in celebration of our amazing and wonderful companions...
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"Miro"
Miro (2001-2019)
Last week I said goodbye to my dear Miro. How is it possible for a 15 pound fur ball to steal your heart? The last 16 years of my life were totally enriched by having him in my life. (He was likely 2+ years old when I adopted him, which puts his age at 18+.) Miro’s back story - He was abused and randomly dumped on a front lawn of a friend back in 2003. My prior kitty of 14 years had passed away a few months earlier and I had told everyone "when the right kitty comes along, I'll know." My friend said "I know a cat you need to adopt." And she was right. The friend had naming rights and named him "Miro" as he reminded her of the paintings of the Spanish painter, Miro. The first few years with Miro were extremely difficult - he suffered from serious anxiety from his prior abuse. He ran for shelter upon hearing any male voice. Any attempt to touch him would likely result in biting or scratching. But over the years, he learned that not all men are horrible. With the help of my male friends, Miro learned to trust men. I asked them to walk into the house and not talk and then be nice to Miro. Only once he accepted them did I give the okay to start talking. In addition, Miro decided he was a 99% outdoor cat, but was also the lowest cat in the pecking order and took beatings regularly (and WAY too many vet visits to help keep him in good shape). (For the record, it was Miro's choice to be 99% outdoors at this time, he REFUSED to stay indoors.) It took literally years, but eventually Miro became a total snuggle bunny. While I was living in London in 2006-2007, Miro moved in with my dear neighbors - or (more accurately), he assumed that his personal staff extended into the next house and just moved between houses as the mood struck him. When I moved to San Francisco in 2007, I entrusted the neighbors with the responsibility of shipping Miro from Melbourne to San Francisco. My neighbor said "you very nearly did not get your cat back." He had won them over and it was hard to let go. Upon arriving in San Francisco, Miro became a nervous wreck again - in total terror after a horrible international move and new surroundings. He hid in a duffel bag of clothing for about 6 weeks (coming out for meals and restroom breaks). Once in San Francisco, his true snuggle bunny self came out - becoming more of an indoor cat and more of a cuddler. He touched so many people's lives over the years. Those who knew him in recent years are astonished when I tell them about his early days. My main point (for this long essay) is that love can overcome so many things - including a terrible abusive past, which is no fault at all of the subject of the abuse. Miro really should be a poster child for rehabilitation of animals who were previously abused. I hope people think about this the next time they are thinking of adopting an animal. Those who have had a terrible past are in such need of love. And once they receive love, they are able to radiate it as well. -Phaedra F. |
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"Winnie"
“Winnie”
2008-2018 Winnie was a sweet, gentle soul who had a great love of family. She came into my life as a stray mama cat with her five kittens in need of fostering. She was a doting and caring mother, and all her babies eventually found forever homes. Winnie was so special that I decided to keep her as my own. She soon became the light of my life. Her favorite activities were catching ping-pong balls, watching sunsets, taking naps, and giving belly massages to her humans after dinner time. I miss you my sweet Hun Bun and love you always. Wait for me at the Rainbow Bridge, and someday, we will cross it together. Many thanks to Dr. Ari Rozycki for being my rock while making the oh-so-difficult process of letting her go from this Earth, a bit easier. I am forever grateful. -Diane W. |
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"Penny"
Penny 2000-2018
Penny was my companion and best friend for 18 years. She was very sociable and loved being the center of attention. Every morning she would awaken us with meows and paw taps, and every evening she greeted us at the door with meows and head butts. She loved sitting on laps, lying in the sun, playing with her stuffed mouse and begging for table scraps. We have many wonderful memories of our sweetest girl. We miss you Penny, and we will love you forever. -Susan B. and James C. |
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'Bodhi'
Our beloved Bodhi passed on his own one month after being diagnosed with high grade lymphoma. True to his compassionate nature, he left us a day before we were planning on saying our final goodbye at home, sparing us the burden of euthanasia. Bodhi was a SPCA- certified therapy cat who possessed the deepest, purest, most gentle soul. He was so much to us— soulmate, teacher, refuge, sage, thoughtful observer, prince of patience… His light illuminated all whose lives he touched. And there were so, so many…
We know that wherever his journey next takes him, Bodhi will surely be continuing his healing work. Rest in peace, our beloved of blessed memory. We will always feel your paws on our hearts. -Rachel K. & Andy L. |
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'Beavis"
Beavis was my silly and adventurous best friend. We climbed mountains in Colorado, went backpacking in Utah, and swam in the ocean off the California coast. He was a fetch machine, and would do anything for a piece of cheese! He lived a long, happy life with his brother Cooper. Always by my side, it hurts that he is no longer here. I love you. I miss you.
-Bexy
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' Tyra'
In loving memory: Ms. Tyra Jane Bunny.
She left this world peacefully at home last night at the age of 14. She was a diva who did not do well with children. Her favorite activities were paper, peacock feathers, lazer light and zombie puppets. She often chatted at the pigeons and slept in boxes. She enjoyed sounds of the rainforest and eating Twix. - Love you Little girl! -Meghan W. |
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'Bruno'
Bruno (1999-2017)
"How lucky I am to have something that makes saying goodbye so hard" Thank you for 18 years of unconditional love and companionship. You will always be my smart, handsome boy. I love you and will never forget you Bug Bug, you are always in my heart. -Paula D. |
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'Bibi'
Bibi loved making new friends. She had just enough energy for a nice loud bark when you arrived, which was her preferred greeting. She was a sweet and happy girl who changed both our lives when we met her ten years ago. We had a million funny nicknames for her. She was beyond special to us both, we loved her dearly and there's nothing we wouldn't ever have done for her, including letting her go when she needed to. She was unique, and amazingly weird and always had the ability to make us laugh. She like her dad, had a great love of delicious food. She loved napping in the sun and being out and about on a walk. Steph and I are each full of such rich memories, that she will always be close to us and never forgotten.
-Matt N.S. and Stephanie L. |
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'Dock'
Who Saved Who?
Rescued from the docks of Oakland when he was about 2 years old. We always figured we saved his life back on that day. But, looking back he left a much larger impression on us. Teaching us patience & gratitude. Whether a bad day or a trivial problem, he seemed to ease & wash away with his presence & the simple want of your touch. In the end Dock we love & miss you dearly, but, are so grateful to have known you for 14 years. So many beautiful & fun memories to remember you by. We are sincerely thankful for you Dr. Ari Rozycki for your compassion & for being there for our family at such a difficult time & at such a late hour. - Brian & Thyra |
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'Beeper'
Dr. Rozycki's professionalism, compassion, and understanding during our time of difficult decisions was excellent. Email response to questions were promptly answered and once he arrived at our apartment, Dr. Rozycki explained with care and diplomacy the process which would take place. His bedside manner was gracious; the final moments spent with our feline friend were not rushed or hurried. We are grateful that Dr. Rozycki provided a serene environment for us.
-Jennie H. and Jeff S. |
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"Beau"
Peter and I want to thank you for taking care of Beau yesterday.
Your compassion for him and us was so appreciated. You have a gift. Beau was our gentle and handsome British Shorthair. He enjoyed the garden where he was amused by the antics of two much younger brothers. He commanded the house and our hearts for 13 loving years! -Nancy S. |
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"Molé"Molé was a tiny, fierce and feisty feral kitten when we got him. He was very sweet, but he was quirky and had personal space issues - if you got your big, scary human face up next to his you might get a swat; his biggest nemesis was the floor SWIFFER and he spent a lot of time hissing to tame it. He was happiest when he was out in his jungle - our backyard.
It took years for him to finally relent and allow us into his world. It probably went against all his instincts, but he eventually deemed us worthy. We felt very privileged to get "nose-bumps" and to have him seek out a warm lap. And the long journey to that place made it feel that much more special when we arrived. Ironically, Dr. Rozycki was Molés vet as a kitten and saved his life. 14 years later, Dr. Rozycki was there again to ease his passing. We're so grateful. -Chris & Roxanne G. |
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"Kuro Chan"I have endless memories of Kuro Chan in his 18 1/2 years with me.
He was loving and loved by many; he was also a great hunter and loved the outdoors claiming his territories and turning himself into a fierce intimidating panther like. Though indoors he was just a little kitty cat so well behaved and loving. I will always have him in my heart & memories. Xo, -Edo |
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"Tumbleweed"Hi Dr. Rozycki,
Thank you so much for your kind letter. It was so nice to receive. It made me happy to hear that you could tell how much Peter and I loved her. I really do miss her dearly. You're right, her stay wasn't long but it surely was unique. We fell in love with her very quickly. I thought I would include a picture or two in case you would like to use them on your website. I'm attaching a "before" picture from when Peter found her in December and a few of my favorites. :) Thanks for your patience with me. She was the first pet that was truly mine and it was hard at the end. Thanks again, -Teresa M. |
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"Mr. Boots"Dear Ari,
Thank you very much for coming over to our home to help our beloved cat, Mister Boots. Your service and professionalism made it much easier to say good-bye to him. Having him pass in the comfort of familiar surroundings lessened the stress for the both of us. I felt very much at ease during the time you were there. Thank you for taking your time to explain every step and allowing me the moments alone with him afterwards. I will recommend your service to others if they ever have a need for this. The house is very empty now after 16 1/2 years with Mister Boots and his mother, Miss Mama, who passed away November 2012. - Douglas R. |
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"Sassy & Squeeky"Our Last Gift...
Saying goodbye to Squeek (black) was difficult enough, but having to say goodbye again to his partner Sassy of 17 years, only 3 1/2 months later, was even more difficult. We knew Sassy missed Squeek and must have had a broken heart and needed to be with him. It brought some comfort knowing they would be together again. Dr. Ari was there for us both times with kindness, compassion and was patient to give us our last moments together. We are so grateful this service is available in the comfort of their home. Forever in our hearts... - Brenda & Larry J. |
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"Mina"Dear Ari,
Thank you so much for helping to give our beloved cat, Mina, a more peaceful death on such short notice and after regular business hours. It is clear that your dedication to the peace and comfort of animals goes far beyond being simply a profession. You came to her aid on such short notice when no other house call vets would, and my husband and I are eternally grateful to you for that. Your generosity with your time has touched our lives in a very meaningful way. Very best wishes, -Courtney & Eric W. |
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"Cheetah"Dear Ari,
Thank you so much for your kind and thoughtful card. I really appreciate the wonderful job you did with Cheetah. His passing was perfect. It's a comfort to know that he didn't suffer and that his last moments were peaceful. - Lori S. |
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"Rusty"Our 13 year old dog, Rusty, had health issues that caught up with him late one night. We called Dr. Ari Rozycki who quickly arrived at our home and was patient and empathetic with us; kind and compassionate to Rusty and his companion, Roscoe. We gathered around our beloved family member while Dr. Rozycki gently and peacefully led Rusty into his next life; it was the ultimate loving act for our friend.
-Billie H. |
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"Cosmo"Dr. Rozycki was our vet throughout our pet's life - almost 17 years. We were so pleased that he was there at the beginning and at the end. Deciding to end Cosmo's life was deeply sad and very difficult. Knowing Ari was there to help us through this process eased the pain in unimaginable ways. He is gentle and kind and trusting and was truly invested in creating the most comfortable environment for Cosmo.
-Jennifer S. |
