24/04/2026
Some stories sit quietly in the background of clinic life — until a moment comes when we stop and reflect on them.
This is one of those.
Violet and Hercules were a mother-and-son pair adopted by our own veterinary nurse Tee some 12 years ago, when Hercules was just a kitten.
Hercules showed us what resilience looks like. When he first began sneezing blood in July 2023, it marked the beginning of a long and challenging journey. After being diagnosed with nasal lymphoma, he underwent CT imaging, chemotherapy, and radiation therapy. He took it all in his stride with a bravery that never wavered. Hercules was not always the easiest patient - he certainly kept us on our toes and made sure we knew his opinions along the way! While Cardiff Vets managed his primary care, we were fortunate to work alongside a dedicated team — including Brunker Road Vets who performed his initial CT scan, Newcastle Veterinary Ultrasound, and Small Animal Specialist Hospital (SASH), who guided his oncology care.
Carried by Tee’s unwavering love, Hercules gave us all more time than we ever dared hope for. On March 1st, 2026, he gently let go, leaving behind a legacy of resilience and a reminder of how deeply animals can touch our lives.
Violet, his mum, was sweet and stoic and had been known for always having a bit of a “sensitive stomach.” Earlier this year, she was diagnosed with hyperthyroidism, which initially seemed manageable and explained her surge in gastro-intestinal signs. However, her condition changed quickly — with increasing weight loss and vomiting — it became clear she was facing her own fight and she was subsequently diagnosed with gastrointestinal lymphoma. Despite intensive care including medications and a blood transfusion, along with everyone's best efforts, love and hope — Violet chose her moment, just weeks after Hercules and followed him across the rainbow bridge on April 19th, 2026.
Losing one beloved companion is heartbreaking. Losing two, so close together, is something deeper — something words never quite reach.
In our profession, we learn to carry on. We show up, we care, we keep moving. But behind the scenes, these bonds run deep — and when we lose one of our own, it reminds us why this work matters so much.
Violet and Hercules were more than patients. They were family — to Tee, and to all of us who had the privilege of caring for them.
To Tee — we see you, we feel this with you, and we honour the love you gave to both Hercules and Violet every single day.
Run free, beautiful souls. Together again. 🌈
