Isabel Klee recently tied the knot with her partner Jacob Zerhusen, but the wedding was marked by a bittersweet absence: that of her beloved dog Simon. Klee, who had announced the heartbreaking news of Simon’s death earlier this July due to cancer, made sure to honour his memory during the celebrations this past weekend.
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Simon, who had a significant online presence and was the namesake behind Klee’s social media platform “SimonSits,” had struggled with health issues leading up to his passing. Klee had previously shared that the family had to make the difficult decision to put Simon down after he suffered multiple seizures attributed to his illness. Diagnosed with cancer earlier this year, Simon’s condition deteriorated to the point where alleviating his suffering became a priority for Klee and Zerhusen.
Reflecting on her wedding day, Klee expressed her heartbreak that Simon was not there to partake in the festivities. In a heartfelt video shared on September 26, she conveyed her feelings, revealing, “My greatest heartbreak during our wedding weekend was that Simon wasn’t there to see it. I know he would have had the best weekend of his life, running through the forest with his friends.” This sentiment echoed the strong bond they shared during Simon’s life, as he had been a constant presence alongside the couple.
In a heartfelt tribute, Isabel Klee ensured that Simon’s spirit remained throughout the wedding, incorporating various elements into the ceremony to keep his memory alive. One of the most touching tributes was the old name tag of Simon that she pinned to her bouquet, serving as a reminder of their cherished time together. Custom blankets marked with the phrase “Camp Simon” were created in homage to Simon’s former dog bed, adding a personal touch to the décor.
The couple also designed T-shirts for wedding guests featuring drawings of Simon alongside other animals, and even customised plaid matchbooks bearing the “Camp Simon” name. Throughout the venue, artistic representations of Simon were prominently displayed, effectively turning the wedding into a celebration of his life.
Additionally, Klee and Zerhusen incorporated their other foster dogs’ names into the table arrangements, with one table specifically labelled in Simon’s honour. This thoughtful tribute served to memorialise not just Simon’s presence, but also the couple’s commitment to animal welfare.
In the days leading up to Simon’s passing, Klee and Zerhusen made every effort to provide him with a fulfilling final chapter. They took Simon on his favourite hiking trails, prepared special meals, and even held a celebration of his life attended by close friends. Klee shared intimate moments from those days, relaying a poignant memory of the three of them together—her, Jacob, and Simon—leading up to their farewell just five days later.
Klee had initially revealed Simon’s cancer diagnosis back in May. He had spent an intensive few days in the veterinary ICU after suffering from seizures. An ultrasound conducted by veterinarians had initially spotted a mass on his liver, which later tests confirmed had grown malignant.
As Klee starts this new chapter in her life with her husband, she is doing so with a heart that carries both joy for their future and sorrow for the loss of Simon. Through her poignant tributes, she not only commemorates the special bond they shared but also brings awareness to the love and care that pets bring into our lives. For Klee, Simon was more than just a pet; he was family, and his influence will continue to permeate through their lives and their community.