Andy:  On October 22, 2021, we said good bye to Raggedy Andy. Andy joined our family on March 5 in rough shape. He was 12-years young, blind, emaciated, covered head to toe in the worst mats we had ever seen and possibly had early-stage renal disease. Before joining us, Andy had been trying to survive on the streets in the severe cold of winter. Andy loved his room here at Leashes End with a self-warming bed, full bowl of food, fresh water, and of course he loved to listed to WETA classical radio. He also loved the attention given to him with all the head and chin rubs and back scratches he could get. Sadly, we got to Andy too late to be able to cure his underlying health issues (likely cancer).  But we give many thanks to MCPAW for sponsoring his exquisite veterinary procedures. RIP Andy. May your memory be a blessing.

Bandit: In February 2024, we had to say goodbye to Bandit. Poor Bandit had a rocky few first months  From his caregiver being hospitalized, released, and passing away just a few days later. Bandit just could not catch a break. Bandit & his littermate bounced around a couple of homes, ultimately ending up spending a few months at the county shelter where Bandit’s sibling passed away.  Little Bandit thrived in his time at Leashes End.  Even living with his stage 3/4 kidney disease, Bandit lived his days showered in love for all his beauty and light. And for that he will truly be missed. RIP Bandit; may your memory be a blessing. Z”L.

Big Frank:  Big Frank, our 14-year-old Tuxedo passed away early on the morning of May 11, 2021. He had suffered a heart attack or stroke and expired just as we reached the ER. Big Frank was a jovial prankster who lived in my bedroom and always kept me on my toes. He was an incredibly friendly and sociable kitty who loved games, and interacting with people, especially while I would change out the bed sheets.  Big Frank joined the Leashes End Family in January 2018.  He was a hefty black and white galoot who lost his family when his dad passed away and his mom went into a nursing home. Theirs was the only home he had known for over a decade. He found himself living in the vet’s office for nearly a month, which is too long for such a sweet fellow to be without a real home and family. Because Frankie was declawed, he eliminated outside the litter box, which made him a difficult candidate for adoption. (Please NEVER declaw a cat.) But at Leashes End, he adapted well to the dogs’ pee pads–problem solved! Frankie accompanied me every morning to the bathroom vanity so he could have his head and ears rubbed while I brushed my teeth. He climbed in bed with me for cuddles no matter how many other cats and dogs were already there. His loud, chirping purr was the most amazing sound! Big Frank, with your passing we have lost a lovable imp. RIP Big Frank. Life will be so much duller without you.  May your memory be a blessing. Z”L

Blackie: Blackie passed away on 25 March 2022.  There’s an empty spot on the couch now. Blackie’s spot. His absence is glaring: from his couch, from our home, from my heart. Of all our pets, 14-year old Blackie had been with us the longest at twelve years. Blackie moved with us from Washington State to Silver Spring and then to Rockville. He grew up with us, he grew old with us, he was a fixture in our family. Blackie was a sensitive fellow, affectionate and gentle. He loved people and especially enjoyed having his belly rubbed, paddling a “backstroke” with his front paws in appreciation. He would chaperone the Maltese on walks and shared a special bond with Mac (RIP).  Blackie began urinating blood, the apparent result of two cancerous masses in his bladder. We started him on multiple medications to reduce inflammation and facilitate bladder function. But we couldn’t help be dismayed by a miserly prognosis of 45 days. We were shattered when he only made it five before succumbing. Asher took Blackie in this morning to ease him across the bridge. Rest in peace now, Dear Blackie. Go find Mac and save a place for the rest of us on your celestial couch. May your memory forever be a blessing. Z”L

Bonnie:  We said goodbye to 18-year old Bonnie far too soon back in November, 2016 . At 18, she was the oldest of a group of cats who were orphaned when their person passed away. She came to live with us on September 18th and spent every night sleeping in bed with Asher, grooming his head, and purring so loudly I could hear her over the phone. In spite of Asher’s Herculean efforts to save her–administering medication and IV fluids multiple times a day–she began to succumb to advanced kidney disease. Her quality of life steadily diminishing until she could barely move her head, let alone walk. Our vet came to the house to help her across the bridge while Asher held her.  RIP sweet Bonnie.

Boots: Losing a pet always hurts. But losing Boots is agonizing. We lost Boots in late October, 2022. He was truly the best kitty ever. 13-year-old Boots and his littermate MollyCat joined the Leashes End family in mid-May of this year after their original caretaker passed away. Boots was quite the explorer … inside and out of the house. It took him no time at all to be everywhere all at once! He was also a great eater and took up residence on the kitchen counter in order to sample every dish, whether for cats, dogs, or people! About two weeks ago, Boots was diagnosed with advanced lymphoma throughout his GI tract. We kept him comfortable for as long as we could, plying him with pates, broths, and his all-time favorite, whipped cream. Boots was an extremely affectionate cat and he received a ton of attention and loving, especially over the past couple weeks. Rest easy, Boots, Z”L. We’ll always love you.

Christiano: On the evening of 19 April 2023, we helped 16-year-old Christiano across the bridge. It’s strange not seeing him around the kitchen; he had become somewhat of a fixture on the counter near the food bowls.  Christiano developed a rap as somewhat of a bad boy with our volunteers and groomers, who refused to touch him. But he was always sweet with me. Christiano joined the Leashes End family on 29 March 2022 when he lost his home and family due to no fault of his own. Adding to the sadness of losing his home, Christiano’s bonded littermate passed away a week before he arrived. But Christiano proved amazingly resilient!  He wasted no time exploring the house and settling in. He was comfortable with dogs and cats and sometimes visited me in my bedroom at night. He was amazing to look at and even more amazing to pet.  Sadly, Christiano developed a huge cancerous tumor which grew and grew even as he wasted away.  Ultimately, we had to let him go to prevent major suffering. Cats are notoriously good at masking their pain. I held Christiano in my arms right to the end and he purred, gazing into my eyes the whole time. We will miss you forever, Christiano. Rest In Peace; may your memory be a blessing, Z”L. 

Cloudy: In April, 2022, we lost our 21-year-old Cloudy to kidney disease.  She joined the Leashes End family in October 2021 when her previous owner could no longer care for her. Cloudy fit right in and made herself at home in no time.  She has a great appetite and is a treat connoisseur. She’s carved out the bed (appointed with pillows and cat caves) as her turf. Toward the end of her life, Cloudy moved in with Kari and snuggled in bed with her every night.  We will miss you so much, Cloudy.  Z”L … may your memory be a blessing.

Creamsicle:  In early May, 2020, our friend, valiant volunteer, and devoted cat lover, Lois Greer, alerted us to Creamsicle’s situation. Poor boy! 15-year-old Creamsicle had been found as a stray on the street! With no claws, no teeth, and an indentation in his fur where his collar once had been. Creamsicle was not doing well in the shelter and we thought we could give him some more comfortable digs. Although we improved his surroundings … he seemed to really love the soft bed in the window overlooking the back yard … we were sadly unable to improve his medical condition. He had severe anemia and would not eat. We force-fed him three times a day and administered IV fluids over the course of ten days, but we could not stop his downward decline. Ultimately, we had to let him go and assist him across the Rainbow Bridge. I want to extend a special thanks to Lois for all her assistance and support with Creamsicle.Thank you also to the other MCAS volunteers who came to see him off before the end.

Fluffy:  On August 24th, 2018, we had to say goodbye to Fluffy. 19-year old Fluffy McFlatface came to Leashes End in late November, 2016. Because she had been declawed, she would eliminate outside the litter box. And because she eliminated inappropriately, she suffered a lifetime of neglect and probable abuse. We know that she had been turned into the shelter multiple times by frustrated owners and that she had suffered from blunt force trauma which damaged her kidneys. We did our best to make sure her final years were comfortable and relaxed. Fluffy spent her days snoozing in her room but would come out when the house was quiet to explore. I believe she appreciated the kindness she found here, late in life though it came. RIP Fluffy. You deserved much, much better.

Grandpa: On December 1st, 2019 we had to say goodbye to our beloved Grandpa kitty.  Grandpa was 22 years old and his health had begun to deteriorate.  Grandpa came to Leashes End in March 2016, when his owner surrendered him after nearly 18 years. At his age, he spent most of his days (and nights) snoozing in his favorite nook.  Until recently, that nook was in the huge bay window of the living room, overlooking the garden … prime real estate!  Grandpa enjoyed short expeditions into the front yard to wander among the flowers, take in some fresh air, and sunbathe on the stone pavers. He also had the loudest purr ever, which he would treat us to every evening when he would climb aboard our laps for some loving! RIP, Grandpa Kitty.  We will miss you forever.  May your memory be a blessing.

Girly:  On April 8th, 2024 we said goodbye to 25-year-old Girly. When the MCAS shelter asked if I could take in senior kitty Girly in 2019, we had no idea the she was a celebrity! Girly (along with Kizzy and Pootie) is one of three seniors dubbed the “Golden Girls,” who needed OUT of the shelter ASAP. So we opened up a special room for them!  She Had a giant personality Was very assertive when it came to cuddles and attention. She loved to be rubbed and purred like a muscle car! She also ate like a horse and we had no idea where she put it all!  She was loved by the many volunteers at MCAS who followed her journey. She will forever be missed. RIP Girly. May your memory be a blessing, Z”L.

Granny: Granny Crabcakes was 20 years old and had ruled the roost here at Leashes End since coming to live with us in December 2015. A top floor cat, she spent most of her days lounging in a cat teepee that overlooks the foyer so she could look down in judgment on everyone and monitor all their comings and goings. Whenever humans failed to do her bidding, she never hesitated to let us know! Granny passed away on Thanksgiving Day 2018. Granny’s favorite place to nap was on Asher’s lap so it’s fitting that she was able to spend her final hours on earth cuddled up with him as he assisted her across the bridge.  RIP, Granny Crabcakes. We’ll miss your cattitude.

Holly: On the 4th of July 2023, 20-year-old Holly suffered an apparent stroke. We waited a day to see if she would recover … sometimes they do.  Alas, it was clear by the afternoon of 5 July that Holly was ready to cross over and join her brother Simon and humans Charlie & Helga.  Holly had been with us for quite some time.  On 20 May 2021 Mike Bodley and Julie Riker drove down from Pennsylvania with Simon and Holly, the pair of bonded 18-year-old cats … along with toys, food, supplies, love and a huge surprise donation that brought me to tears.  Charles and Helga Bodley (may they Rest In Peace) had adopted Holly and Simon in 2003 from Molly’s Place Animal Rescue. They lovingly cared for these two cats like their own children. When Charles, an Army veteran and animal lover, passed away in 2019, his family requested that in lieu of flowers, donations be made to Molly’s Place, Simon and Holly’s alma mater. The cats lived on with Helga until she passed away on March 5, 2021. They stayed by her side as she lay in bed and kept her company right to the end. Holly was very shy.  She prefered caves to trees and was highly selective with the company she kept. But she was always sweet, had  a phenomenal appetite, and could belt out meows in the loudest soprano ever!  Rest in Peace, Holly Kitty.  May your memory be a blessing, Z”L.

Kiva: 21-year-old Kiva passed away in June, 2022.  She came to Leashes End in November 2016. Kiva was in pretty rough shape when she arrived.  Blind in one eye due to a detached retina, her long silky fur was so severely matted, she had to be shaved, revealing a massive necrotic tumor on her back! We had the tumor surgically removed in 2016 and her bad eye removed in 2018, much to Kiva’s relief! Sadly, Kiva’s remaining eye had to be removed due to glaucoma later that year, rendering her completely blind. Kiva kept to herself in a cozy room all her own where she was a darling of all our volunteers and a huge fan of WETA Classical Radio!  Z”L, Kiva.  May your memory be a blessing.

Maggie:  We said goodbye to Maggie on September 8th, 2017.  18-year old Maggie joined the Leashes End family in February, 2017. Maggie suffered from hyperthyroidism and was unable to eat enough to maintain a healthy weight. In spite of our best efforts, we were unable to correct her severe metabolic condition. She had lost a significant amount of weight over the last month of her life and had taken a turn for the worse. Ultimately, we decided that letting her go was our kindest option. Maggie, we will miss you!

Melvin: Melvin’s gone to live with Sherry, a close friend of Melvin’s from his early years, in sunny Florida! Melvin is a gorgeous, healthy, senior Russian Blue male from the shores of Miami Beach. Melvin came to live with us in October 2015 when his human could no longer care for him. Melvin absolutely adored playing outside with JinJin and Sage and he also enjoyed accompanying the dogs on their daily walks. Oh hey! Did a cat just slap you with his paw?! Yup! That was Melvin … he takes his treats seriously, and he doesn’t take no for an answer. Enjoy the sunshine, Mel!

Mina: RIP Mina. Sweet kitty, you will be dearly missed.  Mina, our 19-year-old Persian passed away early on the morning of May 4th, 2021, having suffered an apparent stroke late the night before. Her foster mom Audrey, our former resident staffer, cuddled with her on the couch all night through to the end. Audrey and Mina had formed an unbreakable bond, having shared a room for a year. So when Audrey moved on, Mina moved with her!  Mina was a cuddle bunny! She loved to crawl in bed and purr her head off under the covers. Mina preferred cat caves to cat trees and loved playing with Kitty Stix. Last year, Mina was diagnosed with a serious heart murmur and advanced renal failure; this year she grew incontinent. She required daily subcutaneous fluids, a special diet, and diapers…all of which Audrey handled like a pro in spite of giving birth to her own human baby in February!  Mina, you were a sweet and gentle soul. Rest In peace and may your memory be a blessing. Z”L

Pootie: 19-year-old Pootie passed away in June, 2022 from cancer. She had joined the Leashes End family in 2019, when the MCAS shelter asked if we could take her. Pootie had not been doing well at the Shelter and we suspected she might be a hospice case. Nothing could be farther from the truth she had a few wonderful years with us!  Pootie loved to climb on cat trees, hide in closets and other nooks, and sleep on my pillow at night, undeterred by so many dogs in the bed. I will miss her cuddling with me during the wee hours of the morning. You’d never have guessed she was a senior at all! Z”L, Pootie.  May your memory be a blessing.

Slim Shady: On 30 Dec 2022, I helped poor, 20-year-old Slim Shay cross over.  He had lost a lot of weight to liver disease and let us know it was his time.  Shady passed peacefully and even purred for the doctor.  Shady joined our family in May 2022 and immediately moved in with Kari. Shady’s original family moved overseas and didn’t think Shady would survive the long trip. Shady was incredibly outgoing, he socialized with dogs, ventured outside onto the patio, and loved to play with human visitors.  What a terrific cat! RIP, Shady!  Z”L, may your memory be a blessing.

Simon: On May 20, 2021 Mike Bodley and Julie Riker drove down from Pennsylvania with Simon and Holly, the pair of bonded 18-year-old cats … along with toys, food, supplies, love and a huge surprise donation that brought me to tears.  Charles and Helga Bodley (may they Rest In Peace) Holly and Simon in 2003 tfrom Molly’s Place Animal Rescue. They lovingly cared for these two cats like their own children. When Charles, an Army veteran and animal lover, passed away in 2019, his family requested that in lieu of flowers, donations be made to Molly’s Place, Simon and Holly’s alma mater. The cats lived on with Helga until she passed away on March 5, 2021. They stayed by her side as she lay in bed and kept her company right to the end. Simon was very outgoing and loved to explore.  Sadly, Simon passed away in his sleep on the night of June 19th, 2021.

Tommy Girl: In late July 2019, we said goodbye to 18-year-old Tommy Girl.  She had been with us for just over two years, having come to us in late May 2017.  Poor Tommy had languished for months at the local shelter prior to coming to Leashes End. In spite of her advanced age, Tommy lived life to the fullest here.  A real chatterbox, Tommy pranced around the house all night long murmuring and burbling to anyone who would listen! Tommy had the most enchanting golden eyes and developed a strong bond to Kelley.  RIP, Tommy Girl; we miss you.

Tux: On 29 May 2023, we lost Tux to kidney failure. We knew he was failing as he had stopped eating the previous week and was having difficulty keeping water down. But he had such a great day on 28 May, enjoying volunteer Rachel’s company and head scratches, we thought he had more time than he actually did.  Tux joined us in early April, barely two months prior to his passing. Our amazing volunteer Hao had clued us into his situation.  Tux was being cared for by the Glenvilah Veterinary Clinic in Potomac where he had been diagnosed with advanced kidney disease. Although we weren’t able to offer him much time, we were able to give him space in which to stretch out during his final months.  Tux used to walk around the house, visiting with other kitties and doggos, even exploring the front yard!  But he always came home to my bedroom at bedtime. RIP, Sweet Tux.  May your memory be a blessing, Z”L.