"We adopted Kobi (aka Lukas) July 2008. I sent an update in your Jan-May09 section of Pet Stories. Unfortunately this will be my final submission on Kobi's behalf.

I wanted to share this with you as I have sent other updates of my boys over the years. On Monday August 30th Kobi was chasing his ball across the yard when his back legs suddenly gave out under him and he went down with a short period of yelps. After a few moments of him struggling to stand and being unable to do so, I noticed he was more panicked and not in pain. Then I noticed his back legs not moving. We rushed him to the 'on call' vet who happed to be our trusted Dr. Palmer. That night Kobi was showing no pain sensory in his back end and he'd lost control of his bowels and bladder. After a night of anti inflamatories and xrays, Dr. Palmer called down to an animal neurology clinic in Michigan. They said it could have been 'cartilaginous' something or other or a ruptured disk. Either way, chances were slim that Kobi would ever recover and it was very unlikely that he would ever have control of his bowels or bladder again. We had to say goodbye... Loralei Premo"

Here are a few words in his memory:

We're going to miss you Kobi!

His beauty and gentleness, strength and agility, courage and infinite energy are like nothing I have ever known. He has all the virtues of man, without his vices.

He ate the strap off my Mary-Jane’s and yet I could not scold that adorable puppy.

He chased his tail, balls, frisbees, leaves, even birds across the sky and I admired his innocence.

Sometimes he was sick during the night and I was comforted to know I could take care of him too.

He charged into thunder but hid between my legs when he heard a noise in the bush or saw a cat; I was happy to be given the opportunity to be his protector.

We hiked through the woods, played in the water, took leisurely walks in the evenings and biked to work. He surely loved his car rides, my well behaved boy! We had sleepovers with the terrifying kitty cats. We had play dates with Maggie. Mostly, we just did whatever, whenever, but together.

He was my best friend, my honest and true kindred spirit. His love and loyalty emanated every moment of everyday.

There are no words equivalent to the feelings felt deep within, aroused only by one’s canine companion. The world will be a little less fulfilling without you with by my side “moose”.

You were one-of-a-kind and I am sorry your time with us was so short. But I promise to honour your memory often by recalling the joy you brought to the lives of so many. I will think of you and remember all the peace & laughter you alone created with your presence. I’m so sorry I couldn’t fix this Kobi.

Here is the deepest secret nobody knows; here is the root of the root and the bud of the bud and the sky of the sky of a tree called life; which grows higher than the soul can hope or mind can hide; and this is the wonder that’s keeping the stars apart.

I carry your heart; I carry it in my heart.

July 9, 2008 – August 31, 2010

"Twelve years ago I walked into the Humane Society with a heavy heart; one of my dear companions had left me suddenly. I just went to look, to test the waters, so to speak, and see if I was ready for a new furry friend. Just as I was ready to leave, this little skinny Calico decided that I was not leaving without her. She cried and cried, tried to climb up my leg, even went as far as try and run out the door as I was leaving the cat room. Then she pawed the glass, and I could silently seeing her meowing behind the glass. The woman beside me said "I do believe you have been adopted". Yes I was. I took the little skinny Calico home that day. She was named Rhoda at the Humane Society, I renamed her Phoebe. She came around quickly, and was not only a comfort to me but to my other cat; they became best friends. She didnt really meow, but she beeped and purred like a motorboat.

So it is with great sadness that I pass this message on. A week ago, Phoebe ran to the Rainbow Bridge. She was diagnosed with lymphoma, and taken away from us far too soon. She is greatly missed by all who loved her.

I know someday soon when I am ready, I will once walk into the Humane Society with a heavy heart, but I know that I will leave with yet another furry companion and experience the love and friendship once again. R.I.P Phoebe and run free until we meet again...."Alexis LaCasse

His new brother and best friend is Wilbur. Wilbur was adopted on June 30th, 2009. They get along really well and wrestle and play constantly. After being 'raised' by Harley and then 'raising' Mirabelle, we knew it was time for Wilbur to have a friend that was a little more his type; enter Wagner!

Wagner's two other siblings, Harley and Mirabelle, are very fond of him and constantly try to snuggle. They are so used to Wilbur that they don't realize that not all cats love them. If we place Wagner beside one of the dogs to cuddle, he will lay with them for a few minutes but then he remembers that "hey... I don't like dogs!" and swats them. Every day he is getting better though. He isn't scared to walk by them anymore and no longer runs away if they go near him.