Axel Martin a.k.a. Axel, Peary, Beefalo, Pompy, Mother Mario, Thickums, and Guru

October 20, 2012 to January 19, 2026

From a junk yard kitten to the family Guru! The entire family knows Axel was the glue that held our family together through bad and good times with his love wisdom and support.    

Our family story with Axel started in December 2012 when my wife saw a face book post about a kitten that was found covered in oil and grease in a vehicle that was scheduled to be crushed in a New Jersey junk yard. (See picture). My wife immediately went  into rescue mode and reached out to the folks who found him. There was never any discussion, she simply said I’ll be back drove to Jersey and brought home this little furry bundle of joy. For the next 13 years, he would grace us with his presence and I must say what an honor! I personally had no idea how he would change our lives and how profound his loss would be to me and my family.  

During his life, Axel enjoyed being outside in the sun laying out on the deck or his back in the driveway, eating grass and hunting voles. He loved taking frequent naps in his favorite places like the dryer where he could look out the window and watch the birds feed, the floor in the family room, the deck, deck couch, and the bed of any of his human family that needed him. He enjoyed doing yoga and meditation with his mom and was particularly fond of her couch in her girl cave. He loved playing with string and filleting the family room sofa where he always seemed to lounge during the evening hours as we watched television. He always looked forward to his daily treats and early morning excursions into the yard where he would ponder his daily activities and hang with the foxes who we believe thought he was one of them due to his big fluffy red and white tail. He loved his daily rubs and pets. Instead of just enjoying the attention and affection,  he would always want to reciprocate by grooming his humans as well as his companion Tina who misses him terribly. He definitely enjoyed being with his humans and we considered him one as well talking and interacting with him and he seemed to understand those interactions. Often, we wondered who was really in charge of the household! He was our fur baby! No doubt!

No matter what trials and tribulations are family has gone through the past 13 years, he was the one constant in our lives. Axel always knew how each of us felt and when we might be going through bad times or rough patch. Without saying a word but maybe a meow, just being present, he knew how to make each of us feel better and provided the inspiration strength to push through most anything. The bond we had and have with Axel will be forever strong and we will truly miss him. He was loving, funny and stoic throughout his life. He was just a great little soul. Axel is survived by his companion Tina,  a black short haired domestic, Liz (Mama), Dan (Dada) his siblings  Ellie Maddie, Ben, and Sam, as well as the four fish and his numerous friends and acquaintances in the yard. We all hope he is feeling better and chasing voles in the sunshine! Nice job and thanks Axel for sharing your life with us these past 13 years. You are loved and surely be missed. We will see you on the other side friend! Meow!       

Axel’s Family