River (2007? – 2024.06.15)

Our sweet River passed peacefully on the 15th of June 2024. She began her life as a stray in the neighborhood of CUA in Washington, DC. She was rescued by me (Sara) in July of 2009. She was very hungry and shy, but she trusted me to take her in. She obviously had kittens, but they were nowhere to be seen. After getting her proper vet care and quarantining her, she was accepted by her two brothers, Aton Hotep III and Caine. Caine especially adored her and taught her how to be a lazy house cat. She never learned to be lazy though. She took her duties of watching over her household and its occupants very seriously.

She met Duncan in 2011 and immediately imprinted on him. She became dada’s little girl. She checked on him every night, and in the morning would awaken him so he knew what his duties were.

She traveled all over the US. Literally. From DC, she traveled by car to Los Angeles. As long as she had her family with her, she was happy. Sadly, her brother Aton Hotep passed away on the 31st of August 2010. Two years later, we all moved (via car again) to Virginia. Her beloved Caine sadly passed away on the 16th of January 2016. Sara and River moved back to California that same year. August of 2019, in what was probably the most adventurous experience of her life, she went via airplane (in the hold) to Honolulu, Hawaii. Sara and River returned to the San Francisco Bay Area in the midst of the pandemic, July 2020, where she remained for the rest of her life.

Despite all of the travel, she adapted to each new place as HER home. She proudly watched over her humans. River was very attuned to me, and I to her. She gave me unconditional love and companionship, mirroring my moods in a gentle and often hilarious way. She chose her humans carefully as she was very introverted (just like Duncan and I). One of her favorite displays of affection was via blankie pets and snuggling with her mama to watch British TV mysteries. Her little paws were so perfect, and her meows echoed throughout the apartment.

Her vocabulary was unlike any cat’s I have known. She would often try new words and would convey her happiness (and joy) with chirrups and coos. Her communication was unique, and I am certain she listened in on conversations and understood every last word.

My River-Styx, our sweet little angel girl, our hearts hurt with your loss. We miss you and always will. We hope that you and Caine are curled up with each other in the softest basket under the sun. We awaken every morning expecting your meows. The silence is heartbreaking. One day, we will accept that you are gone. For now, we grieve.
-Sara P. & Duncan F.

-Julie W.