Hi everyone, my name is Leah and I was best friends with Suzi for 15 years. Losing Suz has been devastating--she was such an incredible friend and human and she meant so much to so many. Since her passing, the outpouring of love and support we've witnessed has been nothing short of incredible. It is such a comfort to see and hear from the enormous amount of people who loved her.

We’ve had a lot of inquiries about Suz’s cats and so many generous offers to rehome them. I wanted to let everyone know that my fiancé, Kelson, and I have adopted Jerry and Sophie. Suz always referred to me as the cats’ “Auntie Leah” and would joke that I was to inherit them if anything ever happened to her. When I got the terrible news of her passing, I knew that it was time to make good on that promise and bring them home with me.

I want to assure everyone that we are giving these guys the best home possible, and they are receiving the most love and snuggles. It’s been a big transition for all of us, but they’re settling in so well and have even started to sleep in the bed with us. (Of course, they’re also sleeping in weird places like the bathtub and inside the lining of the couch, haha). Shy little Sophie has even come around to sitting in Kelson’s lap, which I know Suz would have just been so ecstatic to see.

With that said, I will be starting graduate school this summer and we will be a one income family for a couple of years while I finish my program. Kelson will be taking on the role of sole wage earner and adding two cats to the mix obviously comes with a lot of expenses we hadn’t anticipated. I’ve had so many people asking how they can help in the aftermath of this, and I thought that starting a little cat “trust fund” for these guys would be a beautiful way for people to pay tribute to Suzanne. Her parents have generously offered to help, but they’re also dealing with the expenses of a funeral, paying her rent until her lease can be broken, and everything else that comes with losing their daughter. I would love to not have to lean on them for anything else.

I wasn’t sure how much to make our goal. Honestly, every little bit helps. Mainly, we’re raising this money to help offset the cost of future vet visits and general medical care. Sophie has asthma and needs steroids and Suz had recently told me that Jerry was due for a vet visit and may need a dental cleaning.

If you are looking for a way to honor our spicy Suzanne, I know that this would make her incredibly happy. She loved these two babies more than anything. We will obviously be completely transparent with how we use the funds and post pictures and updates of our niece and nephew for all those interested in their progress. Regardless of how much money we raise, they will always have a home with us and always be well cared for.

Please feel free to pass this link around to anyone who may want to contribute to the Sophie and Jerry Trust Fund :)

Thanks everybody!

Sincerely,

Leah