07/03/2026
Tucker came to us with his two siblings, Tazz and Cassie, from Sumter County, FL Animal Services in October of 2021. They were seven months old at the time and all three tested positive for feline leukemia (FeLV).
We reached out for fosters and Cara Couch and Mike Barker were kind enough to accept. I can recall Cara messaging me early on saying of the three, Tucker is a handful. He is very smart, easily bored and needs interactive toys. He even stole her car keys one day!
Cara and Mike fostered the three kitties for Gracie’s Place and Farm for four years. Unfortunately, during that time, Tazz and Cassie both crossed over the rainbow bridge due to complications from the FeLV.
In November of 2025, Tucker came to live with us at the sanctuary. For the first few days, he hid under his enormous gray blanket, but gradually, the real Tucker emerged. Full of life and always looking for a good time, he fit right in with the other leukemia positive kitties. He even took up watch at the doorway to the leukemia house. We were never quite sure if it was Tucker just being nosy or mischievous Tucker as a lookout to warn his buddies that “the people” were coming.
A few weeks ago, we noticed that Tucker was not himself. Ever since he was a kitten, he had gastrointestinal issues that would come and go. We thought perhaps it was that bothering him because his stomach appeared a bit swollen. On February 24th, we took him to East Coast Animal Hospital. Tucker’s bloodwork showed he had an infection and it was suspected he might have an infected ulcer. He received fluids, shots of antibiotics and B12, medication to coat the lining of his stomach, and anti-nausea and anti-diarrhea medications.
Two days later, at 4:40 a.m., we got a call that Tucker was dying. Mike raced over to the sanctuary and sat with Tucker while he took his last breath.
Tucker was unique and one of a kind. He was the typical class clown, but in a good way. Always the entertainer, he is sorely missed. It was such a pleasure to have him with us at the sanctuary for the last few months of his life so we could get to know him. Fly high, sweet boy. We love you and will see you again. Say high to the rest of the gang who have crossed before you. ❤️🐾🌈
