Jepp the Ocicat

04/09/2026

From Jepp's Fur-daddy: Today would have been Jepp's 10th birthday... Instead of a hockey-puck of duck meat with candles, I cleared the leaves from his marker in the backyard, washed his stone with soap and water, and cried...
But I also did something else - for the first time, I took Hap with me. I sat him down, and introduced him to the place where his brother resides now in the physical sense. Being outdoors is a rare treat for Hap (his escape artist tendencies merit a close watch), and so he was overwhelmed. But once inside, Hap quickly settled, nudged my elbow, and crawled into my arms - looking to also lick away the tears from my face.
Like many others, I still miss Jepp so much. His smile, his eyes, his eyes, his voice, and his attitude.

"Do not stand at my grave and weep
I am not there; I do not sleep.
I am a thousand winds that blow,
I am the diamond glints on snow,
I am the sun on ripened grain,
I am the gentle autumn rain.
When you awaken in the morning's hush,
I am the swift uplifting rush
Of quiet birds in circled flight.
I am the soft stars that shine at night.
Do not stand at my grave and cry,
I am not there; I did not die."
- Mary Elizabeth Frye

My first birthday! My daddy got me some raw duck, although the candle is a little much... ;-)

01/24/2024

"Nothing you love is lost. Not really. Things, people—they always go away, sooner or later. You can’t hold them, any more than you can hold moonlight. But if they’ve touched you, if they’re inside you, then they’re still yours. The only things you ever really have are the ones you hold inside your heart." ~Bruce Coville

Showing some love to my fur-daddy - who is one of my partners in the fight! He needs hugs too, ya know! 😸

04/09/2023

From Jepp's Daddy: on what would have been our little man's 7th birthday - I wanted to try to do something good in his memory...
During his treatments, I turned down multiple offers for financial assistance - as I thankfully had the ability to cover the costs of Jepp's treatments without undue hardship to myself.
But there are other animals who *do* need a helping paw - and I'd like to call in some of the past goodwill in Jepp's memory to raise funds for those. I thought it was fitting that we support Pet Rescue Pilots who "Soaring on the wings of your generosity, Pet Rescue Pilots® flies pets out of shelters and lands them safely in the loving arms of rescue groups, fosters, and forever homes."
So please, please chip in what you can spare in memory of Jepp on this day, and/or share this post and encourage others to help out others pets in need of a home and the pilots who help make that happen. I know your deeds will help others - and make the day brighter for them.
Thank you - and here is a photo of Jepp in earlier times, looking down from his favorite spot, and wondering when the next treat was being served...

03/01/2023

Marking three months since our little man was called across the Rainbow Bridge...
Still a day doesn't go by without thoughts of him.
He was so loved by so many... Is still loved...

Below - a flashback to earlier times...

12/28/2022

From Jepp's daddy: A month since crossing the Rainbow Bridge... And this morning's weather cooperated to allow placement of Jepp's memorial stone by the sassafras tree planted atop him.
A few tears were shed, but a smile also appeared in remembrance of all the happiness he brought us. His time was short, but his reach long...
We all love and miss you, my little man.

12/19/2022

From Jepp's fur-daddy: It has been three weeks since our little man's crossing of the Rainbow Bridge...
This past Saturday, I met Jepp's half-brother and invited him home with me, towhich he accepted. On the car ride home, the little guy even told me his name: Hap
You can follow his adventures at the link below.
As for this page - I suspect I will not be as active in curating its content. Indeed, it best stands as a digital memorial to Jepp's time with us.
Thank you all for your thoughts and prayers regarding Jepp and the collective grief we all have experienced at his loss... And now, we should look ahead to a long, healthy and happy future...
Love,
Christopher Freeze - Jepp and Hap's fur-daddy

Hello World - I'm Hap!
I am an Ocicat...
Play, eat, sleep, repeat...
I love you all! Please share my smile!

11/29/2022

At 7:21 this evening, Jepp passed from his Daddy's arms across the Rainbow Bridge

From Christopher L. Freeze, Jepp's daddy: To say I am crushed completely underplays my state. He was more than just a pet: he was who I spent more time with in recent years than anyone. His presence helped me through some of my toughest patches in my move East, and frankly - my home was more 'his' home and it showed, from the giant exercise and kitty trees, to the bathtub with his litter boxes.
He was a dog in a cat's body, my little prince, my heart given four feet and a spotted fur coat, and my reason to wake up, work hard, and get home to him waiting by the door for me almost every time.
Cancer sucks... a lot. It takes without giving. And it took the sweetest, kindest cat I have ever known.
I - and I know others - will miss him. I treasure each of the photos I have of my little man, my kiddo, and know he will live on in the memories of those who met, knew, and loved Jepp.
I have a lot of favorite photos of him, but below is my absolute favorite: a unplanned shot that perfectly captured his spirit - bold, adventerous, friendly, and one of a kind.
Good bye, Jepp. I will always love you.

11/28/2022

Please double-up on prayers and healing vibes. At the emergency vet now... Still wide-eyed and alert on arrival, but Daddy saw something that prompted the unscheduled trip.

11/27/2022

Daddy is doing his best to care for me - my white blood cell count has become way-low (chemo-caused), making me very weak and not wanting to eat... or even walk!
Thankfully, Daddy has a few tricks to keep me comfy, fed, and hydrated while I attempt a rebound.
Please keep the love, prayers, and healing vibes flowing!!! I truly need every bit of help to beat this!

11/23/2022

From Jepp's daddy: our little fella isn't feeling his best self (quite the contrary) - and could use all the thoughts, prayers, and healing vibes you have to offer, please.