Photos of Jack from November, 2012. At right, he positions himself for a belly rub. Photo by Derek.
We heard from a couple of readers last week about a special cat that passed – one who brought a little happiness into the lives of residents and passerby’s on 5th Avenue near Balboa.
His name was Atticus Jack, and he belonged a man named Andy, who is known in the neighborhood for his artwork at Q Restaurant on Clement Street (he also displayed some work at show at 540 Club last year).
Known as “the resident neighborhood cat” on 5th Avenue near Balboa, Jack was known for coming when called and accepting attention from anyone.
“He was a super sweet and friendly little guy that loved to run up to you and rub his head against you, flopping on his side for belly rubs,” wrote Derek, who snapped photos of Atticus Jack last November.
Jack was the victim of a hit and run on January 16th, and neighbors have started a small memorial for him on a nearby telephone pole, including flowers and messages like “Warm cat, bellies no more. We miss you Atticus Jack.”
“The last time I got to play with Jack was on Friday morning at around 10am. I remember because I went down to my garage to pull my car out and saw him. I called to him and he excitedly meowed and ran over to say ‘hello’ like he always did. He rubbed his furry head against my hand and flopped to the sidewalk for a belly rub to which I of course obliged,” said Derek.
“I’m really going to miss that random bit of joy and love he’d always bring with him.”
Rest in peace, Jack.
Sarah B.
Some of the signs left at the makeshift memorial for Jack. Photo by Derek.
As part-owner of this amazing feline friend, I cannot express how much love and support our neighbors of 5th avenue have given our home at news of our loss. It is so touching to know that strangers and friends alike all knew that Atticus was pure joy on four legs. We, his people friends, are so grateful to our community for loving him so.
So sorry Andy. The neighborhood is a poorer place without him, but richer from the love he gave.
I hope fate & guilt catches up with the killer.
The memorial & story are beautiful though. Long live, Atticus. *great name!
My favorite Atticus memory was from late august. There I was, 9 months pregnant with a very difficult pregnancy. I decided to take a nap. When I woke up I felt something curled behind my knees. I assumed it was my cat. i looked up to find AJ curled up purring. He had come through my open window. I can’t tell you how hard that made me laugh, especially since it was such a hard pregnancy for me. He made my day. My son’s cat Pepper has lost his playmate and friend but the memories are cherished.
Rest in peace Atticus, we will miss your friendly face poking over the fence during BBQs and you tailing me down the street with the pram. 🙂
xoxo
Great story, S!
We will miss Atticus Jack 🙁 He came over to our little yard sometimes. Our 4 year old daughter was captivated by his sweetness. She would bring out her magic wand and marbles for him to play with. It was the cutest thing! He loved watching the fish in the pond and liked nibbling on bamboo leaves! I think he was a panda bear in his past life. Your delightful energy will always be in our hearts Atticus!
Atticus Jack was such a cool neighborhood fixture. I never even have the chance to pet him, but it was something special that he was so open to everybody. I understand accidents happen, but it is unacceptable for a person to not take responsibility and just exit the situation. It really makes me mad. Atticus Jack was such a cool cat.
So sad. We live on 5th Ave and see cars zoom off Fulton and fly down 5th well over 30mph. Too little time to react to any poor soul who happens to be in the way. 5th Ave should be driven as a residential street, which it is! We will miss Jack.