Scruffy

Hi, my name is Kristen and this is my tribute to my cat, Scruffy, who passed away last night at Oradell Animal Hospital.

Scruffy came into my life at the tender age of 13, when my family had moved into our first real house, and decided we needed a pet to complete the happy picture. My sister and her best friend went with my dad to pick out a cat; Mom and I were pretty surprised when they came home with 2! Scruffy and Sophie, 6 week old brother and sister tabby kittens. Apparently, my sister had pleaded at the shelter that they shouldn’t be separated, and dad begrudgingly agreed. As an angst-ridden new adolescent, my only opinion at the time was that I didn’t want them in my room or on my bed. Oh, how times would change! Within 2 days, I was in love with both of them.

Scruffy and Sophie accompanied me through many things; the good, like graduating high school and college, and the bad (which we shall keep off this page). When my parents decided to move to Oklahoma to care for my ailing grandmother, we all made the decision that it would be best for the cats to stay in New Jersey. So, we moved them into the apartment that I shared with my sister. Unfortunately, within a few months my sweet girl Sophie developed a spinal tumor that would end her life on April 29, 2009. Scruffy reacted with fear, confusion, and I’m sure of it, grief. Then, my sister moved to New York City, and it was just me and Scruff. We became best friends; he needed someone to play with and I needed someone to love and take care of.

Last year, Scruff was diagnosed with CRF. I was hoping he would have a few years left in his shell, but I only got to enjoy his company for another 6 months before he suddenly became very ill about a week ago. I looked at his face underneath the bed, and it told me he was hurting; that he was ready to move on, that life had become a burden. So on April 15 2012, I lovingly held him in my arms one last time before he crossed over, finally, to the Rainbow Bridge, with the support of the loving staff at Oradell Animal Hospital.

I miss him so much already, but I will always be comforted by the wonderful memories from the past 17 years. RIP, my sweet angel.

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Tiberius

Tiberius was 8 months old when he passed away during surgery after being hit by a car. He was full of personality from the moment I met him at the humane society. When I picked him up the first time, he cuddled so hard he would head butt my face. He never stopped doing that. He would lay in my arms like a little baby for long periods of time and loved getting into mischief. He won over everyone. My other cat was not happy about getting a new one but within a short time, they were cuddling and playing as best friends. Even people that claimed they hated cats would fall in love with Tiberius. I miss him so very much.

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Clownie aka "not spot"

Many people send in the stories of their beloved pets to post on www.petlosshelp.org memorial tributes. We have had birds, cats, bunnies and reptiles. We now have the story of our first fish! Check out the story of one long-lived remarkable Clown Loach.

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Dickens

The subject of animal companion loss can bring a wide variety of reactions. For those who have experienced this devastation, it brings validation, connection to others who have endured this loss and choose to express the depth of their attachment to their departed friend.

For the writer in the public domain, it is taking a chance. Not all publications, editorial staff or readers consider animal companion loss to be a serious topic. If they have not experienced this agonizing process, they are likely to skip over an article which too often appears in the “hobby” section of a publication.

Receiving commentary from readers who share the writer’s understanding of the grieving process and express appreciation for the article is one way to advocate for the importance of animals in human lives – to help educate those who may quickly dismiss the agony of one who has just suffered the loss of a precious companion. Please click on over to the excellent article by Andrea Kahn and if so moved, leave a comment.

Thank you so much Andrea, for sharing this important information with your readers!

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Helen of Troy, Therapy Dog par Excellence

Last month, two Albany area canines and their owners got the star treatment at the Broadway Barks Adopt-a-Thon in New York City’s Shubert Alley, a yearly event organized by stars Mary Tyler Moore and Bernadette Peters on behalf of animal rescue organizations throughout the state.
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> Out of the Pits President Cydney Cross and board member Helene Goldberger accompanied their pit bulls Grace and Helen of Troy to the 13th annual event, which culminated in an award ceremony honoring Out of the Pits for its outreach work with and on behalf of abandoned pit bulls.

Helen of Troy is a 5-year old American Pitbull Terrier belonging to Helene Goldberger and Paul Baitsholts of Berne. Helen, or HOT as she is affectionately known, has been visiting the Stratton VA in Albany NY, since July 5, 2010. When she arrives at the hospital, even before she steps on the elevator to go on her appointed rounds, she’s greeted with smiles and expressions of delight. The 39 pound Pitbull enjoys visiting the VA and adores everyone she meets.

Helen didn’t start life destined to be a loved pet and therapy dog. In 2008, Helen, who was roaming the streets, was picked up by a Troy dog control officer. She was checked into the veterinarian’s office. Apart from being flea infested, she was also found to be deaf. Because of the difficulties in placing Pitbulls, particularly ones with any impairment, Helen was scheduled to be euthanized. However, thanks to the kindness and quick action of a veterinary technician who saw the “diamond in the rough,” Helen was rescued.

Through the collaborative efforts of Pets without People, Out of the Pits, Animal Farm Foundation and the wonderful Pitbull Dog Sanctuary, Helene and her husband Paul were able to adopt Helen of Troy.After adopting Helen of Troy in 2010, Helene started a series of training classes culminating with a therapy dog test administered by Therapy Dog, Inc. Hand signals were used to communicate with her. Helen passed with flying colors and the tester suggested that Helen volunteer at the V.A. As they say, the rest is history.

Helen and Helene try to visit the Albany VA Medical Center at least once a month. They also have started visiting the Rensselaerville Library where children actually read to her. Helen also has started to compete in dog agility!Stephanie Bonenfant, Director of Volunteer Services, said, “We love to have all our therapy dogs visit. They add a special dimension of attention and sweetness. All breeds are welcome here at the Stratton VA. We recognize that love comes in all shapes, sizes and colors.”Stacey Coleman, of Animal Farm Foundation, commented, “Everyone at AFF involved with Helen’s rescue and training knew she was destined to be, at minimum, a treasured pet and hopefully a great asset to her community with her sweet loving nature. We are delighted that she is all that – a true ambassador for her breed.”

Owner Helene Goldberger said, “My husband and I love our rescued Pitbulls and are delighted that we can share their true nature with the community. Whenever Helen and I come to the Stratton VA, no matter if we are tired or worried about something, we always perk up quickly and are so energized by the good feelings that Helen engenders on every floor that she visits. We usually leave tired but very happy. For anyone thinking of this kind of volunteer work, I would say you gain a whole lot more than you give!”

For more information about volunteering at the Albany Stratton VA Medical Center contact:
Stephanie Bonenfant, Volunteer Specialist, 518-626-5508.
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> For more of this story, click on or type the URL below:
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> http://www.troyrecord.com/articles/2011/07/18/news/doc4e23a8c0980e7539370977.txt
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Wanted to make pet loss help readers aware of this fine organization that is attempting to turn the tide on canine cancer. Offering support, encouragement, research, treatment updates and community fundraising opportunities, this dedicated group is doing an excellent job of outreach.

Canine Cancer Awareness, Inc. is a tax-deductible non-profit organization whose mission is to raise awareness of the prevalence of canine cancer, its effects and the available treatment options.

They distribute educational materials (on the web or otherwise) while working in coordination with other programs involved with issues regarding canine cancer. They are working to establish public and private relationships for financial support of the Canine Cancer Awareness program by the raising of funds through various outlets, including, but not limited to, annual dues from Associate Membership.

If your precious friend lost his life to cancer, it might be of comfort to make a donation to this group in his name, or get involved yourself as a member. Cancer is a scourge that is decimating the longevity of our four footed friends at all levels of ages and health. CCA is trying to respond to this heart-breaking challenge with many comprehensive programs, while compassionately supporting pet owners whose animals are afflicated with the illness. THANK YOU CCA for your work

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You’ll really enjoy the photographs, lyrics and music in this tribute to our dearest friends.

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Radar

In 2000 my then boyfriend now husband Dylan & I went to our local humane Society to adopt a kitten. We knew we were going to pick the cutest little kitty they had to offer. It would be the first pet we had ever owned so we had superficial ideas about what we would choose. We entered the building & bypassed all the older cats straight to one adorable kitten. He was surrounded by many potential adopters wanting the same cute kitten. Quickly we grabbed a staff person and asked to take the little guy to the one on one room. He was everything we wanted. We wrote his I.D number down & raced to the counter hoping to adopt him before one of the many, many others also looking at him.

As we walked as quickly as we could I heard the most obnoxious loud cry coming from a cage by my feet. There looking up at me was a very skinny orange tabby cat. Ugliest thing ever & we both kind of laughed at it. As we giggled at his loud cries I became very sad. Besides his hip bone sticking out he had a very large head & incredibly large ears. By far NOT the ideal looking cat. He was a year old & so scared. Very different from the healthy kitten enjoying all the attention we were about to adopt. I looked over at Dylan who by now had a sad look on his face also. I said no one is going to take this cat & everyone wants the other. Lets ask if we can bring him in the one on one room. In the room we sat him down & he continued to scream the horrible meow as he rubbed on our legs & feet begging to be taken out of there. I said lets just do it, he is freaking out in here.

We named him Radar due to his large ears & quickly he became a very healthy big cat. So grateful & affectionate. He was playful, smart and down right funny. He fit in with us like peanut butter & jelly.. our new best buddy. Radar became a favorite amongst our friends & family. When visitors came over it wasn’t uncommon for them to call for Radar as they walked in the door. Dylan’s parents had never liked or owned pets & his father was allergic to cats. Surprisingly they too would ignore the sniffles & itchy eyes & cuddle with him. Radar & his father became very close friends.

He was treated like our child, I would hold him like a baby as he slept. We would talk to him & he always answered back. We later got married then pregnant & my first worry was how Radar was going to handle it, lol. We had a very energetic little boy that pulled his ears, laid on him, hit him with toys, chased him around the house. That cat never bit him, every now & then he would place his open mouth on his arm and look up at us as a warning to get him away. For the most part they became great friends also. Later we had a second boy who’s now 2 & Radar was now 11. Still in his older age he put up with these boys like a champ.

On June 12, 2011 my children went camping & I stayed home. I had noticed Radar laying at the bottom the the steps for many hours but just thought he was enjoying the quiet same as I. As I would pass him he would meow that terrible sound like always. I would say “hey Radar you lazy cat, watcha doing” and he answered back. I began to do dishes & all of a sudden our wall clock fell crashing right next to him. I looked over & the first thing I noticed was he didn’t jump up. I ran to him & he meowed again at me. I said “HEY get up! ” He just looked at me sad. I tried to stand him up & he just fell back down. I quickly scooped him up in my arms & carried him to the couch. I pressed on his back legs but they were cold & limp. Our local Vet was closed & I had no idea were the Emergency pet hospital was. I gave him water through a dropper and held him. He didn’t seem to be in any pain & I was so confused.

My hubby came home from work & he & his father rushed him to the pet hospital. He had a blood clot & the Dr.’s said he needed to be put down. We were in shock. My husband couldn’t bear being in there & seeing Radar go. I couldn’t bear him going without me there. So I stayed and held him. Kissing his neck as he fell asleep. We were all able to say good bye including my oldest son. We brought him home & buried him in the back yard. My son placed a picture of him & his brother in the box & gave him one last kiss. It’s only a cat but we are all so sad & miss him terribly.

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Dickens, the inspiration for Pet Loss Help

Often some form of animal advocacy donation and work can be a helpful distraction from the hard work of mourning. This activity offers a constructive outlet to a grief that demands expression. But writing about the life of your companion can also be healing when you are ready to put your feelings into words.

Pet loss help website posts tributes to our friends, not just a date of death and a picture! Our readers want to know about the life of your friend, what made him so special to you, how you happened to find each other, activities you both enjoyed and how he has forever touched your life. Canine, feline, equine, feathered or scaled, all these divine creatures bring a dimension to our hectic lives that busy schedules sometimes have forced us to abandon. Their sweet lives demonstrate that care free Mindful existence – a reminder that life is short, love is precious and not a moment can be wasted on frivolous or anxiety provoking activities.

They remind us that it’s all about love, loyalty and spending time which strengthens cherished bonds. So if you are so moved to share your friends life with the world in this honoring manner, please send your story (with jpeg picture attached) to susanstonelcsw@aol.com where it will be gently edited and posted forever! It doesn’t matter if your loss is recent or years ago. Once touched, the deep experience of bonding with that special friend never leaves us!

There is no fee for such postings. Pet Loss Help is dedicated to honoring the memory of precious beings and fostering the hope of future attachments.

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From Newark, New Jersey Mayor, Cory Booker:

Recently a heinous incident of animal cruelty took place in our city and shocked the world. On March 16th, the day before St. Patrick’s Day, a 1-year-old pit bull was found inside a trash bag, starved and near death after having been thrown down a trash chute. At the time of his rescue by a heroic and caring maintenance worker, he weighed only 20 pounds – less than half of what doctors considered normal weight. After receiving immediate medical attention from the City of Newark’s Animal Control, he was quickly transferred to a trauma unit at Garden State Veterinary Specialists in Tinton Falls, New Jersey where they found him to be severely anemic and malnourished requiring a blood transfusion in order to survive. For his miraculous recovery and the holiday on which he was found, he has been dubbed “Patrick the miracle dog.” Despite his horrific abuse, Patrick is expected to fully recover into a happy, healthy dog.

Patrick’s story is one of countless instances of animal cruelty taking place daily around the world. It is a reminder that many animals suffer appalling abuse, and without our help, cases like this will end even more tragically. It is my hope that through spreading awareness and working together we can help save many of these defenseless animals from abuse and neglect.

For almost two years, my administration has been working hard to establish a state-of-the-art animal shelter in Newark. Thus far, we have identified and readied a site and have architects working on the design. This facility seeks to serve other New Jersey municipalities in Essex and Hudson counties that desperately need other options for housing and caring for homeless animals. By working to build a modern, state-of-the-art shelter through public and private funding, and by employing innovative policies to improve responsible pet care, decrease birthrates, increase adoptions, and help keep animals with their responsible caretakers, we believe that Newark’s animal shelter operations can become a model for the rest of the nation.

For my birthday, my wish is that you join our Cause to help spread awareness of Patrick’s story and animal abuse, and, if possible, contribute toward the construction of “Patrick’s Place” – the animal shelter which we hope to build in the coming years in Newark. Patrick’s abuser claimed she could no longer care for her dog – it is our hope that by providing this additional facility in our city, more animals can be rescued from unnecessary neglect and abuse. Any money we raise not used for this project will be donated to a local organization for the protection and care of animals.

Newark will be known as a city that cares not only about its people, but its animals, too.

Click here to donate to the building of an animal shelter in honor of Patrick

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