up next to me in bed.
Diagnosis
How poetic that cancer should take him. He was diagnosed with mouth cancer right before Christmas. A terminal diagnosis. I promised him I wouldn’t let him suffer. Watching him wither away as he ate less and slept more this past month was devastating. And last week I knew it was time.
Keeping My Promise
It was a gut feeling I woke up with Thursday morning. He probably would have made awhile longer, but I could see his quality of life fading and I never wanted him to suffer or get the point where he’d given up. Even thought I knew it was the right thing for him it was still the hardest thing I’ve ever had to do.
This Week at the Farm 3: Taj
It was an honor to see him through all phases of life. He probably knew me better than anyone and I him. He was my baby, my dear friend, my family and I will miss and love him forever.
Rest in peace now my sweet kitty.

49 Comments
Susan
This was so beautifully written! This really touched my heart. I’m so sorry you lost your companion. Sending hugs♥️
Amanda
Thanks Susan! He was my buddy and it’s so weird without him
Sharon
Awww…I am sad, for/with you…
Amanda
Thank you. He’s certainly missed but I’m glad he’s not in pain and I’m grateful for the bond we had
Corrie
Hugs to you! What a lovely tribute to a lovely boy.
Amanda
Thank you -xo
Guerrina
My heart’s breaking for you. I, too, had a pet that brought me through my Mom’s death when I was 22, protected and saw me out of a toxic abusive marriage. To this day I miss him. Hugs.
Amanda
Wow how crazy and yet I bet common because I think they’re a gift to us when we need them most. Hugs right back to you
Joanne
I’m sooo very sorry. I know first hand how you can love your pet & treat em like family. I lost my best friend (Bo baby)is what I called my Boarder Collie. He was the best dog…I loved him sooo much. And I still think about him all the time. Sweet memories. And that will help you thru this difficult time. My thoughts & prayers are with you right now.
Amanda
Thank you. Your comforting words mean so much. I’m trying to focus on those sweet memories
Amanda
I’m also sorry to hear about your Bo baby! It sounds like he was such a blessing to you
Jolie
Thank you for sharing the story of your sweet Taj! My first cat came into mine & my daughter’s life just after my ex-husband died and I too feel we found Dandelion for a reason to help us heal. I’m very sorry for your loss! I never thought I could love an animal as much as I do my two cats! I’m sure Taj had the best life & knew he was loved!
Amanda
Thank you and thank you for sharing that with me. I believe they’re truly a gift. He was well loved that’s for sure. Snuggle your babies a little extra from me!
Melissa
Sorry for your loss of Your kitty. Love and prayers for comfort and peace .💙
Amanda
Thank you -xo
Judy
I’m so sorry for your loss. It’s never easy to make the decision to put them down. They say animals give us the happiest day of our lives and the saddest. Know you did the right thing. I really enjoyed the pictures of your fur baby. What a gorgeous cat.
Amanda
Thank you. I’ve never heard that before and find it to be very true. He was a handsome guy 🙂
Dawn
I’m so sorry for your loss!! I hope you’ll find peace in knowing the love you had for Taj and his love for you!!!
Amanda
Than you for these comforting words, they mean the world to me
Lori Mullen
I am so very very sorry. I know the pain of loving them and being loved so deeply in return. Sending Super big and gentle hugs.
Amanda
Thank you so much -xo
Lisa
All of our fur babies are family but some are even more special because they are there when we desperately need them. We always know we’ll outlive them but we are never ready to say goodbye. How blessed you were to have each other.
Amanda
So very true. So very blessed :’)
Myra
So sorry for your loss, Amanda. 🙏🙏🙏
Amanda
Thank you XO
Susan Bullock
What a beautiful and touching tribute to Taj. I know your heart is broken as I have fur babies playing on rainbow bridge. Sending you gentle hugs and prayers 💔💕🐱
Amanda
It is. It’s hard and weird without him. But how lucky are we to have had such sweet babies to love
melanie
I am so, so sorry. Truly. My heart goes out to you.
Amanda
Than you xoxo
Terri
I had a dog that had cancer. It was so hard letting go.
Sounds like you were a great cat mom and he had a great life with you. You’ll always have him in your heart.
Hugs to you!
Amanda
I found comfort in what you said. I’m also so sorry about your dog so I’m sending hugs and love right back to you.
Michele M.
Dear Amanda,
I am so so terribly for you losing your sweet furry family member. I understand, It’s been years since my Romeo kitty went over the Rainbow Bridge – and here I am bawling my eyes out for you. Because it hurts deeply and it is grief.
I am praying for you as you endure this, and hope you find another furry love who needs you when you are ready.
Take care. Hugs.
Amanda
Hi Michele. Thank you so much for your comforting words. I’m so sorry to hear about your baby too. That kind of love and bond is an amazing thing and when they leave it hurts. Hugs right back to you!
Lynda
So sorry! Our pets are our babies. I have been there more times then I care and it is always so hard!! Some people say “It was just a cat or just a dog”. For us that are animal lovers that is so not true. It is our heart breaking in a million pieces. Hugs to you!
Amanda
Thank you and yes! I was a bit nervous I would get some comments like that but thank goodness I haven’t. I think, or at least hope, if you’re here then you’re my kind of people and understand how hard it is. I’m grateful to have you 🙂
Jonita
Amanda, so sorry about your lost, I know how much you will miss him. My prayers are with you. I have lost several fur baby’s my self. It is like losing a family member.
Amanda
You’re absolutely right. I always dreaded it, of course we all do. But I’m still shocked by how hard it has hit me. I appreciate your kind words
Debi Padgett
Amanda, I am so sorry for your loss! What a sweet tribute to your kitty. I know it had to be difficult to write. We currently have a 13 yr. old mini dachshund. She doesn’t have any terminal illness, but her age is sure showing. I can’t imagine life without her. You will continue to be in my thoughts. Just think about the wonderful years you two gave to each other!
Debi Padgett
😢❤️
Amanda
Thank you for your kind words Debi they truly mean so much. I hope you have lots of years left with your baby. Snuggle her a little extra for me!
Dana
Oh, Amanda, I am so sorry Taj has passed away Our pets give us so much love. The years just fly by and suddenly they are old. All of us who have had beloved pets have to endure this heartache when they leave us. When they are gone, they leave such an empty space. May God comfort you. Maybe someday you will open your heart to another.
Amanda
Thank you for your comforting words. It’s amazing how much we love them and how big of a role they play in our lives.
Margaretanne Clinton
Such a lovely story to share. It’s speaks to those of us who have loved and lost.
Thankyou.
Amanda
It was both difficult and cathartic to write. I’m glad it resonated with you 🙂
Jeannie
So sorry for your loss. I haven’t lost a cat but I’ve had golden retrievers for years & it’s awful when you have to let them go. Remember all the silly times!
Amanda
Thank you. It’s so strange without him now too but I’m holding tight to those memories
Heather
Such a beautiful story, I am in tears as I know someday this will be with my sweet little mini doxie, Penelope. She to has moved all over with me and helped me through a toxic relationship. I wouldn’t know what to do without her. Huge hugs for you and I am so very sorry for your loss.
Amanda
They’re our babies and the best companions for sure and when you’ve been through a lot together that bond is extra strong. Give that sweet Penelope lots of snuggles!
Diane
I am so sorry…having just lost our dog I know…I know.
Amanda
So sorry to hear this! Hugs to you!