Ding
Date of Passing: 06/25/2026
Message to Ding: Although I'm glad you made it to your 3rd birthday and were on the track to recovery, I wish we were able to spend more time together. Every time I come home, I'll miss you greeting me. I'll miss your squeaks since you never learned to meow. I'll miss tripping over you while I cook in the kitchen. I'll miss you guarding the bathroom door, and rubbing your scent on me after I shower. I'll miss you sitting next to me all night, while I play video games. Although you are not physically here with us, you'll always be in my and your brothers' hearts. We miss you dearly. You were truly the sweetest boy I've ever had. And I hope to see you again one day. Goodnight my Dingus, my Ding-bat, my Ding-A-Ling, my Ding-tholomew. Goodnight my sweet baby boy Ding.
Tell us about Ding: I didn't choose Ding. When I moved in, Ding and Dong came with the house. They were about 8 weeks at the time and I tried my best to find a family for them. I eventually gave up after seeing my oldest, Kitkat (10 years), grew to like them. They became part of my family.
Ding was the most troublesome boy. He would literally bounce off of walls, windows, people, and climb onto the curtains and window screens. If there was a cat I was yelling at, it was likely him. He was always chasing his tail as a kitten, even at 2 years old he'd still occasionally try it. He loved stopping, dropping, and rolling all over the ground. I'd always tell him he was gonna get my clean floors all dusty. Early on, I realized no one ever taught him how to meow. Instead he would squeak when he wanted attention. Despite having 3 cats, I could always tell Ding apart because he had white whiskers, had some grey stripes, and always had his tail up in the air, all distinct feature from the other boys. Plus he was the runt of the group.
Ding loved to spend all his time with me. He'd follow me everywhere, watch TV with me, watch me play games, bother me on the bathroom, or guard the bathroom door. He loved licking the condensation off of cups, loved licking snow. I gave him ice to lick once, and that became his favorite treat. I couldn't use the fridge door for the past 2 years without him running into the kitchen at full speed.
Once he got sick, his condition was a rollercoaster. A week in the ER was the worst experience for the both of us. I knew he was feeling better when he could talk to me, when he would squeak. This was the final nickname that would stick with him. My little Squeaker.
After trying new meds, he seemed to be doing well. He was eating, squeaking, rolling on the ground, jumping around. All seemed well. I thought the cardiologist was wrong.
That day I left for work, I didn't know would be his last. I wish I would have held him for longer in the morning. I wish I would have slept next to him. I'm glad I made it home in time to spend with him in his final moments. I wish it was more peaceful for him. He was more than just a pet. He was my most loyal little guy. I saw myself in him more than any other pet I've had. I will forever miss my sweet baby boy Ding.