Category: Animals

The first time I cared for Ryker, it was for about a week. I remember coming home from my last visit, and describing him to Shannon. I ended up crying. I felt like somehow I had known Ryker forever. Like we had been friends in a past life, or something like that. I’m curious if he was as bossy in that life as he was in this one!!!

Ryker always felt like an old soul to me. When he left us just a few weeks ago, he was 13. When I met him, he was 9 years young.

The first photo I took of Ryker. 2022.

Ryker cracked me up. He was so, so silly. Very bossy, and got increasingly more bossy as the years went on. He was so excited to go out for a walk, and always was happy to see me. This is quite common with dogs, but it never gets old. Imagine your boss looking out your office window as you get to work, and they start screaming with excitement that you’re there. That’s my job! and Ryker’s hello’s were some of the best.

When we would arrive home from a walk, he’d stand by the door, and tilt his eyes and head towards the door again, like he was saying “…. you wanna…. go for another walk?”.

He’d forget about that quickly once he saw me going for the fridge. What was in the fridge?

Charcuterie.

Ryker had two special treats he would get. Milk bones (picture the quintessential dog treat) and Charcuterie. This was hilarious to me, mostly because Ryker’s parents referred to this treat not as ham or salami, but charcuterie. High-class boy!!

Ryker and his family we’re incredibly kind to me. Ryker’s dad, Gregg, told me that they would only go on vacation if I was around to care for Ryker. I liked to think that this was a requirement imposed by Ryker himself.

I’ve been incredibly lucky that the parents of pets that I care for who have passed, or are about to pass, tell me. It’s happened only once that two pets I cared for had passed months ago, and I only found out when I texted the parent to say hello. That situation was a bit more complicated than them simply not telling me, but it still hurt.

I try to remember that these pets are not my family, and everyone grieves in their own way. But I feel incredibly thankful that my love for the pets is felt by the parents, and it’s important to them that I know when it’s time.

I had gotten the call about Ryker before he had passed. This is very rare, and I am so thankful that I was able to go say goodbye.

When I left my last visit, Gregg walked me out, and we hugged. I sat in my car for a bit and cried while looking at photos of Ryker, only to realize: Gregg had followed me out because he wanted to take his parking spot he left open for me back, and had been sitting in his car waiting for me to leave as I cried lol. It was really funny. It also shows the kindness of Gregg. He just waited patiently.

When Ryker passed, Gregg texted me “Ryker loves you deeply.” I hope that Ryker knew that I loved him right back.

Ryker and I, taken by Gregg. 2026.

Goodnight, Ryker. I love you, and I’ll see you again. For a third time I suppose!

Ryker “waiting” for Charcuterie. 2024.

Babe and Niji are two of my oldest buddies, in pet care terms. I met them over 3 years ago, and the last time I saw them was a week ago or so. It’s scary how a decline in health can be so hidden if its gradual. When Matt told me they had both passed, I looked at a lot of my photos. I thought both of them had always been a bit “skin and bones”, but they weren’t.

My buddies in 2023, when we met.

I met them at the start of their sickness. Niji’s was more apparent, my first pet that required a shot every day! Babe’s was more hidden, and to my knowledge wasn’t ever truly figured out.

Niji and I grew our friendship over time. When left alone, or with animals, I would say I become what some call insufferable. I’m CONSTANTLY whistling, humming, chatting up a storm. My favorite things to do are coming up with songs about the animals I’m caring for, or making up a cute and fun way to say the pet’s name.

Unfortunately for Niji, I would say her name semi-loudly in a high-pitched voice.

NIIIIIIIIIIJIIIIIIIII!!!! Like that.

Niji didn’t like this. Actually, Niji didn’t like it when I opened my mouth period. Me arriving also meant needle time, so I was all around bad news.

Niji, in disbelief, that it’s me again. 2023.

I took the hint! Despite my body rebelling against me, I stayed silent throughout my stays with them. This worked wonderfully, and little by little Niji started to enjoy my arrival. By the end, Niji was the one screaming at me. For food, yes! But she also gave me permission to start speaking again. I loved her sweet voice, and when she did let me pet her, she would melt into my hands. She liked chin scritches… and that’s it!!!

“Niji” is the word for rainbow in Japanese. I always saw it in her coat.

Babe is one of the most beautiful animals I’ve ever seen. He had piercing blue eyes. A soft cream color in his coat. And a very gentle, gentle chirp when I touched him. We got along quite quickly, but he wasn’t a huge fan of pets. When we would spend time together, it rarely involved touch. He loved looking out the window, so I would sit there next to him and ask “What do you see?” and try and pick out what I imagine was peaking his interest.

Babe didn’t have many teeth, and this would result in the silliest, grumpiest faces when his lips would get caught on his gums.

Unbelievably cute.

He was so playful, running around like a ghost at night, and chasing his favorite sweatshirt string that Matt would leave out for him. Every visit, he would lie on the carpet and curl up and flirt with his cozy little paws up. Looking like he wanted pets… but this was a trick!!!

My last visit with them they got to go outside. Something they do all the time when dad was home, so they said “its about time!!!” I’m glad I got to see them in all their glory out there. Niji stayed with me, and Babe left. Went to the neighbors yard, and disappeared. I was told he would come back, and he did.

I knew they were in poor health, but when the news arrived it wasn’t easier to accept. These animals are not my family, but they are my friends, and I love them deeply. I will always wish I had one more visit before they leave.

Goodnight, sweethearts. I’ll see you again.