It is with deep sadness that Diane and I share with you the passing of our very first kitty, Buddy.

He’d been suffering from mast cell tumor cancer and, more recently, diabetes. In the past few weeks, his health deteriorated and over the last few days it had gotten significantly worse. After much discussion with our cat oncologist and our fabulous regular vet, we decided that the time had come. His quality of life was no longer there and we didn’t want him to continue to suffer. He passed away quietly, peacefully, surrounded by us and the staff of our vet, who’d watched him grow up from a kitten so many years ago.

Buddy had turned 17 this past Saturday (July 7th). He was born exactly two weeks before Diane & I got married, although he didn’t join the family officially until he was about eight weeks old. Diane picked his name and never was there a better choice. Buddy was always at your side: when you were in the shower, on the toilet, doing your hair, eating, sleeping, crying, laughing, or just staring off into space. Always. Loved by all, feared by few, he was the bestest kitty ever.

We miss Buddy tremendously, but he’ll always be in our hearts and in the hearts of everyone who’d ever met this greatest little guy in the world. Keep us in your thoughts and if you have a kitty, puppy, or other furry, non-furry, big or small member of the family, give them a hug.