Family member names: Teresa Starrett, David Smith, Cole Starrett, and Mary Martin

Pet’s name: Kitten Bear
 Type of animal/breed: Domestic Short Hair Cat

Male or female: Male

Pet’s age: 15

 

Where/why did you get your pet? Our daughter found Kitten Bear under a previous neighbor’s car. Cate reached under the car and fished him out of the wheel well. She then brought Kitten Bear over to the house and Teresa and I said, he could stay the night; literally ONE NIGHT! That was 15 years ago.

 

Is there a story behind its name? The kids have always called David “Papa Bear” and Kitten Bear was a riff on that fact.

 

Anything special or unusual about them (talents/quirks)? His love of drinking out of running faucet as opposed to a still bowl of water. The fact that Kitten Bear would only talk, on demand, to Teresa. (He REFUSED to talk to anyone else.)

 

What do you like best about your pet? He is Teresa’s soul cat. He is Teresa’s best cat friend. Cats are usually standoffish and only interact on their schedule. Kitten Bear is a cat that is almost dog-like in that he would seek out Teresa for love and interactions.

 

Any funny stories? During the pandemic Kitten Bear would come down the stairs, in our old house, and meow at us that it was time for bed. He was a better alarm clock than an actual alarm. Kitten Bear chirps at the birds and squirrels from the window telling them to come closer so he could love them. (He never did love them, much to his dismay.)

 

How spoiled is your pet? Teresa would tell you that Kitten Bear was not spoiled. The other animals would like to add that only Kitten Bear received second, third, and fourth breakfast (our family running joke) each day. As Kitten Bear aged, Teresa would find all types of food that he would eat to keep his weight up.

 

What else should we know about your pet and/or how your pet has enriched your home/family?

On November 4th, after 15 years, Kitten Bear passed away. He was such an integral part of our family who would greet us at the door when we would come home and tell us goodbye each morning as we left for school or work.

Kitten Bear made such an impact on our love for animals and for the sheer joy that he brought to our lives. From the love that he provided Teresa, the willingness to play with David and Cole, and his love for Cate and Mary, Kitten Bear was the Catriarch in our home.

He was loved by all of our family, and he loved every single one of us in return.

If you'd like information about becoming a preferred partner with Stroll Forrestridge please reach out to Telese Gray at telese.gray@n2co.com.