Our Inspirations

Murphee Caravella-Hahn was born on 3/17/1998 in Pompano Beach, Florida. She and her litter mate Milli were adopted by Kate Caravella and Bob Hahn when they were 7 weeks old. Shortly after Murphee’s 16th birthday she was diagnosed with gastrointestinal small cell lymphoma. Kate and Bob opted to pursue chemotherapy for Murphee despite her having a fairly grave prognosis. Kate took her for weekly chemotherapy appointments and after two months the vet oncologist deemed her to be in remission. Murphee went on to live pain free and well for an additional two months. Sadly, the cancer had metastasized to other organs and Kate and Bob had to say goodbye to their precious and beloved cat on July 3, 2014. Murphee was a loving cat who brought her parents and their household significant joy. She is missed every single day. 

On Super Bowl Sunday 2008, Jeanette and Bill went to the San Francisco SPCA to find a playmate for their two kitties, Chai and Little Bit. They read a bio for a brown tabby named Colette and thought that she sounded like a good fit, but they couldn't see her. Then Jeanette looked down and saw a kitty at the door looking up and meowing at her. They went in the room and the kitty jumped in Jeanette’s lap and gave her a nose kiss. Then she jumped in Bill’s lap and gave him a nose kiss. Bill looked at the shelter volunteer and said, "Who do we make the check out to?". On the way home they named her Sugar.

In January 2013 Jeanette felt a lump under Sugar's right front leg. Sugar's vet examined her and extracted some fluid from the lump. The next day around 7:00 pm he called with bad news - it was mammary cancer.

Sugar underwent a mastectomy and lumpectomy. Three months later the lump returned. She had a second lumpectomy and started chemotherapy. After five rounds she was finished with chemo and in remission.

Nine months later, in May 2014, Sugar was rushed to the emergency hospital because her breathing was labored. After several tests over several days, it was discovered that she had inoperable cancer in her lungs and chest.

Jeanette and Bill were devastated and had to make the heartbreaking decision to give Sugar the final, unselfish gift of love - a peaceful journey to her tenth life. On May 22, 2014, in their sun room, Jeanette held Sugar in her lap with Bill by her side, and Dr. Lum kindly helped Sugar cross the Rainbow Bridge to the land of love and light, where there is no pain and no cancer. The last words Sugar heard were Jeanette and Bill saying, "We love you" over and over. The last touch she felt was both of them lovingly stroking her fur.

Sugar is eternally loved beyond words and missed beyond measure. The Foundation is Jeanette’s way of remembering her sweet Sugar and helping other pets have a chance at life.