Rosie

Rosie was born in a barn in Eastern Ontario in the Spring of 2013. The eldest of many kittens, Rosie and her siblings were hunted by weasels until she was scooped up by Caitlin and Odessa during a Thanksgiving road trip. City life in Toronto was new for Rosie, but after scaring her family by finding the best hiding places in the house, she soon adjusted to her new home. A few years later, Rosie got a roommate and brother when Caitlin and Odessa welcomed another cat, Sam, into their home. Although Rosie knew she was superior to Sam in all ways, Rosie treated him with grace and dignity, often deigning to sit next to him on the couch and touch bums. When Odessa moved out in 2020, Rosie ensured that Caitlin’s nest wasn’t empty. Caitlin and Rosie had lots of adventures in a trailer park, where Rosie connected with the Goddess Diana and gave Caitlin lots of small animal carcasses as presents. To protect the local bird population, Caitlin put a bib on Rosie that made her look like a clown. Odessa later took Rosie into her home while Caitlin was travelling. Odessa and her partner Ollie became Rosie’s official parents after they emotionally manipulated Caitlin into letting them keep Rosie. It was at this time that Rosie completed her PhD in theoretical mathematics. She also received multiple blessings through the United Church of Canada. Rosie lived with Odessa and Ollie for just short of three years, bringing love, joy, and comfort to her family and everyone she met.

Rosie’s passions included sleeping on the couch, sitting in patches of sunlight, watching birds through the window, playing with toy mice on a string, getting into Ollie and Odessa’s reusable bag collection, asking for food, and eating food. Rosie had a strange proclivity for stinky shoes and socks. She especially loved watching TV while cuddling with her parents. Every night at 5 AM, Rosie would wake someone up to feed her. After terrorizing everyone for an hour during sunrise, she would then pretend to be the most perfect innocent girl and give us many cuddles. She loved playing in the toilet and getting stuck in the bathtub.

Everyone who met Rosie was deeply touched by her. She was Odessa’s companion from the ages of 11 to 23, and in many ways, Odessa is the person she is today because of Rosie’s wisdom and guidance. She was a fiercely independent cat, who was also one of the most open and generous creatures on the earth. She would always come to greet people at the door, strangers and friends alike. She supported us through all our joys and sorrows with her kisses and soft fur. Her eyes were deep and kind. Her purr could heal any ailment. She was wise, constant, playful, and kind. She was the best companion anyone could ask for.

In the summer of 2025, Rosie became sick with an unexpected illness. We said goodbye to Rosie on August 9, 2025, by reading to her, playing her favourite songs, giving her sushi and catnip, and giving her one final brush. We are deeply thankful to the team at OVC for providing her with the best possible care until the very end.

Rosie, you have taught us the meaning of unconditional love. You have touched our hearts in more ways than we can count. You have been a best friend, mentor, family member, and soulmate to Odessa, Ollie, and Caitlin. We are so blessed to have had you in our lives. Thank you for our years together, for everything you have done for us, and for everything we have learned from you.

“Even when I walk through the darkest valley, I will not be afraid, for you are close beside me,” Psalm 23, NLT

“Our house, is a very, very, very fine house, With two cats in the yard, Life used to be so hard, Now everything is easy 'cause of you,” Our House, Crosby, Nash and Stills.