In Memory

Five years ago you came into our lives after someone found you wandering the streets alone, and while we can't understand how someone could give you up, we are so thankful you came into our lives. You stole our hearts with your sweet disposition, your obsession with food, and your "I'll walk at my own pace" attitude. We take comfort in knowing you can walk and eat to your heart's content in heaven and know that we'll all be together again some day. Life goes on but it won't be the same. You are irreplaceable.

We miss you chunk!

Love,
Mamma, Pop and Obi

Dr. Rowse wondered how a sweet, small kitty got the name of Fireball. Well....there is a story how he got his name and a story as to how his reputation followed his name.
When our twin boys were finishing first grade thirteen years ago, we took them to the Humane Society in Bellevue and told them they could each pick out their own kitty. There were lots of new kittens and Oliver chose a brown/black kitty from a large litter of feral cats that looked all the same. But this one was different than all the others to Oliver and he named him Fireball. So.. a six year old boy named him.
Fireball had a reputation in the neighborhood, not always desirable. He would sneak in the cat door of one neighbor to steal their cat's food. There he was called "cheeky kitty". When those neighbors moved he continued to sneak through the little door and steal another cat's food. Other neighbors told us how he would stare at their indoor cats through their windows and even taunt these cats.
At home Fireball was very shy with people and would hide when guests came over. He needed constant convincing that he was not a feral cat and Oliver was very good at that. In high school, Fireball and Oliver had a routine. Fireball would sit on the chair by the heater and wait for his master to come down from his bedroom. Just before Oliver had to catch his bus for school, he would pick up Fireball and hold him for several minutes. Of course, Fireball would never admit that he waited and enjoyed this interaction. When Oliver went off to college two years ago, Fireball sought me out as I drank my morning coffee in my comfy chair. He would tentatively look at me before gingerly climbing up to sit in my lap.
Other things he loved......rolling on the floor for you to scratch his belly, Rick's lap late in the evening, desperately scratching on the glass window when he wanted back inside, announcing his entrance with a "meow" hello, and best of all, the fire in his eyes when he was ready for mischief.
For his last week I held him on my lap every day as I had my coffee. He did not approach me but I took him there anyway. He seemed comforted. His last day, I held him for an hour before heading for his last trip to the vet. He needed to feel love.
He will be missed by all of us:Rick, Pieter, Sam, Carol and mostly, Oliver.

Carol Judge

I found three-week-old Cleo one November afternoon standing in the middle of our street crying mightily. Likely a feral kitten, she was alone, cold and hungry, so of course our two Siamese boys made room for her. Cleo was an incurable hunter in her younger days, loved overnight adventures (which we tried to discourage) and loved stalking me and capturing my fingers while I weeded the garden! She was my constant, loyal companion through all the changes of two decades, surviving two moves and using all of her nine lives to full advantage. In her last years, our friends at Ballard Animal Hospital came to know Cleo well - she was the patient making all the noise, scaring all the other poor cats & dogs (and their people.) At 19, her body finally failed her, and I tearfully helped ease her passing. We're so grateful for Dr. Wallace's care and obvious love for her patients, and also appreciate Jan's ready smiles and good humor. You are all a blessing to us.

I love you and miss you, my baby kitty. Leave those heavenly birds alone!

Eric Liljegren

You brought so much joy to my life. You were with me through so many tough times, and always there to comfort me. You were spoiled beyond belief, but you gave just as much as you received. My little white kitty with the pink ears. You were my couch buddy as well. This picture is a prime example of how loving you were laying next to me watching our favorite shows. I wish I could reach out and touch that belly. You will always be in my heart and I will miss you forever. The house is not the same without you. No matter where I was in the house you were right there by my side. You were truly my little baby. You loved it most when I would carry you around over my shoulder like a baby, and if I rocked you while doing it you loved it even more. You were such a sweetie! Letting you go was the hardest thing I have ever had to do. I hope you know how much you were loved and will be missed!

Momma loves you baby girl!

You were a subtle cat most of the time, usually found lounging in the sun or your favorite bed in one of your marathon sleep sessions, but you were a presence in your own way. I could always count on you to be there with a loud MEOW! when I called your name or with an enormous purr when I wrapped my arms around you. You were my living stuffed animal, my bear, my buddy. You were a big part of my childhood that grew up with me and moved with me, a socially acceptable blankie. Because of you my house is always picked up - I no longer leave anything on the floor because I always think, "Wait, will Rush throw up on that?" Without you, my home seems less complete. My childhood more distant.

I always expect you to be just around the corner. I miss you buds. Thank you for the honor of being your mom.

With love and a good scratch behind the ear,

Your person, Heather

To Daisy:

We are thankful for the many years you showed us the enthusiasm of your younger days and for the tranquility when you were old.
We are grateful that you got to be the heartbeat at our feet.

We miss you tremendously.

With love,
Jan and Terry

Vince, AKA Vinnie, came to the Radella family from a friend who found him as a stray, going door to door for handouts. Vince lived with us but ruled over the surrounding properties. He let other felines know he was the man (even though technically he was not). Our neighbors loved him or tolerated his dominant nature. In one dramatic incident he & another cat rolled down their entry stairwell in a battle to the finish. Every one survived in those days. Just with less fur.

We loved his white chest, white paws and beautiful black coat. He never spoke to us except when we returned from a vacation at which time he let every one for a block around know how horrible it was that we left him. And late in life he began demanding food vocally with this dreadful crackly meow. He was the best animal companion! He was independent and clever, and he trusted me. I would do anything to make sure he had a great life!

He first came to Ballard Animal Hospital in 1992 and began his long relationship with the wonderful staff. Vince tried to cooperate with Dr. Paul Ahrens and Dr. Brian Rowse for the first years of vaccinations and abscess cleansing. He got hit by a car or somehow had a dreadful accident , survived the emergency treatment at Emerald City Emergency clinic, then the reconstructive surgery at Ballard Animal Hospital. One of his nine lives checked off then. But his real battle began in 2005 when he was diagnosed with diabetes and shortly afterward with poor kidney function and, last but not least for our little neighborhood toughy, with arthritis. Vince and his people received patient loving care from Jan!! And I wish I could recall the individuals who treated & cared for him while he spent holidays and vacations at the Ballard Animal Hospital cat spa (ha ha).

I miss him with all my heart. My poor panther, gone now where his legs no longer hurt.

Meredith and Frank, Vince's humble people.

Add University Street Fair, several street kids, an adorable 5 week old puppy, an impulse and $50. Sage was mine! $50 got me the best dog anyone could hope to have.

A kind, gentle, affectionate dog, Sage taught me the true meaning of unconditional love. He was always by my side through the best and worst of times, milestone after milestone, year after year.

Sagie, you are truly missed by all who knew you. I love you.

Lara

We miss our Buddy very much. He was a wonderful dog. He loved everybody and was a big 120 lb. baby. He thought that everybody who came to our house was there exclusively to see him. He even liked going to the vet! He loved taking walks with his "daddy". He has left a huge void in our lives. We still expect to see him every morning when we wake up.

Herb and Julie Hudson

With sorrow and sadness I must inform everyone ODIS has gone peacefully to God's dog run.

Noon on the 4th of July, ODIS drew his last breath in the loving arms of Patti and myself.

ODIS was quiet, always hungry and had a fun loving temperament.

Those who knew him were the lucky ones.

Lawrence and Patti

Simon was a wonderful cat. Affectionate, even-tempered, calm. He seemed to view the world with a sense of quiet approval. He completely enjoyed the simple pleasures in life - sleeping in the sun, regular meal-times (so important!), a clean litter-box, a favorite catnip toy, and some friends to hang out with. He gave, and received, a lot of love.

Simon got along with most other cats who crossed his path, but was special friends with housemates Toby (who survives him) and Ernie.

We have over 18 years of memories with Simon and for that we feel both lucky and profoundly grateful. Thank you to Dr. Rowse for your excellent care of Simon, and your compassion. We'd also like to remember Dr. Ahrens, who often took care of Simon in his early years. Thank you to the entire team of nurses and technicians who have helped Simon over the years, and to Dr. Howe for continuing this excellent practice. And a special appreciation to Jan, who never failed to tell Simon how beautiful he was.

-Wendy and Tom

Comet was discovered one morning when my sister was heading off to work. He was under her car and was so scared that he almost ran up a wall trying to get away. He was only 5 weeks old and had been abandoned during the night. My sister brought him to us and it has been our joy to care for him these last 12 years. We have many happy memories of frisbee on the beach, joyful greetings at the door, and nap time on the stairs. Thank you to Ballard Animal Hospital and Dr. Rowse for great care and thoughtfulness.

The Comptons

We will miss Toby and Teddy, the white and black Scotties at Conkling Place West on Queen Anne.

Toby loved to run with the boys and chase squirrels. He demanded attention from all the neighbors and teens who came to visit, especially the girls. His personality was far bigger than his size.
Teddy was a rescue dog who loved and appreciated our family. He acted tough around other dogs but lost his courage whenever he had to visit the vet or groomer.

Our thanks to Dr. Rowse for giving us the guidance we needed. And to Jan who always smiled and cared.
The Krom family

I had the pleasure of knowing and loving my friend and companion Ebony for 13 years. He will forever be a part of my heart and soul. I thank him for being a true companion, friend, big brother and for his unconditional love and support. I will never forget his unique personality, pleasant disposition and strong vocal skills. Ebony and I experienced many good times together and he will forever be remembered for his patience and understanding. He was such a sturdy soul! He took pride in being an older brother to his friend, Noir and they were inseparable. Ebony could always bring a smile to my face. It was very entertaining to watch him power clean and wrestle with Noir throughout the day. Ebony will truly be missed by us and I will never forget the love and companionship that he provided. It was a blessing that he came into my life and I believe that we were meant to be together. I was good at loving and taking care of him and he knew that I would do anything for him. I do believe that our animals forever leave pawprints on our heart. They teach us so much about ourselves and our ability to love. Thank you, Ebony.

Thank you so much (Ballard Animal Hospital) for taking care of Ebony during his illnesses. You have a wonderful animal clinic full of warm, caring people. Thanks again for your kindness and patience with him during the final stages of his life.

Mr. Huckleberry Finn Timmons, cat, of Seattle, formerly of the Los Angeles area, died Saturday, March 7, 2009 at the Ballard Animal Hospital after a long bout with hyperthyroidism and kidney disease. He was 14 years old. He was surrounded by family, friends and caretakers. Ballard Animal Hospital officiated over the proceedings.

He is survived by his mother Leslie Timmons, originally a native of Charlotte, North Carolina, his poppa, Adrian Jones, currently of San Francisco and his close cat friend Oliver Twist Jones also of San Francisco.

Besides being a loving companion to his mother, Huckleberry filled his days snacking, napping and listening to music. As an avid, discerning and eclectic music fan, he listened to jazz, indie rock, electronic and occasionally classic rock. He also kept himself informed of current events on NPR. He had discriminating taste when it came to his toys and loved all things natural; feathers, fur and catnip. In lieu of flowers, please donate to your local animal shelter or consider adopting an animal in need.

It was an honor and a privilege to know Huckleberry and be his friend for 9 years. He was my closest companion and the apple of my eye. I will sorely miss him. I will miss the sweet smell and soft feel of his fur, his plaintive meow in the middle of night urging me to get up and play instead of sleep, the sound of him jumping up on the bed to come lay in my arm and the way he circled up before sitting down to purr and be petted on my lap. I will miss how he liked to sniff everyone thoroughly and incessantly before letting them pet him (even me!). I will miss how he was not a fan of me going in and out of my apartment numerous times for groceries, laundry and the like and would therefore chase me around and find an ankle of mine to put his teeth on (he was good). I will also miss the way he stood watch on the bathmat while I was in the shower and how he insisted on being petted while I dried my hair every day. Huckleberry knew from my awkward attempts to communicate with and hold him that I had never had the opportunity to be a close friend of a cat before I got to know him. He was very patient with me and within the first year, we developed the deep trust required of lasting friendship.

I would like to thank Juanita Fisher, his non-profit adoption agency foster sponsor mom for taking a chance on me by entrusting me with Huckleybabys care.
I would like to thank Huckleberrys caretakers, Jason Boekeloo and Ian Duncan, without whom I would not have been able to administer some of his medication. I am deeply indebted to Jason and Ian.

I would like to thank the wonderful folks at Ballard Animal Hospital and in particular Dr. Emily Howe for her objective perspective (when I had none), Dr. Brian Rowse for his patient guidance, Nicole for her kind words and empathy and Dr. Jennifer Wallace for her insight and loving final care of my kitty man.

I would like to thank my boyfriend Dave Muhich, for his patience, support and love.

Huckleberry knew I loved him and he loved me back in return. As many of you know, he was always very good.

-Leslie

Here is a link to his Catbook profile with some fun photos: http://apps.facebook.com/catbook/profile/view/4884861

She was a bright spot in our lives. Always knocking something over and showering us with love.
Her passing has left a huge hole in our home and lives.
We will miss her incredibly.
She was our pet and friend, loyal, goofy,she was the best dog!
Mikey,Ceci and Violet

In loving memory of Romeo, the Casa Nova of cats.

It is ironic that I happened to be the one to answer the phone call from a distraught owner of a seven year old diabetic cat named Romeo. The family was at their wits end and looking for a way out. Romeo was surrendered to Ballard Anima Hospital.

Romeo was not able to roam the clinic freely because our other two lovely house cats had already made the hospital their home. He sat in a front kennel longing for love and food. I would give him as much attention as I could while I worked and I quickly realized what a Casa Nova he really was. He would put his paws on my shoulders and kiss my neck like a dog and on the ground he would get up on his hind feet and hug your leg. But within a couple of months his health started to fail. He seemed depressed. He lost his appetite and his blood sugar was up and down. Eventually he crashed and had a seizure. The unhappiness in his eyes was too much to bear.

Having a big dog that was not fond of cats and a boyfriend who was allergic to them, I was in no position to bring Romeo home. I did just that! My dog and my boyfriend ended up respecting my decision. Actually, as it turns out, we were the privileged ones to have him in our home. He pulled through two dental surgeries and a change in insulin. Romeo was such an attention hog too! Anyone who walked through our door got head butts from him. Romeo especially loved my three year old daughter and slept with her every night. Sometimes I would catch him sleeping in her arms. Cats like him are rare. His whole life was focused around loving us. One of the best things I have done in my life was to help Romeo live three additional years.

I knew his diabetes would interrupt his life span but I had no idea he would leave us so abruptly. It was so painful watching him fade. My heart prepared to say good bye. Something told me that even with our hopes for recovery; there was nothing more that could be done for him. His body could take no more. I had to end his pain.

It shatters a piece of your heart when you must let go of a pet. I will always hurt for Romeo, but I think I can help mend the hole that was created with his departure by finding someone who needs my love just like Romeo did. This was what Romeo lived for - LOVE!

To all who have lost a pet, you have my sincere condolence. I hope it helps to know you are not alone.

by Nicole Gholipour

In memory of my beloved sweet kitty girl, Bitta, who brought almost 14 years of kitty love and affection into my life. Lover of wet food, warm laps, and string toys, you will be missed terribly! Say hello to your brother in heaven, Gambit.

Abby Mayers

Love life, love yourself!

I found Siegfried on a rather rainy day abandoned in a box that had been taped shut. I knew I had to have him. He was quite the odd cat, short in stature with a rather large head, resembling a rabbit in body type, and a short corkscrew tail. It turned out his original name had been Gabriel, he'd been adopted as a kitten 8 years prior at a shelter in Auburn, but he told me his name was Siegfried... much more regal sounding. Unfortunately he was taken from us much too soon, hit by a car with a driver who must have had extremely important things to do. I like to think Siegfried was happiest with us, in a home that loved him, even if it was only for five months. We all miss him very much.

Lily was a big white ball of fluff with a Jay Leno chin. She was a wise and regal feline who ruled the roost at our house. It was best not to mess with Lily. She was very clear about what was permissible and what was not. She loved to have her ears scratched and would nudge the dog out of the way to get your attention. Surprisingly, Lily aged rather gracefully and became a more loving cat as time went on. Although we were not ready to say goodbye, she left us with a plethora of fond memories that will always bring a smile to my heart.

Shadow was a character. A Corgi blend and part Houdini too. In her prime she could keep every living thing out of our back yard and still have time to grab a tulip bulb and carefully plant it in a thoughtfully dug hole. She announced every person who dared to come within 100 feet of the house and could gobble up your dinner in the time it takes to get a glass of milk. She could break out of anything, eat everything and was never submissive to another dog (only the cat) her whole life. Her antics made me laugh. She loved life and I was lucky to be included in her small circle of preferred humans.

Ol' Lady Lil' came to me as a Senior dog my 3rd year of veterinary school. She had been used as an experimental dog and her future looked bleak until my good friend adopted her. Lilli gave me never ending companionship and comfort during a difficult time of my life. Her two favorite things in life: affection and food. I'll never forget her loyalty and smiling face. I miss you Ol' lady.

Zeek was born under my grandmother's trailer (the Silver Bird) in East Texas and was gifted to me when I was a junior in college. He'll be remembered for his crooked tail, his communicative, creaky-door meow, his love of laps (especially Julie's), his fangs, his loud purr, and his prancing up and down you at night when he wanted attention. He was a great, loving kitty and we miss him.