As we close out the first week of school, a little bit of “cattitude” may be just what the doctor ordered. That’s why we are delighted to share Senior Manager of Leadership Development Theresa Loth’s beloved Snarles Barkley. 

Theresa and Snarles modeling Snarles’ signature look- tongue hanging out because he’s missing all but one of his front teeth

Theresa is deeply committed to ensuring all DSST students have the strong school leaders they deserve.  Through her role as Senior Manager of Leadership Development, she directs the Advanced Leader Cohort program, leads professional development, and coaches rising leaders across the network.

Theresa and her partner used to live in DC, and it was there in 2015 that Snarles scampered into their lives. Their neighborhood was full of feral cats that roamed the alleyways, fondly known as the Cats of Northeast. Snarles tried to keep up with the pack, but as an abandoned house cat, he wasn’t built for life on the street. Theresa and her partner informally adopted him as their official outdoor cat, and then brought him along to Denver. 

"No matter where I go I know where I came from” 

Snarles still spends much of his time outdoors, whether perching on windowsills or fences to watch his favorite humans, helping with yardwork, or stretching out with some yoga. 

I'd rather not downward dog right meow, thank you very much

Socialite that he is, Snarles is well known in the neighborhood.  One time, Theresa and her partner Matt were chatting with a neighbor at a local brewery.  As Matt told a story about Snarles, the neighbor took out his phone and said, “WAIT—this cat?!” and revealed a photo of Snarles Barkley getting into mischief two blocks away!

“Your friends may be watching me, but I’m always watching you!”

With all of his neighborhood affairs, Snarles works up quite an appetite, and loves tuna, chicken thighs, and charcuterie boards. Theresa SWEARS she heard him request ranch dressing by meowing “rannnnnnnch”, but to her knowledge he has never tried salad dressing.

“Is that fig butter?!” 🙀😻 

Snarles’ parents love him so much that Matt wore socks with his face on them to their wedding, and now he wears them anytime he has an important meeting. 

Something old, something new, something borrowed, something… Snarles!

Snarles wears a bespoke tie for his own important engagements

Once, Theresa and Matt thought that Snarles ran away from home, and were truly heartbroken. But much to their relief, he returned home just one day before Theresa was set to depart for a month-long backpacking trip. This special reunion was captured on their security camera, and Theresa still likes to revisit this beautiful moment for a smile. 

There’s no place like home!

Do you have a pet everyone needs to know about? Send us pictures at mac@scienceandtech.org