Animal Companion Remembrances

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.

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, 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.

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, 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.

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.

With loving remembrance for sweet Remy, who provided so much love and soft cuddles to his family: Leo, Suzy, Walter, and Adam Sorel. “Remy always sought out belly scratches by pushing our hands “into position” and giving a tiny request bark. He was our little cat-dog. After a long struggle with heart disease, Remy passed quietly in Adam’s arms in his favorite place–the car, on January 14, 2022.” Remembrance donation by Jacqueline Birnbaum and Dean Surkin, January 2022.

Our good friend and supporter, Joan E. Scheier, who passed away in 2020 after a long illness, will always be remembered by us for her passion for animals and for her support of The Binky Foundation.  Joan was very proud of the fact that she was responsible for our creating the Remembrance page by insisting we recognize the passing of Franklin (photo above), companion to her friends Don and Janet Miller. Our Remembrance page may not have happened without her persistence and grief as “Aunt Joan” to Franklin. Joan will always be in our hearts!  Remembrance donation in Joan’s name by Janet Miller, December 2021.

In memory of Mr. Darcy, who joined his best friend Patrick over the Rainbow Bridge.  Mr. Darcy’s people, Mickey and Peter Bickford, were devastated by the loss of their two buddies with two months of each other, but happy in the knowledge that Mr. Darcy can resume his playing with his brother free of pain at last.  “We adopted Mr. Darcy from our vet shortly before he was scheduled to be shipped out to a shelter. He had been in a cage for so long that his limbs were stunted, and he cowered from people. Over time in his new home he developed into a beautiful, outgoing and mysterious presence.  We were so blessed to have him and Patrick in our lives, even if for a much shorter time than they deserved.”  Remembrance donation by Meg Crane. December 2021.

In memory of Mickey and Peter Bickford’s wonderfully joyful cat Patrick who left us far too soon. “We adopted Patrick from Kitty Kind in New York City. He had been abandoned in a locked apartment without food or water. His cries were heard by neighbors who called the police.  Patrick was named for the police officer who came to his rescue by busting through the door. Despite all his trauma and physical issues (most of his teeth had been removed because of infections) the description on his cage at the adoption center was spot on: ‘Very Social & Loving Cat. Loves People & Loves To Be Pet. Very Friendly Mellow Boy!’ He was all that and more!  We miss him dearly.”  Remembrance donations from Jon & Jeanne Bickford, Linda Rose, Meg Crane, Gayle Carroll & Ed Berberian, and Judy Wolfe, October 2021.