A Gentle Rest

27/07/2025

We first met Carlito at the Peninsula Humane Society when he was just a tiny 3-month-old kitten. His name at the time was Preston, and though we looked at many cats that day, something about him felt different. The way he looked at us—curious, kind, and full of life—touched our hearts instantly. We couldn’t stop thinking about him, so we went back to hold him in our arms, and just like that, we knew: this was our cat! From that moment on, he was Carlito, and he was ours.
As a kitten, Carlito was a ball of wild, joyful energy—pouncing, racing around, turning our apartment upside down with love and chaos. As he grew older, he became mellow, wise, and incredibly affectionate. At that time we had our beloved Abyssinian cat Laurence. They were good friends.Years later, after Laurence passed away, Carlito mourned deeply—his heart was so sensitive. It wasn’t until we brought Lily Rose into our lives that he found joy again. From the beginning, they were inseparable, and he adored her with all his heart. Carlito was truly one of a kind. Our pet sitter Julie called him “The King,” and it suited him perfectly. He ruled our home with quiet confidence, always keeping watch, always caring for us. He was our gentle protector, cuddler, and companion. At night, he’d curl up next to us in bed, purring like a little engine, and wrap his paws around our fingers—a sweet, silent way of saying, “I’m here. I love you.” His favorite things? Raw organic chicken, shrimp, sunbathing in the garden, and his beloved purple stuffed toy (which he proudly carried to his food dish). That toy now belongs to Lily Rose, who plays with it as if he’s still here, watching over her. Carlito was an indoor-outdoor cat in the best way—he never wandered far, always content just to sit outside and watch the world go by. He was calm, observant, brave, and wise. And while I’ve been blessed with many wonderful cats in my life, there was something truly extraordinary about Carlito. He loved deeply and patiently, especially when it came to Lily Rose, whom he cared for every day.
Carlito Emilio. Carly. Pollito. You were our king, our purring machine, our gentle guardian. You will always live in our hearts.

13/05/2025

**In Loving Memory of Nu, the Snowshoe-Siamese**

In the warmth of a home, where love did abound,
A confident kitten, the sweetest to be found.
With eyes like the sky and a spirit so bright,
It was love at first sight, a pure, joyful light.

She walked like a lioness, regal and proud,
Nicknamed The Nu, with a presence so loud.
A lover of laser, the thrill of the chase,
In her cat tree kingdom, she ruled with grace.

A lap cat, a purr machine, head butts galore,
With gentle reminders it is OK to scratch, and explore.
Her laughter in bunny kicks, playful and free,
She taught us acceptance, to simply just be.

Feisty and huge, with a temperament wild,
Our playful queen, forever our child.
With canine siblings beside her, Canyon and Rosie,
In their company, her heart felt cozy.

At eighteen years strong, or a hundred fourteen,
She watched hummingbirds dance, a serene little queen.
On that breezy day, as the ravens did call,
She passed in her lap, embraced by it all.

Now in memory’s embrace, her spirit will soar,
The joy that she brought, we’ll cherish evermore.
Rest now, dear Nu, in the softest of dreams,
For love never fades; it forever redeems.

Dr. Ken Gorczyca
5-4-25
San Francisco

13/05/2025

**In Loving Memory of Chauncey**
In Tucson's warm embrace, on a December day,
A chance encounter bloomed, leading hearts astray.
Chauncey, the fluffy soul, a Bichon-Poodle bright,
Rescued from the courtyard shadows, into love's warm light.

Ragged and in need, with a spirit pure and free,
Monica saw the magic, the bond meant to be.
From rags to riches, they traveled far and wide,
First class adventures, with Chauncey by her side.

A lounge lizard at heart, loving rubs on her fur,
Occasional zoomies, yet fetch was not her spur.
With Norman, her dear boyfriend, a duo full of cheer,
She ruled the world , spreading joy far and near.

A foodie not, but oh, the garbage can delight,
Her belly rubs were treasures, her strut a playful sight.
In bunny hops she danced, up the stairs with pride,
A gentle squeal of joy, when excitement would collide.

Muti and Cookie, her nicknames wrapped in love,
Dressed as French dogs and bananas, she fit like a glove.
With a wagging tail like motors, and kisses sweet and true,
She welcomed Brady, a big dog lover, into her loving crew.

Together they would laugh, they'd dance, a sight divine,
On Instagram she shone, a star forever fine.
Funny, fluffy, loving, a spirit keen and bright,
She taught us all of love, in both day and night.

As she reached her golden age, nearly fifteen years,
Monica and Brady cherished, through laughter and through tears.
She rallied through the twilight, a medicine so rare,
Dying in her mother’s lap, surrounded by that care.

On a brisk spring day, with blossoms all around,
The ravens cried their sorrow, in the silence, love was found.
Chauncey, sweet Chauncey, you are so deeply missed,
In our hearts, you'll linger on, forever in our bliss.

Dr. Ken Gorczyca
5-6-25
San Francisco

13/05/2025

**In Loving Memory of Teddy, Our Beloved Bear**
In a home filled with laughter and love's gentle grace,
Teddy, the brown French Bulldog, found his special place.
Adopted at eight weeks, a wedding gift for Tania and Shane, A brother for Monty, in joy and in fame.

Initially named Mike, but a name change was due,
Theodore Roosevelt fit him, so Teddy he grew.
With nicknames like Bear Ted and Baby Bear,
The runt of the litter, he thrived with such flair.

When Monty departed, Teddy felt the loss deep,
But soon he embraced being the one they would keep.
His passion for food was a joy to behold,
Even till his last meal, his heart was so bold.

At gatherings of Frenchies, he’d frolic and play,
In Golden Gate Park, he’d brighten each day.
His nose knew the path, leading him true
To sunspots to bask in, where warmth gently grew.

He loved kayaking, though swimming was not,
First-class air traveler, adventures he sought.
A lap dog forever, Tania’s shadow so near,
In snuggles at bedtime, he brought boundless cheer.

With a body that wriggled when happiness came,
His soft little kisses ignited our flame.
Two light fur spots on his shoulders, angel wings bright,
Barking at mailmen, our watch dog by night.

He taught us of patience, of kindness, of grace,
With Disney-like eyes that lit up every space.
A Halloween star, in costumes he shined,
As Rosie on Titanic, with the iceberg mom intertwined.

He played Ken from Barbie, a sight to adore,
In the park, he was happiest, forever wanting more.
Once running away from daycare, but found searching for treats,
His adventurous spirit made life so sweet.

Calm, loving, and smart, cuddly warmth in our hands,
For almost a decade, he fulfilled our plans.
As he took his last breath in Shane and Tania’s lap,
The earth shed May showers, a tender goodbye wrap.

With ravens and dogs calling out in the rain,
We honor dear Teddy, who brought joy and no pain.
Though he’s now in spirit, his love will remain,
In memories cherished, forever our gain.

Dr. Ken Gorczyca
5-12-25
San Francisco

02/05/2025

Little Guy was fierce despite his size - just under four pounds of pure determination and armed with two tiny teeth. From hiking trails to tucked-in tents, if we were there, he was happy.

He loved to run. He’d sneak out the door before us and make a break for it, always trying to get ahead so he could be the first to arrive wherever we were going. He also loved to snuggle and to perch on the highest part of the couch or on his throne of blankets to keep a watchful eye on happenings around him.

He never hesitated to bark at his brothers for being too rowdy and disturbing his peace. He was bossy and particular about the way he wanted to be tucked in and if you didn't tuck him in just right - you would hear about it!

He chased the sun wherever it hit the floor, and he'd lie there, eyes half closed, as if he was sunbathing on the beach in another life. And during his adventures, he had the gentlest habit of pausing to smell flowers.

Little Guy may have been small, but he lived a life that was big, full, and deeply loved.
Millie L. & Daniel K.

01/05/2025

https://www.vetmed.ucdavis.edu/giving-articles/meet-handsome-groundbreaking-studys-first-participant

Handsome is not your typical ten-year-old Doberman pinscher. Not only does he have a very strong vocabulary (his owner Judith Friedman said he can be very demonstrative when he needs something), he is also the first participant in a clinical trial through the UC Davis Veterinary Center for Clinical....

23/04/2025

🕊️ Lexington (Lexi) ❤️

23/04/2025

09/04/2025

Thank you for an invite to this special event and partnering with

07/04/2025

On March 10, 2013 a little dog ran out in front of my car on the way to breakfast. For some reason he trusted us enough to get in the car, and he stayed with me for the rest of his life. I was fresh out of film school when we found him, and his long eyebrows reminded me of my favorite director, so we named him Marty Scorsese. He was a happy boy, mischievous and playful, content to just be held and loved. We experienced many highs and suffered many lows together, and he was always there to comfort me. When I say he was a rescue dog, I mean he rescued me.

The little man got to live in some truly beautiful places: Monterey, Daly City, and several neighborhoods in San Francisco: from the flat terrain of the Sunset and walking through Golden Gate Park, to the beauty of Russian Hill and North Beach, and finally Potrero Hill, where the whole neighborhood knew him. For a street dog, he was incredibly well traveled. But his favorite place to be was in his bed under my desk as I typed away.

I used to think old age was an impossibility for Marty; that he would simply refuse to grow old. But he did, as we all do, and he grew into the grumpy old man he always was, though no less loving and affectionate. Our walks became harder and less frequent, and sleeping was now his favorite pastime. He continued to comfort and love me, and on his last night he spent a long time staring into my eyes, licking my nose, and finishing with a burp (he always had excellent comedic timing).

Saying goodbye to Marty was the hardest thing I've ever had to do, but it brings me great joy in knowing he's at peace and able to run and jump and wiggle his fluffy butt like he used to. I know I'll see him again, and in the meantime I'll continue to love him and share stories about his adventures.

01/04/2025

Today, we gather with heavy hearts and deep love to honor the life of Matteo — the best dog ever.

Born in France, Matteo entered the world with a certain je ne sais quoi — a charm and presence that would carry him far. And far he went. A true globe-trotter, Matteo didn’t just travel the world; he tasted it. A food connoisseur in every sense, he knew the difference between a snack and a delicacy. No crumb went unappreciated. No meal unexamined. His palate was as refined as his soul.

Matteo was fiercely independent — he had his own mind, his own rhythm, his own sense of style. But at the heart of it all, he was a mamma’s boy through and through. She was his sun, and he, her rock. Through life’s changes, uncertainties, and adventures, he stood by her with quiet loyalty and a noble spirit. He was, in every sense, a gentleman — gracious, grounded, and always carrying himself with dignity, even in his final moments.

And those eyebrows… Mr. Eyebrows. With just one glance, Matteo could convince you of anything. They spoke volumes — of mischief, affection, wisdom, and most of all, love.

He was not just a dog. He was a polyglot, a traveler, a therapist, a best friend. He had no “mean bone” in his body — only kindness, calm, and the kind of presence that made people and places better just by being there.

Today, Matteo got his wings — quickly, peacefully, and with the same grace that marked his entire life. While our hearts ache, we live in deep gratitude for the 12.5 years we had with him. Every moment was a gift. Every tail wag, every sleepy sigh, every walk, every round of captive kisses — they live on in us, now part of the fabric of who we are.

Fly high, sweet Matteo. Thank you for loving us so well. You will always be the best boy.
-Amelia and Ben

13/03/2025

In loving memory of Sammy
"Monday morning, we said goodbye to our sweet angel, Sammy. He crossed the Rainbow Bridge, nestled in my arms, in the comfort of his home, surrounded by his ketty, mama and papa.

There are no words to fully capture how much little Sammy meant to us fully. He lived a wonderful, adventure-filled life—quite the traveler for such a tiny pup. When I was 16, he made my dream of having a dog come true. He was sassy, incredibly smart, and always knew how to get extra treats. There was nothing he loved more than being cozy under a blanket.

Sammy adored trips to the Dub (our local pub) with Tommy, knowing he’d get endless pets and even more snacks. He was my perfect snuggle buddy, my study companion through countless grad school assignments, my little sidekick at lacrosse practices, and even my dorm mate with the boarding students. He was always there—bringing comfort, laughter, and so much love.

The only thing bringing us peace in this heartbreaking moment is knowing that he’s reunited with our girl, Codi. I can just picture them now chasing each other, playing, and picking up right where they left off. I know she was waiting to welcome him with open paws.

A piece of my heart will always be missing without you, Sammy. I love you forever. Thank you for almost 15 years of pure love, joy, and laughter. You were truly the best dog ever, and we will never, ever forget you."
-Kelsey C., Tom M. & Mary M.