The Binky Foundation

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.

2021 Report to Friends of The Binky Foundation

Our grant programs have evolved over the years to focus primarily on new organizations unable to obtain funding from mainstream funding sources.  This year we completed the transition to be totally focused on helping new organizations get established on a proper basis to achieve long-term sustainability. Our $1000 First Steps grant criteria have been simplified to three basic requirements: you must be a new organization (3-years or less), have training in the business of running an animal welfare group as well as in appropriate animal care issues, and have a formal, thoughtful business plan.

This year we also implemented a new Forward Steps grant of up to $1500 to be awarded to prior First Steps grant recipients that have demonstrated the value and efficacy of its business plan, and success in striving for a sustainable model.  First Steps grantees that received their grants more than 12-months ago receive an email invitation in due course to apply for a follow-up Forward Steps grant by providing a narrative on the value of proper training and planning and sharing their thoughts on their start-up experiences.  Most rewarding are comments recognizing the value of planning that our grant programs emphasize.  As one of our Forward Steps grantees stated in its application: “Producing the business plan forced us to define some short-term goals and bench marks to use in measuring our progress.” . . . “The business plan also proved useful in opening doors to grant applications.”  And another grantee stated: “We will be eternally grateful to the Binky Foundation for the early support we received when launching our organization.”

Comments like these and others confirm the value of our programs and provide gratifying support for the criteria we have developed.  Thank you for your interest in our efforts on behalf of new animal welfare groups.

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We continue to update our website (https://binkyfoundation.org/) and our pet remembrance page remains as popular as ever.  We would love to hear from you with your comments about our website or on any other aspect of our mission.  Many thanks for your continued interest in our efforts.

With appreciation from the Board,

Michalina Bickford

Michalina Bickford

Kathleen Bickford Berzock

Kathleen Bickford Berzock

Peter Bickford

Peter Bickford

 

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.

Remy

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.

Franklin

Joan E. Scheier

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.

Mr. Darcy

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.

Patrick

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.

Buda

In remembrance of Buda, companion to Kelly and Steve Boghossian.  “‘Dogs are not our whole life, but they make our lives whole.’ – Yesterday we said goodbye to our very good dog Buda. We shared our lives together for the past 16.5 years, but what I wouldn’t give for one more day. A sassy girl to the end, she made our lives richer every moment. My heart is broken without you, sweet wonder dog. Have fun with all your friends on that side of the rainbow bridge. I know they have chicken nuggets there. Goodnight sweet girl. Daddy and I loved you the most (don’t tell the cats!).”  Remembrance donation by Judy Wolfe, November 2021.

Byron

Bryon, loving companion to Vicky Nayer and her mother Lidia Levine, succumbed to old age. Over the years, he gamely shared his home with a ferret and several cats and refined his skill of stealing food from the cat dishes while avoiding confrontations. While possessed of a dignified character, he indulged people in playing dress-up (here he is dressed as a flower). Remembrance by Jacqueline Birnbaum, Dean Surkin, and the Lighted-Collar Gang, September 2021.