AKI Memory Wall
In Memory of Animals and People We Will Never Forget
If you'd like to make a donation in memory of a loved one, please send us a message with the name of the pet or person being memorialized and if applicable, the name and address where we should send a note about your kind generosity. Your loved one's memory lives on in the good work your donations make possible.
Memory Wall: Please click on a photo to see the full picture and memorial.
Lizzie lived life on her terms. Her sweet face and gentle soul belied her independence and defiance.
She opened her heart to us…and most pasture gates too.
Obina was found on a right of way hiding in a flowerbed in Freetown, Sierra Leone. She lived till 15. Panda, her son, was born in Sarajevo, Bosnia and died Dec 14, 2022.
Our much-loved, spoiled Daisy, a Jack Russell-mix rescue. She passed away October 13, 2022 at 14 years of age. ~Corita & Paul
In Memory of Baby. Adventurous, smart, cheeky, and loyal. Forever missed, always in my Heart. 05.04.2004 - 11.8.2019
In Memory of gentle and darling, Lu. Forever missed, always in my heart. 06.08.1998 - 01.28.2020
I told the adoption counselor at the Monmouth County SPCA I wanted a cat that would make a good companion for Bruno. She told me that she had the perfect cat for me. They called him Captain C. He was seriously ill at the time he was rescued as a stray but was brought back to good health with quality vet care. Now, at two years old, Capt. C had been passed over for a year (read more)
Such a tough loss
Herbie, we loved you your whole life. We’ll miss you for the rest of ours. Art & Lydia (May 20, 2022)
Dolores McDuffie: My anam cara, my much loved companion for twenty years. I love you forever!
Buggy McDuffie: The cat who came for the wet food, moved in, and became a loved family member; a wise uncle to boisterous kittens.
Bob McDuffie: Loyal friend and brilliant purr-er, a loved and faithful companion and a soothing presence in our home.
Midnight and Pelleas bonded immediately. They were inseparable-grooming each other and playing together. Up until his last day, Midnight would purr, albeit faintly, when he was held and petted. He just loved attention, even when he was dying (Read Dudley's full memorial to Midnight, attached.)
Shirlee, best friend to her daughter Michele, and an animal advocate her entire life. We've created the Shirlee Christensen Memorial Pet Food Fund for Sauvons nos Animaux in Shirlee's memory.
Gemma was surrendered to Fur Friends in Need by her owner who won her as a prize. She was stricken with the e conculi parasite and she lost sight in one of her eyes. Gemma was a loving, devoted companion to Oscar, who died at age 11. Gemma quickly bonded with Percy, a charming Lop, who died just 9 months after he was adopted. Like Percy, Merlin was adopted from the Monmouth County SPCA and Gemma bonded with him very quickly. As part of our usual routine, I fed Gemma and Merlin (continued...)
Gerry joined our family in 2007 after a horse ride in San Gerardo de Rivas, Costa Rica and hence his name. He was a big dog in a little dog frame. Saying goodbye left a big size hole. He had a good life for a stray from Costa Rica.
We welcomed Chi, originally from Uganda, into our family home and he brought me so much joy. The timing was perfect. Chi was playful, inquisitive and affectionate. He woke me up (early) every morning by running across my bed multiple times. He would announce his entrance into the house with loud meows to make sure everyone knew he was back! Read more.....
Honey, loving companion for 13 years. I thank God for so much joy she has given me. She had a peaceful end. Mary
A crazy wild pup. We'll miss you.
For Viktoria - zum Gedenken an Izzy aus deiner Mittwochsgesprächsgruppe
Pye was famous in Burlington, Vermont for singing with my band Oblique Wave. This is a shot of Pye at Hunt’s in Burlington in 1986. What a dog! For more about Pye and his singing fame:
Riley passed away peacefully on New Year's Day 2022 in the arms of his humans. According to his 'official' papers, he was born on 1/1/2007 on the streets of Kigali, Rwanda. He was a rescue & had already been with at least 2 families who wouldn't or couldn't keep him before he met his American diplomatic family in 2013. Luckily for that family, when they arrived in Kigali that year, Riley was looking for a home. He returned to the US with his family & lived with them the remainder of his life.
My furry son, I will love you always.
Our sweet Bailey. You have our hearts forever.
Thank you for being a such a gentle soul, for loving and protecting the boys, and making us laugh every time we said the word ‘walk’. We will love you forever Dukie. Run free. Until we meet again. xx
Gemma was very attached to Oscar, who died in March, age 11. I adopted Percy on April 10 as a new mate for Gemma. They were inseparable. Percy was a beggar. He would stand on his hind legs, with a pleading look in his big, brown eyes. He thought just because he was so cute I wouldn't be able to resist. When Percy didn’t eat a treat I gave him, I knew he was sick. Percy died in my arms while tending to him in the early hours of Dec 28. In the short time I had Percy, I was very attached to him.
Jack & Nicky, my best dog friends. They were such great companions for many years. -Betty
Nicky and Jack, my best dog friends. They were such great companions for many years. -Betty
Cleo, an ideal cat
Fleur was a kitten when she climbed up the mountain path where our elderly cat, Magnificat, was climbing down. A storm was coming so we brought Magnificat in & our neighbor found Fleur. Magnificat was dying of cancer & passed away 2 days later-Christmas day. Fleur came to live with us for 14 yrs & was particularly close with John tending to him when he was recovering from 2 hip surgeries. She was playful, mischievous, agile, wise, a great hunter, we mourn our loss & will never forget her-Melissa
In memory of our precious boy. He was a light in our lives and will continue to warm our hearts whenever we think of him. For our parents, Love, Taryn and Lauren
Gaston, clever rascal and best buddy to Yan, inseparable companion to Mom, you will always be in our hearts.
Indie was much loved by his human family, Rick, Lynne, Alexa, and Austin. Although expected (Indie was an old boy), this loss is weighing heavily on them all. In memory of Indie....Arlene
To my precious girl: A bright, enthusiastic lover of life, always engaged, very affectionate, and who took such good care of me. I'm so sorry your life got cut short, Sweetheart. I miss you terribly. Love & kisses forever ... Mom
In memory of Shanti, who was Randy's beloved companion for almost 20 years-From Sharon
Born on the banks of the Congo River in central Africa, Labi suffered second-degree burns when attacked by soldiers at a young age. She survived the injury but nearly succumbed to starvation following an untimely teen pregnancy. Desperate and losing hope, she caught the eye of an American diplomat who rescued and tamed her.
Mic was my closest companion of over 13 years and was my motivation to get home if I was traveling or just out. We were connected and in tune with each other. Our relationship was honest, loving and had some compromises that worked for us both. We always kept watch for one another. When I moved back to Colorado, Mic was the means for meeting neighbors, making friends with them and their dogs alike. Thank you my dearest poodle geist for our time and adventures. Rest in peace.-Love, Em
We adopted Frida from a shelter in the Ukraine. She passed away last week (1st week of August) and we are heartbroken. Frida was named after the Mexican painter Frida Kahlo, because of her disability/wheelchair also. Frida was incredibly brave, sweet and had a big personality, all wrapped into a tiny body. We miss her everyday.--Louisa
I trapped Babe as a feral kitten. He fit right into my family of two other cats and a dog. He was my best friend for 18 years and will be missed. -Donna
Loved and missed by many
Our time with you was too short-Ron & Karen
In loving memory of Beau. Mama's big boy, and Roxy's little brother. Our hearts are with you always, sweet Beau-ji, and we love you forever. XO
Winston, a beloved pet/child of Rob and Stacey Morgan, passed away in June. He lived to the ripe old age of 15. He loved to hike and swim, but above all, he loved to snuggle. He was a unique looking dog and people would stop and ask, "What breed is he?" We would reply, "a West Virginia Otter Dog": He loved to swim, he looked like an otter in the water, and he was adopted from a rescue in West Virginia. We will miss you Winston. Love, Babushka
Puppy was considered unadoptable because he had epilepsy & was an older dog-7, so he was scheduled to be euthanized before he was rescued by Fur Friends in Need. I adopted him on Oct 22, 2015. I paper trained Puppy by rewarding him with a treat each time he would go on the paper. Even after he was trained, he still expected his treat; he would come up to me, wagging his tail, smiling & tilting his head. I will miss making sure Puppy got his meds 5 times a day & all his cute gestures-Dudley
Bandit, my heart-Mikki
This is Smoky's "Christmas ribbon” look, his invitation to play. This look meant he was ready for ribbon play, when Kim would fling a ribbon around and Smoky would stalk and pounce on it. Ruth sends her condolences to Kim. Smoky is so dearly missed!
Julian was a blessing in our lives; he was a sweet and the most gentle boy. He became the patriarch and peace maker of our special needs little herd. -Vera & Walt
Oscar was used in a university lab and when they no longer wanted him for some reason, he was taken in by a rescue group. He showed no signs of health issues when rescued. Oscar was about 11 when he died, which is old for a rabbit. He outlived three mates, who all adored him. Gemma, his current mate, is now subdued and not eating normally—although she does eat enough to allay any serious concerns. In this picture from October 2020, Oscar is with Midnight.
In memory of Thor, from Ellen
Thank you, Cleo for all the love, healing and companionship. You are forever in my heart. Heather
In memory of Amazing Grace, known as Gracie. She had a brilliant career as a therapy dog, touching many hearts and many people in person, and achieved the highest AKC title, Therapy Dog Distinguished, before the pandemic interrupted her career. She will be greatly missed by her human mom Chris Kirn and her dog little brothers, Marcus and Monty. "Run free, sweet G."
I was lucky to get him. He had been returned to his breeder for chasing the cat. He was such a sweet dog, and so funny. Very clever. He was only 10. Gone too soon.
I adopted Sophia from a shelter just after her first birthday. She was always a happy dog. Sophia passed away, at home in our arms. Probably from lung cancer. One week earlier we didn't know anything and she was still running and playing. She was 11 years old. -From the de Kloets
Alessandra adopted Hook from unfortunate circumstances. From that day, he was a beloved companion and the best boy. While his life was cut short due to lymphoma, it was most excellent until the very end.
To Herbie.... I loved you as a foster pup and even more when you came back to us as family 8 years later. We were meant to be together, and you will live in my heart forever.
Such a sweet friend, we miss you Pancho-Karen & Ron
In Memory of Lou Ann Graham
Sharon donated to AKI in memory of her mother, Lou Ann Graham, an amazing woman and a life-long lover of animals. Lou Ann was full of life and love for family, the arts, nature, animals, and social justice. Among other passions and achievements, Lou Ann was one of the founders of First Unitarian Animal Advocates, she was a substitute teacher at an Albuquerque high school, she taught drama, was an author, and was active in local theater productions. She passed away peacefully on November 1, 2016 at the age of 90. She remained active, interested in others, and always so interesting to talk to up to the end.
Lifelong supporter of animals and animal rescue
Lifelong supporter of animals and animal rescue
In Memory of Harry
Leticia Andino rescued Harry; he had been abandoned at a local church near where they live in Tegucigalpa, Honduras. He was in really bad shape, covered with fleas and ticks, very thin, he had problems breathing, his fur was so dull, and in places, it had fallen out. Letty and her family adopted him and nursed him back to health. But he still had nose bleeds and problems eating and breathing. During July (2016), Letty's family had to take Harry to the vet several times to be treated for his health problems.
Then, during the 3rd week of July, he had two days of severe hemorrhaging. He died Friday night, July 22. He was such a sweet dog. He was part of Letty's family for 8 months, and during that time he was much loved.
In memory of Amadeus
Dudley sent AKI this memorial for his beloved dog, Amadeus.
My rescue dog, Amadeus, died on June 16 at the age of 15 (approximately). Amadeus was rescued from death row in an animal shelter in New York by Fur Friends in Need.
I adopted him in March of 2011. At 10, he was considered too old to put up for adoption, even though he was a pure bred Japanese Chin. He had some health issues, but nothing serious. He was not able to walk or even stand in his last three months. He died at home in his bed. Amadeus had a very sweet disposition; everyone loved him.
Kelly donated to Uganda SPCA in memory of her husband, John.
"John was an animal lover. Timbre was his cat - Timbre fought cancer at the same time John did, so they were eternally bonded. I think she did what she could to save him."
John fought kidney cancer for 5 years, continuing to work at his job at Dolby Laboratories most of that time. Sadly though, he had to stop working in June 2014, and passed away in January 2015 at age 50. Eventually, after John passed, Kelly left for Uganda to volunteer at a school.
While there, she took on the care of some kitties, including a mama cat, Zena, and her kittens.
Before Kelly returned to the US, she wanted to ensure that the kitties would be in a safe environment, so she contacted AKI, we contacted Uganda SPCA, and they sent a car to Mbarara (2 1/2 hours from Kampala) to pick up the kitties and bring them to The Haven, where they will have a loving home until they are adopted. Kelly, our heartfelt condolences to you and your family. Thank you for caring about Uganda and about Uganda kitties, from AKI and Uganda SPCA.
Dudley donated to AKI in memory of Melusina, a Lop rabbit, and Persephone, a Chihuahua.
Dudley adopted Melusina from the Monmouth County SPCA in December 2014. She had a hind leg amputated in May, but was able to move around well and was always in good spirits. She was always with Oscar, her mate, and used Dudley’s dog, Puppy, as a pillow when they were on the bed together. Melusina’s death was sudden and totally unexpected. Dudley took her to the vet because she was having trouble moving around and she died in the vet’s office of cardiac arrest on November 21, 2015. She was only 4 or 5 years old.
Dudley also adopted Persephone from the Monmouth County SPCA in July 2006 when she was about 6 years old. Persephone died on June 7, 2015 when she was about 15.
From Cindi S. For my Shining Star
When she snuggled, she really snuggled. She liked to put her paws around my neck and dig in, and she and I would often dance. She liked Ben E. King, or maybe it was because he was my favorite.
She loved to go for walks (during which I often wondered if she had been a sled dog in a previous life, she pulled so hard), and for car rides, where she would sit like a little lamb on my lap. Once waiting in line at the drive-in teller at the bank she put her paw on the horn and when the angry man in the car ahead turned to curse, I pointed at her and he burst out laughing.
I had long cherished a dream of doing animal therapy, and had an expert come to evaluate both her and her big sister, thinking that Luna, the more placid of the two, would be ideal. But to my surprise Star passed the test with flying colours, and thereafter we went every Sunday to the only nursing home in Kingston that ‘allowed animals’. The ladies absolutely adored her. She would sit demurely on their laps and listen to their stories and if they bent forward she would kiss their noses. I didn’t even have a name, I was only Star’s mummy, and I would hear them all talking excitedly when I pressed the buzzer to let them know we were there. The owner was delighted, and said it was remarkable to see the change in their personalities; they were more animated, smiled a lot, ate more and slept better. Star left us on the 13th of June.
IN MEMORY OF
April 2017: In memory of the Bolton's dog Jake, Lara A. and Rob W. donated to AKI. Jake's memory lives on through this donation, which will help animals where the help is needed most and can do the most good.
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December 2015: In memory of Tucker, Lara A. and Rob W. donated to AKI. Tucker's 1st mom and dad, Kaitlin and Matt A., and 2nd mom and dad, Lara and Rob, will miss their beloved Tucker.
November 2015: In memory of Ron & Karen's dog, Bruni:
From: Patti & Dana F., Betty J., Alice R., Jean M., Molly M., Jenny M., Lara & Rob
July 2015: Lara and Rob donated in memory of Tom and Carol Walter's dog Trixie of Biloxi.
June 2015: Lara and Rob donated in memory of the Cvijanovich's beloved cat, Minnie.
May 2015: Wendy A. donated in loving memory of the Weinstein's dog, Jessie.
August 2014: From Lara & Rob:In honor of Jake "the wonder lab"
November 2013: From Patti and Dana Foy & from Dave S.: In memory of Ron and Karen's dog, Eubie
From Lara & Rob: In memory of Eubie, for Hope 2's surgery (Uganda SPCA)
September 2013: From Ellen: In memory of the Kruman's dog, Boomer
August 2013: From Lara & Rob: In memory of the Brown's dog, Bo
In memory of Lara & Rob's dogs, Cashew and Nikki
From Jane: In memory of Chewbaca, Tiger, Winnie, Sophie, Apple, Penny and “all the other great 4-legged creatures that have graced my life!”
From Patti & Dana F.: In memory of their dog, Ollie
From Lara & Rob: In memory of the Altman’s dog, Chloe; in memory of David and Sandy’s dogs, Tracker and Lola; in memory of Rodney and Vivienne’s dog, Bailey; and in memory of Karen’s dog, Lucy
From Jean: In memory of “my sweet Rosie”
From Wendy: In memory of Gina’s kitty, Gem
In memory of Karen’s dog, Lucy, from: Emily M. & Rick A.
In memory of Diane C's dog, Lucky
My little Lucky found me just when I needed him most. He was a scruffy little starving stray who ran up to me, planted his paws on me, looked up at me with those chocolate brown button eyes - and captured my heart forever. I lifted him into my arms…. and that was the beginning of a wonderful friendship for the next 13 years.
He blessed my life with love and affection, brought joy, laughter and happiness into every day and, although he is gone from my sight, he will remain forever in my heart. Goodnight, God bless, my faithful little friend, I miss you every day. I am making a regular monthly donation to Stray Dogs Bosnia so that other poor little lost dogs can be found again and helped in your name. Until we meet again, Lucky. Bless you all for the wonderful work you do, Diane
In memory of Brigitte's beloved old boy, Blacky (12 January 2015), who lived a long, happy life, but still left us too soon. He had a great life in Uganda with Brigitte and Tony and their other dogs.
Brigitte sent this beautiful memorial to Blacky:
Rest in Peace my lovely brave boy.
We had such good time together.
Always meeting me at the gate when coming back from work and ready to go and play in the garden with balls, even when you were sick and it was difficult for you, you never gave up.
I miss you so much, there is such a big empty space in my life, in our house without you.
Tara your girl friend and Buster your son are missing you too and are very quiet. You will always have a special place in my heart and one day we will all be reunited.
In Memory of Eubie
My dog Eubie had a large "fan club." It was always interesting to see who, when they met Eubie, would also feel this connection to him, as Ron and I did. I think the ones who did are true dog people. Eubie was born in Kampala, and Ron and I rescued him and his 3 brothers from a construction site, where we also met his very sweet parents. I found homes for his siblings; he outlived all of them by about 13 years. Along with several other dogs and cats, Eubie lived with us in Uganda, Botswana, and Ghana before moving to Jemez Springs, NM, USA (picture with cowboy hat). Eubie was part basenji, a breed from Congo. A magazine article I read said that basenjis seek the most comfortable spot.
Eubie always took the pillow, and if there was a person around, who he could use as a pillow that worked too. Eubie was also known for being lazy, and when he was a puppy, one of his favorite things was to be carried around on Ron's shoulder (picture). Eubie had a funny way about him, and one of my favorite things he did was stamp his feet, sneeze, and make various noises to let us know he wanted something (food, to go out, petting).
He was named after the jazz pianist, Eubie Blake, who wrote:
Be grateful for good luck,
Pay the thunder no mind-Listen to the rain!
And don't hate nobody.
That was Eubie to a T.
Eubie's last day was November 16, 2013 . He was 15 and 9 months old, and he was part of our family for all but his first 2 months of life. Eubie will always have a place in our hearts. - Karen Menczer, founder and director, AKI
Blondie
Due to lack of space at the Kingston shelter, small dogs are housed in portable kennels on top of the big dog kennels, so they are more or less at eye level. One day I spied a little bundle of woe cowering at the back of a cage and opened the door just to try and stroke her. To my surprise she struggled up, wobbled towards me and stepped straight out into my arms, and that was the beginning of our love affair. click to read more.
In Memory of Lucy
Although we support organizations all over the world, we do not lose sight that AKI is about the individual dogs, cats, and other animals who need our help, as well as the animal welfare advocates in poor countries, who tirelessly work to improve the lives of animals. There are many dogs as wonderful and deserving as Lucy, and most don’t get the opportunities that she has had. But they all should. AKI is dedicated to Lucy’s memory, in the hope that someday, all animals will be treated much more humanely.
Lucy was from Uganda, and had a very sad start to her life in Kampala. She spent about 18 hours a day chained to a wooden box, which was her "home" behind a food kiosk. During the day she was taunted by people who came to the kiosk.
At night, she was let off the chain to guard, but she turned out to be a failure as a guard dog, and her owners asked me if I wanted her. From when she was about 1 1/2 years old, she lived with us in Uganda for four years, moved to Botswana, Ghana, and then Jemez Springs, New Mexico, USA with us, where she spent the last three years, two of them battling throat cancer, but she was always a sweet, gentle, and happy soul. (Lucy aka Goosey Lucy aka Loose Goose, 1997-July 2010) - Karen Menczer, founder and director, AKI
In Memory of Bully (from Deborah Binns, Kingston Community Animal Welfare): -
I put Bully to sleep last Saturday, April 5. He was my dog for 12 wonderful years and I will miss him.
I first encountered Bully on my way home one afternoon when he was only 4 weeks old, lying on the side of the road in dirty water. I thought he was a rat.
I buried him beside my Poopsie darling and Starry, under the StarApple tree. Sleep well my little dog. rip.
Pilar's memorial to Mulana:
Mulana was an old dog when I rescued her, as she stood and repeatedly fell in front of the Catholic University near my house. She was terrified and tried to bite me as she fell over again and again nearly being hit by several cars. Luckily it was 7am and not much traffic. I enlisted a local teenager to keep her out of the street as I grabbed her to place her in the back of my car. This time I did get bitten and the teen was shocked to see the blood running down my arm and hand and asked if I was sure I wanted to rescue her. Since her neurological symptoms seemed to indicate distemper, for the first six months at the HHHH sanctuary she was isolated away from the other dogs. Whenever I fed her, I would pet her and call her name, which she eventually liked. About 10 days after I rescued her, she wagged her tail for the first time. She never tried to bite again. Mulana was afraid to be in the back alone with the other dogs, and a couple of times, she jumped the back fence. (Because of her, AKI paid to have the fence repaired.)
She loved being in the front yard, where she could see me. She would be on the couch or at my feet when I was here and outside near the door or sunning herself when I was gone. She never barked and had the biggest ears and most soulful eyes. She had nervous ticks and ground her teeth to nubs. She also moved constantly during her sleep slamming her legs into walls and other dogs. She was such a lover and I constantly look for her at my bedroom door each night or next to me on the couch. She lived almost 4 years here and was 10 to 12 when she died in July. We will miss her. Mulana appeared in Guillermo Yuscaran's book about Pilar, "Sherry 'Pilar' Thorn: A Dog's Best Friend ("La Mejor Amiga de los Perros: Una Gringa Extraordinaria").
From Deborah for Starry, 28 January 2013, Kingston, Jamaica
This is my dog, Starry. I have had her with me for the past 6 years. I first saw her lying down at a gas station in downtown Kingston in 2006, all skinny and furless. I could tell she wasn't a young dog and she looked at me with the saddest eyes. I didn't have any food having fed my street dogs already but made sure to take food for her the following day.
Sure enough there she was at 8:15 am the next morning! I gave her a ton of food and she didn't stop until she ate it all.
I fed her every day after that then simply fell in love with her wonderful spirit. I named her STARSHINE because I found myself singing that song while she ate... " Good Morning Starshine, the earth says hello..." and I would sing just those lines over and over again cause I didn't know all the words! Once she even stopped eating to look at me with an expression that was probably pleading with me to please learn the rest of the words! lol!
I was always late for work too cause I had to wait until she was finished with her food cause I soon discovered a man in the gas station used to chase her and take her food for his dogs after I left!!!! Last year I discovered she had breast cancer. K, I cried and cried for my little "Starry". When I tell you she stole my heart...*sigh* I put her to sleep 2 weeks ago and buried her under my Soursop tree with her name on the tree...Starry.
In Memory of Krypto
Supporter Elizabeth wanted her dog Krypto's memory to live on. Elizabeth's wish is that all dogs and cats have homes that are as caring as Krypto had. For that reason, Elizabeth decided to donate to Animal-Kind International in Krypto's memory, and she challenges others to do the same.
AKI thought this was a great idea, and we hope that this snowballs into many more donations in memory of pets loved and lost. What better way to pay your respect to them?