InMemoriam | Peninsula Friends of Animals

MAXWELL (June 13, 2007 – October 16, 2024)

MAXWELL was an adorable Shih Tzu/Chihuahua mix used as a breeding dog. Maxwell had an enlarged heart that made him adoption challenged. His chances of living to be an old dog were quite slim; however he lived to celebrate his 17th birthday a few months before he crossed the Rainbow Bridge to be reunited with his best friend, Freddy. Max was happy and very much loved by his foster family where he received the best of care.

FREDDY (May 1, 2007 – May 5, 2024)

FREDDY was a large Shih Tzu/Pomeranian mix that was sold as a small puppy. After being returned to the breeder and rescued by PFOA, his family was located and his history of biting and running away was discovered. Freddy proved to have a badly broken tooth that was extremely painful and caused him to bite when children tried to take toys from him. Even with the painful tooth removed, his naughty habits have continued and make him a risk in the average home. Freddy lived out his life with his friend Maxwell in foster care where he loved to run and play and carry a special toy at all times.

SPANKY

Domestic Shorthair, Male
Color: Black w/White (Tuxedo)
Size: Medium
Born: July 1, 2008 (approx)
Special needs: none

Spanky is a very handsome tuxedo cat. He was bonded to his “brother” companion, Spatzi for ten years until Spatzi crossed the Rainbow Bridge on October 14, 2021. Spanky is a handsome tuxedo cat. Spanky is one of the gentlest souls you will ever meet. He is the textbook example of a well-behaved, loving cat. He tends to be more laid back than his brother was, often lounging in a bed or cat tree. He is easily approachable and loves to be petted and fawned over. Spanky has diabetes and receives twice daily insulin shots but is quite well regulated.

BETHANY (August 1, 2006 – May 30, 2024)

Bethany was a beautiful blue tortie who is very sweet natured and had a wonderful personality to go with her good looks. She previously shared a home with some golden retrievers so she was a cat who had demonstrated the ability to get along well with dogs.

We had to say goodbye to our precious Bethany, who crossed the Rainbow Bridge on May 30. At almost 18 years old, Bethany decided that it was time to leave. Her failing eyesight, need for daily fluids, and hypertension impacted her quality of life, even with the best and most loving care she received at Barker House. She left in her own time and on her own terms.

TOMMY BOY (February 10, 2011 – June 19, 2024)

Domestic shorthair, male
Color: Orange tabby with white
Size: Medium
Age: Senior

When Tommy Boy first came to us in February of 2017, this incredible boy was a feral stray whose owner had passed away. But our staff and volunteers never give up! Gradually a few of them made friends with him, for Tommy Boy was very picky about his friends! But he made an exception for one very special volunteer who dedicated many hours of one-on-one time and love given to socialize Tommy Boy.

He started out in the Pole Barn, and was joined by the “Pole Barn Nine”, a group of semi-feral to feral cats rescued from an unfortunate situation. After a year or so, Tommy took up residence in his own little home surrounded by a secure fence. And just a few years ago, he joined two other cats in A3, our adult upstairs kitty playroom.

But all good things must eventually come to an end. Tommy Boy was diagnosed with a very aggressive form of cancer. Diagnosed as untreatable, our Tommy Boy spent his last few weeks surrounded by the people he loved and who loved him. And on June 19, 2024, Tommy Boy began his journey from his own playroom to the Rainbow Bridge. We will all miss him and he will be forever in our hearts.

ELLIE

Domestic shorthair, female
Color: Tabby w/white
Size: Medium
Age: Kitten
Special characteristics: none
BONDED WITH SISTER, ELSA

These kittens are very active, playful purrballs. They go
bananas over the feather wands, run and jump all over the place, and sometimes settle down for a lap cuddle. There were a total of eight in our main kitten room—three black/white, one almost all black, two grey and white tabbies, one orange tabby and one orange/white. Six of them are now in their forever homes, and Elsa and Ellie, the smallest of the group, are now ready for their special home together.

ELSA

Domestic shorthair, female
Color: Tabby w/white
Size: Medium
Age: Kitten
Special characteristics: tabby dot on her side
BONDED WITH SISTER, ELLIE

These kittens are very active, playful purrballs. They go
bananas over the feather wands, run and jump all over the place, and sometimes settle down for a lap cuddle. There were a total of eight in our main kitten room—three black/white, one almost all black, two grey and white tabbies, one orange tabby and one orange/white. Six of them are now in their forever homes, and Elsa and Ellie, the smallest of the group, are now ready for their special home together.

POLLIE

Domestic shorthair, female
Color: Black/white “cow kitty”; blue eyes, white tip tail
Size: Medium
Age: Kitten
Special characteristics: polydactyl
ALL KITTENS NEED TO BE HOMED AS PAIRS

These kittens are very active, playful purrballs. They go bananas over the feather wands, run and jump all over the place, and sometimes settle down for a lap cuddle. There are a total of eight in our main kitten room—three black/white, one almost all black, two grey and white tabbies, one orange tabby and one orange/white. The orange tabby and orange/white kittens are pending adoption and will be going home shortly.

: Pollie

TAZ

Domestic shorthair, male
Color: Black/white “cow kitty”
Size: Medium
Age: Kitten
Special characteristics: none
ALL KITTENS NEED TO BE HOMED AS PAIRS

These kittens are very active, playful purrballs. They go bananas over the feather wands, run and jump all over the place, and sometimes settle down for a lap cuddle. There are a total of eight in our main kitten room—three black/white, one almost all black, two grey and white tabbies, one orange tabby and one orange/white. The orange tabby and orange/white kittens are pending adoption and will be going home shortly.

TELSA

Domestic shorthair, female
Color: Black
Size: Medium
Age: Kitten
Special needs: none
ALL KITTENS NEED TO BE HOMED AS PAIRS

These kittens are very active, playful purrballs. They go bananas over the feather wands, run and jump all over the place, and sometimes settle down for a lap cuddle. There are a total of eight in our main kitten room—three black/white, one almost all black, two grey and white tabbies, one orange tabby and one orange/white. The orange tabby and orange/white kittens are pending adoption and will be going home shortly.

TOPPERS

Domestic shorthair, male
Color: Black/white cow kitty, blue eyes, all black tail, black nose
Size: Medium
Age: Kitten
Special characteristics: polydactyl
ALL KITTENS NEED TO BE HOMED AS PAIRS

These kittens are very active, playful purrballs. They go bananas over the feather wands, run and jump all over the place, and sometimes settle down for a lap cuddle. There are a total of eight in our main kitten room—three black/white, one almost all black, two grey and white tabbies, one orange tabby and one orange/white. The orange tabby and orange/white kittens are pending adoption and will be going home shortly.

GIZMO

Domestic mediumhair, male
Color: Orange and white
Size: Medium
Age: Kitten
Special characteristics: none
ALL KITTENS NEED TO BE HOMED AS PAIRS

These kittens are very active, playful purrballs. They go bananas over the feather wands, run and jump all over the place, and sometimes settle down for a lap cuddle. There are a total of eight in our main kitten room—three black/white, one almost all black, two grey and white tabbies, one orange tabby and one orange/white.

SUNNY

Domestic shorthair, male
Color: Orange/white tabby
Size: Medium
Age: Kitten
Special characteristics: none
ALL KITTENS NEED TO BE HOMED AS PAIRS

These kittens are very active, playful purrballs. They go bananas over the feather wands, run and jump all over the place, and sometimes settle down for a lap cuddle. There are a total of eight in our main kitten room—three black/white, one almost all black, two grey and white tabbies, one orange tabby and one orange/white.

ANNA

Lynx point cross, female
Color: Grey/white w/tabby markings
Size: Medium
Age: Young adult
Special needs: none

This blue-eyed lynx point -cross beauty came to us when her people had to move and, sadly, were not able to take Anna with them. After her initial intake process, she adjusted quickly to life in the downstairs adult playroom at Safe Haven, and it became obvious how people-oriented this little girl really is.

She has the most affectionate personality, and will roll over on her back to have her tummy rubbed – a clear sign of the trust she has in people. She will put her head in your hand, asking to be petted – nonstop, if you please. She is comfortable with being bathed, and she is used to riding around in a Bubble back pack. Although she loves playing with toys and feather wands in her secure indoor playroom, she definitely prefers to spend her time with people. She’s the first one to come running to the door when people walk by, and the last one to “wave” goodbye when they leave.

If you are looking for an all-around wonderful cat who will love you unconditionally, look no further. Just give us a call to come and meet our Anna-Banana!

CALI

Domestic Shorthair, female
Color: brown tabby
Size: Medium
Age: Young
Special needs: none
BONDED WITH MARSHMALLOW

Descripti

Cali is a pretty little calico tabby with large green eyes. Shee arrived at Safe Haven early in May with her very best friend, Marshmallow. The two of them are very close, and are looking for that special forever home together.

Cali and Marshmallow are both very friendly with people, and like most cats, love to be in high places. Cali’s favorite spot is snuggling in the cat tree in their playroom.

While Marshmallow is very easy-going, and gets along well with most other cats, Cali is more of a one-cat cat, and that cat is Marshmallow. The two of them need to find that perfect new home together where they can have their new human family all to themselves.

MIMOSA

Domestic shorthair, female
Color: Tortie
Size: Medium
Age: Young
Special needs: none
Bonded best friend: Willie

This adorable young polydactyl tortie had a litter of six before arriving at Safe Haven. She came from Forks with two other kitties…Willie and Nelson. It was originally thought that Willie and Nelson were a bonded pair, but it turned out that Mimosa and Willie are the bonded pair, and both were very unhappy when separated. Now back together, they bath and sleep together all the time!

Mimosa is very keen…and watches things. In most cases she lets Willie take the lead and he usually does. She is not a shy kitty.

LACEY J (Crossed the Bridge September 15, 2022)

It’s unfortunately true that, in animal rescue, not all stories have happy endings, and so it was for Lacey J. She came to us recently from Forks and she wasn’t in the best of health. She was in kidney failure, hyperthyroid, and had an ecoli infection. We treated her for the ecoli, but the antibiotics for it came with a huge risk – they were harsh on her kidneys. Unfortunately, she fell deeper into kidney failure and she left peacefully on the morning of September 15, 2022. We wanted to share her story in her memory and we will miss her dearly. Rest easy little girl.

MOSTUS (2001(?) – October 31, 2012)

We said goodbye to our old friend, Mostus, on October 31, 2012. Mosty was diagnosed with advanced lymphoma just three weeks before, and went downhill quite rapidly. He had a wonderful couple of weeks eating all the foods he had been denied for the past several years because of his allergies, and getting lots of love and attention from his many admirers.

Dr. Johnson, who had lovingly cared for Mosty for the past few years, came to the shelter and sent him on his way across the Rainbow Bridge. He passed very peacefully surrounded by his friends in the home where he had lived for the past nine years.

TIPPY (May 1, 2004 – November 14, 2021)

It was a normal day for PFOA in those early years when stray and abandoned kittens were always arriving. One of our members called about a litter of crying kittens found in a local trailer park with no mom in attendance. Though Safe Haven was quite full at the time, we quickly lined up a foster home for the kittens with one of our board members, and the Good Samaritan took the babies to the vet. One was so severely damaged that he was euthanized before we ever met them. The remaining two went to their foster mom, and that was the beginning of almost 18 years with our most special boy, Tippy.

It was not so apparent that Tippy was handicapped as a tiny baby. The kittens were always rolling and tumbling and playing on their backs. But, as they grew and his slightly affected brother, Buttercup, began to jump and develop, it became more noticeable that Tippy had issues. He was wobbly, and fell a lot. His legs didn’t work properly and his head bobbled. He had difficulty with the litter box and couldn’t eat as well as his brother. We already knew that the kittens had CH (cerebellar hypoplasia) but Tippy’s long-term prognosis was still up-in-the-air.

At four months of age, the brothers came to the shelter, and were put in the room with Hope, our paraplegic girl. Hope was incontinent and Tippy tried hard to use his litter box but sometimes did not succeed. One of our Caretakers found a potting tray with an open front that allowed him to get into the box, but he had difficulty maintaining his balance and often fell into his deposits. His future was assured with us, but we despaired of his ever finding a home.

Tippy and Buttercup grew and prospered. On Christmas Eve of their first year with us, Buttercup was adopted to a wonderful home, but Tippy was left behind with Hope. Tippy was always a tidy boy, and every time Hope had an accident, he would loudly cry to let us know that there was a clean up job in A-1. In spite of his lack of balance and frequent falls, Tippy amazed us with his ability to get where he wanted to go. If there was a speck of food or toy mouse on the floor, Tippy would bob his little head like a bird until he was able to pick it up. His positive attitude and cheerful personality won over even the doubters who had wondered if he was a viable kitten.

For those of us who knew Tippy well, his success was never at question. We knew that this little guy was a fighter and a survivor. The only really bad day in his whole life was the 12 hours spent in the home of one of our Board Members who had another CH cat and wanted to adopt Tippy. He pitched such a fit that he was returned early the next morning, breathed a sigh of relief, and never again spent another night away from Safe Haven, his forever home. Hope moved to Barker House, our special needs facility, and Tippy moved into the common areas and became our official kitty mascot– Tippy was ours for the duration!

Almost four years ago, Tippy was dealt another blow by the fates–he was diagnosed with lymphoma. We elected to forego chemotherapy and treat him with less toxic methods and to provide lots of TLC for the 12 months he was predicted to have. Once again, Tippy beat the odds and continued to do well for almost four years!! We called him our Energizer Bunny!

No batteries last forever though, and Tippy’s eventually ran down. With the help of the wonderful vet who had cared for him all of these years and surrounded by his favorite folks at the home that he had always known, Tippy left this world today.

We are so sad, but we also celebrate the life of this incredible boy and cherish our memories of his valiant spirit. Tippy’s life was always different, and some would say it was hard. But, Tippy loved his life and fought to keep it–he did not know that he had a handicap. He never complained and he never gave up. Tippy taught us all how we should live each day.

People always said that Tippy was so lucky to have found a home with us at PFOA, but we were the lucky ones. More rescues will arrive, and other kitties will occupy Tippy’s physical space. But, no one will ever take his place in our hearts.

In loving memory of Tippy —
Nancy Campbell
PFOA Shelter Director

MEGAN

Megan was a gorgeous Maine Coon, whom we adopted out as a kitten in 2000. She returned to us when her “mom” passed away and her “dad” could no longer care for her. This sweet, but a bit shy girl, was exceptionally bonded to her elderly person and loved to snuggle in her lap and cuddle with her in the sewing room. She was in early renal insufficiency, and we gave her sub-q fluids once a week.

When Magnificent Megan’s needs because too great for shelter life, she moved to a wonderful permanent foster home, where she was dearly loved. We are happy that she was blessed to spend her last year surrounded by love, and given every comfort. She crossed the Rainbow Bridge on March 26, 2019. She is greatly missed by her foster family, as well as her many friends at PFOA.

TONY THE TIGER (10/1/2000 - 5/18/2018)

Today was a very sad day at the shelter as we said goodbye to one of our beloved office cats, Tony the Tiger. Tony came to us five years ago after his owner died in a tragic fire, and it was believed that Tony had perished as well. Amazingly, Tony, minus one of his nine lives, surfaced a few days later covered with grease and soot, and came to live with us at Safe Haven.

Tony was quite depressed upon arrival and refused to eat. We soon discovered that his English caretaker had fed him only people food, and Tony felt that he should continue with that menu! After some negotiation, we worked through the diet dilemma, and Tony settled into shelter life with us seamlessly. With the exception of a short adoption when Tony “peed his way home,” he spent the rest of his years at Safe Haven. His days were spent sunning himself on the deck and lounging on the love seat or in his heated bed receiving pets and love from all comers. Kind and mannerly, Tony was a shelter favorite and a wonderful companion to Tippy and then Lexi, as well.

Shortly after coming to us, Tony was diagnosed with early kidney failure. Due to the best vet care and wonderful support provided by our staff, we were able to keep Tony doing well until the end. Always a sweet and gentle cat, Tony departed this life as graciously as he lived — in his home and surrounded by those he loved most. In spite of our sorrow, we celebrate his life and the joy he brought to all who knew him. He will be greatly missed.

JULY (February, 2005 – February 9, 2020)

July—the name evokes memories of warm sunny days and bright fireworks and holiday fun. However, when this little tortie showed up at our doorstep late on a July Saturday in 2011 she was as quiet and cold as a January snow. Found under a bush in Carrie Blake Park, she was limp and dehydrated and suffering a traumatic injury to her spine—her rescuers thought she had been hit by a car. Already a middle-aged cat, we were not sure she would survive. We hoped for the best, and named her July.

After extensive emergency treatment, July’s condition stabilized, and she became a shelter favorite. She was sweet and funny and loved to lie in the sun in her catio. We rejoiced when she was adopted and were saddened when she came back to us several years later when her back injuries and subsequent arthritis became too severe for her owner to deal with.

With good meds and pain management and lots of TLC, July once again regained her mobility and lived with us for three more years. She became an office cat—living in harmony with Tippy and being pampered and spoiled by staff and volunteers. Many of our members came in just to say hello to July, and her last months were spent in her special orthopedic bed next to Danette, our Executive Director, who loved her dearly, as did all of the staff.

Though in hospice care for the past several months, July still enjoyed her pets and attention, a good meal, and lying in the sun till her last day with us. She happily meowed a greeting to us each morning and chatted her demands throughout the day. Her will to live and her indomitable spirit were an inspiration to us all. July was a ray of sunshine who brightened all of our lives, and Safe Haven seems a bit darker today without her warm presence.

THISTLE (March, 2003 – April 2, 2020)

THISTLE was born in March, 2003 and came to PFOA in July, 2003 with his twin brother, Fagin. He was a sleek, poly-dactyl neutered male with magnificent copper colored eyes and a sweet expression. Thistle especially enjoyed sitting on the back of the couch, both for the view and the closeness to his human friends.

As a special needs kitty, Thistle received regular medication to control his diabetes, kidney failure and hyperthyroidism. Sadly, on April 2, 2020, our beloved Thistle crossed the Rainbow Bridge. He will be very much missed by his past and current caregivers, as well as everyone at PFOA who knew and loved him.

His current caregiver, Tracy, was especially close to him. In her own words, this is how she remembers him.

Fagin & Thistle

“When I got to Barker House, Thistle was a very scared cat. I locked eyes with him on the second day I was there and I was in love. He was such a loving, kind and gentle boy. It took time but the trust he gave me melted me. We would go on walks around the house on the game trail, and say hi to the neighbors and their dogs. Thistle knew I would never let anything happen to him. I got very hard head bonks and cheek rubs on my face. He was a true house panther: sleek and mysterious, beautiful inside and out. I know he tried to stay with me and his brother Fagin. At the end, when he let me know it was time to say goodbye, I promised him I would take care of his brother. Not only did he have diabetes he was in kidney failure and hyperthyroid. We fought hard for a couple of months. I was privileged to spend an amazing 4 years with a truly amazing animal. He will forever have a place in my heart.”

MERRY (Aug, 2007 – Aug 14, 2021)

When she first came to live at Safe Haven, Merry was an elderly kitty. Because of her extremely friendly nature, we believe she was someone’s pet. Sadly, she ended up in a feral colony, having to fend for herself. At the colony, the wonderful woman who provided food for the cats developed an attachment to her – Merry would hop into her car every time the woman came to feed the cats. During one visit to the colony, our caregiver noticed that another cat with whom she had bonded was missing. She began to fear for the safety of our Merry. She decided that, since Merry had already jumped into her car, she would just drive away and take Merry to safety.

Unable to take her to her own home, our caregiver brought Merry to stay with a relative. Merry was infested with fleas, seriously underweight, and in need of some very necessary, basic care. Before a veterinarian had the opportunity to examine her, Merry got into a minor scuffle with the relative’s dog and disappeared for a few days.

When our caregiver found Merry again, someone had attempted to wrap this poor girl in duct tape! Using coconut oil and tender loving care our caregiver was able to remove the tape, but much of the sticky residue remained, creating mats that had to be removed by shaving her belly.

During her first vet visit Merry was diagnosed with severe hyperthyroidism. PFOA made arrangements to have her treated at the hyperthyroid clinic. Before she could be treated for hyperthyroidism, she was returned to the vet for additional testing. On the second visit the vet found that Merry had fluid in her abdomen. An ultrasound showed a suspicious shadow in her liver that looked like it could be cancer. PFOA originally set her up in our isolation trailer with comfortable beds, cat trees and all the food she could eat. She was then moved to A3 and became roommates with Patrick. After Pat the Cat left, she became one of our most beloved office cats, with a bed next to the printer and easy access to Danette’s laptop.

For the time Merry had remaining, we supported her with steroids and methimazole for her hyperthyroidism, along with all of the love and affection that our staff and dedicated volunteers could provide.

When the COVID-19 pandemic occurred in early 2020, our volunteers, who could not safely come to the shelter, missed the contact with our feline residents. And thus the column, “From the Home Front,” began. In May, Merry began reporting on life at Safe Haven, and continued writing her popular column until the day she said goodbye.

Despite all she had been through Merry was always very affectionate. She loved attention from people, rewarding them with purrs and soft kneads with her paws. Every day with sweet Merry was a gift, and she was with us much longer than we ever expected. In July of 2021, Merry’s health started to fail, and in August we knew that Merry’s time was here. On August 14, 2021, we sadly said goodbye to Merry as she left to cross the Rainbow Bridge. She will be so missed by all of us at PFOA, as well as her many fans and admirers, some of whom had never met her, but only knew her through her writing.

MARCUS

A gorgeous longhaired, gray and white Maine Coon, Marcus came to PFOA in July of 2011. At the time, he had been cared for by an elderly woman. He was about ten years old.

He was diagnosed with diabetes shortly after his arrival, and the shelter quickly got it under control. “He’s my boy,” said Nancy Campbell, Shelter Director. “He’s so loving and so gentle. He’s very laid back.” Marcus had a quiet, easy going personality. For many of us, he was the all-time favorite PFOA cat.

Marcus spent the last few years of his life at Barker House, our home for special needs kitties, where he was adored by his caretaker, Tracy, as well. You just couldn’t help but love this gentle giant. He went about his day quietly, never complaining even though he received twice-daily shots of insulin. He got along with all the other cats in the house and the many hugs and rubs he received from everyone who knew him were rewarded with warm purrs and unconditional love.

As he approached his 17th year, Marcus began showing signs of his age. His medical needs were slowly increasing, and this senior gentle kitty was slowing down. But, in cat years, he was about 85 years old. He had earned the right to take life easy.

Marcus never met a stranger—human or feline. He would quietly walk away from a new hissing cat quietly as if to say “What is your problem?”. He was a wonderful ambassador for felines in general—in the kitty world Marcus should have been King!!

We are sad to announce that Marcus crossed over the Rainbow Bridge on October 16, 2018. He was very much loved by everyone whose lives he touched. He will be greatly missed.

PATRICK (November, 2006 – July 24, 2020)

We first heard of Patrick last January, after receiving a call from a Good Samaritan regarding a nameless Siamese cat. His elderly owners had both passed away and this fellow had been turned out and was wandering the streets of a local mobile home park. She had taken him to rehome, and we, luckily, had an opening. We named this handsome boy Patrick, and he came to live with us.

When Patrick arrived at Safe Haven he was quite thin and unkempt—obviously something was wrong! Subsequent blood work revealed that he was hyperthyroid and had early renal failure. He was started on Sub-Q fluids which continued daily for the rest of his life, and treated at the Hyperthyroid Center in Tacoma. With the excellent guidance and care from our wonderful vets and staff, Patrick was on the road to a much healthier and happier life!

Patrick proved to be a cat with a large body and an equally large presence. He had a true sense of who he was and expected all visitors-both feline and human- to respect his boundaries. He was also loving and affectionate and won the hearts of everyone who spent time with him. He loved to lounge in the sun on his cat-walk, and groused about his lady roommates. He became an integral part of our shelter family, and while we weren’t sure he would ever be adopted, we loved having him with us.

Patrick was doing wonderfully well—gaining back his weight back and looking good! We really thought this special boy would be with us for years to come, but that was not to be. Just a few days after showing signs of illness, Patrick was diagnosed with cancer, and we sadly had to say goodbye.

Patrick parted this world with the same grace he exhibited while living in it. A stoic gentleman to the end, he passed peacefully in his sunny apartment surrounded by the people he loved and his favorite things. Patrick’s Siamese voice is missed, but the sweet echoes of his life will remain in our hearts forever.

SPATZI (January 12, 2005 – October 14, 2021)

Domestic Shorthair, Male
Color: Brown w/white
Size: large
Born: January 12, 2005
Special needs: renal insufficiency

We are sad to report that our Spatzi crossed the Rainbow Bridge on the evening of October 14, 2021.

Spatzi was a beautiful Siamese mix. His companion of the last ten years has been Spanky, a very handsome tuxedo cat. Two of the gentlest souls you will ever meet, they have been the text book example of well-behaved, loving cats. Spatzi was the more outgoing of the two, often greeting you at the door with a friendly meow and a leg rub. Spanky tends to be more laid back, often lounging in a bed or cat tree. He is easily approachable and loves to be petted and fawned over. Spatzi was in early renal insufficiency and was easily maintained with the fluids he was given twice weekly.

BUCKY

BUCKY is a male Lhasa Apso purchased from a pet store and sold as an 8-week-old puppy. Originally from a puppy mill, Bucky chased cats, fought with other dogs, nipped care-takers, resisted potty training and generally misbehaved. After 11 homes, he has found a wonderful foster home willing to accept his naughtiness and keep him from harm’s way. While mostly loving and affectionate, Bucky’s unpredictability makes him unsuitable for adoption, so he will remain in PFOA’s care for his protection.

On September 4, Bucky went peacefully across the Rainbow Bridge. This little character will be very much missed.

FAGIN (March, 2003 – September 16, 2021)

FAGIN was born in March, 2003 and had been at Safe Haven since July, 2003. He was a green-eyed, short-haired black male who could best be described as a “big lug” full of love. He would “head butt” and lean into his human and feline friends to show his affection. He liked brushing and belly rubs on occasion, too. Fagin was under dietary restriction, and had been quite successful losing some excess weight. Since 2003, he lived at Barker House with his brother, Thistle.

We are sad to report that on September 16, 2021, Fagin joined his twin brother across the Rainbow Bridge. As much as we will miss Fagin, we know that he will be so happy to be with his brother again, together, forever.

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Our rescue animals thank you!

LUCY-ALICE

One day, in early 2011, a sweet, gentle, affectionate little Manx kitten named Lucy-Alice was adopted from PFOA. Lucy-Alice resembled a very small, very colorful Lynx, with her gorgeous green eyes, pointed tufted ears, and calico tabby markings. It was easy to fall in love with her, and she found the best of homes with a couple who adored her.

What her loving parents didn’t know, was that some Manx cats are afflicted with Manx syndrome, a spinal disorder. The mutation that causes the loss or shortening of the tail also affects the spine, spinal cord and nerves. As a result, cats with this condition may have problems with bowel and bladder control. The condition generally shows up in kittens by the time they are four months old.

Lucy-Alice did not show any signs of Manx syndrome until a year after she was adopted. Of course, by this time, Lucy-Alice was a much loved member of her new family. When she began to have little “accidents”, they hoped that they were just that – simple accidents. But they were attached to Lucy-Alice. She was so loved. “Maybe she will grow out of it,” they thought. “It will just take a little more time.”

After considerable more time, they had to acknowledge that Lucy-Alice would not grow out of it. Their decision was heart-wrenching, but unavoidable. They contacted Nancy, the Shelter Director at Peninsula Friends of Animals. Could PFOA take Lucy-Alice back? This was not a decision to be taken lightly. Lucy-Alice would require a substantial investment of time and money. A generous gift from a very special supporter allowed PFOA to set up a special area, called “Turtle Towers”, for Lucy-Alice and an older kitten, Bobbie Jo, who also has Manx syndrome. Unfortunately, Bobbie Jo, having lived her first years of life as a single kitty, did not enjoy the company of gregarious Lucy-Alice and trouble broke out between the two girls. It became apparent that the best thing would be to separate the pair.

Lucy-Alice is one of the sweetest, most loving kitties anyone could ever hope to meet. Everyone who spends any time with her falls irrevocably in love with her. And that’s what happened when Tracy, Animal Caretaker at Barker House, first met Lucy-Alice in the summer of 2016. On a bright, sunny day, a couple of months later, Tracy came to pick up Lucy-Alice and take her to her new home at Barker House, a small PFOA facility designed for the care of special needs animals. Lucy-Alice will probably remain at Barker House for the rest of her life. There are very few people who have the type of facilities, and the time, money and dedication needed to provide a good home for her. PFOA is committed to providing Lucy-Alice with the best quality of life possible.

We are grateful to the sponsors who contribute to the care of Lucy-Alice, as well as our other special needs animals. While we still hope that Lucy may find her own family to love and care for her, it is not likely. So, for the rest of her days, Lucy will enjoy her life with her beloved caregiver in the sunny warm rooms of Barker House.

MARTHA

MARTHA was born in May, 2001 and came to PFOA in February, 2002. She loves attention and “talks” to the volunteers who regularly visit her. She was recently placed in a foster home, where she has adjusted well and has a happy home.

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Our rescue animals thank you!
PFOA is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, Fed ID # 91-2127240

LOVER BOY ("LOVEY")

Lovey was rescued and brought to Safe Haven in June of 2015. He looked and acted much older than his estimated 8-10 years. He was in very poor condition, and we were not sure that he would make it through the week, despite all the care and love he was receiving.

But Lovey amazed everyone. He gained weight, his coat became thicker and had a healthy gloss to it, and he was happy at Safe Haven. However, he needed a good deal of one-on-one attention, and a foster home was the best option for him.

In late 2016, one of our wonderful foster moms took him home, where he spent the last six months of his life. Here is his memorial, written by his foster mom:

I know I share this grief with so many of Lovey’s admirers. I put Lovey to sleep this morning after what was a perfect last day. He spent yesterday laying outside in the sun and also many naps laying on my chest. He even ate a few bites of food and started purring again. He began coughing last night which put him in respiratory distress. Although he slept peacefully on my chest all night his breathing never did return to normal and worsened again this morning. He hid all the typical diagnostic signs of cancer but that is the conclusion that we all came to in the end.

Thank you for letting us love on this old man for the last 6 months. It was our joy to care for him and help him find a peaceful end.

Kindly, Candyce

RUBY

MARIBEL MITTENS

LARGE MARGE

ASTER

BUDDY

TRIXIE

When Trixie came to Safe Haven in September of 2014, she was literally starved to death. Even more disturbing was her emotional detachment. She lay quietly in her cage with her face pressed to a corner, eating but not responding to any of us. After much good food, fluids and great vet care, she was able to greet us with a tiny little “meow.” She had a home and family to love her that Christmas. When the days grew warmer, volunteers would take her out to enjoy the sunshine. We all knew Trixie would not be with us long, and on the afternoon of March 11, 2015, she crossed over the Rainbow Bridge. She is very much missed by all of us at PFOA who cared for her and loved her.

ALESTER

Alester was an active 14 years young cat who came to live at Safe Haven when his owner passed away. He thrived on human interaction, and would follow people around, wagging his tail and wanting to join in on
whatever was going on. Because he was FIV positive, he could only go into a home with other FIV positive cats or as a single cat. For well over a year he remained at Safe Haven, happily greeting volunteers, staff and visitors.

One day, a retired gentleman came to Safe Haven, met Alester, and it was love at first sight for both of them. Alester had found his new forever home. He and his foster dad were inseparable. They settled into a lifestyle that should have lasted several years. Regretfully, that was not to be. After a wonderful Thanksgiving week where Alester was the center of his new family’s attention, he began to lose his appetite. After visiting the vet, he was diagnosed with lymphoma and went downhill rapidly. Sadly, our sweet Alester crossed the Rainbow Bridge on December 30, 2013. He was a grand old fellow, with an endearing personality and flawless manners, and he will be greatly missed by everyone whose lives he touched.

HOPE

May 31, 2004 – November 18, 2015

In the early morning hours of Thursday, November 19, 2015, our Hope crossed the Rainbow Bridge to reunite with her Best Friend Forever, Maggie. Hope was with us for what seems like such a short time, and yet, many of us have difficulty remembering when she wasn’t here.

Hope’s 11 ½ years were not always easy. Injuries sustained as a small kitten left her near death, and without the use of her hind legs. When she was a little older, she tried to use a cart that had been made for her, but she didn’t like it. Eventually she just relied on her ability to drag her back legs anywhere she wished to go.

When Hope was two years old, she met her Mama Linda (Nielsen), who cared for her and loved her for the rest of her life. Mama Linda’s golden retriever, Maggie, was also a paraplegic, and Maggie and Hope were inseparable for the rest of their lives.

Maggie took the journey across the Bridge six months, to the day, before Hope. We like to think Maggie wanted to make sure everything was perfect for Hope.

We will all miss her, but we are thankful for the 11 ½ years of her life with us. We will remember her for her strength, loyalty, love of life, and most of all, hope.

JEFFERSON

When Jeffy became ill, we rushed him to the veterinarian, and after several tests and procedures, he was diagnosed with an enlarged heart. We brought him back to Safe Haven, the only home he had known for most of the 11 years of his short life. It was our hope that he would continue to do well on his new medications and have more good years with us. This was not to be. Regretfully, our Jefferson passed over the Rainbow Bridge on the afternoon of July 12, 2015. He was in the home he loved, surrounded by people who loved him. He will be greatly missed by PFOA staff and volunteers who cared for him all of his life.

FAITH

January 11, 2011 to October 1, 2012

There are few things harder in this world than saying goodbye to a beloved friend! Our little friend, Faith moved our hearts in so many ways–she was found abandoned on a mountaintop near death and we took her in, she had a neurological disorder and we loved her the more dearly for her disability, she became blind and we admired her strength and ability to move forward. She was the most special little girl, and we all held her closely to our hearts and rejoiced that she had come to live with her PFOA family. We thought that she would be with us (or maybe with a wonderful adoptive family) for many years to come.

Our precious Faith became ill and passed away on October 1, 2012. Faith had gone to live at Barker House so she could enjoy a more homelike environment with her good friend, diabetic kitty Marcus. She was adored by her foster mom there, and enjoyed the quiet days spent lounging in a sunny windowsill and exploring a whole new world.

We will miss this ethereal little soul–she was, unfortunately, too fragile to continue her life with us here on this earth. But the lessons of love and faith that she taught us will remain as her gift to us all.

Maxwell & Freddy 2007	– together forever – 2024	Tommy Boy 2011 – 2024	Bethany 2006 – 2024	Tango 2009 – 2023	Rachel 2003 – 2023
Libby 2005 – 2023	Lacey J 2012 – 2022	Silver ? – 2021	Tippy 2004 – 2021	Spatzi 2005 – 2021	Bucky 2007 – 2021
Fagin 2003 – 2021	Merry 2007 – 2021	Sara 2005 – 2021	Marsha 2020 – 2021	Thistle 2003 – 2021	Patrick 2006 – 2020
July 2009 – 2020	Walker Max 2000 – 2019	Megan 2000 – 2019	Marcus 2001 – 2018	Tony the Tiger 2000 – 2018	Lover Boy (“Lovey”) 2007 – 2017
Aster 2016 – 2017	Ruby June – August, 2016	Trixie ? – 2015	Hope 2004 – 2015	Maribel Mittens 2014 – 2015	Jefferson 2004 – 2015
Alester 2001 – 2013	Mostest 2001 – 2012	Faith 2011 – 2012	Large Marge ? – 2006	Buddy ? – 2005

PENINSULA FRIENDS OF ANIMALS

IN MEMORIAM

Public Hours:
11:00am-4:00pm Tues-Sat
by appointment

Mailing Address:
P.O. Box 404
Sequim, WA 98382

Physical Address:
257509 Hwy 101
Port Angeles, WA

Click to
Enlarge
Map

SPANKY

SPATZI (January 12, 2005 – October 14, 2021)

SUPPORT PFOA!

SUPPORT PFOA!

TRIXIE

ALESTER

HOPE

JEFFERSON

FAITH

IN MEMORIAM

Public Hours: 11:00am-4:00pm Tues-Sat by appointment

Mailing Address: P.O. Box 404 Sequim, WA 98382

Physical Address: 257509 Hwy 101 Port Angeles, WA

Click to Enlarge Map

Public Hours:
11:00am-4:00pm Tues-Sat
by appointment

Mailing Address:
P.O. Box 404
Sequim, WA 98382

Physical Address:
257509 Hwy 101
Port Angeles, WA

Click to
Enlarge
Map