In Honor of Deb & Her Buddy

With heavy hearts we say good-bye to another special cat that everyone should know about.

On June 7, Deb Martin said good-bye to her Buddy. Buddy didn’t have cerebellar hypoplasia, but he was a major part of Deb’s life. And because of that, we want to send our deepest condolences to Deb and her family.

For those who don’t know Deb, you should. Put simply, Deb’s the CH cat community’s adoption specialist. But she’s so much more than that. Deb is the reason why so many of us know one another. She’s the reason why hundreds of CH kittens’ lives are saved and homed each year. She’s dedicated her life to helping special needs cats, and she truly is an inspiration to the CH cat community.

To be an adoption specialist is no simple task. Deb is around 24/7 to help with any situation. Even when she’s on vacation, she responds to emails and helps out folks who need immediate help. She’s simply amazing. It takes a strong, beautiful woman to devote her life to something like that. I wouldn’t be where I am today if it wasn’t for Deb, her friendship, help and inspiration. Not to mention I wouldn’t have had such a precious addition to my family.

I’d bet any day that the reason Deb is so amazing is because of the wonderful friends and family (human and furry) that surrounds her. Buddy was a big part of this. I’m sure the relationship Deb had with Buddy was so special that it inspired her to open her heart to other people and cats.

I know how important and inspirational my cats are to me. I can only imagine how Deb felt about Buddy.

Tragically, on June 6 Deb learned some horrible news. Buddy was diagnosed with a brain tumor that was pressing on his brain stem. Surgery wasn’t an option, so they tried a few things and hoped for the best. But it wasn’t enough. Deb had to make the important decision we all dread. They had to do what was right for Buddy.

On June 7, Buddy crossed Rainbow Bridge with his mom and dad by his side. I can’t imagine the sadness and despair they feel, and my heart goes out to them. Losing a cat truly is losing a family member.

“He was literally the nicest cat I have ever known, and he was so sweet, happy and loving and everybody’s favorite kitty,” Deb shared with me the other day.

A cat like Buddy can never be replaced. I’m so thankful that Buddy was so wonderful and a part of Deb’s life as long as he was. Whether he knew it or not, the bond he had with his mom helped save other kitties. And for that, we thank them.