A Gentle Rest

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.

11/03/2025

https://www.baywoof.org/the-monthly-woof/caring-for-a-dog-with-dementia-a-final-act-of-love

By Dr. Ken Gorczyca

01/03/2025

Gus Babe Newman
AKA Shmud AKA Doots AKA Stussel was the best bad dog ever. He loved to run and mess up beds. He was an expert at covering himself with blankets—he didn’t need your help doing it, but he appreciated when you did. Everyone loved Gus. Everyone. He was sweet and playful and just loved to hang, going for long walks and then taking rest in a patch of sun. For longer travels he would sit in the bike basket or, if he was really lucky, on your lap in the car. Gus Babe will be missed by many, many people.

12/02/2025

https://www.wfla.com/bloom-tampa-bay/bloom-pets/5-deadly-valentines-day-flowers-that-could-harm-your-pet/

TAMPA, Fla. (BLOOM) – Valentine’s Day is all about love, romance, and of course, flowers. But while a fresh bouquet might make your heart flutter, it could also spell danger for your four-leg…

21/01/2025

In Loving Memory of Jake, the Golden Retriever

In memory of Jake, the Golden so bright,
From a lineage of J's, he brought pure delight.
A cousin to Gerald Ford's furry friend,
In his joyful heart, love knew no end.

At SFO, he arrived, just eight weeks old,
Peter and Jacqui, with dreams to unfold.
Asking for an active pup, a true athlete at play,
Cartwheeling on beaches, he brightened each day.

A water dog true, in surf and in lake,
With Dad on the board, every wave he'd take.
Traveling south to Cabo, oh what a ride,
Dozens of journeys, always by their side.

Two superpowers, a master at fetch,
Finding lost balls, no challenge would stretch.
And children adored him, they'd laugh, play and they'd cheer,
For Jakester the jokester, they'd always draw near.

His best friend was Snickerdoodle, a bond so sweet,
Long hikes in the mountains, adventures complete.
Swimming in Tahoe, his joy was so free,
With tug-o-war battles and wild, happy spree.

Food was his treasure, beef baby food’s king,
A wagging tail motor, oh, how it would sing!
His deep echo woof, a joyful refrain,
Mexican feasts brought him bliss and fame.

Through resilience he taught us to step outside,
Laughter erupted when he’d surf with pride.
Eating snowmen’s faces, a sight to behold,
In country skiing, his spirit was bold.

Once a solo adventure in Mexico’s sun,
But back by the vehicle, his heart was still fun.
With reindeer antlers, he brought us such cheer,
A gentle soul, loving all who drew near.

Thirteen sweet years, or ninety-one in our time,
He left us peacefully, a life so sublime.
Surrounded by love after a beachside stroll,
Jake, our dear friend, you’ve touched every soul.

So, here’s to the memories, the joy you impart,
Forever you'll live in the depths of our heart.
In fields of gold and waves of the sea,
Rest easy, dear Jake, forever you’ll be.

Dr. Ken Gorczyca
10-11-24

https://youtu.be/OTwZFmyObqA?si=kuCFMvkTQ0O7_4eL

21/01/2025

We had to say goodbye to our sweet Mindy after 12 wonderful years with us. We are lucky to have found her at the SPCA when she was 5 years old.

Mindy’s favorite words were ‘walk’ or ‘park’. If she heard those words, she would jump up, go to her collar, and whine until you take her outside. Mindy loved her walks in our neighborhood, where she would stop at every couple of houses to smell a tree or flowers.

Her favorite places were Fort Funston, Saint Mary’s Park, and Holly Park. At the parks, Mindy enjoyed seeing her regular dog friends and meeting new ones. At Saint Mary’s, she would run up to the park entrance to greet each dog as they were about to enter. She loved chasing other dogs, sometimes so exhausted that she had to be carried home.

Mindy enjoyed our family vacations to Tahoe. We’ll always remember her enjoying the hikes and playing in the snow.

Mindy fought bravely to get better in her final years. She didn’t enjoy her operation, vet visits, and physical therapy, but we are grateful for giving us more time together. We could see the exhaustion. She lived a full and content life, and now she gets to rest.

We are thankful for Mindy’s unconditional love. Our home is empty without her in her usual spots. Now and in the future, we will be sad that she is not here. But we will overcome that by feeling the joy and happiness that she brought into our lives. She changed our lives for the better.

We know that Mindy will be checking up on us from time to time. We are happy that she is on the other side, running around in grass parks with her dog friends. Until we meet again.
-Love, Fred and Marivic F.

15/01/2025

In loving memory of Max, the brown marble Bengal cat,
Adopted from the San Francisco SPCA, a fateful encounter with volunteer Susan,
Their hearts intertwined, a love at first sight, an unbreakable bond.

At two years old, wild and spirited, he faced challenges along the way,
Almost returned twice, but together they persevered, come what may.
Transformed from a rambunctious soul to a gentle lap cat, so dear,
A guardian on Susan's bed, bringing comfort and cheer.

We chuckle at the memory of his playful chase, a game with his mom,
Through every corner of the house, bringing laughter and calm.
Drinking water from the bathroom spigot, his quirky delight,
A sign of contentment, his happiness shining bright.

Yet, when troubles weighed upon him, he would growl and spray,
Teaching patience and understanding, guiding the way.
With loving head butts and a gentle purr, his affection he'd show,
A soft meow, a silent thanks, for the love he'd come to know.

A loner and a lover, he had his own unique way,
Talking back to mom in their conversations, day by day.
The garden was his haven, a place where he'd roam,
Sometimes waiting at the front door, longing for his home.

He sought solace in high places, where mischief would ensue,
Knocking things off shelves, even porcelain, that's true.
"Nothing breakable with Max," the house motto so wise,
A reminder of his spirit, his curious, playful guise.

In the peaceful embrace of Susan's lap, he took his final rest,
His feline siblings, Crystal, Mia, Rascal, Sparky, Trudy, nearby, the best.
Max, you brought joy, love, and so much more,
Forever in our hearts, your memory we'll adore.

As we bid farewell to our dear Max, with tears in our eyes,
We find solace in knowing his spirit will forever rise.
Rest in peace, dear friend, your journey is complete,
In our hearts, forever cherished, our love for you will never deplete.

Dr. Ken Gorczyca
7-29-24

08/01/2025

In Loving Memory of Ripley

In shadows deep, where whispers dwell,
A black cat danced, casting her spell.
Ripley, the name that suited her well,
With a heart full of love, her story to tell.

Once called Ebony, her spirit took flight,
Adopted from the ACC and cherished, a beacon of light.
At just five years, a bond so divine,
In her purrs and her antics, the world would align.

Nutcase, Silly Goose, Black Beauty proclaimed,
With a loud happy purr, a legacy named.
Her playful demeanor, her curious ways,
In the warmth of our hearts, she forever stays.

With attitude fierce, she set her own rules,
Boundaries drawn, she played with the fools.
Yet, in her wild spirit, a lesson she taught,
Unconditional love, in her presence we sought.

An adventure once beckoned, outside she would roam,
But the front door was home, where she felt known.
On journeys to Monterey, together with Scout,
Her laughter and purrs were what it’s about.

A friend to the dog, Pork Chop her flat mate,
Together they thrived, a family so great.
With three extra toes, a unique little charm,
Ripley brought laughter, a comforting balm.

At sixteen and a half, 97 human, a life richly spun,
In Elena's arms, her journey was done.
Peacefully she passed, with love all around,
In the hearts of her family, her spirit is found.

So, here’s to Ripley, our beloved black cat,
In memories cherished, we honor her that.
With a purr and a hiss, she’ll forever remain,
In the tapestry of love, through joy and through pain.

Dr. Ken Gorczyca
12-22-24

27/12/2024

In Loving Memory of Echo

In gentle light, where memories dwell,
Echo, our joy, we bid you farewell.
A white and brown pup, with a heart so true,
A Jack Russell-Beagle-Dachshund, a love that grew.

From Yuba City, a Muttville’s failed foster's grace,
Katya’s first dog, a warm, happy face.
Love at first sight, a bond strong and bright,
Nicknamed Tiny and Baby, our hearts took flight.

A perfect companion through Covid's embrace,
Quiet and sweet, he filled every space.
With toys all around, he’d tug and he’d play,
A champion of games, in his own joyful way.

Great hiker and traveler, to Point Reyes he’d roam,
A hunter of squirrels, but they’d always get home.
In cars he would venture, exploring the Bay,
With birthdays at Baker’s Beach, where laughter would stay.

Daily walks in Alta Plaza's embrace,
His tail wagged like helicopters, a joyous trace.
With head bumps and ear rubs, he’d roll in the grass,
A bundle of love, in moments that pass.

Patience and joy, he taught us with ease,
Feisty and stubborn, yet gentle as breeze.
A cuddler, a lover, with treats he would thrive,
In kitchens, he lingered, so happy and alive.

Zoomies post-bath brought laughter and cheer,
With grandparents' yard, he held them so dear.
Though lost in the park once, he’d find his way back,
A spirit so vibrant, on love’s endless track.

Now at peace, he rests, in the warmth of our home,
Surrounded by his loving parents, no longer to roam.
After a day at the beach, with ice cream so sweet,
Echo, our darling, your love is complete.

In whispers of twilight, your spirit will play,
In hearts filled with memories, you’ll never drift away.
Forever cherished, in the love that we know,
Our sweet Echo, our joy, in our hearts you will glow.

Dr. Ken Gorczyca
12-22-24

19/12/2024

*In Loving Memory of Mika**

In a Seattle shelter, love bloomed anew,
Mika, our treasure, with a heart so true.
A Corgi-Labrador, with short sturdy legs,
Adopted by Tiffany, where joy never begs.

At four years of age, our bond was a spark,
From that very first glance, she lit up the dark.
Named Olivia, but Mika she became,
With nicknames like Mikeekers, forever the same.

Not one for the toys, but oh, how she’d gaze,
At dogs on the screen, lost in happy days.
When joy filled the air, her tail spun with glee,
A helicopter whirring, so wild and so free.

With kisses aplenty and tippy-taps too,
Her love was a language that spoke pure and true.
Tasty treats were treasures, celery forests her bliss,
In dog parks she thrived, in each wag and each kiss.

Though swimming wasn’t her game, she taught us to wait,
One plunge in the lake became a humorous fate.
A work assistant, with laughter she’d bring,
Caught on camera, a trash can thief in full swing.

Mischievous Mika, the best of them all,
In costumes each Halloween, she stood proud and tall.
A hotdog in bun, a witch with a grin,
Her sweet gentle sass made us all want to win.

For fourteen and a half years, she graced our days,
Nearly ninety in human years, in so many ways.
Now peacefully resting, surrounded by love,
With Tiffany, Christine, and family above.

So, here’s to dear Mika, our darling sweet friend,
In our hearts forever, her spirit won’t end.
Though she’s crossed to the stars, her joy will remain,
A legacy of laughter, forever our gain.

Dr. Ken Gorczyca
12-15-24
San Mateo

26/11/2024

**In Loving Memory of Jax**
Tribute from A Gentle Rest, Dr. Ken Gorczyca Rest
Easy Jax 11/24/2024 🌈🐶❤️💔🐶 In a world of wagging tails and joyful barks, Lived Jax, the Springer Spaniel, a beacon of sparks. With a coat of black and white, vibrant and bright, He brought endless joy, a true heart’s delight. Adopted early and kept by Mike’s side, An energetic spirit, with love as his guide. From Chrissy Field to Lake Tahoe’s embrace, He swam with pure joy, a smile on his face. Chasing the ball was his favorite game, but retrieving it back? He never played that same. When happiness struck, his body would sway, His tail knub would wag fiercely, brightening the day. A gentle nudge with his muzzle, a kiss sweet and true, In moments of love, he knew just what to do. Though not fond of canine strangers, just his loyal pack, He found love with Brittany, and there was no lack. He helped raise dear Millie, teaching her grace, With lessons of resilience, he found his place. A howler of joy, with a spirit so grand, His laughter and loyalty forever will stand. Little Leo, his grandmother’s endearing name, In car rides to Tahoe, he played life’s sweet game. Sixteen glorious years, or ninety-four human, Surrounded by love, his journey was proven. At home, in peace, he laid down to rest, With Mike, Brittany, and Millie, the ones he loved best. So we celebrate Jax, our loyal, sweet friend, In memories and love, his spirit won’t end. We will miss you Jaxy boy! The house is already way too quiet and I already miss your water spills! We love you! Goodnight San Francisco! 🌉🌈💔🐶

19/11/2024

https://www.houstonpublicmedia.org/articles/shows/houston-matters/2024/11/18/506412/please-dont-feed-the-dog-thanksgiving-table-scraps/

Veterinarian Dr. Lori Teller shares some pre-Thanksgiving suggestions in this month's chat about pet care.

12/11/2024

https://www.avma.org/resources-tools/pet-owners/petcare/senior-pets

Older pets may develop age-related problems. Good care allows them to live happy, healthy, and active lives in their senior years.

25/10/2024

24/10/2024

https://www.avma.org/resources-tools/pet-owners/petcare/halloween-pet-safety

Don't feed your pets Halloween candy, especially if it contains chocolate or xylitol (a common sugar substitute); Make sure your pet has proper ID...