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In Memoriam: Hero

By Valerie, published on October 21st, 2024
"Thank you for giving him an opportunity to have peace and comfort at home at the end. "

Hero, age 13, passed away peacefully at home in his human mother’s arms, surrounded by his family and with the support of Heaven at Home, on January 11, 2024.

Hero was adopted from the Humane Society of West Michigan by his mother on January 13, 2012, at an estimated age of 1.

Not much is known about his life prior to being surrendered on December 30, 2011, other than that he came with his name. Hero demonstrated his will to survive when he chewed his way out of the cardboard box in which he was sent home to join his mom on the journey. Because of this courageous act, he was able to keep his brave name.

Hero lived a life unlike most house cats. He was always ready to explore, often greeting not only his family at the door but also any visitors. In his younger years, he frequently explored the outdoors on his leash or when he wasn’t supposed to. He loved visiting new places.

In the summer of 2013, Hero joined his mom on a grand Alaskan adventure, spending most of his time in Chicken, Alaska. He saw bears and moose, climbed on aircraft, panned for gold, met people from all over the world, and even helped out in the bar a few nights.

Once he returned to Michigan, Hero gave his mom the best gift by helping her choose her future husband, who would become Hero’s dad. Hero even made a cameo in their engagement photos.

Hero’s favorite pastimes included eating, watching life outside the windows, enjoying the breeze from any open window he could find, searching for hidden catnip, going outside — even when he wasn’t supposed to — judging people, chasing lasers and light reflections, sitting on your lap right before you planned to get up, giving head boops, chewing plastic, sitting near you, making prank appointments in your Outlook, stealing the spotlight during video calls, and being there exactly when Mom needed a friend, even if she didn’t realize she needed one. He also used Dad as a seat warmer, often sat in the middle of high-traffic areas with no intention of moving, and frequently got in his human brother’s way.

Hero was preceded in death by his feline brother, Garth Catgar, and his human grandmother. He is survived by his humans: mom, dad, and brother, as well as his canine sister.

He was also known as Uncle Hero to 23 foster kittens, with whom he shared his wisdom and bad habits under the door.

Hero will be missed, but we are very thankful that he is no longer in pain.

There goes my Hero; watch him as he goes. There goes my Hero; he’s extraordinary.