< Ginger the cat was born the same year Ashley Wager was born (1992). Amazingly, this cat lived to be 23 years old! Originally, Ginger was Ashley's aunt's cat, but was given to Ginger when she was 5 years old. Ashley can hardly remember life without this beautiful orange cat sleeping next to her. Often when people visited the Wager's home, Ginger would sit on the back of the couch and groom their hair. Ashley would often take walks around the block and Ginger (without a leash) would follow her the entire distance.

The secret to Ginger’s longevity? She lived on cheap cat food for most of her life and loved bread. One time, Ginger found a cupcake on Ashley’s bed and devoured it.

Ginger was not fond of other cats who lived in the household until a cat named Alfalfa came along 5 years ago. For some reason, Ginger loved Alfalfa and would cuddle with him and constantly groom him. Finally, Ginger’s body gave out and she passed away December 2, 2015. Alfalfa continues to roam the house looking for his deceased friend.

Debbie Steele, age 16, had been told by her parents that she could not have a puppy. Therefore, Debbie waited until Christmas Eve of 2013 and then purchased with her own money a beautiful white “little fluff ball.” When Debbie’s parents saw this cute puppy (an akbash/wolf/husky/malamute mix) they couldn’t turn their daughter’s request down.

Ava enjoyed being outside and endlessly romping on the family’s acre of property. She loved everyone she ever met. She liked camping, was always happy, and loved to cuddle. Ava’s unique characteristic was that she had 6 toes on each of her back feet.

Tragically, this wonderful dog passed away suddenly on September 15, 2015. She was just reaching her second birthday. Ava is deeply missed by Debbie and all who knew this beautiful animal during her short life.

Kaysha Cunningham first noticed “Gina” (a German Shepherd/Pitbull mix) when Four Paws Rescue brought her into PetSmart each week for possible adoption.  However, no one hardly ever looked at Gina because she was not as cute as the cuddly little puppies everyone seemed to gather around.  Due to overcrowding, Kaysha became aware that Gina’s time was running out, so she brought the 7 year old German Shepherd/Pitbull mix home to her 3 boys.

Gina immediately bonded to Kaysha’s young autistic son, Tristyn, and the two became inseparable.  The loving dog, who had been confined in a small kennel the first 6 years of her life, had finally found a loving family.

Gina loved to hike and play in the snow. The first time the dog went to Pineview Reservoir, she ran to the water and dived right in.  More than anything, however, Gina loved to just cuddle with the 4 members of her family. Due to Kaysha’s rescue of an unwanted dog, this loving animal found love and gave back that love to her family the last 5 years of her life.  Gina (nicknamed “G.G.”), passed away on October 13, 2015, and will be greatly missed….especially by Trystan, the autistic young boy in whose bedroom Gina always slept.

Silver, passed Oct. 30, 2014

Our sweet baby bird, Silver, was born in August 2013. He came into our home in early October as an early birthday present for our 7-year-old girl. She worked so hard to help Silver acclimatize and learn to trust and before we knew it, he was roaming free in our home. He would sing so beautifully and fly across the room to perch on your shoulder. He was such a bright companion and joy. He was learning speech and loved nuzzling those he loved.

Just over one year later, we returned home to find our precious boy at the bottom of his cage. We thought by shutting him in while we were gone, we were protecting him from the hazards around the house, but by a freak accident he sustained a head injury while in his own safe & personal territory. We were able to sing to him and comfort him while the tears were streaming down our faces. It was so unfair for our sweet bird to have to go in such a way & we look forward to someday seeing him on the other side.

Claude, passed Nov. 11, 2013

I raised Claude from a kitten, bringing him home during the spring of 1998. He was a wonderful companion, sleeping with me at night and contentedly sitting at my side while I spent countless hours in the teenage pursuits of “hanging out in my room” and “listening to music”.  Claude was such an intelligent cat and followed me to two different homes after I moved away from my parent’s home. He was very empathetic but also very brave. It was such a joy to have him through so many stages of my life and wonderful that my children born 8 & 10 years after him were able to also have him as a pet – to know and love his wonderful and unique personality.

We were fortunate that Claude was with us so long. As the end drew near, he seemed to know it and slowed quite a bit in the days before he passed. It was a comfort to get to spend extra time cuddling with him, but I know it will be many years before I stop expecting to turn around and see Claude following me.

Clyde, passed Sept 4, 2013

Our puppy, Clyde was a rescue. He had so much energy and enthusiasm and loved nothing more than to be with the family. He quickly bounded his way into our hearts and despite living the first months of his life tied up in the yard of someone who didn’t have the time to give him the proper attention, he was so eager to please and worked hard with us in training.  However, just as he was mastering the art of snuggling kids with the right amount of energy, he succumbed to parvovirus even though we had begun catching him up on his vaccinations missed before we re-homed him. He fought bravely and loved us until the end; we will never forget how he showed that love conquers all things.