Tributes
Major support provided in honor of cats who have bravely battled Feline Chronic Kidney Disease is particularly meaningful to us. We’re honored that the loved ones of these very special felines have chosen to help us create a brighter, healthier future for cats by providing funding for critically important research, and are proud to post their Tributes here. (Should you wish to have a tribute posted in honor of your cat, please view our guidelines.)
In Loving Memory of Ashley
April 6, 1998-December 21, 2014
Ashley will always be thought of as the sweet petite cat with a sassy side and a lot of fight. Some of her favorite activities included cuddling with her brother Tigger, laundry basket rides in the clean towels, sitting on her cat tower or in the windows and looking outside, “hunting” her toy mice, and cuddling on mommy’s shoulder. Ashley was diagnosed with stage 4 Chronic Feline Kidney Disease on Labor Day of 2014. She went through so much during her last 3.5 months; however she was quite the fighter. Many times it seemed as though the end was near; then Ashley would do something to amaze us and give us new hope. A lot can be learned from her journey including learning to live life to its fullest, never giving up, to keep on fighting, and most importantly to use all nine of your lives! Ashley was so brave and strong for such a little cat and she touched a lot of people’s lives. A special thank you goes out to the Milwaukee Emergency Center for Animals (MECA) and the Wauwatosa Veterinary Clinic for taking such great care of her. We are so lucky to have been Ashley’s parents for 16.5 years. She will be greatly missed but forever in our hearts. --The Safarik Family
April 6, 1998-December 21, 2014
Ashley will always be thought of as the sweet petite cat with a sassy side and a lot of fight. Some of her favorite activities included cuddling with her brother Tigger, laundry basket rides in the clean towels, sitting on her cat tower or in the windows and looking outside, “hunting” her toy mice, and cuddling on mommy’s shoulder. Ashley was diagnosed with stage 4 Chronic Feline Kidney Disease on Labor Day of 2014. She went through so much during her last 3.5 months; however she was quite the fighter. Many times it seemed as though the end was near; then Ashley would do something to amaze us and give us new hope. A lot can be learned from her journey including learning to live life to its fullest, never giving up, to keep on fighting, and most importantly to use all nine of your lives! Ashley was so brave and strong for such a little cat and she touched a lot of people’s lives. A special thank you goes out to the Milwaukee Emergency Center for Animals (MECA) and the Wauwatosa Veterinary Clinic for taking such great care of her. We are so lucky to have been Ashley’s parents for 16.5 years. She will be greatly missed but forever in our hearts. --The Safarik Family
In Loving Memory of Bambi
March, 1989-December 7, 2007
As a tiny kitten, Bambi was discovered, abandoned, in a backyard. From the very first time we bottle-fed her, we loved her dearly. We were inseparable for the next 19 years, and those years were wonderful. Bambi was playful, independent, loving and loyal. Her favorite activities were playing with her fishing pole toy, jumping super-high, racing around the house at top speed, and sleeping curled up in bed with her family. She also loved to eat and was enthusiastically fond of sweets; sharing a bite of cookie, cake or doughnut was such a fun indulgence. Bambi was diagnosed with kidney disease at age 18 and fought it with all her might. When we learned that there was nothing more that could be done to help her, we were devastated. From our desire to honor Bambi, and to find a cure for the disease that claimed her life, Foundation For Feline Renal Research was born. We miss her terribly, but her legacy lives on and she inspires our work every day. We will be forever grateful to Bambi for always seeing the good in us, for all that she taught us about love and kindness, for inspiring us to be better people, and for her boundless and unconditional love and companionship. --Lisa & Ron Willson
In Loving Memory of Bella
November 14, 2010 - August 26, 2021 Bella was the sweetest girl. Always the baby of the family, from 10 weeks old to 10 years young. While perhaps we were foster failures, adopting Bella was our greatest success. Her spirit lives on forever in our hearts and memories. Lover of bouncy balls, hair elastics, chewing hair and nail files, hair brushes, eating grass, catching bugs, watching birds, pillow curls and twin brother, Sammy. She listened and she talked, and she was and is the best friend anyone could ever have. Bella wasn’t fearless, but she was brave. She was a fighter until the very end and we fought for her in every way we could. Bella was diagnosed with kidney disease on July 30th and had one kidney removed in an emergency surgery on July 31st. Bella spent 3 beautiful weeks at home with her family until an obstruction in her remaining kidney required a second surgery on August 24th. And still, Bella fought on until her little body left this world 2 days later. We cherish every moment we had together and will miss her greatly until we meet again. --Lisa, Matt and Sammy Colella |
In Loving Memory of Cleopatra
1996-October 20, 2014
I adopted Cleo from the local animal shelter when she was about 9 months old. She had been abused as a kitten, and was going to be euthanized the next day because she was thought to be un-adoptable. It took her a few weeks to begin to trust me, but she was a sweet, smart, stubborn, strong, playful, funny cat. She was so happy to see me when I got home from work. She’d come running down the hallway, meowing the whole way. She was diagnosed with multi-organ cancer and chronic renal failure in 2009. She fought both diseases with strength and grace. The vets were amazed by how strong she was through those five years of chemotherapy, surgery, and medications. She finally lost the fight to CRF. Cleopatra was the most amazing, wonderful being I’ve ever met. I am heartbroken. --James H.
1996-October 20, 2014
I adopted Cleo from the local animal shelter when she was about 9 months old. She had been abused as a kitten, and was going to be euthanized the next day because she was thought to be un-adoptable. It took her a few weeks to begin to trust me, but she was a sweet, smart, stubborn, strong, playful, funny cat. She was so happy to see me when I got home from work. She’d come running down the hallway, meowing the whole way. She was diagnosed with multi-organ cancer and chronic renal failure in 2009. She fought both diseases with strength and grace. The vets were amazed by how strong she was through those five years of chemotherapy, surgery, and medications. She finally lost the fight to CRF. Cleopatra was the most amazing, wonderful being I’ve ever met. I am heartbroken. --James H.
In Loving Memory of Dexter
March 15, 1995-May 16, 2014
Dexter was one of the last in his litter--solid black, half Siamese and simply adorable! For nineteen years, we were inseparable. There wasn't anything I wouldn't do for him. Any and all decisions were made with his best interest in mind--even at my expense. Our bond was exceptional. While no longer with me physically, my hope is Dexter's legacy will carry on through finding a cure for Feline Chronic Kidney Disease. --Diane F.
March 15, 1995-May 16, 2014
Dexter was one of the last in his litter--solid black, half Siamese and simply adorable! For nineteen years, we were inseparable. There wasn't anything I wouldn't do for him. Any and all decisions were made with his best interest in mind--even at my expense. Our bond was exceptional. While no longer with me physically, my hope is Dexter's legacy will carry on through finding a cure for Feline Chronic Kidney Disease. --Diane F.
In Loving Memory of Holly
February 10, 2007 - March 2, 2017
Holly, our delightful kitty, came to us when she was about three years old from a local animal shelter. As one of the few caged cats in a cage-free room, she instantly caught our eye. Though Holly didn’t take well to the other animals in the shelter, she proved from the very first night in her new home to be devoted to the people in her life, always wanting to be wherever they were. Holly spent her evenings cuddled between her mom and dad on the sofa, her nights snuggled between them in bed. She shared bedtime stories with the grandchildren when they came to visit, and loved playing with strips of paper, which were her favorite toy in the world (often times dunking them in her water bowl)! She was easily one of the most smart, loving and affectionate cats we’ve been blessed to know. She brought so much joy to our family over the next six and a half years, and her diagnosis of kidney failure in January of 2017 came as a shock. Brave, vibrant and full of life until the very end, Holly passed away on March 2, 2017, but will live on forever in our hearts and memories.
--Lee and Ellen Kubica and Family
February 10, 2007 - March 2, 2017
Holly, our delightful kitty, came to us when she was about three years old from a local animal shelter. As one of the few caged cats in a cage-free room, she instantly caught our eye. Though Holly didn’t take well to the other animals in the shelter, she proved from the very first night in her new home to be devoted to the people in her life, always wanting to be wherever they were. Holly spent her evenings cuddled between her mom and dad on the sofa, her nights snuggled between them in bed. She shared bedtime stories with the grandchildren when they came to visit, and loved playing with strips of paper, which were her favorite toy in the world (often times dunking them in her water bowl)! She was easily one of the most smart, loving and affectionate cats we’ve been blessed to know. She brought so much joy to our family over the next six and a half years, and her diagnosis of kidney failure in January of 2017 came as a shock. Brave, vibrant and full of life until the very end, Holly passed away on March 2, 2017, but will live on forever in our hearts and memories.
--Lee and Ellen Kubica and Family
In Loving Memory of Isabella
August 28, 1999-September 1, 2018
Isabella came into our lives on as a 14-week-old kitten on August 28, 1999. Little did we know at the time that adopting Isabella would be one of the best decisions we ever made. For the next 19 years she would bring us joy, make us laugh, comfort us during difficult times, and be our constant companion as we all journeyed through life together. Isabella possessed a sweet spirit and a gentle soul. There are so many memories about Isabella that we will carry with us: she hopped down the stairs instead of walking, she made the cutest little purr meows when you would wake her from sleeping, she would stand on her hindquarters and wave her paws to get your attention, she loved to lie on a vent in winter, she loved hanging out in a box, she was sweet and we constantly told her so, and the list goes on and on. On September 1, 2018 we did one of the hardest things we’ve ever done and said our final goodbye. We will be forever grateful for the 19 years she spent with us -- she will be eternally loved and greatly missed. --Tonia and Paul G.
August 28, 1999-September 1, 2018
Isabella came into our lives on as a 14-week-old kitten on August 28, 1999. Little did we know at the time that adopting Isabella would be one of the best decisions we ever made. For the next 19 years she would bring us joy, make us laugh, comfort us during difficult times, and be our constant companion as we all journeyed through life together. Isabella possessed a sweet spirit and a gentle soul. There are so many memories about Isabella that we will carry with us: she hopped down the stairs instead of walking, she made the cutest little purr meows when you would wake her from sleeping, she would stand on her hindquarters and wave her paws to get your attention, she loved to lie on a vent in winter, she loved hanging out in a box, she was sweet and we constantly told her so, and the list goes on and on. On September 1, 2018 we did one of the hardest things we’ve ever done and said our final goodbye. We will be forever grateful for the 19 years she spent with us -- she will be eternally loved and greatly missed. --Tonia and Paul G.
In Loving Memory of Kevin
November 2, 2018-July 8, 2023 I remember the first time I saw Kevin’s beautiful face, and I fell in love straight away. Kevin was the most loving cat I have ever met. He loved being around everyone, and he loved ‘making bread’ on fluffy blankets. He had a crazy side to him that would come out whenever we tried to brush him. He loved sunbathing on the deck with his brothers Kody, Ralphy, Zazu and Chester. Kevin would go mad for dreamies, and his mum, Jasmine, taught him tricks and would feed him way too many. Kevin fell ill very suddenly, and it was a huge shock to everyone, but he fought so hard. I am forever grateful to have had the pleasure of being Kevin’s companion for his short life. We miss him so much, and his absence has left a hole in our hearts that will never be filled again. I want to thank Kevin for allowing us to be apart of his life, and I hope he knows how much we love and miss him. --The Taylor Family |
In Loving Memory of Lily
December 15, 2006-November 11, 2017
We adopted Lily from Petco when she was 11 weeks old. She was there with a group of siblings--Lily was the sweetest, most attentive of the bunch, looking up at us with those bright green eyes. She perked right up when she saw us. At that moment, her family was chosen. She enjoyed warming up by the fireplace, sunbathing, hitting the nip, bird watching and, while she never wanted to go outside, she loved to look out the window. Lily found a million places to snuggle up and nap, always looking as comfortable and carefree as possible. Salmon and tuna were her favorite dishes—she’d run from anywhere in the house when she heard her plate hit the counter. Lily was the sweetest, most gentle, loving, outgoing cat in the world. She always wanted to be with you in every room. Lily had a personality all her own, touched so many people's lives, and showed us what true, unconditional love really looks like. To say Lily was a HUGE part of our lives is an understatement! Lily lost her battle with CKD after 6 years. She was only 10. Lily overachieved every timeline any vet gave her, and stayed strong in fighting CKD, up to the very end. Love you Lily! You will always be remembered and greatly missed! --The Sisson Family
In Loving Memory of Luigi
November 25, 2008-December 13, 2020
Luigi is my best friend. I adopted him as a spunky 3 year old when an older lady in my apartment complex decided she didn’t want to have a cat. He immediately wormed his way into my heart and never left. He helped me through so many dark days, and celebrated some of my best. Anything my Lou Lou wanted, he got. He gave the best cuddles, where I would lie down and he would lie on my chest. He’d push his forehead under my chin and just purr. I’ll always miss that. He was my constant shadow, and my alarm clock in the morning, since he demanded his food. Luigi was diagnosed with Stage 4 CKD on December 9th 2020. He’d never shown any obvious symptoms and had fooled me completely. I vowed to fight as long as he remained happy, but fate had other plans. I exhausted every option available to me and had to put my best friend to sleep December 13th 2020. It was the hardest decision of my life. I’ll always love you Lou. There are no words in this existence that can encapsulate my love for you. You’ll always be in my heart. --Michael
November 25, 2008-December 13, 2020
Luigi is my best friend. I adopted him as a spunky 3 year old when an older lady in my apartment complex decided she didn’t want to have a cat. He immediately wormed his way into my heart and never left. He helped me through so many dark days, and celebrated some of my best. Anything my Lou Lou wanted, he got. He gave the best cuddles, where I would lie down and he would lie on my chest. He’d push his forehead under my chin and just purr. I’ll always miss that. He was my constant shadow, and my alarm clock in the morning, since he demanded his food. Luigi was diagnosed with Stage 4 CKD on December 9th 2020. He’d never shown any obvious symptoms and had fooled me completely. I vowed to fight as long as he remained happy, but fate had other plans. I exhausted every option available to me and had to put my best friend to sleep December 13th 2020. It was the hardest decision of my life. I’ll always love you Lou. There are no words in this existence that can encapsulate my love for you. You’ll always be in my heart. --Michael
In Loving Memory of Misty
August 8, 2004 - January 3, 2021 Misty was our "person" and we were her "people". Our sweet "Mitty Girl" was a constant source of comfort and joy in our lives. She was a great volleyball player in her younger years, as she loved to jump and swat at crumpled balls of paper. Misty loved her perch in the bay window of the kitchen as she watched the birds fly by, the leaves float in the wind, and the snow fall slowly on a winter's day. We celebrated her "Sweet 16th" birthday this past year and we are truly grateful for those wonderful years together. Her favorite spot was on either my lap or my mom's where she kept us wrapped in her love...and we wrapped her in ours as well. We love you Misty and you will forever be in our hearts. We will miss you forever and not a day less. --Emily & Kristi Cromwell |
In Loving Memory of Mittens 2009-September, 2017 Mittens was a loyal, smart, and generously loving cat with a spirit that is hard to come by. Abandoned as a kitten, he was fortunate to find a loving home in New Jersey with his best friend Isaiah. Although he was misunderstood at times, he loved attention and affection above all else. Incredibly vocal, he had a special gift for communicating with humans and preferred to sleep side-by-side with his favorite people. In the last few years of his life, Mittens endured a long move to upstate New York, where his family greatly expanded. With patience and kindness, he opened his heart to new little siblings: his brother Sable and sister Pico. As a big brother and role model, he made them feel welcome and taught them how to be proper cats (and how to drink from the sink faucet). We are grateful that he was able to see them grow from kittens into quirky little grown-ups. Mittens was the wisest cat we’ve ever known and deserved more kindness than the world had for him. He is loved and missed immensely by Pico, Sable, Casira, and most of all Isaiah. |
In Loving Memory of Nerissa
2004-November 5, 2018
We adopted Nerissa on June 10, 2006 at an estimated 2 years of age. We fell in love with her immediately, and though it took awhile, she and her kitty sister Isabella eventually reached an amicable relationship. Nerissa was a lap cat and could most often be found in her mom’s lap, rolled over just enough to get her belly rubs. She would find odd places to sleep, like the floor of the linen closet, on a shelf of towels, or under a dresser. She loved looking out windows-- bird watching out our bedroom window or sitting beside the sunniest window in the house, which she would even sometimes share with her sister. We spent a lot of time together these past few years just hanging out and during the treatments she eventually needed to slow the progression of her kidney disease. We have treasured every moment. So much centered around her care and spending as much time with her as possible, that there has been an unimaginable void after her passing. Words fail to explain how special she was to us and how much she is missed. Rest in peace dear one. You live forever in our hearts. --Tonia and Paul G.
2004-November 5, 2018
We adopted Nerissa on June 10, 2006 at an estimated 2 years of age. We fell in love with her immediately, and though it took awhile, she and her kitty sister Isabella eventually reached an amicable relationship. Nerissa was a lap cat and could most often be found in her mom’s lap, rolled over just enough to get her belly rubs. She would find odd places to sleep, like the floor of the linen closet, on a shelf of towels, or under a dresser. She loved looking out windows-- bird watching out our bedroom window or sitting beside the sunniest window in the house, which she would even sometimes share with her sister. We spent a lot of time together these past few years just hanging out and during the treatments she eventually needed to slow the progression of her kidney disease. We have treasured every moment. So much centered around her care and spending as much time with her as possible, that there has been an unimaginable void after her passing. Words fail to explain how special she was to us and how much she is missed. Rest in peace dear one. You live forever in our hearts. --Tonia and Paul G.
In Loving Memory of Nicholas
August, 2007-April 22, 2016
Nicholas will always be remembered as our loving orange kitty cat. He was rescued as a kitten, and found his way into our lives with a single picture that perfectly captured his personality. He was spunky, loyal, strong, silly, cuddly, (though only with his family and four legged siblings), and caring, to name but a few of his wonderful qualities. He passed away far too young at only 8.5 years old from CKD, but he touched our lives in a way we will never forget. One of his favorite pastimes was to carry around two stuffed toys, “The Bear” and “The Purple Monster”, nicknamed “The Purp”; he would chirp so loudly as he walked around the house with his favorite stuffed animals. He would knead them and sleep with them; we would find them all over the house! He also was best friends with our 75 pound chocolate lab--they spooned, cuddled and slept side by side most days and nights. Nicholas is our little hero, showing us how to fight, to be strong, to love and to do so unconditionally, and to be good people. We miss him dearly and remember him with love and wonderful memories. XOXO.
--The Rufa Family
August, 2007-April 22, 2016
Nicholas will always be remembered as our loving orange kitty cat. He was rescued as a kitten, and found his way into our lives with a single picture that perfectly captured his personality. He was spunky, loyal, strong, silly, cuddly, (though only with his family and four legged siblings), and caring, to name but a few of his wonderful qualities. He passed away far too young at only 8.5 years old from CKD, but he touched our lives in a way we will never forget. One of his favorite pastimes was to carry around two stuffed toys, “The Bear” and “The Purple Monster”, nicknamed “The Purp”; he would chirp so loudly as he walked around the house with his favorite stuffed animals. He would knead them and sleep with them; we would find them all over the house! He also was best friends with our 75 pound chocolate lab--they spooned, cuddled and slept side by side most days and nights. Nicholas is our little hero, showing us how to fight, to be strong, to love and to do so unconditionally, and to be good people. We miss him dearly and remember him with love and wonderful memories. XOXO.
--The Rufa Family
In Loving Memory of Noodle
September 17, 2011–August 29, 2022 Noodle was a giant among cats. After a difficult early life, he joined our family in 2011. He was a big, gentle boy, far larger than any of his feline siblings, and always the peacemaker. Noodle was quiet and easygoing, and wanted everyone else to be too; "Sheriff Noodle" would quickly quash any dustups among his feline siblings by administering swats until they settled down. Noodle’s favorite hobby was eating! He couldn’t resist sneaking a bite from someone else’s dish (cat or human). Mealtimes and snacktimes were the best times for Noodle—he’d race to his bowl, meowing with excitement, looking backwards as he went, to make sure that one his thumbsters was following along with the goods. Noodle was sweet, and quietly content—never demanding attention, but always happy to receive it. When snuggling up on the couch, he would respond to pets and scratches with kneads and purrs. Noodle overcame a great deal in life, including successfully battling diabetes, before succumbing to CKD. Life isn’t the same here without our sweet boy—he will be loved and missed always. —The Willson Family |
In Loving Memory of Samantha
March 1997-July 9, 2015
Samantha joined our family when she was just twelve weeks old and spent 18 years capturing our hearts. A small calico with beautiful markings, Samantha truly loved her humans as much as we loved her. She was happiest lying in a pile of Legos, blocks, or Polly Pocket clothes while those she loved played nearby. Samantha always had a fascination with water; draped across our shoulders as we washed dishes, poking her head in the bathtub to investigate, or tracking down an unattended glass of water in record time. Samantha did not like to be alone, always seeking comfort and companionship from her family. Samantha was diagnosed with feline kidney failure in September 2013. We were so fortunate to have Samantha in our lives for nearly two decades. She was immensely loved from the moment we brought our "Kitten D" home to the moment we said our last goodbyes. She was a part of our family and will be dearly missed. --The Barry Family
In Loving Memory of Tigger
April 6, 1998 - November 12, 2019
Our hearts are shattered, and a huge hole is left as we had to say goodbye to our Maine Coon mix, Tigger.
It feels like not long ago when we picked up Tigger and his sister Ashley in a garage in 1998. Over those 21 and a half years he has been a perfect companion, and solid rock in our family and lives. He was there to celebrate all of life's successes and accomplishments, and there to support during the hard and sad times. People will say 21 years is a long time but we wanted more. Five years ago he was diagnosed with Feline Chronic Kidney Disease, and he continued to fight and live his best life until the end. He for sure used all 9 of his lives and then some. We miss taking care of him, miss seeing him when we wake up or come home. We miss his meowing when he wanted something and miss his deep, loud purr when he cuddled. He impacted so many people and his memory will never go away. His strength and will to live is something we will carry with us forever. He is now with his sister Ashley at the rainbow bridge. We know the two of them will always be there for each other, as well as the other pets we have lost. Until we meet again Tigger....love you always and forever. --The Safarik Family
April 6, 1998 - November 12, 2019
Our hearts are shattered, and a huge hole is left as we had to say goodbye to our Maine Coon mix, Tigger.
It feels like not long ago when we picked up Tigger and his sister Ashley in a garage in 1998. Over those 21 and a half years he has been a perfect companion, and solid rock in our family and lives. He was there to celebrate all of life's successes and accomplishments, and there to support during the hard and sad times. People will say 21 years is a long time but we wanted more. Five years ago he was diagnosed with Feline Chronic Kidney Disease, and he continued to fight and live his best life until the end. He for sure used all 9 of his lives and then some. We miss taking care of him, miss seeing him when we wake up or come home. We miss his meowing when he wanted something and miss his deep, loud purr when he cuddled. He impacted so many people and his memory will never go away. His strength and will to live is something we will carry with us forever. He is now with his sister Ashley at the rainbow bridge. We know the two of them will always be there for each other, as well as the other pets we have lost. Until we meet again Tigger....love you always and forever. --The Safarik Family
In Loving Memory of Trouble
April 9, 2004 - August 13, 2022 I miss our morning routines and watching you lay in the window. I miss the smell of your fur, even when it made me sneeze. I miss our nightly cuddles, your wet kisses, and tucking you in at night. I miss how cute you slept and how loudly you would snore. I miss the way you comforted me, and our daily talks. I miss the way you would look at me whenever we tried to change your "soaps" on the T.V. I miss the way you supervised every single chore. I miss the way you protected all of us so fiercely and so proud. I miss having you here every day. I will forever miss you. Sleep well my angel. Love, Mommy |
In Loving Memory of Waffles
August 22, 2009-December 7, 2018
Waffles was an amazing cat with a unique and expressive personality. He was very intelligent, curious about everything and everyone (except dogs), and loved to snuggle. Waffles was never far from us when we were home and could always be found following me from room to room. He would walk me to the door when I left and greet me at it when I got home. Waffles was always learning – he knew how to play fetch, could open drawers/cupboards, and often broke the rules without getting caught during the act. (He wasn’t very good at cleaning up after himself.) You had to be very careful with what he observed you doing, as he would often imitate you, and if he spotted something interesting to play with, he’d remember its location for later.
Waffles was diagnosed with CKD Thanksgiving of 2016. In November, 2018 we learned that the treatment wasn’t working anymore. We spent the next month doing everything on Waffles’ bucket list, including playing outside. On December 7, 2018 we had to do the hardest thing imaginable and say goodbye to our sweet boy of only nine years. He will be missed more than words can express.
-–The Haffner Family
August 22, 2009-December 7, 2018
Waffles was an amazing cat with a unique and expressive personality. He was very intelligent, curious about everything and everyone (except dogs), and loved to snuggle. Waffles was never far from us when we were home and could always be found following me from room to room. He would walk me to the door when I left and greet me at it when I got home. Waffles was always learning – he knew how to play fetch, could open drawers/cupboards, and often broke the rules without getting caught during the act. (He wasn’t very good at cleaning up after himself.) You had to be very careful with what he observed you doing, as he would often imitate you, and if he spotted something interesting to play with, he’d remember its location for later.
Waffles was diagnosed with CKD Thanksgiving of 2016. In November, 2018 we learned that the treatment wasn’t working anymore. We spent the next month doing everything on Waffles’ bucket list, including playing outside. On December 7, 2018 we had to do the hardest thing imaginable and say goodbye to our sweet boy of only nine years. He will be missed more than words can express.
-–The Haffner Family