Saying goodbye “Saying Goodbye” is a selection of the memorials sent in by Best Friends members. Mail your memorials and photos to Best Friends, Attention: Memorials, or send them via email to editor@bestfriends.org.
Our wonderful ragamuffin Charlie was such a good cat: never scratching where he wasn’t supposed to, never missing the litter box, and always looking after his brother and sister. We are missing him already, but I’m sure he is enjoying himself over the Rainbow Bridge. Rest well and be happy, sweet boy. We love you so much. ALEXX STUART & DIEDRE KAYE,
SCOTTSDALE, ARIZ.
Ginger, you were only with us for three years before illness took you across the Rainbow Bridge, but during those years, your light shined so brightly on our lives. We adopted you when you were five and it was love at first sight. Your tail was constantly wagging and there seemed to always be a smile on your face. Your passing has left an empty spot in our hearts. You are missed so much and will be remembered until our final day. Sleep well, our sweet girl. PETER & LINDA FRAENKEL,
QUEEN CREEK, ARIZ.
Sirius, “eight years old, arthritic, overweight, needs walking” was how you introduced yourself. As I grew older and more arthritic, I felt less capable of adopting another rescued Aussie. But in the next two-and-ahalf years, you wrote an entirely new chapter in my life. Our many walks renewed your health as well as mine. You were smart, funny, strong-willed, and made new friends wherever we went. I was overjoyed to give you the forever home you deserved after an unsettled life. When you passed suddenly one day, it broke my heart, but I realized your work was done: You had protected me by granting my secret wish never to see you decline and suffer. Thank you, dear Sirius, for being my other half and so much more, leaving me with sweet memories and a new outlook on life.
ARLENE DENISON, WEST HILLS, CALIF.
Dusty was with me for many years, throughout the biggest changes of my life, and it is still hard to face the loss. Along with her one lone kitten, Dusty was rescued in 2005 from the old Gretsch musical instrument factory in Brooklyn. The cats were discovered when the factory was being renovated into condos. I met Dusty when she was brought to the shelter where I was working. Dusty was a beautiful and opinionated dilute tortoiseshell who stole my heart. She 100% chose me as her person, and I am grateful that we were blessed with so much time together. I’ll never forget our friendship and the comfort and joy she brought to my life.
AUDREY FISHER SEMEL, NEW YORK, N.Y.
Skip was found stuck in a briar patch in Shenandoah National Park. I fostered him after no one inquired about him at the local shelter, and I decided, “This one is a keeper.” Skip was with me for 13 years, assisting my foster work by showing the new kids how to use the backyard, where to eat and sleep. He was a great demo dog for training classes. The epitome of a good dog — confident, fun, smart, energetic, willing — Skip never met a stranger. But he always came home with me. Now he stays right here, always in my heart.
MARTHA HEISEL, WOODSTOCK, VA.