I know this isn’t music related but I think nearly everyone with the Internet knows who Lil Bub is. Lil Bub was born the runt of her litter in Bloomington, Indiana, with a form of feline dwarfism — making her a so-called “perma-kitten” — called achondroplasia. Bub also didn’t have teeth, which is why her tongue hung out. But these characteristics made her all the more endearing to both Bridavsky and Bub’s eventual fan base.
Bub’s human, Mike Bridavsky, posted photos of Bub on Tumblr, Reddit and then the Lil Bub group on Facebook, which has since grown to more than 3 million likes. Bub reached stardom in the documentary, “Lil Bub & Friendz,” which premiered at the Tribeca Film Festival in 2013 and won the Tribeca Online Festival Best Feature Film.
Lil Bub was a special cat and captured the hearts of many people (including me) proving that even if you are different you can still make an impact on the world and that you can be loved just for being yourself.
Bridvasky posted the following message in the early afternoon of December 2nd, 2019:
On the morning of Sunday, December 1st 2019 we lost the purest, kindest and most magical living force on our planet. BUB was cheerful and full of love laying in our bed with us Saturday night, but unexpectedly passed away peacefully in her sleep. I have always been fully transparent about BUB’s health, and it was no secret that she was battling a persistent and aggressive bone infection. Even knowing this, we weren’t expecting her to pass so soon or so abruptly without warning. I truly believe that she willingly made the decision to leave her failing body so that our family would not have to make that difficult decision ourselves.
It is impossible to put into words the profound effect that BUB has had on my life, on the lives of thousands of homeless pets, and on the lives of those of you that have cared for her as if she were your own family. She taught me everything that I know about unconditional love, she brought my wife Stacy and I together, she’s the reason we have our beautiful children Rosco and Lula, and she has been a constant source of warmth and love in our lives for the past 8 years. To say that our family is devastated would be an understatement.
But most importantly, BUB has made a huge difference in the world of animal welfare, and in the lives of millions of people worldwide. She has literally saved thousands of lives (both pets and humans), she started the first national fund for special needs pets, she was the subject of groundbreaking genetic and biological research, she’s helped raise over $700,000 for animals in need, and has spread a message of determination, positivity, and perseverance to people all over the world. And even though my heart is absolutely crushed by her graceful departure from planet Earth, I know that her spirit, magic, and overwhelming energy are still with us, reminding us every day to be better.
Dearest BUB, I will never forget your generosity, your limitless supply of love, or your uncanny ability to bring so much magic and joy to the world. I am forever honored and humbled that you chose me as your caretaker. Please visit all of us in our dreams often. GOOD JOB BUB.
Along with her worldwide stardom, Lil Bub’s Big Fund was launched to help other animals with special needs. If you care to do make a donation please visit https://secure.aspca.org/donate/lilbub
Rest in Peace Bub and Good Job as Always!