In Memory of Baylor 2/28/2018-7/23/2026
Found on the rooftop of Baylor campus in Dallas, in the middle of winter, she settled into the office of her rescuer, where she found safety and companionship. She was fed, sheltered, and discovered her love of laps during this short time of her life. Her rescuer had planned on bringing her home and introducing her to his home, but life isn’t fair, and she was found to be positive for Feline Leukemia.
Thankfully, Shadow Cats had room for her, and she traveled with a volunteer to get to us.
From the very beginning, Baylor was a snuggle bug and an unapologetic lap cat. If you sat down near her, your lap would be claimed within seconds, and of course one of the main rules when having a cat in your lap is that you can’t get up until they do. But if Baylor had her way, she would stay there all day. Visitors, new staff & volunteers quickly would learn of her devotion to laps, often hearing staff or volunteers announce with a laugh, “You’ve been Baylor’ed!” She was generous with her space too, happily sharing laps with other cats as long as she still had a spot, and never minded when another kitty stepped on her in search of attention.
Baylor was a dedicated biscuit maker, especially when she found the perfect spot on your lap. She also had a talent for sleeping (or just relaxing) in the most delightfully odd positions. We often found her stretched out on her back against the side of the catio or with all four paws stretched out. Her sploots were spectacular, and she just had some of the best lounging poses we’ve ever seen. With her beautiful light green eyes, snubby little legs, and short kinked tail, she was all around adorable.
She was a trooper during photo shoots and didn’t mind being dressed up one bit – she looked especially good in a bowtie. She made friends with everyone (humans and cats alike!) easily and had one of the gentlest souls we’ve seen at Shadow Cats. She never raised a paw to anyone and simply wanted to soak up as much love as she could from anyone willing to give it. She adored chin scratches and would lean in with all her heart, as if the world depended on that moment of affection.
Unfortunately, as it happens with Felvies, there came a day when Baylor started showing signs that her time with us might be nearing its end. In March, she started losing weight and was just less enthusiastic about life. We searched for answers but couldn’t find the cause, and we braced ourselves for the possibility that we were approaching her final chapter.
But in true Baylor fashion, she surprised us. As if she had simply decided she wasn’t ready to go, she rallied and returned to her normal bright self. We got to have many more months with her, and we will forever be grateful for that extra time.
One day, while doing a routine assessment, we found a lump in her throat, likely an abnormal lymph node. Within days, her condition declined, and the vet confirmed our fears of lymphoma taking hold. We gave her our last gift: a gentle passing, held in loving arms and surrounded by all that cared for her daily.
Baylor now runs free across the rainbow bridge, free of any pain and reunited with old friends. We are sure she is just lounging around in one of her silly positions, getting as much lap time and snuggles as her heart can take. We will all miss her dearly, still half-expecting her to jump in our laps when we sit down in her room.
Thank you to Baylor’s wonderful sponsors, Allison S, Ron & Leslie, Elizabeth M, and Annette C. In loving memory of Dr Stephen Crane, her rescuer. Thank you to all the amazing volunteers who supplied ample lap time and snuggles over the years. Thank you to the staff who cared for her. Thank you to the wonderful care she received from the Vista Vet staff. Thank you to everyone who loved Baylor in person and afar.
We love you, Baylor, and we always will.
Baylor had 4 Sponsors
Annette Crane
Allison Salas
Ron and Leslie Boerger
Elizabeth McGinnis