A Gentle Rest

09/10/2025

09/10/2025

Simon was rescued along with his sister in Florida, then the whole family moved to San Francisco. Simon was very loved. Simon went peacefully ❤️

25/09/2025

R.I.P. Teddy Bear Bottmeyer 12/27/2008- 9/14/25

*Just 3 months shy of your 17th birthday!
Aka Ted, Trouble, Chubbles, Chublar, Choobles, Mister, Nerfgerger, Stinky McGee, Ding-a-ling, and Old Man

You came into our lives as a second chance, but really you were always meant to be a part of our family. When we first laid eyes on you, Alex and I knew you were the one. A little brown fluff ball with green eyes. Goofy and stubborn from the very start until the very end.

You loved people and smiled for your best human friends.
Your favorite thing in life was chasing balls in the surf at the beach.

You chose Alex as your person and loved riding in the truck with him, head in his lap or out the window.

We had so many fun adventures with you and your side-kick, Grizzly. From the mountains to the ocean to rivers and fields, you two frolicked and swam to your hearts content. You were lil Dakota’s best friend, such a silly pair you were. Your spirit will live on in her affection and mischievousness.
You were the one who changed my smile forever. Literally, you bonked my chin and broke 4 of my front teeth. I have a reminder of your exuberance in every photo and look in the mirror.
You chose me in your last year. My red shadow keeping me company wherever I was in the house. I’ll miss our routines, daily walks, and sweet greetings when I came through the front door.
Sharing a life with you has been one of the greatest joys of our lives. Watching your face turn grey and your body slow down had many life lessons to offer. It was both wonderful and heart wrenching to watch you grow old.

We will always remember you as a best friend and close companion. You lived life to its fullest all the way to the end.
I hope you find Grizzly on the other side and you two run in the ocean surf chasing balls and making mischief forever.
💕🌈

07/09/2025

https://www.baywoof.org/ask-dr-dog/last-taste-of-love-a-thank-you-without-words

05/08/2025

It’s 2010 when we meet. You’re four months old, alone in a crowded room of puppies, curled up tight on a pillow with your li’l face in the corner. I’m 28 and…extra. I see you and instantly understand. I’m also seen, and yet unseen, in the crowd. I bring you home that day.
You join the li’l family I’m building with your big sister, Titania. You do NOT like the name Oberon. You become Li’l Bit. Li’l Bit and Titania. I couplet your names tens of thousands of times. Li’l Bit and Titania love to play chase. Titania always fakes you out!
It’s 2012, and I’m partying more than giving you and Titania the full attention you deserve. Please forgive me. I am running away from my problems. You always wake up to see me when I come home from the club. You are tired but Daddy had come home.
Light returns. We keep exploring, going on adventures together. I always wonder what olfactory knowledge you have tucked away in your smart brain. I quit drinking and am completely sober, the best decision I made since adopting you. We’re two fit and sexy studs!
And we’re going gray together.
A big year 2022 turns out to be. I change careers to EMS. I’m super happy with the decision.
You’re thrilled, but it takes up so much time. We still find time to hike, up to sixteen miles!
2024. You have a medical emergency. It turns out to be heart failure. It dawns on me abruptly that you won’t be around forever. I’d never considered a life without you. Titania knows something’s wrong. She spends more time loving on you. We still get to play and have fun. You need to rest more.
2025, and a routine vet visit returns with worst news. Cancer. It’s March, and we are devastated. We have so little time left together.
You were fifteen years, one month, and two days when you died. We spent all but your first four months together, over a third of my life. My memories of you are as a strong, vibrant, athletic, best friend and my constant companion, and always filled with so much love, that my heart aches without you on my lap. I hope I gave you the life you deserved, my precious Li’l Bit. You were always a good dog, especially when I could have been a better man. I love you, Bubbers.

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.