KNOXVILLE, Tennessee: Celebrating the Lives of Beloved Pets
For many pet owners, losing a furry friend can feel like losing a family member. Such is the case for Scott Colby, who recently experienced the heartache of saying goodbye to his two beloved cats, Nomar and Mia. These pets, named after notable athletes Nomar Garciaparra and Mia Hamm, brought a lot of joy into his life since he adopted them back in 2003. Their unique personalities and quirks have left lasting pawprints on Colby’s heart.
Forever in Our Hearts
Nomar, who passed away in 2019 at the age of 16, had a playful spirit and a surprisingly strong affinity for kicking around chocolate kisses. Mia, who held on until the age of 20, showed her love for cheese puffs while providing endless companionship. Colby fondly remembers the joy that the two brought into his home, sharing anecdotes of their playful antics while knowing that their absence would leave a big hole in his life.
When both pets left this world—Nomar first and then Mia—Colby found himself struggling with grief. “I was grieving, and I was knocked down,” Colby candidly shared. “It was hard to move on and go about my life.” Understanding that this grief was profound and needed an outlet, he decided to take a different approach: celebrating their lives instead of just mourning their passing.
A Meaningful Celebration
Colby’s way of honoring his furry friends has blossomed into a unique community event called “Tails on Trails”. Scheduled for Saturday at 8 a.m. at Baker Creek Preserve, this tribute hike is designed to be both uplifting and therapeutic. Colby expressed his desire to combine his love of the outdoors with a purpose: “I wanted to combine my passion of hiking and the outdoors, along with going through… grief… and really wanting to make an impact,” he explained.
Participants are welcome to choose from a two-, four-, or six-mile hike. An additional heartwarming feature of the event is a memory wall where pet owners can post pictures of their dearly departed pets and write letters of gratitude. This space allows for both remembrance and shared connection among fellow pet lovers. “For a lot of people, the pets are like their kids, their children,” said Colby, highlighting the emotional weight that comes with losing a pet.
Giving Back to the Community
Joining the hike is free, but Colby is encouraging attendees to consider making a donation to a fund he initiated with the Young-Williams Animal Center called the Nomar and Mia Compassion Fund. This fund aims to assist pet owners in need of financial support for veterinary bills. “I really just wanted to do something that impacted people, made me feel better, and gave back to the community,” Colby stated, embodying a spirit of compassion and kindness.
Aside from the hike, there will be a vendor market for those looking to do a bit of shopping, and the Young-Williams team will even bring some wonderful pets for adoption, giving attendees the chance to find a new furry friend.
New Adventures Await
Colby has since opened his heart to two new companions, Niko and Milo, who are sure to fill his life with joy and affection. The upcoming event is not just a tribute to his past pets but a celebration of love, community, and new beginnings.
If you’re in Knoxville and a pet lover, be sure to check out “Tails on Trails” this Saturday. It’s a wonderful chance to honor beloved pets while connecting with others who understand the deep bonds we share with our furry friends.
