Stefano shearing "Bella", one of our female Angora Goats

Stefano and I do not have children (of the 2-legged persuasion), but we do share our home and property with several furry and feathered friends which I refer to as “my little ones.”

I have always been an animal lover, but living in the city of Atlanta, we simply could not have many pets. For 16 years, we shared our home with my two best friends, indoor cats named of Patti & Spid. Spid passed away Oct. 16 2006, and Patti left us on Nov. 5, 2006. We now have two new kitties, Petite Syrah, and Picasso, who are keeping us on our toes. I also have a horse, Idao, a Selle Fracais 17.3 hand jumper from France. He also made the trip to California, and lives with our goats & llamas.

When we moved to our 77 acre property in California, I was counting the number of animals I was going to rescue. Since we moved to Amador county, I have adopted 4 adult barn-cats (our “gopher-patrol” - Stevie, Peabo, Maxine and Squirt), and one lovable mutt, Tux. Additionally, Avio is also home to 2 pet mallard ducks & 1 Magpie duck, 3 guinea hens, one Dutch Bunny, 5 hens, 2 roosters, one peacock (Francois), one Nubora goat (A nubian/angora mix) 2 Angora goats, and 6 Barbados sheep. Lastly, I have a male llama (Pork Chop), and a female llama (Zorro). I have posted pictures of a few of these guys for you to enjoy Click here to see members of the Avio Ark, and encourage everyone to adopt a pet from the humane society or your local animal shelter; these animals ask for so little and give so much in return.

Patti, our beautiful "Little Lady"

Patti & Spid Together Again

Patti & Spid (short for "Spider") had been a part of our family for almost 17 years. Patti, the quirky and beautiful calico, and Spid, the suave & debonair lover, began living with us in Norcross, Ga. They both happily moved with us to our home in Atlanta, and then again to our current home in Sutter Creek.

Patti was the most beautiful calico we had ever seen! Her kindness was only surpassed by her strength. To say she was the foundation of our family was an understatement. She and Stefano were "lovers" so to speak - she adored him and he loved her dearly. If Stefano was in the house, Patti was right there with him. Spid was more of a lady’s man; he and I were inseparable. I didn't feel right unless I loved on Spid several times daily!

Patti had always had respiratory problems, and in the beginning of Oct. of 06, she was diagnosed with malignant cancer in her nose. The vet said she had only days to live, so we began to prepare ourselves for her passing. She allowed me to feed her & give her fluids daily, trusting me completely, and acting as though nothing was wrong!

During this time, however, Spid began losing weight. He had many ailments, which I had been treating for years, but seemed to be doing fairly well. On the evening of Oct. 16, 06, he cried out to me in a tone I will never forget, and Stefano & I held him until he passed away in my arms with Stefano holding his paws. He was my little man, my constant companion, and my best friend. He was nearly 17 years old, and had been with me for half of my life. The void in our hearts and in our lives is unmistakable.

Patti, sensing Stefano & I were emotionally devastated, seemed to take it upon herself to "suck it up" and stay around a while longer to assist us with our grief. She actually started eating more, talking & purring again, and she did this to help us. When I finally began feeling o.k. again, she allowed herself to stop fighting the cancer and let us be the strong ones. So, on the morning of Nov. 5, 06, over a month after her initial cancer diagnosis, the vet came to our house, and Stefano & I held Patti as she made her way to her next adventure. She was my little lady, my constant companion, and my best friend. She showed unimaginable strength when we were lost and in need of guidance. The void in our hearts and in our lives is unmistakable.

Dearest Patti & Spid: we love you, we miss you, and we know we'll see you again - With everlasting love, Lisa & Stefano

Mexican Patti & Spid