It is with a very heavy heart that I tell you at 3:19am this morning, surrounded by his children, his brother, his best friend, and myself, that Mark passed on.

As much as I wanted to celebrate the win we had on Thursday, I knew we were facing a major obstacle.  Mark contracted 2 infections from the hospital- e. Coli and something in Latin, the latter being quite resistant to antibiotics.  His poor body had had enough.  24 days in the ICU is 23 more than I could ever tolerate.

I pulled down the bed rails and kissed his beautiful face and assured him his legacy would live on.  His children would be watched over, and all of the beautiful animals we share our home with will be taken care of.  We've got it from here, Baby Panda.  You rest now.  We love you so much.  Until we meet again........