In Loving Memory

Oh our Callie, 16 beautiful years of loving you and being smothered in love by you! You were by far the most affectionate feline I have ever owned. What warmed my heart is how for your entire life, you shared that with absolute strangers who passed our house or who was on your morning route. 

She was so loved by others that not once but twice a neighbour in Edmonton tried to actually kidnap you and make you their family. Even giving you a new name and collar. Thankfully people knew where you belonged and you also knew where home has always been. 

You weren’t just a family cat but Lily’s cat. Lily was so young but she knew she was finding a cat that day. In a room full of kittens, Callie chose Lily. Gosh did they love each other. 

Her beautiful long journey came to an end in loving hands.

Be free my beauty, no one can keep you from nature now.

Special gratitude to the women who came to our home to help Callie find her peace. 

On April 11, 2026, my sweet Ebony died peacefully in my arms at home. Thank you to Resting Paws for making that possible in the kindest way imaginable. Even at the end, he was a charmer with the vet, flirting and still very much himself.

It is incredibly gutting, but I am relieved he is no longer suffering. He took a sudden turn for the worse and it was time. A heartbreaking realization.

He was with me for over two decades, through so many of life’s big moments and I was there for his. He was honestly the best cat I could have imagined. Loyal, cuddly, feisty, and adventurous with the very best purr and the silkiest black fur.

We lived in five different homes across two provinces. He was always up for the adventure, as long as he was with me.

He was a street cat who wooed me and eventually I took him in.  How could I not? When I later moved into a condo without outdoor space, I tried to find him a new home where he could still be outside. But when someone came to meet him, he hid under my bed. When I tried to coax him out, he clocked me, something he had never done before and never did again. He was having none of it. The woman said, “He doesn’t want to leave you.” And she was right.

He stayed with me, where he belonged, for many more years.

I loved him so much, and I am missing him dearly. My heart hurts.

Rest in peace, my sweet Ebony. Wherever you are, I hope there is a sunbeam to nap in and endless places to explore. I hope Layla was there to greet you.

Sometime in 2005 to April 11, 2026. ‍

On April 10 2026 our beautiful Yoko left us for a better place. She was a Red Heeler and we will miss her forever. She has been a member of our family for 15  years since she came home with us in Jan 2011. She has brought us so much happiness and joy, always positive, happy, full of energy and ready to go on an adventure. Her happy place was hiking in the woods but she also loved joining us for runs, swimming, spending time with friends, family, our kids and grandkids, visiting stores ( with good quality treats)  and hanging out with her dog friends. Every day she made us smile and laugh about something. She was so smart and perceptive that we never felt alone, always like we were with our best friend. She actually learned to put away her own toys and that became part of our nightly routine for 15 years.  Going for a walk without her just isn’t the same experience. She helped us learn all about the trails and parks in this beautiful area but also wherever we travelled with her. No time for sitting around we had to explore first. She slowed down a lot over the past few years but has remained our closest and best companion.  We feel her absence from the house all the time. We are grateful that she was able to pass calmly and gently and know that she is free of any pain or suffering.

My dear Oliver,

It has already been a week since God called you to be with Him. August 11, 2014 – April 3, 2026. Wow! How quickly time passes. A part of my heart went with you, and I miss you every day, every minute. Your memories, your scent, your laughs, your unconditional love, your love for life, your walks, and your love for the sea… I want to tell you, my son, thank you—thank you so much for choosing Javier Sanchez Bringas and me as your parents, your mom. It was a privilege, an honor, and a gift of life to have you. You know what? If I were born again, I would adopt you one more time. Now, my Oli, fly high, enjoy, and be happy with God by your side. Your legacy and teachings will continue to be present, and we will honor them every day. We love you and miss you always, your dad, Nico, Lily, and all your family. Kisses, hugs, and blessings to Heaven. Goodbye, my sunshine, until we meet again one day. Love you, and will always love you, Flavy Chadd Sanchez.

Amber was our energetic, stubborn, playful, and sassy dog. She always liked to have the last word on everything and never met a person she didn’t see as an instant friend. She loved to run in the snow and be with her family. Even at almost 16, she was still a puppy at heart. We will miss her greatly and remember her always.

Lynx came to us as a rescue dog from Taiwan, and from the very beginning he was surrounded by love. His big sister, Luna, our husky-cross, adopted him immediately and showed him how to be a great dog. They were inseparable. Lynx chose to form a particularly deep bond with his human mama, Mareike, and for 12 years he rarely left her side, following her wherever she went. He especially enjoyed long walks at Thetis Lake and quiet moments spent together. Lynx brought so much love into our lives, and he will be deeply missed every single day. We are sure that Luna picked him up on the other side of the rainbow  Farewell, sweet Lynxi-boy

Here are a couple pictures of our beloved precious Princess, one on her own and another along side her sister darling Duchess.   Although she had a rough start in life she was still filled with love and kindness.  We were privileged to share our home with her in her final years and miss her enthusiasm in all she did.   She was our chunky monkey dancing queen, who will be remembered with love and affection always.  Her passing leaves a large hole in our hearts but thank you for helping us say goodbye to her. Thank you to Berners in Need (BIN).

Thank you so much for your kindness on Saturday.   We really appreciated how thoughtful and caring you were and while it was extremely hard to say goodbye to her, it couldn’t have been a more perfect way for her to leave us.