Faithful Friends

12/1/2002-12/20/2024

"Masyanya came into my life when I was 14. Although we separated here and there, we’ve been together for 22 years since. 22 amazing years of witnessing this fighter of a being who’s outlived all other pets we’ve had back then and even some that we’ve had after that. She’s also outlived my Mom whom she loved dearly. My brother sometimes joked she’d outlive him as well, so feisty was her spirit.
The only way her appearance in our life could be bolder would be if she straight up knocked on our door. Since she didn’t have opposing thumbs (a mercy to the human race), she did the next best thing and announced her arrival with a wall-shattering meowllllll. My other lovely girl - a tuxedo beauty called Fenya - was in heat at the time, so I assumed a feral tom came to claim her. I took a broomstick and opened the door ever so slightly to shoo the suitor away, and that’s when I beheld this tiny thing, barely 5 or 6 weeks old judging by the size. Masyanya opened her mouth and yelled her greetings.
My Mom who was already subjected to cleaning after two other cats (after I swore I’d do all the chores if she only let me have one) said “no way”. Masyanya heard her and activated the devilish scheme she called “kill them with cuteness” while I pretended to be looking for a new (or old) owner. For two weeks, Masyanya climbed on my mother’s chest with all the might of her four tiny paws. After Mom was immobilized, she turned on the purrs, the snuggles, and the hypnosis.
It worked. After two weeks, Mom said she could stay.
She has stayed with us since then and when we moved, she moved, too. She hunted birds and ate plants, slept on keyboards and woke humans up with that majestic strength of her voice when it pleased her. She lived in five different cities and travelled by train, by plane and by car. When she came to America at the wise age of 17, she quickly taught our two American cats to show some respect to her stature. She was a Queen through and through.
On December 20 2024, my Queen took her final journey to the new realms she can preside over. I like to imagine her being greeted by my Mom and Vasya - her cuddle buddy and her favorite out of our shared furry friends. It’s Vasya’s bithday today, and now they can celebrate together. I know they will show her the best gardens and bird hunting spots and sunny perches she can relax on.
Say hi to my other absent friends, my love. I will see you soon enough."

-Anna

1/13/2008-12/19/2024

"Sky was my emotional Support dog over the years. She was my best friend to share my fears, lick away tears, and show me unconditional love when I needed it the most. She gave me the silence I so much needed at times my mind was so loud. When I couldn't sleep at night she was there to keep me company.
She was the smartest dog I ever owned.
She could open doors and do things I didn't even know was possible for a dog and I couldn't have asked for a better companion.
Mr. Patches is already there and so you won't be alone and until I see you again and I carry you with me everywhere I go
I love you Sky."

-Kim Wilt

12/9/2024

"We rescued our Chloe Girl from Berkeley Humane Society. We both fell in Love with her and adopted her. She was soooo very Sweet and such a Great family member. Our whole family just Loved her too. We all absolutely miss our girl and will hold her close to our Hearts. We have Alot of Great Memories with her."

-Mr. and Mrs. Richmond

12/2/2011-12/13/2024

"Gertie was my best buddy. She was with me wherever I was in the house. She was a loving, cuddly, and precious gift. I will miss her snuggles and puppy kisses forever. Millyvet was amazing and made her passing a beautiful experience. I love you Gertie Belle. I'm sending you butterfly kisses in heaven."

-The Whitacre Family

4/27/2014-12/3/2024

"Stannis came into my life at the perfect time. We had no idea all the things we would go through together at that time but we became inseparable. He was full of personality and when you looked at him you swore he might even just say something! He was wild and independent and his big backyard was his oasis! He was also so sweet and caring and a total clinger and I wouldn’t want him any other way. He loved frisbees, his squeaky toy babies, and that new tennis ball feeling. Rest easy my sweet boo bear."

-Michele LaSala

11/11/2008-12/3/2024

"You are loved and missed baby Cups. <3"

-Karrie

6/15/2009-11/25/2024

"Dutchie was a brat. But also a princess. She loved to lay on you and purr to her hearts content. But also when she was hungry you’d know but getting a paw in your face while your sleeping. One time I was sleeping and I was snoring so what does she do puts her paw right in my mouth…..all cuz she wanted some food."

-The Solis Havey Family

6/15/2009-11/25/2024

"My "Girly-Girl" Alli is finally free of being sick and free of any pain on Nov. 25, 2024. She was definitely a strong independent personality cat and she will definitely be missed by us including her teenage counterpart Abby (Abby is considered Mr. Binks during Halloween). Rest easy girly girl. We will miss you this year under the Christmas tree."

7/10/2020-11/4/2024

"Bindi was an amazing dog. I can’t begin to tell you wonderful she was because I could write a book about her. But I will tell you, she made us laugh out loud and smile. Our hearts our broken but she will never be forgotten. She is forever and always loved."

-Amy Bradley

3/3/2015-11/22/2024

"Aries came into our lives as a rescue at 3 years young. He didn’t have a great past and was so scared of anything new. Aries immediately attached to myself the first day and slowly got comfortable with my husband.

Aries was the perfect boy. He loved even through his times of being scared. He was my protector and guardian. He was our Alpha of the pack and always helped guide the younger pups and fosters in our home. Aries was the most gentle giant with the sweetest soul. He loved me beyond measure and I hope I was able to show him the same. He always loved to bring me a toy when he was happy and excited. Stuffies were his favorite and loved to carry them around as comfort. I pray he has found all the stuffies he can imagine in heaven. Our home is quiet without your grumbles and not the same. We will miss you forever my old man."

-The Porter Family

6/24/2014-11/11/2024

"My husband rescued Buddy when he was only one year old. From the beginning, Buddy was the most loyal and loving dog. He was so incredibly smart. He knew many tricks, including fetching a drink from the fridge. Buddy went to WVU with my husband, & then moved back home where they met me. Buddy was my husband’s best friend and soon became mine. Buddy was my comfort animal when my husband deployed for 6 months. He took such great care of me. We went everywhere together. We adopted his sister, Bella the German shepherd whom he taught everything to- even how to play ball. Buddy was the best man for our wedding in October of 2022, and was so jealous when we welcomed our first baby boy back in August 2023. We moved and bought a home with a pool in July 2023 and said it was going to be Buddy’s retirement home. Buddy loved to swim and he used the pool everyday for two summers before he got sick. Buddy got sick with suspected cancer days after his 10th birthday this year, which unfortunately took every part of him one by one. He lost the ability to see, urinate comfortably, have bowel movements & eventually eating. That’s when we knew we had to make the decision to help him transition. He was tired, but remained so loyal and loving to us every single second of his struggle. He loved his people, and we loved him. He will forever be missed."

-The Partlow Family

11/6/2013-3/2/2024

"Cadence was the best boy. We often called him Cade, Cader, Cader Tot and Superman. Being outside was one of his favorites, it didn’t matter what the weather was. He loved playing in the snow, tumbling on the trampoline, hanging from tree branches, swimming, taking walks and playing fetch with a tennis ball (there wasn’t a toy he loved more than a tennis ball)! Cade was also the best snuggler. Not only with his humans but also his furry friends. If you gave him a belly rub when he flooped at your feet, you won his heart. Cadence was by my side for 10 years and was my absolute best friend. He will always be my first baby and hold such a huge spot in my heart 3"

-Tyra Rowland

3/19/2023-10/23/2024

"Kylo came I to my life at exactly the moment I needed him. I had just lost my first and only cat that I had had since I was 8 years old. Kylo was a light in such a dark time and I loved him so much. It’s devastating that we only got to spend a year and a half together before his diagnosis. I will miss him everytime I walk to the front door and he’s not there to greet me. I’ll miss him everytime I use the ice maker and he doesn’t run to me from wherever he is in the house to beg for a piece of ice. I’ll miss him most when I sit on the couch and he’s not there to climb onto my chest to cuddle."

-Nikki

10/29/2024

"Riley, “RiRi” was the sweetest girl. I adopted her when she was 5 months old. I went to the shelter to actually see her brother, but he was too hyper. She walked over, I knelt down, she climbed up on me, and sniffed my face. I knew in that moment we would be best of friends. We were that for almost 13 years. Riley was the calmest, sweetest girl. Anyone who met her wanted to take her home. Riley loved sitting on the back of the couch, watching out the window, snuggling in blankets, and stealing snacks. She leaves behind a family who misses and loves her greatly.
Thank you Dr. Regina for helping us to say goodbye to our girl at home. It brings us great peace knowing that she passed away on the porch, in front of her window, surrounded by her family."

-The Jenkins Family

5/22/2008 - 10/15/2024
"Five and a half years ago, I was persuaded to relocate a community cat who was no longer safe in his neighborhood. He was never meant to be an indoor cat, but once we set him up in our enclosure to acclimate, it became clear that he longed for a family.
The first few months were a learning experience for him. He discovered how to play with toys, the joy of sitting on a couch and watching TV with us, and what it truly means to be safe.
When he was diagnosed with diabetes five years ago, we weren’t afraid. We had a great veterinary team, and we knew we could manage his condition.
It’s incredible how this cat, once living on the 'mean streets,' turned into the sweetest companion. He was gentle with the kittens that came into our home, grooming them and keeping them company all day. We affectionately called him Grandpa Skoom.
Skooma also helped save other cats. The knowledge we gained from caring for him led us to foster diabetic cats and create educational videos on their care, aiming to assist potential adopters and those considering surrendering their pets due to the diagnosis.
This week, Skooma decided it was time to end his journey on earth. In his golden years, we provided him with what he wanted most: a loving family, kitty friends, and a safe home. Though he had a difficult past, he experienced wonderful golden years."
-The Furukawa Family

8/14/2018 - 10/10/2024
"Aahz (pronounced Oz), our beloved yellow Labrador boy was the best friend to everyone he met. He came to us after the passing of our second yellow boy. From the moment he waddled up to his two dads, it was love at first puppy kiss. Just before he turned 2, Dad Skip suffered a severe brain injury, so you stayed at home and was a source of comfort for Dad Marc while Dad Skip recovered in the hospital for two months. Not a day passed without me pleading to see Aahz, but the covid pandemic shut down all visitation. After being discharged to home, Aahz was my constant companion from then on. In the meantime, we bought a big house with a big fenced in yard for you to run freely, exiting the suburbs and embracing mountain life! We adopted a big sister for him to have a friend of his own, a rescue bloodhound shepherd mix named Phoenix. They bonded instantly.
We only had six short years with you Aahz, and your family misses you and all the love you gave us that never ended, until it so unfairly did. We let you breathe your last breathes in the open air with the sun shining down on you surrounded by your family. Fly free my big yellow goof. We will still love and remember you...always.
Thank you Regina for helping us in our time of need. Your patience and compassion were very comforting and has helped us to heal.
Sincerely,
Skip and Marc"
-Dads Skip and Marc and sister Phoenix

4/26/2013-10/2/2024

"Molly was the sweetest dog. She loved everyone who crossed her path, and everyone loved her back. We miss her warm welcome when we come home and her constant companionship. Our family does not feel complete without her."
-Teresa & Makayla 

4/30/2010-9/19/2024
"Olive was a rescue from rural North Carolina. She ended up in a shelter and raised 2 puppies (one of which was not hers). No one wanted to adopt her, so City Dogs Rescue saved her and brought her DC. She was my first dog, and I had no idea what I was looking for. However, the minute we met, I knew we belonged to each other. We were a great team, and had an amazing, unforgettable 12 1/2 years together. She brought so much light into my life, and I miss her every day." 

9/16/2007-9/20/2024
"Forever missed, she was the best and most loyal little girl any human could ask for."
-Geri, Ken and Kris 

4/10/2012-9/17/2024

"Zeus was a gentle giant. I used to joke he was my super-sized purse pet, especially when all 120 lbs of him would try to get in my lap.

He loved meat snacks and hated thunder storms. Going to the vet was also a stressful experience for him.

This last year has been difficult to watch Zeus decline. Due to hip dysplasia, he had mobility issues that affected his ability to play and use stairs.

When we woke up to find him struggling to stand up one morning, we knew it was time. We couldn't bring ourselves to try and get Zeus to the vet's office. We didn't want to scare him or hurt him. We called our vet. They recommended Dr. Regina.

I was apprehensive at first, but now I couldn't imagine doing this any other way going forward. Death is highly personal. If possible, it should be at home, where the pet feels the most at ease. In the end, Zeus died an old man in his bed, surrounded by the people who loved him. How great is that? He wasn't scared, or sad, or in pain.

I am deeply grieving the loss of my dog. He leaves behind a family who misses him greatly. I am very happy that we could help Zeus die with dignity, in the home he loved, in his favorite spot in the house.

I would encourage anyone to consider in-home end of life services for their pets. It made what was one of the saddest moments a peaceful experience for all of us.

My heartfelt thanks,

Karolyn Cairns-Black"

-The Black Family

4/9/2011-8/23/2024

"Teodor, or Teddy as he was known, lived the remaining years of his life as a rescue of Piggins and Bank: Pig and Animal Sanctuary.
He was a stray dog found on the streets of Moscow, Russia. There he wandered and slept in abandoned houses often starving. People frequently beat him and drove him away. But Teddy never became angry or developed a hatred for humans. Instead he waited and hoped for his forever friend or family.
Teddy was saved by a kind gentleman (and dog rescue owner) who worked in Russia and brought over to the United States in January 2022 immediately before the war with Ukraine began. They nicknamed him “the last dog out of Russia”.
When he came to Piggins and Banks for an initial visit, all residents immediately fell in love with his incredibly calm demeanor and exceptional manners. Being that Christie Riddle, one of our co-founders, was a Russian major in college and lived in Moscow for two years was an added bonus of how we know Teddy was a dog who would fit in great at Piggins and Banks.
Teddy immediately took to the sanctuary routine of helping stand watch while the pigs and other animals are fed in the early mornings and evenings. He made friends with all outdoor cats roaming the grounds and loved watching the rescue bunnies hop around their pen.
Piggins and Banks was honored to give him a wonderful life for the final two years of his time on earth. We will see you again one day Teddy, on the other side of the rainbow bridge."
-The Piggins and Bank: Pig and Animal Sanctuary

11/9/2009-8/8/2024

"Moto was such a great dog. He loved everyone and everyone loved him. He loved playing ball when he was young. He was smart, mischievous and just all=round wonderful. We miss him so much."

-The Youngs

3/8/2009-8/17/2024

"Lucia was a member of our family for 15-1/2 years. He was a loyal companion, very protective, handsome, affectionate, athletic, and had boundless energy. His favorite activities included catching frisbees, going on walks and hikes, and enjoying sunsets from the porch and front yard. Lucia loved his family. He was happiest when around his canine companion, Gracie; in his “dog mom’s” lap, or literally velcro’d to his poppy. Our hearts ache with his loss but we are happy knowing he had a wonderful life. We will miss him dearly but blessed that we got to share so many years with the “best dog ever!”

-Mike and Cindy Quinnelly

11/23/2011-8/10/2024

"To Our Beautiful Penny Girl:

Thank you for making us laugh with your antics, and for making us feel safe under your watchful protection.

We loved your enthusiasm in everything you did- avid gardener, adventurer, loving & doting surrogate Mom to the 4 you left behind, and so much more.

Thank you for being the non-judgmental confidante, the joyful greeter at the door, and the loyal companion you have been to all of us for 13 years.

We miss you so much…but we had to say goodbye. You deserve to be free from pain, to be able to play and romp and smile and look out for us as you always did.

Love always,

Your pack"

-The Shorb Family

5/3/2011-7/31/2024

"Dino was the sweetest of all beagles and instantly loved every human he ever met. He did not have a mean bone in his body. Dino loved to spend his days napping or outside sniffing anything and everything. He loved cuddles, peanut butter, and his fur sister, Bella. This sweet boy will be so deeply missed."

-The Dusing Family

"20 years. I had you for 20 years, not nearly enough time. My best friend, my comfort, my home. you were my other half. my girl. I’m going to miss you so much pretty girl. I know you aren’t in pain and you can be in peace.. but this is so hard already. I miss you so much and it’s only been an hour. Watching you take your last breath is the hardest thing I’ve ever seen. I wanted you for my whole life but I’m grateful I was there for your whole life. I’ll miss your purrs and laying on me.. I’ll miss your head rubs and you kneading my blanket. I will miss your beautiful fur, your sweet nature, you. Miley, thank you for everything. I love you so much my sweet girl, watch over me. Until we meet again mamas <3"

-The Jenkins/Shanholtz Family
 

"Jax was a loving, sweet boy. He enjoyed nothing more than cuddling with his mom, dad, brother and sister under a blanket. He loved his voice and wanted everyone to hear it too! We will miss our sweet boy and know that we will see him again!"

-The Lehner Family

"Kona was the bestest girl. She loved her family fiercely, and was the most loyal companion until the very end. Kona has left a giant void in our family, and our only peace comes from knowing shes running wild and free again-waiting for us."

- The Ruleman Family

"Our best boy. Miss you like crazy, Pete. Thank you for 10½ awesome years."

-The Zanelli Family

"Athena was absolutely the happiest and friendliest cat you'd ever hope to meet. She was a sassy, spunky, loving diva who never lost her spark."

-The Furukawa Family

"We took a gamble on an older dog with health issues, and I wouldn't have changed a thing. He was absolutely the best dog we have ever had, and the best Chief Officer of Moral our office had ever seen. We were so lucky to have found him."

-The Furukawa Family

"Torro had a big heart and an even bigger personality. His goofy spirit will be greatly missed. Love you Toodles"

- The Root Family

"Echo was the most special boy with a lot of personality and quirks. He loved Frisbees above all other toys but only allowed dad to throw them. Everyone else had to chase him while he carried it around. When he wasn't getting enough attention from dad he would sit on him and lean his face in so dad could nibble on his cheeks. He smiled real big for that. He loved everyone but you knew you were special if he snorted you. He would press his nose into your chest and make snorting noises if he designated you as worthy. He loved to take walks with mom and especially through the woods. We live in the woods and he enjoyed the wildlife so much. He would never chase the woodland creatures but he often tried to run WITH the deer. He enjoyed camping and especially curling up with mom by the fire at the end of a long day outside. There are so many more Echo-isms. We could write a book about his funny traits and habits. Most important thing to know...he smiled. A lot."

- The Gonzales Family

"Eva's smile it's contagious. She has such a drive for life and was still playing fetch with her favorite ball almost up until her last moments. She will be missed dearly. Thank you, Dr. Liskey for helping her transition to rainbow bridge." 

- Thi Tran

"My sweet Dixie was the best little beagle. The worst hunting dog imaginable, but she was the best cuddler and she had the gentlest soul. We miss you Dixie. I hope you’re enjoying the rainbow bridge."

- The Jackson Family

"Giz was the best, most sweet little velcro dog ever and he is missed every single day."

- The Schwartzbeck Family