Last year I said goodbye to my heart and soul, Gato. He lived to be 21.5 years old and we shared 20.5 of those years together. He was there for many changes, all highs and lows. He was found wandering the streets of Toronto, got neutered and microchipped and found his way to Guelph to me. We lived in Guelph, Plymouth and then finally Ottawa. He loved car rides and e even did a long trip to visit my sister in St. Louis. He lived a long and enriched life.

He was a good big foster brother for the numerous kittens that came through our home. One of them ended up staying with us, Chase.

This year I decided to run the half marathon at the Ottawa Tamarack Race weekend in memory of Gato while raising money for the Ottawa Humane Society. They do important job and help cats like Gato and Chase have second chance in life and find their forever home.

Each year, the Ottawa Humane Society shelters and cares for thousands of sick, injured, and homeless animals, and leads the way in animal welfare to create a more compassionate community. Your support provides essential medical care, shelter and love to animals in need, giving them a second chance at happiness. Together, we can build a brighter future for Ottawa’s most vulnerable pets. Donate today and make a life-saving difference!

If you are able to support me and keep honouring Gato, it would be greatly appreciated.