Salem

"Salem" Watkins
February, 1999 - August 23, 2008

We are deeply saddened to announce the death of our beloved clinic kitty, Salem. Salem was rescued from an apartment complex dumpster as a kitten, and became a permanent resident of our clinic in February of 1999. He was a familiar sight in our reception area where he spent many happy hours napping and generally being in the way. Many of our clients knew and loved Salem as much as we did, and the void left by his unexpected passing will be felt by many.

Salem had the uncanny ability to sense when someone was sad or distressed and he made it his business to comfort and console many of our clients throughout the years he spent there. He often asked to be picked up, and would very sweetly wrap his arms around your neck, purring deeply. One client shared a story with us about how Salem came and comforted her after she received sad news about her own kitty, and she was sitting in the reception area crying. She said it amazed her then, and that she would never forget him.

Often, when clients would bring their cats into the clinic, Salem would hop on top of their kennels and peek at them through the cage door, staring upside down at the cat inside. Somehow, his clowning frequently calmed them down. He always knew when he was needed.

We appreciate the cards and condolences expressed by those who knew him best, and we know that you share our sadness and sense of loss. In the words of a dear friend, "Salem was a generous ambassador," and he will be missed.