Category Archives: Pet Memorials

Animals, Pet Memorials

For the Love of Otter Wiley

Otter Wiley (affectionately known as Ottie) was a lover of laps, a voracious and passionate eater, and quite possibly the most beautiful kitty who ever lived – both inside and out.   

Born in 2003 in Dallas, Texas, Otter found her forever home through an adoption fair at the local mall, of all places. It was a luxury mall – quite fitting given Otter’s glamourous looks and girly nature.

The tiny kitten sat in a window in “Otter pose” (prim and proper with paws crossed) and charmed everyone who passed, including her future mom, Taylor.

When Taylor saw Otter’s jade colored eyes; silky, tricolored floof; and furry feet, it was love at first sight. Otter boasted a rare and striking pattern of black, white, and orange fur. Paired with her gorgeous green eyes, she was the beauty queen of cats.

Otter had many admirers, with multiple families competing to adopt her. But Taylor won the Otter lottery, and she brought the itty-bitty kitty home to her new dad, Chris Wiley.  

From the moment Otter came home, her purpose was palpable: she loved humans, and she loved love.

When her parents spoke her name, she would meow, roll over, make air biscuits with her pretty paws (she had one black foot pad, rumored to be the source of her power) – and beg to be stroked.

She loved belly rubs, kisses, and her own signature move: the head-butt of love.

Even when it came to toys, Otter never tried to tear them apart or “kill” her stuffed companions. Instead, she smothered them with affection.  

Otter was a great traveler, and unlike most members of her species, loved a good ride in the car. Her only travel requirement was to sit in the driver’s lap (with the expectation of plenty of petting along the way).

She adapted well to different apartments and homes over the years. As long as there was a sunny spot, a box or two to smoosh herself in, and a human to love – she was perpetually happy.

Second to her parents, food was Otter’s other great passion. Her tastes were particular – she only wanted kitty kibble. But it was crucial that someone bear witness as she ate. Should the bottom of the bowl peek through, Otter would turn her glowing green eyes on the nearest human and meow for more. And she’d always get it.

As time went on, Ottie aged like a fine wine, exhibiting even more love, affection, and playfulness in her golden years. Her 15 years on planet Earth seemed to make her even more of an angel; she was preparing herself for a prime spot in kitty heaven.

While she was taken abruptly and is dearly missed by her family, she lived her last days being adored, cared for, and given everything she wanted – and giving of her whole heart in return.  

Love was Otter’s mission in life, and she fulfilled it, to the last.

In the words of one anonymous scribe: “What greater gift than the love of a cat?”

Pet Memorials

Remembering Gordon

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Gordon, also known as Downtown Gordon Gecko, GordonBurger or Burger Boy, was born on June 6, 1998, in a Missouri puppy mill to a miniature poodle mom who wasn’t as lucky as he was.

For 16 ½ years, Gordon explored new cities, chowed down at every opportunity and was the best boy anyone could ever ask for.

At six months old, Gordon was discovered in a Fort Lauderdale pet store, about to be shipped out of state due to his advancing age. When Laine, his adoptive mom, picked him up, he latched his paw onto her shoulder and never let go. It was love.

When his father, Jack, first moved in with the family, Gordon protested by barking incessantly for days. Eventually, however, he fell madly in love, and adored his dad forever after.

Gordon was a mover and shaker, planting his fuzzy butt and handsome mug in cities from Fort Lauderdale to Hoboken to Jersey City to El Portal. He even went up in the World Trade Center and spent time South of the Border. In his younger years, he was fast as lightning, and adored a good beach run.

As his nicknames suggest, he loved burgers, and always looked forward to his birthday Whopper, complete with a candle or fancy drink umbrella. On his last birthday, he devoured his beef patty with all the enthusiasm of a dog half his age.

In his later years, Gordon’s devil-may-care attitude about life was an inspiration. He did whatever he pleased (wherever he pleased) and indulged his legendary appetite for life, always eager to greet a new day and squeeze in as many naps as possible.

A hardy little guy despite his origins, Gordon was never sick a day in his life — right up until the very end. He was a confidante to his mom, a devoted son to his dad, a cuddle companion to his sister, Dora. He left this world in the gentle presence of those who loved him the most.

Gordon was preceded in death by his beloved brothers Groucho and Buddy. He’ll take his place at Pet Heaven alongside them, and the three will be together again.

Gordon leaves behind a doting mother and father, Laine and Jack, a brother, Harry, and three sisters, Molly Moo, Dora and Roxy. They will miss his sweet face and soft poodle crest forever.

“If there are no dogs in Heaven, then when I die I want to go where they went.” —Will Rogers

Animals, Pet Memorials

A Tribute to Wolfey

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Wolfman Jack, or Wolfey as he was better known, was a shaggy black mutt and former pound puppy who stole the hearts of his family with his gentle nature, zest for life and popcorn-catching prowess.

From the moment his mom and two-year-old human sister picked him up from the pound, Wolfey’s joy was palpable. A jumper, a player, a lifelong chaser of squirrels, he loved all people, and children in particular.

Wolfey was an avid barker, a tennis ball aficionado and at heart, a country dog. He loved sniffing at streams, running through gardens and pawing through leaves in the woods of New Hampshire. Later in life, he could be spotted loping through the hills of Napa Valley.

During difficult times, Wolfey was a tireless shoulder to cry on and a constant comfort to his little sister when she was sad. His fur was better than a box of tissues – and he shed his thick black hair in massive quantities. His family’s favorite rhyme was “Wolfey hair is everywhere!” Even on the ceiling.

Stubborn and opinionated, Wolfey had a mind of his own. Famously, he’d hop on the bed the minute his human family left the house, despite his mom’s protestations.  Car rides made him crazy — he’d bark, drool and howl, but he was an adventurer and loved trips of any kind.

Wolfey gave his family plenty of scares, from employing escape artist antics to getting hit by a car. But even the accident didn’t cramp his style – he was always eager to meet another day.

One of Wolfey’s brightest moments was his 15th birthday party — a festive tribute to his life that had him seated at a table as the guest of honor. He wore a party hat, ate a birthday cake and ice cream (his favorite) and eagerly tore open presents with his paws. He was beside himself with joy.

In his later years, Wolfey’s teeth chattered and his fur wore thin, but his spirit never did. He was as full of enthusiasm his last day on earth as he was when he rode home with his family from the shelter — an example of a life well lived. And while he never achieved his lifelong dream of catching a squirrel, he came very, very close.

Wolfey passed on painlessly at the age of 17 in the company of his Auntie Aleta. He lived a long life and taught us many lessons. May he run like a gust of wind from now until forever.

“Everything I know, I learned from dogs.” – Nora Roberts