Lost Kitten Inspires Couple to Help Others Find Loving Homes

A relationship with the organization that spans 40 years, and a passion for the work Humane Society Silicon Valley does to support community cats inspired Pat and Ken Peterson to remember HSSV in their charitable remainder trusts. Having established each of their three children as the primary beneficiary of individual CRTs, the Petersons have enabled remaining trust assets to be gifted to HSSV.

The theme of caring for animals, specifically those with nowhere else to turn, runs consistently throughout the story of Pat and Ken Peterson's marriage. Ken came into the 1988 union with Sheba, a beloved Border Terrier he had adopted from HSSV in 1977. Little did Sheba know, she and her newlywed parents would soon become the neighborhood cat whisperers.

It all started in Los Gatos, in 1991, when Pat and Ken's son, Andy found a lost, lonely kitten in the backyard. He snuck the little brown tortie that he dubbed M&M into his bedroom, and secretly fed her with an eyedropper. When mom and dad discovered the kitten that weekend, she was already part of the family. A visit to the vet confirmed that both M&M's front paws were dislocated, likely from birth. The little girl spent her kittenhood in leg braces, and eventually made a full recovery. Imprinting on the dog, Sheba, M&M even learned to run to the door to greet her family, tail wagging.

After M&M came a whole lineup of neighborhood stray kitties that the family methodically spayed/neutered, nursed to health, and placed in loving homes with friends, family, and colleagues. Their commitment to cats in need is so strong that with the passing of Pat's cousin who cared for a feral colony in Arkansas, the Petersons took the time to find loving, local homes for each of the 26 cats.

Of course, you can't be the Florence Nightingale of the feline community without falling in love with a few more yourself. That's how, over the years, Rambo, Charcoal, Ashes, Peanut, Rambo II, Ashes II, Charcoal Bear, Calvin and Hobbes, and Pike joined the family.

Pike, born in the early 2000s, became the couple's heart animal. Named for the species of fish that drives others away from the food source, Pike was famous for hissing his pals away from the food bowl. He was alpha kitty and loved being king of the house.

The three charitable remainder trust gifts through which the Petersons have remembered Humane Society Silicon Valley will honor the memory of their beloved Pike and their lifelong passion for and commitment to helping animals in need. In particular, this meaningful gift will help ensure free spay/neuter and support services for the members of our community who care for feline colonies, as Pat and Ken have done for so many years.

Create a Legacy of Love for Animals
By planning a gift to support HSSV's future work, you can make a lasting impact for homeless animals in our community. Contact Bridget Keenan at 408.942.3006 or bridget.keenan@hssv.org to discuss how you can help save lives for years to come.