Entrant's First Name
Katie

Your Pet's Rescue Story
Zizou was a rescue from Pet Alliance 14 years ago, and sadly, he passed away on November 18, 2024. I was devastated—he had chosen me as his person. Zizou was incredibly smart, with the most knowing eyes.

I chose his name while I was living in South Africa. It’s the nickname of a famous soccer player, and I simply loved the sound of it. At the time, I didn’t even have a cat yet—but I knew one day I would adopt or rescue one, so I started collecting names I liked. "Zizou" was always at the top of the list.

Zizou was known for his ability to open any closed door. He was especially fascinated with the guest bedroom closet, opening it at least five times a day! Since I’m not a fan of open closet doors, I’d constantly be closing them—knowing full well he’d just open them again.

One time, a friend who wasn’t particularly fond of cats came to visit. I warned him about Zizou’s unique "talents." Later, while he was using the guest bathroom, I heard a loud yell: “I’m still in here!” Sure enough, it was Zizou—he saw a closed door and just had to open it. Over the years, similar scenes played out with other guests, who were always startled when the bathroom, bedroom, or closet doors mysteriously opened in the middle of the night.

I lovingly called him my “15-minute cat” because each night, he’d curl up beside my pillow as if to check on me, and then leave—always within 15 minutes.

Zizou was my “youngest oldest” cat to pass away, as most of my six cats over the years have lived beyond 20.

This photo opportunity is dedicated to Zizou’s memory and to the deep love I will always carry for him.