Animal Companion Remembrances

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.

In memory of Rocky, brother to Mikey, joy giver to Sheila and Jerry Siderman. Rocky and Mikey were adopted in July, 2013. They had been named Ariel and Sebastian Sebastian at the shelter and we renamed them Rosie and Mikey. A 2014 urinary tract infection revealed that Rosie needed a new name. In May 2015, both cats were diagnosed with severe kidney disease. Rocky went downhill fast. In the two short years he lived with us, he went from a fearful cat who hid in the basement and only came upstairs to eat while we were sleeping to a loving cat who could never get enough lap time. If we gave him even half the joy he gave us, then his last two years were worth the pain we feel over his loss. Remembrance donation by Judy Wolfe, August 2015.

Wilma the Wonder Dog had a very wonderful life with her people, Jennifer Jackson and Gary Nusbaum, who stated:  “She was pampered, loved, adored.  She went for regular car rides; slept in a king size bed that she incidentally allowed us to sleep in, too; had two little brothers (OK – bigger younger brothers); . . . She may have been small, but she was larger than life. We loved her. She loved us. She was a licker. Anyone who came to the house was in danger of having their tonsils licked. Her tongue was legendary. She loved to cuddle. She thought she was a human. She hated not being the center of attention. She loved visitors. She didn’t really acknowledge other dogs – she was a human, after all. But most of all, she loved her family and we loved her.  She will be truly missed.”  Remembrance donation by Judy Wolfe, July 2015.

Short Stop, beloved companion in Verna Manion’s household for 14 years, was a handsome, loving, funny, and generous spirit.  With curiosity and affection he accepted children, friends, family, all visitors and anything life sent his way. He was not a particular fan of The 4th of July.  But, as he enjoyed classical music, was always excited to see the music teacher arrive.  His too easily achieved goal would be a seat on the piano bench even if two humans had all available space. Remembrance donation by Judy Wolfe, March 2015.

In loving memory of 17-year-old Gypsy, fur-baby of Linda Hanratty and Bob Vann. Gypsy was a very sweet girl who endured a number of ailments as she grew older. In spite of her problems, she loved her people and looked forward to her walks each day. Gypsy will forever hold a warm spot in the hearts of Bob and Linda, friends and extended family. Remembrance donation by Jeanne and Jon Bickford, March 2015.

Bagels Mintz Goldberg was more than a pet or a dog. He was a beloved family member whose joy in life was apparent with everything he did. He was adored by parents Robert Goldberg and Laurie Mintz. Remembrance donation by Judy Wolfe, February 2015.