On Monday, May 2, 2016, we had to euthanize Jake, our cat, who was arguably the “coolest cat” that you could ever cross paths with.  He was a homeless disaster that we took home from a rescue league many years ago, who we grew to love (even me), transforming into nothing short of a wonderful pet.  His chopped ears, deformed feet, crooked eyes, stunted legs, and missing teeth (all of his top fronts, minus the fangs) gave him “street cred”.  Hell, he would even go on neighborhood walks with Danielle and the kids, following along when called, as if he was canine rather than feline.  Our kids grew to love him, coining him “Jakey”, and he routinely slept with them while they watched their movies and cartoons from the couch.  We lost him a bit early, but the time that he spent with us was certainly memorable and there will never be another – he is my baseline for “the perfect cat”.  R.I.P. Jakey.

His high school yearbook photo: