In memory of Sparkle Juice Rowe, constant companion and best buddy of Susan Rowe for 16 wonderful, loving years. “She remains in my heart forever with her two wonderful predecessors. The Rainbow Bridge must be a heavenly place to receive such beautiful doggy souls.” Remembrance donation by Judy Wolfe, July 2017.
In honor of Caledonia, Friend and companion of Linda Bickford for 22 years. “You rescued me 22 years ago when you literally walked into my life at just 6 weeks old, and remained by my side through many ups and downs including two cross country moves homelessness and cancer. You were always there for me with love and kisses through all our trials and accomplishments.You are now, and will ever be so missed….until we meet again my dear friend, rest in peace….” Remembrance donations by Linda Bickford, Jon and Jeanne Bickford and Peter & Mickey Bickford. June 2017.
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.
2016 marked the continuation of our emphasis on smaller, more focused grants, during which we awarded 53 grants to organizations in 26 states totaling over $90,000. Our grantees continually remind us that the smallest efforts properly focused can become the seeds from which substantial efforts grow. So it is with great pride that we acknowledge each of our 2016 grant recipients in alphabetical order:
First Step Grants
A Cat’s Friend, Inc. |
VA |
Shelters & feeding stations for Operation Hood |
Addison County Humane Society |
VT |
Medical equipment for clinic |
Advanced Canine Education (A.C.E.) |
VA |
Shelter Dog Swim Program |
A Feral Haven |
MI |
Cat shelters |
All About Animals Rescue, Inc. |
AZ |
Medical equipment for clinic |
Begin Again Horse Rescue, Inc. |
NY |
Construction of horse stalls |
Bliss Animal Haven |
GA |
Growing the Dream Project |
Blue Collar Rescue, Inc. |
FL |
Cage bank system for puppy rehab |
Bound Fur Life Foundation |
KS |
Computer equipment for start-up |
Camano Animal Shelter Association |
WA |
Dog kennel improvements |
Cape Fear Parrot Sanctuary |
NC |
Construction of aviaries |
Cat Depot |
FL |
Intensive Care Units |
Cat Haven Rescue, Inc. |
FL |
Intensive Care Units |
Catnip Casa Cat Refuge |
TX |
Condos & flooring for Respite Care |
Central Texas Tortoise Rescue |
TX |
Fencing for quarantine area |
Cheaha Regional Humane Society |
AL |
Fencing for quarantine area |
Cottontail Cottage Rabbit Rescue |
ME |
Outdoor Rabbit Enclosure |
Dimond L Ranch Equine Rescue |
NV |
Shelters for rescued newborns |
Equine Assistance Project, Inc. |
CA |
Phase I-Arena Improvement Project |
Feral Cat Solutions of Chapin, Inc. |
SC |
Storage building for facility |
Field of Dreams Horse Rescue & Adoption |
IL |
Electric fencing |
Friends of Bell County Animal Shelter |
KY |
Stainless steel bathtub for shelter |
Friends of Felines – Kansas |
KS |
Stainless steel bathtub for shelter |
God’s Feral Felines, Inc. |
AL |
Traps for TNR & adoption |
Heartland Farm Sanctuary |
WI |
Potbelly Education Project |
Here Today Adopt Tomorrow Sanctuary |
MA |
Materials for cat quarantine facility |
Humane Society of Goodhue County |
MN |
Socialization room flooring |
Humane Society of New Braunfels Area |
TX |
Exam room equipment |
KittyKind, Inc. |
NY |
Rescue & adoption supplies and equipment |
Love of Lacey Equine Rescue |
NC |
Tractor |
Luv n Bunns Rabbit Rescue |
PA |
Air conditioners for shelter |
Miles of Hope |
TX |
Shelter Beds |
Out of Ashes Pit Bull Rescue |
AR |
Start-up expenses |
Pacific Waterfowl Rescue |
CA |
Storage unit for shelter |
Pound Buddies Animal Shelter |
MI |
Adoption room for facility |
Prairie Fire Farms Foundation, Inc. |
PA |
Manure spreader |
Quaint Acres Animal Sanctuary |
NC |
Materials for Adopt a Backyard Flock |
Raptor Conservancy of Virginia |
VA |
Bird Weathering Area |
Safe Animal Shelter |
FL |
Pet bathtub for shelter |
Safe Haven Rescue Kennel (B.A.R.K.) |
NV |
Construction of Cottage #3 |
San Antonio Pets Alive! |
TX |
Vetscan analyzer |
Save The Brays Donkey Rescue |
MN |
Formation costs |
Second Chance Dog Rescue of Iowa |
IA |
New tub for shelter |
Silver Valley Cat Wranglers Association |
ID |
Traps & cages for Operation Catsnip |
Southeastern Equine Rescue, Inc. |
GA |
Materials for paddock/training area |
Southside Virginia Wildlife Center, Inc. |
VA |
Raccoon enclosure |
Stafford Animal Shelter |
MT |
Equipment for educational Zoo Program |
Upper Peninsula Animal Welfare Shelter |
MI |
Microchip scanners |
Villi Poni Farm Newfoundland Pony Sanctuary |
NH |
Corral panels, fence posts & gates |
Virginia Donkey Rescue |
VA |
Construction of intake shelter |
Volunteers for Wildlife, Inc. |
NY |
Rehabilitation cage unit |
Wild for Life, Inc. |
CA |
Corral panels |
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
2016 marked our 12th year of awarding grants to organizations and individuals devoted to protecting, rescuing and caring for domestic and wild animals and their habitats. For the year we awarded 53 First Steps grants to recipients in 26 states totaling almost $93,000. Our focus remains on small “First Steps” grants, with particular attention to new organizations with sustainable plans for future viability.
In loving memory of sweet Mr. Max, our beautiful, mild-mannered, lovable fur baby, who crossed the Rainbow Bridge at the age of 15 as he lay in our arms. Throughout his life Maxie loved romping in the backyard, chasing squirrels and birds, even trying to climb the backyard tree in his unsuccessful efforts to catch a squirrel. He loved to travel in “his” truck and “his” travel trailer. We could never set foot in the trailer without Mr. Max being right behind us. While he was never one to play with his sister Lucee, he loved her dearly and enjoyed snuggling with her at home, in the truck, and in the trailer. Maxie also formed a special bond with his Uncle Bob and his cousin, Lou, and was especially happy when he got to visit with them and walk with Lou. It is difficult to say goodbye to our wonderful Mr. Max, but his memory and the joy he brought us for 15 years will live in our hearts forever. Jon & Jeanne Bickford, September 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.