Kevin

2009 - 2026

Our sweet, gentle Kevin has become our forever Valentine. We said goodbye to him on Saturday, February 14, 2026 at 17 years old, after a year of slowly declining health. His final week was especially difficult, but he was surrounded by his loving family through it all.

Kevin’s life didn’t start with us, but we are so honored that it ended with us. He came to us as a senior boy with a heavy backstory, losing his elderly owners and landing in the Dallas SPCA with his brother from the same litter. His brother had already been adopted separately by the time my spouse’s mom and sister brought Kevin home. We lived in the same house with them for a brief time, and I knew Kevin would one day be ours.

Three years later, Eric (spouse), Batman (my cat), and I moved to Edmond, leaving Kevin behind where he had to fend off two rowdy dogs and constant chaos. After a few months, Eric received the call saying we could have Kevin because he wasn’t happy or thriving there. Eric immediately drove all the way back to Texas to bring Kevin home to us. Kevin was Eric’s baby (and our second child) from that day forward.

Kevin was the sweetest, most gentle soul I have ever known. He had his own special way of viewing the world. I often said he was my "autistic kitty" because he and I shared a silent understanding of how important routine and safety were. (I am on the spectrum and also struggle with selective mutism).

Kevin was a creature of charming quirks: he insisted on drinking from a dripping bathroom faucet, he was an expert inspector of any open bag or carrier, and he loved to be the "little spoon" in bed, throwing himself down to snuggle as close to Eric (or me) as physically possible. He enjoyed watching TV, staring at himself in the mirror (and monitoring the room), and having his beautiful fur combed. Eric could just tap the comb and Kevin would come running! Kevin was happiest at the edges of the action, but was always there—dignified, fluffy, and deeply loved.

He passed away peacefully in my arms, safe and warm, knowing he was protected and loved until the very end.

**I have cried an ocean of tears, begged and pleaded with nature to give him back, and let logic and emotion battle it out underneath my panic and sorrow. Grief is a torturous journey, but the kindness of family, friends, and strangers has made it survivable.