Jesse
Date of Passing: 07/31/25
Message to Jesse: I want to thank Dr. Kristina and the entire staff from the bottom of my heart and that of each of my family members. From start to finish, the sense of care, service, sensitivity, and community was simply exceptional. Dr. Kristina could not have been more compassionate and kind with us. Having experienced what we did with Jesse leaving us, even with it being so painstakingly heartbreaking, I would without question use Dr. Kristina and "A Gentle Goodbye" team in a heartbeat. I don't have enough words for their level of professionalism and curated love and care for Jesse and our entire family. We love you.
Tell us about Jesse: My sweet Jesse,
From the moment we found you in that shopping cart in Mesa, Arizona in 2012—just a tiny baby in the sweltering June heat—you were meant to be ours. It was over 100 degrees that day, and you were tucked inside that cart, vulnerable and precious. My mom—your Babi—helped pick you out, drawn instantly to your tiny sweetness, as she always was to all things “babies.” You were immediately cherished. And when we brought you home, Teti met you and loved you right away too so very much. You always let Teti hold you! You were surrounded by love from your very first day with us.
At first, a group of 10-year-old girls told us you were a girl—and we believed it— until your second vet visit told a different story. But it didn’t matter. You were perfect from the start.
You became our kitty Jack’s younger brother, and oh how we loved watching the two of you together. You were such opposites—Jesse, our hamburger-and-fries kind of guy, and Jack, always posh with his steak and pommes frites! You made our family laugh. You made us feel full.
When we moved from Arizona to Illinois in 2016, you came with us, as loving and loyal as ever. Jack was beginning to get sick, but you remained our steady light. I’ll never forget the day we learned Jack was unwell—you leapt into his carrier and licked his head, trying to calm him. In that moment, you calmed all of us with your love. That was who you were, Jesse. Gentle. Present. Always giving.
You stayed strong through the hardest of times—like our six months in the Residence Inn—waiting patiently while we looked for a home in Long Grove. No matter where we were, if we were together, you were content. When we lost Jack in March 2017, and my heart was broken, you knew. You stayed close. You never left my side. You helped carry the grief with me, in the only way you knew how—with quiet love, warm purrs, and your endless, healing presence.
You have always been the kindest soul. Headbutting everyone hello. Always full of hearts, and purrs, and love. Especially for John (Jane) and Kate—you loved your family with everything you had.
And now, my beautiful boy, I see that you’re tired. I know your body hurts. But your heart? Your heart is still so full. So I will hold you now as you go. I will whisper everything you’ve meant to us. I will stay with you until the very last moment. You will feel safe. You will feel loved.
And when you leave, I know Jack will be waiting. I imagine the two of you together again young and free, playing in the sunshine, reunited in joy. Jesse, you were never just a pet. You were our baby. Our healer. Our joy. You were so very loved—by me, by our whole family—and you always will be. Until we meet again, sweet boy— Run free. Be at peace. And know that our hearts are forever yours. With all our love, Always and forever.