Katniss Everdeen

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Katniss Everdeen Matlashewski on January 6, 2022. Katniss died peacefully at home in the arms of her loving companions.

Katniss came into our lives in 2015 when she was 10 years old and was adopted from the Winnipeg Humane Society. While we don’t know about the first part of Katniss’ life, we know that the second part was filled with an abundance of love.

When Katniss first came home after being adopted, it was almost startling how affectionate she was. She spent many of her first hours with her head pressed tightly against me and purring louder than I realized was possible. There was no question she was happy to be home.

Among Katniss’ favourite enjoyments were a good meal and snuggling with her humans. Katniss particularly loved to snuggle at bedtime. She would lay on my pillow and show her affection by pressing her forehead into mine and occasionally pressing it in just a little bit tighter. In those moments, it was easy to feel her love. She would purr very loudly until she fell asleep and then her purrs would transition seamlessly into snores. If she woke up again, her snores would again turn seamlessly into purrs.

Katniss was a kind but sassy soul who had a quiet confidence which commanded respect from those around her. With this confidence, she easily maintained her spot at the top of the pet hierarchy. If left to her own devices, Katniss would happily enjoy any food that she could get her paws on - even the meals of her four-legged siblings.

Katniss was a good friend and will be missed immensely. She will hold a place in our hearts for the rest of our days.

Enjoy your next adventure, sweet Katniss.

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Earth, isn’t this what you want? To arise in us, invisible?

Is it not your dream, to enter us so wholly

there’s nothing left outside us to see?

What, if not transformation,

is your deepest purpose? Earth, my love,

I want that too. Believe me,

no more of your springtimes are needed

to win me over – even one flower

is more than enough. Before I was named

I belonged to you. I seek no other law

but yours, and know I can trust

the death you will bring.

-Rainer Maria Rilke, trans. and edited Anita Barrows and Joanna Macy