In Loving Memory

So much personality, love, beauty, playfulness, strength, friendliness, attitude, leader and cared for her doggie partner Cooper. Loved her and will miss her!!

Sadly, we had to let Holly go this week. Holly was a sweet, gentle and loyal friend and companion for nearly 17 years, and we miss her greatly.

He dug a tunnel from Mexico. Was chased by Sean Penn. Ended up on the streets of Philadelphia. And was found in a window. He once was Barry but became Chapo. RIP to our good boy. We will miss you forever.

Morty was the best cat. I’ll miss him more than I could ever put into words.

I will always love you Ash, you were the first cat I could adopt myself. There will always be a spot in my heart for you.

Until we meet again my sweet boy. Run free and play with Otto and Daisy.

Gretchen was part of our family and home for nearly ten years. She was also a constant companion and support for my wife through her cancer surgeries and recovery process during a very tough two year period. She was wonderful with all people, and she especially loved kids. In her last two years with declining health, she enjoyed the company of her adopted White Swiss Sheherd brother, Klaus. They were inseparable, and Klaus was present In the process of her assisted passing. The joy she brought to our home and family can’t be quantified, but only described as beyond words.

I miss you Mr. Beans

Sargie was the happiest, sweetest boy ever!

I said goodbye to my best friend today. Sadie passed away peacefully at home, cozy in my lap. She was the sweetest cat I have ever known. She was my home. There were a few times along the way I didn't think she'd make it, with inflammatory bowel disease flares and recurrent pancreatitis. Still, she was strong and spry until the last couple weeks. And I think deep down all week I knew she was dying. And ultimately a rapid decline this week and a diagnosis yesterday of metastatic pancreatic cancer gave me some needed clarity and closure. She had a good last day and we got a final 24 hours together. I got her when I was only 20, before I really knew who I was or what my life would be. And somehow, she was with me through almost half my life and nearly all of my adult life. We did everything together: undergrad, medical school, residency. Through every hard moment, she was there. The last several years of my life have dealt many difficulties to endure. And yet the heartbreak of losing her is devastating in a way I could never have prepared for. She wasn’t just part of my life, she was the most steady presence through it all. She was the one who was there every day, every home, constant and uncomplicated. It was so easy to love her. She was my greeting committee. No matter how long the shift or how heavy the day, she was always waiting for me at the door, like she’d been counting the minutes. She was vocal, especially when she was hungry, and never shy about reminding me that it was time to eat. She relaxed so hard. She had the sweetest little squeaky snore when she slept. Every morning, she would lie next to me on the couch, purring and kneading biscuits. I made time for her, every morning, even when it meant waking up earlier on already-early mornings. That daily routine was her way of anchoring us both. Every night she would follow me upstairs and climb onto her bed next to mine. She followed me everywhere. Every room I went to, she went too, with a bed waiting for her in each one, just in case. She would even climb a full flight of stairs only to discover I was just grabbing something and then she'd follow me back down. She always wanted to be touching me, even if it was just one paw resting on my arm or leg; a quiet reminder that I wasn’t alone. She loved cream cheese. She loved when I would sing. She liked to be upside down. She liked to chew my hair. She hated car rides. She tolerated Luna. She was the only thing that never changed when everything else did. I used to say she was the best thing that ever happened to me, and I meant it without hesitation. I still do. She gave me companionship, comfort, and unconditional love. I am so lucky to have had her for almost 19 years. In many ways it's harder to have loved her so long before losing her. Making the kindest decision for her was the hardest, most selfless thing I have ever done. Letting her go meant choosing her peace over my own heartbreak, loving her enough to spare her suffering even though it has broken my heart. I would have done anything to keep her by my side forever. I knew this day would come. And I knew I would never be ready. She wasn’t just a cat. She was my soul mate.There is a huge hole in my heart that cannot be filled. But I know this: she was deeply loved, every single day of her life. I am so grateful to have loved her so long and so hard. It could never be long enough. I miss her so much already. My heart is broken.