Animal Companion Remembrances

In memory of Cassandra who at age 14 passed from her forever home to the Rainbow Bridge. She was Joan Scheier’s best friend and they shared many adventures together, many of which were documented in Cassandra’s yearly wall calendar.  Photos of her birthday parties, holiday celebrations, visits from friends and family, even a visit to the vet were documented for the lucky recipients of the calendar to enjoy every day, particularly by Joan. Of all of the photos taken of Cassandra over the years, Joan has chosen this one for her remembrance: “Found this photo in my files . . . reminder of her first day home . . . I of course will remember all the days.” Thanks for the memories, Cassandra. Your friends and family, all fans, will miss you. Remembrance donations by Joan Scheier, Blanche Visalli, Janet Miller and Mickey and Peter Bickford, June 2017.

Our sweet, funny, lovable little Lucee crossed the Rainbow Bridge on May 1st to join her brother, Max (see September 2016 below).  Lucee was such a special little girl, rescued from an abandoned house where she was left with no food or water.  We fell in love with her the minute we saw her and adopted her on the spot.  She loved everyone, especially her family, and we feel so blessed to have had her in our lives for 10+ years.  We miss playing with her, watching her chase squirrels around the yard, and snuggling with her at night.  We miss her somewhat naughty (always funny) little antics, and we know that our first trip this year will be bitter sweet without Lucee snuggled up in the backseat of the truck.  True to her lively spirit, she fought her cancer bravely, and saying goodbye was one of the most heart-wrenching things we have ever had to do.  While she is no longer physically with us, she will live in our hearts forever and we will do our best to honor the unconditional love and trust she placed in us from day one. Remembrance donations by Lucee’s parents, Jeanne and Jon Bickford, and by her aunt and uncle, Mickey and Peter Bickford.

Judy and Steve Bass found little Zippy dumped at a local park. “She was about six months old, loving and lovable, trusting, and adorable. She became a part of our lives and stayed with us for almost 17 years.  Zippy was a gracious dog. She’d jump into anyone (everyone’s) lap and share her kisses. When she was young and full of zip, Zippy would use her nose to push a tennis ball down a staircase, race down after it, and be back in a flash to do it again. She was also content spending the day in the yard, sniffing and exploring, searching for gifts from the raccoons she would savor. She had a favorite seat in the RV where with the door open, she could look out on the world, sniff the air, and take in a little sun, even if she was just looking out on the driveway. And that was her last happy view of the world. Our hearts ache with the emptiness.”  Remembrance donation by Judy Wolfe, March 2017.

In loving honor of our sweet kitty, Mocha. She will be missed so much by Jen, Lars and Justin. Mocha lived a great life and lasted 7 years with feline leukemia. She was playful, social and so snuggly. She was often called “Velcro Kitty” because she stayed attached to Jen whether sitting on her lap at the dinner table or sleeping in the crook of her arm every night. She worked out with Lars each morning and got “big tail” just from the shake of her food bag. Justin chased and hugged her constantly and in her own way she liked it! We will always love her and cherish the years that she blessed us with her purrrs. Remembrance donation by Lars, Jen and Justin Bickford, December 2016

In memory of Porkchop, adored companion of Ann Saydlowski and Nathalie Cunningham. “Despite his pug wrinkles and big sad eyes, Porkchop was the happiest of dogs— self-assured and proud of his whiskers. This compact little ambassador could make even the most stoic New Yorker crack a smile as they passed him on his jaunts through the neighborhood. He loved all people. He also loved squirrels, greeting the tourists in Central Park, and socializing with his pals at the dog park. . . . Porkchop will live forever in our hearts— our sweet, silly, most special little Bub.” Remembrance donations by Judy Wolfe, Berni Leahy and Mickey & Peter Bickford, June 2016.

In memory of Nicholas Newman’s regal rabbit companion, Lady Sir Rufus Van Saun Newman a.k.a Bunz, Lady Bunz, Lady Bun Bunz, or Bunny ~ 2007-2016. “I found little Bunz in a tapir exhibit at my zoo and brought her home. My first pet. I quickly realized how much time and attention you really needed and deserved. Over the coarse of the next eight years we had many adventures together such as going to the park in your stroller to graze on grass, playing in the snow, floating around in a flood, raising two kittens, and moving to the Concrete Jungle together. I never once stopped loving you. You have always been there for me, especially during the hardest of times when I needed you the most. You were a special lady, will be missed very much, but never forgotten.” Remembrance donation by Judy Wolfe, March 2016.

Our dear friend Judy Wolfe, whose painting of Binky adorns our website, lost her fabulous dog Benny recently. In her words: “My very special dog, Benny, was funny, loving and loud at times but gave me the proverbial unconditional love that only a dog can give. He gave me 10.5 years of laughs, and fun. He was my photographic muse and sharing his photos over the years gave me much joy. He loved putting on hats and posing (as long as there were treats involved). I spoiled him with toys, treats and trips to our favorite stores.Our daily walks allowed me to meet my neighbors and he had a host of friends in the ‘hood, both two and four legged. He was a joy and changed my life for the better. The pain in my heart will lessen with time. He was the ultimate ‘good boy.’” Remembrance donations by Judy & Steve Bass, Susan Ferla, Veronica Gallagher, Michael & Becca Mink, Gary Nusbaum & Jennifer Jackson, Helen Belluschi, Michelle Beach, Donna Moran, Mary Schwalm & Elise Amendola, Kathleen Salmieri, Alicia Sells, Karen Pedevillano, Evelyn Tamborlani and Judy’s friends at the Central Park Zoo (Sue, Mary, Elias, Berni, Nora, Kelly, Melissa, Rob, Ronnie, Nick, Beth, Tyler, Kim, Tumeca, Angel, Celia, and Katie!). November 2015.

After years of being shuffled around in the system, Butler was finally reunited with his brother Mr. Darcy in a loving, happy home. While their time together was all too short, at least Butler’s final months were happy ones romping with his long lost bro! Remembrance donations by Peter & Mickey Bickford, Gayle Carroll & Ed Berberian and Dorothy Newshan. September 2015.

Second “Chance” La Bagnara never met a squeaker he couldn’t kill in under 5 minutes or a tissue he couldn’t eat in one gulp. A wonderful companion to Elissa, a handsome, sweet boy. 6/25/2003 – 7/21/2015. Remembrance donation by Terry Phelan.