In memory of the most loyal best friend with the fluffiest ears. To my role model on the power of perseverance thru difficult times. Happiest playing outside in younger days, sucking on your squirrel stuffy and in older days sitting by my chair watching TV. I miss you so much my Maximillion! You were one in a million for sure! Sleep in peace my sweet pup.

I guess you are taking the long view of life here. You couldn’t see very well and you couldn’t hear at all but you loved life anyway. You were the most joyful and happy girl and brought that joy into our lives. I will miss you and love you forever, darling girl
Love,
Mom

In Loving Memory of Our Beloved Companion

Today, we celebrate a cherished member of our family, our beloved Lulu. With heavy hearts, we reflect on the joy and love she brought into our lives during her time with us. It took some time to write this, and I thought, what better day than on her birthday.

Lulu was a humble and kind soul. From the moment I met her, she brought peace into my heart and also those who knew and met her. She came into my life at a time when I thought she needed me, in reality, I needed her. She was the constant that I needed in my life. She was my soul dog but most importantly, the love of my life.

Through the ups and downs of life, Lulu was there—a faithful presence offering solace and companionship. From playful romps to quiet moments of companionship at home, every moment spent with Lulu was a treasure.

Today, as we celebrate what would have been her 15th birthday, we take comfort in knowing that Lulu is at peace, free from pain and discomfort. her spirit will live on in our hearts, a testament to the unconditional love and joy that she brought into our lives.

Rest peacefully, my baby. Thank you for the love, the memories, and the irreplaceable companionship. You will be forever missed and never forgotten.

With love and gratitude,
Kat & Poppa Johnny

The angel of mercy came and laid my boy down today 8-30-23. This dog came into my life when he was 2 or so. I was his 3rd owner. We spent 11 years together. his first 2 years were filled with abuse and neglect. His last 11 with my unconditional love. As well as you giving me yours. We have made some wonderful memories we have been everywhere together. You made me smile always …. when the filth of the world had me down. You were my light in my own personal darkness.I treated you like royalty because you deserved it. Life will never be the same without you. You were a tremendous watchdog, never destroyed anything, never yappy or goofy. You were the best dog I have ever had, and I have had many. Just being in each other’s presence was enough for us. Your time came up my wonderful dog, when they made you they broke the mold. May you have eternal rest. Until we see each other again. MY BOY MY BOY!! Thanks again to Peaceful Pathways…. the true angels of this world.

Lacey (2005-2023)
For the past 18 years, you have been my companion. My friends and family had to gain your trust for you to show up! Every night you would sleep on my chest! I adopted 5 other cats, but none of them were like you! As they say these days, you had the executive presence! You were the queen of the family!

It was hard to say good bye to you, but Dr Winnick made this event so beautiful that I finally was ok to let you go. Needless to say that your place will be empty and we will always think about you.

Nala taught me the true meaning of self-acceptance, of how to unapologetically take up space in this world and enjoy the hell out of it, and being her mom was one of the greatest gifts of my life. It would not have been possible to love her more. Rest in peace, my baby.

I woke up this am and you are not here-for the last 13 years you have woken me up fir your breakfast and walk. My heart aches without you mojo and a part of me is missing. I know you will be running with your pals and no longer in pain. All that knew you thought you were such a handsome boy. Mojo, you have been my kid and brought me more love than I could have expected and a broken bone or two! Life will not be the same without you my big boy! I love and miss you so very much.

2002- December 28, 2019.

Our beloved Mittens has made her journey over the rainbow bridge. Although nothing ever prepares you or eases the loss of a loved one, I take some comfort in knowing that she was surrounded by her loved ones and loved deeply as we said goodbye. We were gifted with seventeen years of her irreplaceable sweet rhythmic purring, demanding meowing, cuddles, sneak attacks, and feistiness. She was the greatest mouse hunter that ever lived. She loved her humans and chose each one of us. I will eternally miss her sweet rubs against my leg every morning and seeing her cat napping or birdwatching infront of our backyard sliding door. Our home has always known her. The loss is great and the grief deep. She is forever in our hearts. Please send prayers and love her way for a beautiful journey. Our sweet and beautiful girl.

December 6, 2004-September 11, 2019

My Dearest, Sweet Kala:

There aren’t enough words to adequately express what you meant to me. You were absolutely my earth angel. I’ll never forget the day we met. It was one of the most difficult times of my life and I so desperately needed love and purpose. All your brothers and sisters were playing on the floor but you just came right to my feet and wanted me to pick you up. You sat in my lap that entire visit. It was YOU immediately. You knew what I needed the minute I met you and you never stopped until the last breath you took in my arms. You truly saved me. The things I loved about you and that I’ll miss are endless. I’ll miss the way you’d follow me around the house, I’ll miss you jumping up and down to go for a walk (rain or shine), I’ll miss watching you sunbathe outside, I’ll miss holding your belly as you stick your little head out the car window to let the wind fly through your ears, I’ll miss your tenacity and love for adventure, and how you’d never meet a stranger. I’ll miss your love for life and appreciation for all things big and small. I’ll especially miss your love for me. But most of all Kala, I’ll just miss YOU! You were there through every major event in my life; heartbreak, moves to new places, new jobs, marriage, and of course Kai. And you took it all on, without hesitation. My heart feels broken right now, but I’m going to do my best to live as you did. I will be grateful for breathing in the beautiful air and let the sun shine on my face, I will live life without fear or inhibitions, and I’ll be quick to meet a new friend. You taught me what it was to fully live and love. I’ll do my best to honor you by doing the same. I miss you so much my sweet girl, but I look forward to seeing you in my dreams….until we meet again.

Through the years, I seen her grow from a rambunctious kitten, to a very playful, sweet, sometimes annoying, but always loving cat. She will be greatly missed but never forgotten.

If he was not busy stealing your food like Houdini – he was staring at you while you ate. Fitzy didn’t need words. Anyone would know he was asking ” You gonna eat all that?”

Fitzy would dart out the front door so he could lay in the middle of the street. This delightful activity didn’t make any sense to anyone but him. He had a Pig cookie jar, that held his treats inside. His cookie jar sat on a table by the front door. (it still does)

When the pig head lid was lifted off the body of the cookie jar – the cookie jar would say “I’M A PIG!” with a real country twang. Fitzy would hear “IM A PIG” coming from his cookie jar – and “lickity split” he’d be inside the house, grabbing his chicken jerky from your hand and off he go- skipping to eat it – comfortably on the sofa!

Fitzy was not only a pig with food. He was a real hog in bed. He loved all the covers and most of the pillow. I always looked forward to bed time with Fitzy

At the end of the day Fitzy was imperfect in so many ways – from his tooth to his pirate ways but when He would look at you with his head on your chest, with his little brown eyes looking into yours and His famous snaggle tooth smile – nothing could ever be more perfect.

The life lesson I learned from my pal, Fitzy, Fitzgerald Black is – Be your true you. Your “arf-thentic self” And, your heart and soul will thrive and spill over with love onto those you around you.

I know I certainly soaked him all in! I love you Fitzy so much.

Maedbh’s trust in me never wavered, even when I moved her halfway across the world to Jakarta for two years. In quarantine, terrified and exhausted after a 30 hour plane journey via Amsterdam, she cried out when she heard my voice and purred as soon as I held her. Many people marveled at the expense and hassle I incurred to ship her, but there was no question in my mind that she would go wherever I went.

My darling girl died far too young, at ten years old from lung cancer. At the end she was too weak to move, but would acknowledge me by flicking her tail when I spoke her name. When the time came, she fell asleep in my arms, gazing right into my eyes, devoted and loving to the end. I’m grateful to Dr Winnick for providing her with a peaceful and painless end to her suffering.

Maedbh may be gone but the joy and comfort that she brought to my life will never be forgotten.

12 and a half years ago you came into our lives when we needed each other. You needed a new home because your first owner decided after having you for four months that they couldn’t keep you. They named you and house trained you but you ate rocks in their yard in Phoenix that had to be surgically removed.

Meanwhile, our decision to get a dog came a couple months after I came home from a trip to Ethiopia. I was in a funk because our community did not feel as warm and loving as Addis Ababa. It was reverse culture shock.

In just a couple days after Justin and I agreed it was time to get a dog, I found you on a website for people interested in Labradoodles and Goldendoodles. Jet, the rock eating Goldendoodle, you were returned to your breeder in Bakersfield and I drove down that weekend to pick you up. You were just 6 months old, only half grown, with one shaved leg from the I.V. you had for your rock removal surgery.

You were such a love, so smart and eager to learn, and I was beside myself with affection and appreciation for you. We went to Saturday puppy classes together, where I learned how to be a good human. I learned that a tired dog is a well-behaved dog, so we spent a lot of time making you tired, taking walks and chasing balls.

You grew into your big paws and you turned heads and melted hearts with your look and your character. You greeted by running up to people, and often by running between our legs and between other people’s legs.

Outside with you, I met more people and the community seemed warmer to me. You didn’t walk. You pranced, proudly carrying your ball with the attached throwing stick. Every day, you let me know how important I was to you and that’s how I saw myself.

Other than out on a walk, you were happiest in our front yard. We didn’t even need to clip you to keep you there. Our enthusiastic greeter, always there when we came home and ready to announce any visitor. Other than occasionally taking medicine, the only thing you ever protested was being separated from us. We decided to give you the best possible care so you would live a long time.

For our family, you were always the thing we could agree on. We all loved you and enjoyed being your humans. You studied us and paid attention to everything we did, like a scientist gathering data, so that you could anticipate our actions. If we wore shoes, you knew we might be willing to take you outside. You always knew when we might have some extra human food for you and you let us know you were there to receive it. You could tell when we were upset.

When you surprised us a couple years ago with heart failure, we thanked science and veterinarians for helping us know how to take care of you and for prescribing pills to keep you going, although with less activity; No more sleeping upstairs with us and no more jumping over the neighbor’s lavender bushes to catch your ball. When you developed arthritis, we got more pills and a strap to help you stand up and took you to Aquadog for swim therapy. We added more rugs to cover the slippery hardwood floor. You couldn’t hear us or get up to greet us, but you still loved to catch a ball and proudly carry it around the block. You really hung in there. Your 13th birthday present was a ramp to help you walk in and out of the front door.

You were the best dog and we told you so when we were all with you in the back yard on December 3, saying goodbye. The last thing you did was what you did best. You let us know you loved and understood us.

My sweet Reagan, such a beautiful loving dog who thought he was one of my kids and never really realised he was a dog! You brought nothing but joy and happiness to everyone that crossed your path. I miss and love you with all my heart. Until I see you again my sweet boy, Rae-Rae! Run free my boy!

Xoxo

Frank had the forethought to compose his own obituary. I share it in his memory:

If you’re reading this, I am dead. I always wanted to say that but honestly, I didn’t want to actually die- but I digress.

I was born sometime around 2007 in the Pennsylvania countryside. I don’t remember much about that time except despising cats, making getaways, and ending up in doggy prison. Yes, dear reader, I did a stint in the infamous “pound.” I knew I had to get out, but security was tight.

One day, a lady came and walked me. I noticed that she smelled like 2 of my favorite things: the car and cookies. Not wanting to lose this opportunity I jumped into her lap and stared deeply into her eyes. I wanted to make sure that she knew that I had adopted her. Humans, as you may know, are not always that quick.

Thus began the rest of my life. I have traveled across country and for many years was in charge of backyard security. In my retirement I started blogs about “Counter surfing for the vertically challenged”, “Trash can diving for dummies,” and consulted on new grad course topics. It has been a happy and satisfying retirement. In between my interests, trips to the dog park, and long naps I have found that life with my mom is good. And really what more can any dog want?

I am tired now and mom is holding me as I take one final journey. Leaving mom is hard, but we will forever be in each others hearts.

Peace Out, Frank (2007-January 16, 2024)

My lil Bailey was my first dog aka fur baby. He was such an amazing doggie. He would do this lil dance every time he got excited 😊 he trained me when he had to go potty. He LOVED attention and belly rubs. He was my best friend, my therapist and my snuggle buddy to watch the with. He was my dog but the entire family loved him as their own. He is missed every moment of the day. But I know he’s no longer in pain and can see the birdies and hear the wind blowing on his face, I hope you’re basking in the sun and doing your happy dance. Until we see each other again poopies! I love Bailey!

Our girl Juve has crossed over the rainbow bridge to rest. Paid her dues on this Earth. Born on the streets in Bahrain, she survived her first few years hunting on the streets and with the mercy of a woman who would feed her. She spent the next 6 years with a full belly, a warm bed inside and with a family that loves her. She enjoyed laying in the sun and watching the fence line. She left us sooner than we would have liked. We miss her every day, but we remember her strength and grace. Truly an honor to have shared part of this life experience with her. See you later Juve. We love you.

Our precious baby Daisy was the joy of our lives. We rescued her when she was nine weeks old and she was the center of our world for 16 years. Daisy was my absolute best friend and loyal companion. It’s hard to sleep without her snuggling up against one of us. Everything reminds us of the deep loss we feel when Daisy isn’t in her usual places in the house.

Daisy we love you and miss you more than you could ever know. Enjoy heaven where we know you can see, hear, and run around again. Although I cry every day missing you I look forward to seeing you again one day. Thank you for being our precious baby.

It was most definitely love at first sight. From the very moment we met, you rolled onto your back, showed me your belly and trusted me completely, both with your heart and with your life. You taught me to have more gentleness and compassion in a way no other creature has. You greeted me with howls, smiles and wags every time I came home. You watched the girls grow up and you were there when each of us struggled in tough moments, when the tears flowed and when everything fell apart, you never judged me. Instead you walked beside me for miles, me never leaving my side, just as I had always promised to never leave yours. I will miss your snoring that soothed me to sleep each night. I will miss the pitter patter of your feet on the hardwood floors. I will miss the sound of you tapping your nails on the glass when you wanted to come in or out. I will miss the sound of your scratching on my bedroom door because you wanted to be close to me. I will miss the way you would sit with your leg out to the side and your head tilted every so slightly. I will miss the pull of the leash because there was something you desperately wanted to sniff on our walks. I will miss the way you would do a twirl when I set your breakfast down each morning. I will miss the smart spots above your eyes and the way you would look at me from the side when I would tell you that “you are a very good girl”. I will miss the way you would sneeze and snort when I was eating and how eager you were for me to share my meal with you. I will miss how you only had to meet someone once to be excited to see them a second time and how you remembered and accepted everyone. I will miss the way you would sit by the bed when you knew I was waking up and the sound of your tail wagging against the floor because you were excited for another meal, another day, another moment. I will miss how you would always appear in whatever room I was in around 5pm to remind me that it was dinner time. I will miss the walks we went on and the routines we shared. I will miss all of you, my sweet girl. Thank you for being my most true uncomplicated love. Your soul and your spirit are so perfectly and beautifully aligned. I am forever grateful to have been your friend and guardian in this life ♥️

Thank you for greeting us each day with a tail wagging so hard that it thundered against the wall.

Thank you for teaching us to be as excited about each day as you were.

Thank you for providing us challenges like being called “killer” in your first training class.

Thank you for giving us your love through some of the toughest times of our lives.

Thank you for your passion for food.

Thank you for loving grain so much that you were the best brewing buddy one could ever have.

Thank you for loving even when we were frustrated by your stubbornness.

Thank you for hanging on so long after your surgery.

Thank you for giving us so many reasons to laugh.

Thank you for teaching us patience as you aged.

Thank you for suffering in that shelter for over a year so you could come home to us.

Thank you for filling our hearts with hope.

We’re sorry to say your passing has left a void in our lives even though we should only be happy that you graced us with your love for 12 long years.

You are always in our thoughts.

Enjoy all the steak heaven can supply.

In Loving Memory of Sierra 2005 – 2020

Sierra was born into a litter of 11 and was clearly the smartest and most beautiful pup of her litter. She was always alert and ahead of anything going on. Sierra loved the water and would dive into a lake, pool, or river without any hesitation. She was a good hiker. She also “smiled” when happy. She loved her treats and biscuits and had the softest ears and belly. Sierra was always ready to go on a walk, and “pranced,” jumping up and down, at every intersection, anxious to cross. Her prancing continued to the end, before eating, before walking, or whenever excited.

Sierra liked to climb trees and pick growing apples and fruit, climbing well over seven feet above the ground. She used to then take the unripe fruit and hoard it under a bed. Sierra also liked to eat tomatoes and picked berries off bushes. She liked to share carrots with her pony friend Indian.

Sierra loved fetching the ball or her “bunny” and also dragging huge sticks on hikes. She loved rubbing her sides against the wall of the long hallway in Sara’s house, leaving dirty streaks in her wake. Sierra was fiercely loyal and protective of her home and loved people.

To compensate for her wonders, Sierra disliked going in the car and most other dogs.

Sierra had 2 good homes with 2 good moms. Sierra, you were a joy and comfort. You will be missed and thank you for sharing your lives with us.

Jean-Claude was also extremely agile and could, until his last two years, jump over six feet to the tops of my armoire and closets. At over eighteen years, he was long-lived for an outdoor cat who roamed the roofs and trellis, always on the lookout for a mouse to bring back home. He will always be in my thoughts and will be hard to replace.

The Pie loved to carry soft toys or used dryer sheets around the house in his mouth while yowling mournfully, especially in the middle of the night. He was a garbage can raiding, plate cleaning, front door greeting, UPS guy scaring, paw curling, rubber band biting, cheese eating, treat ball rolling, catmint chewing, physical powerhouse who delighted in jumping the six-foot fence around our garden simply to roll around on the concrete surface on the other side. And Pie was lightning fast … one time leaping up to successfully catch a hummingbird in mid-flight. The Pie was never a lap cat but was always lovingly affectionate, choosing to hang out with his people while contentedly purring and kneading his paws, enthusiastically “stomping grapes” on a nearby blanket.

We will always love our unique, handsome boy Pie and his sweet sister Thomasina, and we will miss them for the rest of our lives. Thomasina passed peacefully in my arms from cancer just before their 17th birthday, but we are so blessed that Dr. Winnick was there to gently release The Pie from his failing body one month later, to be reunited with Thomasina and his other feline friend Thistle. There was such strength in The Pie’s sweetness … so much so that our valiant boy needed help for a peaceful transition despite being so gravely ill.

How lucky we were to be chosen by these special cats when they were such tiny kittens! And how grateful we are to have enjoyed the privilege of loving them for so many happy years. Their love will forever shine its light into our hearts.

He got too big to continue to compete, and he moved from Florida to California to retire. We adopted him in February 2005. We often joke how quickly we turned him from a champ to a chump, since he adapted to our family, especially the couch, so quickly. He and Graycie, our kitten, quickly became good friends although she has always held the position of alpha dog in the household.

Stutz loved being a part of our family, especially the car rides and going to the softball fields to romp in the grass and meet with all the kids. He was a devout “foodie” and would appear instantly to sample whatever was being prepared. He was very protective of all of his family, but especially his Mommy who he followed around everywhere. Stutz enjoyed going to Tahoe with the gang and did a good job of staking out his territory. He liked it when we had parties because he would get to socialize – the extra food was always a bonus.

Stutz was diagnosed with several types of cancer a few months ago and passed away today. He had a wonderful life and he was the nicest, gentlest dog ever. We thank him for all the love he gave us and the many laughs we have had together. Stutz will be forever missed by us all.