I met Mamba at the Animal Protective Foundation in Glenville, New York in June of 2017. He was a two year old black domestic short hair with a clipped ear and a personality that could light up a room. On my first trip to the shelter, I went to see a different cat, but left empty-handed. I went back a second time, eyeing a black cat directly above him. That cat wanted nothing to do with me -- but Mamba did. He was so intrigued by me, and I was intrigued by him. They let him out to roam around and he rubbed up on me immediately. From that day forward, he claimed me as his. 

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I went up to pay at the counter, and they told me he was going to be $37. That's it? Turns out they had a grant with a bit leftover, and the remainder went to his adoption fee. I will to this day say he is the best $37 I ever spent. 

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Mamba was my trusted companion and my soul animal. He truly felt like my familiar. He was with me through my highest points and darkest depths, but he never judged. He simply sensed my discomfort and sat with me to cheer me up. 

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In October 2024, Mamba began coughing and showing signs of labored breathing, but was misdiagnosed by the vet without proper testing. He was later found to have pleural effusion, likely caused by lymphoma, though a definitive diagnosis was never made. In April 2025, his condition worsened, and a chest tap was performed without adequate pre-anesthesia testing. Though it provided temporary relief, the aggressive use of diuretics ultimately caused kidney failure. Mamba passed away in May 2025, leaving a hole in my heart and my home.

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The Familiar Fund is named in his honor. He was my familiar, and I want to help people find their own soul animal. Sometimes what is meant for you is right in front of you, even if it wasn't what you were looking for initially. 

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I will never forget my Mamba, and I hope to keep his memory alive through this work.