Rest in peace, Snooty. You have been our only constant over the years.

We miss Snooty as so many do. As I think of all the things that have happened in the world, since his birth, I realize how the country and world changed, yet Snooty never changed.

He was born just a few months before my parents were married. He was alive during the Korean and Vietnam wars, the first trip to the moon, space disasters and triumphs. He lived in the city right next door to where the U.S. president was on 9/11. During his lifetime, so many things have happened, both good and bad.

The one thing that has always remained constant,was Snooty and his loving personality. He loved people and hammed it up for his many visitors. Since 1992, I hardly ever missed his birthday celebrations. At his parties, exhibitors had training about wildlife, and taught about how to help protect the fragile eco-system.

My nieces and I attended this year's party as well as 5,000-plus other people. As we all celebrated another year of his life, the mood was festive. Snooty was happy to see everyone and get his favorites treats. Not one person knew it was also to be his farewell party. So many were there to wish him a Happy Birthday, but as it turned out, it was also Goodbye.

Snooty, you were loved and will be sorely missed. Rest in peace, our beloved mascot.

This story was originally published July 24, 2017 at 4:24 PM with the headline "Rest in peace, Snooty. You have been our only constant over the years.."