Snowflake
Date of Passing: 06/23/2026
Message to Mr. Snowflake: I met my big blue eyed boy, Mr Snowflake (affectionately called Misters), when I was 6 years old. Snowflake was 4 years old when we got him from Paws Chicago. He lived as a kitten in Arizona, with his twin kitty brother Frosty. His Arizonian owner decided that there wouldn't be any more space for Snowflake in their home, separating him from his brother and leaving him at a kill shelter in their state. The kill shelter gave PAWS a call, and gave them an ultimatum; either they picked him up within 48 hours and rescued him, or they'd kill him. As soon as PAWS saw his sweet eyes and scared look, they knew they had to go save that little boy. Flying from Chicago to Arizona and back, Snowflake was yet to know how long and happy of a life he had ahead of him. We adopted him a few months after he arrived in Chicago, where he quickly became a beloved member of our home. Throughout Snowflake's 16 years on earth, he had grown to appreciate the simpler things in life: naps, head scratches, and TONS of food. He lived many years with a full tummy, stealing whatever food we had on us: from bowls of Doritos, to whole BUBBA burgers left on the kitchen counter. Although a food thief, Snowflake was not sneaky. He was a cat open to love. All people who entered my house grew to love Misters, even my Uncle who was a self proclaimed "cat hater" before meeting him. He was a big boy who loved love, belly rubs, and the occasional cat nip splurge. However, the sad part of his beautiful story is when my family and I found out around a year ago that Snowflake had Cancer. Last summer, we were estimated he wouldn't live past Christmas- however my boy was a fighter and beat all odds. Not only did Snowflake live 11 months instead of 3, he lived past my Birthday, a vacation, and my High School Graduation. Snowflake met me in 1st grade, and walked alongside me all the way until I graduated high school. He has been my buddy for my entire childhood, and although his passing has absolutely broke me, I can only think of this experience as a way of Snowflake telling me that it's okay to leave, live my life, and that now I have the strength to go do things on my own. Snowflake has always been my baby, and he always will be. I am devastated that he has now crossed over the rainbow bridge, however, I am and will always be endlessly grateful for the love he showed me, and will continue to show me through his spirit. The past few nights I've heard his meows or paws walking down the hallway. Whether it's delusion or not, I will always know it's snowflake's little spirit giving me a sign to keep going on, keep my head up, and keep fighting- just like he did. I love you forever, Snowflake.