Rest easy, Biggie. đź’”
Before we welcomed the new year, we lost someone very special to us. Biggie (22099) was a calm and quiet companion who oftentimes joined us at our Cat Club meetings. He was a sweet and curious soul loved by so many, including you. He left us suddenly in his sleep on December 28, 2022; he was nine years old.
During his time in our care, we tried our best to find him a loving home. We shared his story on social media, and on July 23, 2022, Kings River Life Magazine featured his story in an attempt to help us reach new supporters and find him a home.
As you may know, Biggie was previously a member of our feral cat sanctuary in 2019. In 2021, Biggie was diagnosed with stomatitis and had 12 tooth extractions. We were overjoyed when he was adopted in October 2021 and upset when he was returned only 12 days later. His adopter struggled caring for Biggie’s teeth.
Back in our care, we had a difficult time finding someone interested in adopting Biggie. While many adored him and his cute, pale pink tongue, adopting him was a hard decision to make. Biggie also had kidney failure and would require regular vet visits.
We were committed to providing Biggie the best care possible, but it still hurts us knowing he didn’t spend his final days in a warm, loving home of his own.
Many staff members had strong relationships with Biggie, including our animal care operations supervisor, Maritza Lopez.
“I’ve known Biggie since I started my journey [at Valley Animal Center],” Maritza said. “We all know how hard he struggled with his health in the past. We are very sad but would like to take the moment and push adoptions even more because even though we loved Biggie here and we were his home, we would have loved for him to spend the rest of his life in a home. It’s what we wish for all our animals.”
Today, we move forward in caring for the more than 100 cats in our care. This year, many of our efforts to raise funds and find furever homes will be made in his memory, and we welcome you to join us.
Help us continue to pursue our mission to unite dogs and cats with loving people and donate in Biggie’s memory today. If you have considered rescuing a dog or cat, especially a senior, long-term or special needs dog or cat, adopt in Biggie’s memory this year. Our adoption centers are open Wednesday through Friday from 2 p.m. to 7 p.m. and weekends from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Biggie, we will always remember you and your delicate and intimate gaze. We love you, always and furever! 🧡
