Obituary of Axel Wexler

Axel

2002 - 2020

With sad and heavy hearts, we said avidazen to our lil buddy Axel today.
Axel Buddy, Little Buddy, Adventure Buddy, Prince Purrs a Lot, Miracle Cat, Magic Cat are just a few names he was called throughout his life.

Eighteen years ago, Paul brought home a kitten that was just weeks old. His mother had two previous liters in which no kittens survived and he and one sibling were the only two that made it - our Miracle Cat. I admit I was disappointed that he was a tabby and not all black like my past cats. It didn't take long at all for him to win my heart though. He kneaded my hair every night when I went to bed and would purr so loud when petted. Actually, he'd start purring as soon as you touched him.

He immediately got along with his sister Greta, our Rottweiler. He'd sometimes jump on her back and ride her up the stairs. Just over a year later, Paul brought home a German Shepherd puppy, Amelia. When the two met, I believe he let her know that he had seniority and therefore ruled over her. For the most part, Axel tolerated being her favorite chew toy, but would let her know when he had enough. Even though Amelia quickly grew to be 10 times his size, Axel dominated her for her entire life. Our trio was known as the Black and Tans.

Axel was more than a pet, he was a great friend - always greeted us coming home, comforted us when we were sick or sad, always listened and always wanted to be wherever we were. Axel was so smart, he always understood what you told him or asked of him. We could leave the door open and he had no interest of escape - he'd done that twice and knew he had it so good staying inside. Always the gracious host, Axel greeted visitors and allowed pettings.

Our Adventure Buddy traveled more than some people I know. And he was great at it, such a trooper! On road trips, we'd put a paper plate with some litter down in the car and he'd do his business. He's been through seven airports - Philly, St. Augustine, Jacksonville, Orlando, Fort Lauderdale, Miami and Charlotte (for a layover). Countless times I was asked if he was sedated because he was so calm and patient going through TSA. No, he was never sedated, he was just such a cool cat! Upon landing, I would stand and put his adventure bag on the seat, open it to pet him and surrounding passengers would be amazed that they'd just flew with a cat. Though it wasn't his favorite mode of transportation, he spent the weekend with us on our boat twice. Labor Day 2018, was a helluva first time. Tropical Storm Gordon came through, snapped our anchor line and we drifted through Biscayne Bay for 12 hours. Safe from the wind and rain down below, Axel endured the constant rocking and swaying. Thankfully, the second trip was less eventful. (In case you were wondering, yes, he had a life vest.)

Axel was never shy about telling you what he wanted or needed - food, water, litter scooped, petting, brushing, lap - each of these things was a different meow. We could swear he would say 'hello' and 'now' sometimes.

Axel will be missed tremendously. He was part of our family for 18 years, and will live forever in our hearts.

Love You Axel Buddy,
Mama Heidi and BFF Paulie