Six years ago, just after Deanna and I started dating, we went to the @richmondspca and found @doodlesthecat , a beautiful two-year-old kitty who had lived in two homes and been returned to the SPCA twice. When we adopted her we thought we'd be bringing joy to this adorable, loving cat. We just didn't know then how much joy Doodles would bring to our lives. Saturday night Doodles passed away unexpectedly and we could not be more devastated. But as we approach her 8th birthday tomorrow, we are celebrating the joy she gave us and everyone she met. Much like a dog, Doodles was always the greeter at the front door when someone came home, excited to spend time with her people. While she wasn't always a lap cat, Doodles knew when her humans needed companionship. Doodles enjoyed the simple things in life: an empty box, a comfy spot on the bed or couch, breakfast, second breakfast, tasty treats, head rubs, belly rubs, the Christmas tree, play time, just being near her people and even Piper and Franco, who we adopted after her. In cat years, Doodles was the oldest of our family, and we always felt like she was the most mature. Doodles was a calming influence through good times and bad times in our relationship. She had a way of bringing joy to us like no other. We thought she'd be there when we got married, when we had our first child and for many more moments, but we will always cherish the countless moments we did have together over the past six years. To the most loving, gentle, sweet animal we have ever known, we love you Doodles and we will always miss you. Thank you for the joy you gave us. We hope we did the same for you.