Humane Society Mascot Passes Away

Hello time traveller!!
This article is 4620 days old.
The information listed below is likely outdated and has been preserved for archival purposes.

The Humane Society’s one-eyed orange tabby, Dennis, passed away peacefully on August 26 at the ripe old age of 19 years.

The Humane Society has this to say about Dennis:

Dennis and his brother Tommy were brought to the Humane Society in April 1995 because their owner at the time was elderly and ill. They were simply here for boarding until their family was able to sort things out. As the months passed it was clear that the duo wasn’t going anywhere, especially since staff were growing more and more attached to the two. When the brothers first arrived they were both very thin and missing hair but, under the loving care of our staff, they quickly put on weight and became healthy and happy in their new home. They quickly got used to being spoiled endlessly and knew when everyone’s lunch was scheduled (Dennis continued to mooch food up until his very last day).

Both cats were named Tommy – originally Tommy Longtail and Tommy Short Tail. Tommy Short Tail was missing his tail and teeth but had extra toes on his front paws so the staff renamed him Tommy Two Toes Society. Tommy Longtail, known for constantly getting into things, was appropriately renamed Dennis T. Menace Society (also lovingly called Cheezie, Cheese Muffin and, often, “Bad Little Boy”)! Tommy was the shy cat, typically staying on the front counter. Dennis was another matter, though! He was all over the place – greeting people, antagonizing dogs, charming customers, and even “protecting” staff from the wild cats. Dennis was the perfect mascot because he so enjoyed the fast-paced action. We’re confident he would have been bored out of his mind in a regular home and likely would have driven most families crazy with his antics!

Following a tragic accident, Tommy passed away on December 11, 2004. He will always be missed by the staff and remembered with love. Tommy’s passing also affected Dennis; he seemed depressed and lethargic and was clearly missing the buddy that he often shared a bed with. He was also diagnosed with glaucoma in his right eye which resulted in its removal. Even at his advanced age at that point, he came through surgery well and his recovery was relatively quick.

In his younger years Dennis always had a HUGE personality! He was often see at the front desk stepping on keyboards, hanging up phones, and strutting in front of customers. His favourite hobby of ripping open pet food bags and stealing food was often forgiven because his charm always won us over.

Dennis celebrated 16 years as a mascot with the Humane Society in April of this year. Although he was 19 years old when he passed, it’s still very hard to imagine our place without our one-eyed orange cat and his very distinctive meow. Anyone who has every met Dennis (especially in his prime) knows why the staff loved him as much as they did.