Animal Companion Remembrances

Jazz

In celebration of Jazz, companion to Jacqueline, Dean, and Jazz’s sister Delilah. “Jazz has succumbed to late-stage kidney disease (among a host of other health problems). We adopted him on January 22, 2011, when he was around 2 years old. He has spent almost all his life with us. We will miss his wagging tail, his sweet nature, his curiosity about everything around him, and his steady devotion to our family. Here’s a photo of him on the day he joined our family.”  Jacqueline Birnbaum, Dean Surkin, and their beautiful pup Delilah. Remembrances by Susie and Jason Ciofalo and Mickey and Peter Bickford, January 2024.

Misu

Misu, loving companion to Karine Ar and Ryan Kassel, lived for almost 15 years, having beaten cancer years ago. Misu was affectionate to and protective of his family. He had charm and a big personality, and he will be missed. July 2023, Remembrance by Jacqueline Birnbaum, Dean Surkin, and the Lighted-Collar Gang.

Willie

In memory of Nichole Gray’s Willie. After the death of her beloved dog King Arthur (see Remembrance 2019), Nichole Gray opened her heart and her home to Willie. Willie was a five-year old rescue, a dog who had been severely traumatized in her prior life. Nichole gave her a safe home, and worked closely with a trainer over many months to help Willie adjust to life in a safe and loving environment. Unfortunately, Willie only had three years more, dying in July 2023 at about eight years old. Remembrance by Jacqueline Birnbaum, Dean Surkin, and the Lighted-Collar Gang.

Ollie

Ollie, 03/01/2011 – 05/08/2023, beloved member of the Di Christina family. “We will miss the big presence of this spirited little vocal love.  He survived 2 catpanions – Lilah and Charlie and many other pets.  Leaves behind sad family of 6 [Audrey and George, and their children Derrick, Dana, Brandon, and Mark] who were so touched by his warmth, literal and figurative, as he was a Cornish Rex. He was most bonded with Dana.” Remembrance by Jacqueline Birnbaum and Dean Surkin, May 2023.

Princess Arwen

Ken and JoAnn De Koven rescued Princess Arwen 15 years ago. She was a sweet cat who rescued them as much as they rescued her, and she lived a long and happy life in a warm family with Ken and JoAnn and Diva and Layla, and other animals over the years. Ken wrote, “Please light a candle to help guide her on her journey as she joins our other family angels, Pookie, MacGyver, Kira, Frodo, Cole, Indiana, Gretel and Dakota to wait at the Bridge for us. Fly high and soar with the angels sweet Arwen!!” Remembrance by Jacqueline Birnbaum and Dean Surkin, February 2023.

Patricia

In remembrance of Patricia, lovingly cared for by Maria and Albert DiMeglio. “We rescued Patricia from a neglectful situation.  Because of her neglect, Patricia had many health issues.  She was very small and skinny for an 8 year old cat.  We took her to the Amimal Medical Center and gave her all the medicines that were prescribed to her and she was a great patient.  Patricia got better and started to play with her wand toys and I would share pizza and ice cream with her.  Patricia was sweet, quiet, feisty, fierce, independent, loving, and fearless.  She was only with us for 5 months but she has left the biggest hole in our hearts!”

Ginger

Ginger, beloved companion of Anne and Steve Wagner. After their dog George passed away, they weren’t sure that they could open their hearts again. Then a friend asked them to adopt Ginger. Ginger had a long and happy life, living with her fellow companion Mable (who passed away last year). Ginger was known as the “friendliest dog in the neighborhood,” and she died peacefully at home. Remembrance by Jacqueline Birnbaum and Dean Surkin.

 

Zevon

In memory of Zevon, loving companion to Linda Rose of Santa Rosa California.  “Zevon was a wonderful and kind soul. He loved unconditionally. Everyone that met him noticed his gentle kindness and his acceptance of them just the way they were. He was my best friend and companion for 7 years. His death was sudden and unexpected which makes it extremely difficult for those he left behind. He will always be missed and loved by everyone who knew him.”  Remembrance donations by Linda Rose and Peter and Mickey Bickford.  April 2022.

Boris

Boris, beloved companion to Joanna and Adrian Totlici, died after a long illness. Boris was a rescue, adopted from Bidawee. Joanna says “he was fearless and so strong-willed when out and about (he would eat pit bulls for breakfast) but at home, he was a Velcro pup and always there to comfort us (especially me).” A few years ago, Boris’s photo was featured in ads for Ever More, a dog food company. Remembrance by Jacqueline Birnbaum, Dean Surkin, and the Lighted-Collar Gang. March 2022.

Stoney

In memory of Stoney, beautiful companion of Robert and Tovah Thee.  Stoney was approximately five years old when adopted by Robert and Tovah, and they enjoyed enjoyed her company for the past ten years. “Stoney was the sweetest, most affectionate cat; a gentle soul who enriched our lives and will be greatly missed.” Remembrance by Jacqueline Birnbaum and Dean Surkin. February 2022.