Greetings all and happy holidays,

Rae and I have been having a rough patch recently with a big unexpected emergency vet bill and a loss in our family, so I am coming to you to ask for your help so that we can make it through this tough time during the holiday season. Our baby Athena recently fell very ill with a sudden and rapid onset of pancreatitis, and we had to keep her in the veterinary ICU for 5 days. She was stable and seemed to be doing well when she was released, but unfortunately her health started declining again after her release despite our best efforts to keep her fed, hydrated and medicated. Today, we had to say goodbye to her because she was continuing to decline in health and her vital organs began to fail. She was 7 years old and we loved her very, very much, and we've spent every bit of the 7 years she had on this earth cherishing her companionship and love. She was at home in our arms up until her very last heartbeat.

Athena was one of the sweetest cats we've ever had. Her favorite things to do (when she wasn't planted on our chest demanding cuddles) was to play fetch with her favorite toy (plastic forks from Chipotle...) and she also loved to climb into plastic grocery bags and let us carry her around. She was always on the hunt for any stray light reflections to pounce, and loved to get her zoomies out at bedtime when we ran our hands under the blankets for her. She had a beautiful tawny grey striped coat and dazzling aquamarine eyes, which she would always blink slowly at us with to show her affection. Above all though, she absolutely loved to cuddle with Rae and I. It didn't matter what we were doing at our desks- if it was her cuddle time you had better make that time for her otherwise she'd pester you until you did. She'd perch on our shoulders like a parrot (sometimes for hours) with her loud purr going all the while.

If you've taken the time to read this, share this or even felt the kindness to help us take care of her expenses, Rae and I want to thank you from the bottom of our hearts. It means so much to us that you've taken the time to understand our hardship and help us through it. Even just kind words are something we are forever grateful for because it helps us through the pain of losing her. I hope that you are blessed with love and comfort much like our baby had given to us for those amazing seven years.

Love,

Mark and Rae

Rest well Athena

8/3/2018 - 12/23/2025