JerseyGirl was an affectionate and very intelligent dog who loved kids. Her favorite thing to do was to run in a field, chasing sticks, but never picking them up. Although she had a rough early life, she lived her adolescence and adult years with a loving family, Ron and Erika Surkin and Shep, a mixed-breed rescue. She is sorely missed, but at peace. Remembrance donation by Dean Surkin and Jacqueline Birnbaum.
In memory of Bellinda, wonderful companion to Lutz and Lomi Novak of Stamsried, Germany. “Bellinda was born about 12.5 years ago on the Balearic Islands of ‘Ibiza’ in the Mediterranean Sea as a ‘wild’ beach dog. Within 6 months she was trapped and taken to Andalusia in the port city of Cadiz in a killing camp (concentration camp for dogs) and rescued at the last moment by German animal rights activists. She was brought to the town of Bad Staffelstein to Pro-Animale, a privately operated animal shelter, where she stayed for the next 22 months before she came to us. Although traumatized by her experiences — She did not want to have much contact with people and only very few people received her trust — we are very, very proud that we received her trust soon after she came to us. Every morning she greeted us with joy (she was a hybrid of Italian wind chimes and German short hair). How happy she was when we went for a walk, then she always grabbed some toy or shoe and then climbed the stairs backwards (a trick she taught herself). We very much miss her!” Somebody once said: “A house without animals is like a sky without stars!” Sadly, some of the most beautiful stars do not exist anymore!
In memory of Luna, loving companion to Sue Cardillo. “Luna was the best little lover dog, always up for snuggles and affection taking good care of my heart when I needed it most. She was so loving to us that it made you forget all the naughty things she would do, she knew how to eat most things that don’t belong in a dog’s tummy and knew how to bark at that most annoying pitch! I miss her beautiful little way, so petite yet such a big presence in my life. The cabin will never be the same without her- always with me in our most happy place- sleeping in the grass, relaxing on the dock, floating around in the canoe, sprinting in circles around the cabin like a crazy puppy, hikes around the lake and in the mountains, and those great naps on my lap in the Adirondack chair. I will forever long for her to still be here but hold these memories close to my heart.” Remembrance donations by Judy Wolfe, Audrey, Philip and Jeanette Riccobono, and Berni Leahy, September 2018.
In loving memory of Duncan, Trevor and Michael Allen’s companion who crossed the rainbow bridge on August 11, 2018. He was almost 13 years old. He was dealing with heart problems for over a year and at the beginning of the summer he was diagnosed with a kidney tumor and nodules on his spleen. Duncan was the sweetest little guy and was very very loved by Trevor and Michael. Adopted from Abandoned Angels Cocker Spaniel Rescue in 2008, he changed Trevor and Michael’s lives in the most wonderful way. He is very missed. Remembrance donation by Judy Wolfe, September 2018.
In memory of Blossom who came to Katherine and Jim Sutton as a sad and lonely rescue Cavalier but who literally “blossomed” the moment she found them, her forever family. “Blossom was a true delight, full of pep and devotion. She battled severe heart disease for a full year so she could extend her three and a half years with us – as well as her buddy Cavalier, Mason – for as long as she could. We are forever grateful to her for that strength and perseverance, which makes it even harder to say goodbye. We absolutely adored her and treasured every moment she gave us.” Remembrance donation by Jacqueline Birmbaum & Dean Surkin, September 2018.
In loving memory of Samson, one of triplets, a stray cat taken in by Maria and Albert DiMeglio, along with his brothers. “Samson was always a shy, gentle, nervous, and loyal cat. He loved to sleep on top of my head every night and give me little love bites on my face. He loved eating pizza and any kind of cheese, which I shared with him, while he sat next to me watching television. He loved playing with his brothers especially using straws as his favorite toy. I will miss how his big eyes looked at me adoringly and how he would be nuzzling my neck. He was a mamma’s boy and he was my boy!” Remembrance donation by Maria & Albert DiMeglio, September 2018.
In loving memory of China, companion to Maria DiMeglio. “China was a stray calico who apparently did not have enough to eat, so her growth was stunted and she always remained a kitten. She was adorable, sweet, gentle, demure, feisty, delicate, a little lady. She was so small, I used to call her my China doll. She had her own cat house and we miss hearing her snore inside of it. She also liked to sleep nestled right on my neck and I miss that. China was Augustus’ girlfriend, [See the December 2017 tribute to Augustus], and we believe because they loved each other so much, she died of a broken heart. China will be one of God’s littlest angels in Heaven but she will be the one with the biggest heart!” Remembrance donation by Maria & Albert DiMeglio, September 2018.
In loving memory of Dakota, companion to Kenneth and JoAnn DeKoven. “She was the gentlest and most loving of souls, ALWAYS at our side and always happy to see any and every creature she encountered. Our beautiful Golden never met a soul she did not like. Although we have lost our most beloved companion, her legacy lives on because, as a member of The Seeing Eye’s breeding program before joining our family, she was the loving mother of 28 potential future Guide Dogs who will help other needy souls. Run free and healthy at the Rainbow Bridge until we meet again! We love and miss you, but you’ll always be with us in spirit and a part of our very beings.” Remembrance donation by Jacqueline Birnbaum and Dean Surkin, June 2018.
In memory of Sherlock, loving companion to Jacqueline Birnbaum and Dean Surkin. “We will always remember Sherlock’s boundless energy, and the way he played with Jacqueline every morning, the way he herded us into the kitchen when it was mealtime, the way he responded to learning new commands, and the way he mastered doggie puzzles. We will sorely miss Sherlock snuggling up to us every night to go to sleep.” Remembrance donations by Jo-Ann & Ken De Koven and Peter & Mickey Bickford, June 2018.
In memory of Madison, our friend Judy Wolfe’s grumpy companion (Judy is the artist responsible for the painting of Binky that adorns our website). The following is an excerpt from her montage tribute to Madison from her website, While at the Zoo: “In October of 2001 the superintendent of my building called me up and asked if I wanted a cat. It seems that a kitten had walked into the lobby of my building and just sat down. I rushed downstairs and found a little bundle of fur. And that was that. Fast forward almost 17 years and Madison crossed that very crowded rainbow bridge this week. Truth be told, she was not a very nice cat. That was part of her charm. She harrumphed around the apartment, hissed at her roommates and generally had a bad attitude. All of those aforementioned things made me love her even more. When she came to live with us I had two other cats, whom she learned to hate. A few years later Benny the dog came to live with us. She was not fond of him either. She outlived those animals and then got to share her space with kitten sisters Audrey and Roberta and eventually Jack the one-eyed dog. She did not like any of them either. Do I miss this grumpy cat? You bet.” Remembrance donations by Steve Bass, Helen Risom Belluschi, Jamie Toste, Karen Pedevillano (for Juba, Leela, Picasso & Zack Cerbini), Terry & Jackie Phelan, Berni Leahy, April Rivkin, Veronica Gallagher and Peter & Mickey Bickford, February 2018.