It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of our deeply beloved, Winston. He crossed the rainbow bridge peacefully at home this morning surrounded by love from his two favorite sentient cushions / faithful human companions who were honored and grateful to have him in their lives.
Winston likely had a rough go of things in his early years surviving in an animal hoarding home. After being surrendered he spent a short amount of time at the Humane Society of South Central Michigan before the magic of the internet brought him to the attention of a former dog owner who wasn’t even sure he wanted a cat. Ever the persuasive charmer, he pulled a major cat-dog and aggressively licked his new companions when they came to meet him. He was taken to his forever home that day. Upon arrival, Winston, with a series of friendly meows, toured each room, realizing he now had his humans and a new kingdom all to himself. For a little guy who had known the struggles of competition for food and attention, this newfound solitude was nothing short of amazing. Despite not needing to be vocal to get what he needed anymore, he will always be remembered as talkative even earning the middle name Meowth.
Often described as dignified due to his handsome appearance, those who knew him will remember how he frequently defied these presumptions with his tongue-out naps and disheveled fur that was the result of emerging from the covers he adored tunneling and snuggling in. Fleece blankets were his favorite. Also, not to be mistaken for graceful, he rarely jumped and preferred to climb awkwardly onto even the lowest of surfaces including pawing to signal if he would like to be lifted onto your lap or be carried like the royalty he believed himself to be. He loved when the windows were open in the fall and spring, often spending hours sunning and watching birds or squirrels.
Some of his other favorite activities included snubbing any expensive toys and gadgets he received – preferring only the finest of parachute cord, tissue paper and hair ties. He felt very invincible in his tunnels and was often shocked that he could in fact be seen through the mesh – in his mind his stealth level was 99. Always acting like a shadow, he also enjoyed being underfoot. So much so that he nearly caused many falls and yet somehow his tail was spared from being stepped on in these frequent incidents save for a handful of times. He was banned from the kitchen during cooking times early on as a result of these antics. Above all, Winston loved being lazy. His preferred lounging always involved sleeping on top of people wrapped in a blanket but he would also be known to steal a pre-warmed seat with a swiftness and glare that showed nary any remorse when you returned to the couch with snacks or a fresh drink.
Unfortunately, Winston had many health issues and allergies throughout his life which were likely a result of his early environment. With the help of any army of doctors and specialists, he bravely fought back from the brink many times over the last decade to be here with us all as long as he reasonably could. Despite greeting most new days in some discomfort his attitude was always positive. On the hardest and most frustrating days, he brought perspective and a reminder to act in kindness. It will be easy for him to be remembered as a beloved and friendly ambassador for cat-kind by all who were lucky enough to know him. Winston fittingly passed on the winter solstice, as a final reminder to embrace light during the darkest day of the year and to honor the guiding force of nature.
Rest easy Stoniest of Wins. You are forever cherished and profoundly missed.
Alex and Kevin C-H.