Pet obituary examples for inspiration

Princess Whiskers, a domestic shorthair of unknown but clearly superior breeding, died on January 30, 2026, at the age of 18. She passed in her sleep in the exact center of the bed she claimed as her own in 2008. Princess Whiskers was adopted from the Multnomah County Animal Shelter in Portland, Oregon, in 2008 by Sarah Kim, who went in looking for a kitten and came out with a four-year-old cat who bit the adoption counselor. It was love at first hiss. Princess Whiskers tolerated affection on her terms, which meant between 9:15 and 9:45 p.m. and not a minute longer. She had a talent for sitting on important documents and a deep suspicion of anyone who wore hats. She is survived by Sarah Kim; Sarah's husband, James, whom Princess Whiskers accepted after a three-year probationary period; and their children, who she supervised from a distance. In Princess Whiskers' memory, please consider adopting a senior cat. They're worth it.

Buddy, a yellow Lab mix, died on February 12, 2026, at the age of 11. He was a very good boy, and that is not an exaggeration. Buddy was found as a stray in rural Alabama in 2015 and adopted by the Williams family of Birmingham. He arrived underweight, skittish, and missing part of his left ear. Within six months he was sleeping on the couch, stealing socks, and acting like he'd lived there his whole life. Buddy was Jake Williams's constant companion through high school, college applications, and his first apartment. He was the dog who leaned against you when you were sad, before you even knew you were sad. Buddy is survived by Jake Williams; Jake's parents, David and Sarah Williams; Jake's sister, Emma; and his best dog friend, a beagle named Gus from down the street. Buddy was cremated, and his ashes will be scattered at Oak Mountain State Park, where he spent his happiest Saturdays. In Buddy's memory, please consider donating to the Greater Birmingham Humane Society.

Baxter, a golden retriever of considerable opinion and zero personal boundaries, died on February 7, 2026, at the age of 13. He passed peacefully at home with his head on his favorite blanket and his family beside him. Baxter came into the Morrison family as an eight-week-old puppy in 2013. He was supposed to be the kids' dog. He chose Linda instead and spent 13 years following her from room to room, lying on her feet while she worked, and greeting her at the door like she'd been gone for years even when she'd only checked the mail. He loved tennis balls, peanut butter, swimming in anything deeper than two inches, and barking at squirrels he had no chance of catching. He tolerated baths. He despised the vacuum cleaner. Baxter saw the Morrison family through two moves, three kids' graduations, and one very difficult year that he made bearable simply by being there. Baxter is survived by his family: Linda, Doug, Katie, Michael, and Sarah Morrison. He was preceded in death by Pepper, the cat who never liked him but whom he grieved anyway. In Baxter's memory, the family asks that you give your dog an extra treat today.