Animal People offers this space to honor departed loved ones, human and non-human, and to commemorate people who devoted their lives to creating a kinder world for animals. To place a memorial on this page, please make a donation of any size to Animal People in the name of the departed, and e-mail a photograph and brief obituary, epitaph, or prayer to wolf@animalpeopleforum.org.
"In loving memory of Jema, 2010 – 2021. Jema was/is an incredibly sweet soul who spread happiness to all those around her." (Ann & Bill Koros, October 2021)
In loving memory of Jema (2010-2021)
"Mango (right), here shown with his 'bride' Lucy, underwent a remarkable character arc over his lifetime. When he first arrived he was like a mob boss, leading his 'minions' Mishmish (his brother) and Henri in chasing and tormenting other cats. Yet over time and many scoldings, he gradually learned to restrain his worst instincts and embrace his better nature. A fully reformed gentleman in his elder years, he came to be widely beloved by the other cats, including those like Lucy whom he formerly persecuted. The memory of 'Dr. Goach' remains a source of great humor and joy."
In loving memory of Mango (d. 2019)
"Tut and Osiris, twin brothers born on the streets of Cairo, Egypt, could be difficult to tell apart at a glance even after many years living in her household. Yet while sharing a close brotherly bond, they had very different personalities. Tut lived up to his namesake, a clever yet bratty 'boy king.' Osiris came to be known more for his looks, earning the nickname 'Beauty Cat' for his perfect feline form. They passed one shortly after another, Osiris in September and Tut in October of 2019. Their absence is still acutely felt."
In loving memory of brothers Tut and Osiris (d. 2019)
"Lucy's entire life followed an upward trajectory, a rare fortune for a cat or any creature. Abandoned as a kitten and tiny and hapless even as an adult, Lucy was rescued by our friend Kristen and found protectors in my mother and I, who defended her against bullying by our other cats. Lucy knew peace and joy in her old age, her neuroses and traumas largely healed, and most of her former persecutors now loving companions. Her passing was heartbreaking, and her absence still felt acutely in the household." (Wolf Gordon Clifton, May 2019)
In loving memory of Lucy, 1998-2018
"Pipoca was such a special, precious soul in my life, but he also embodied something much bigger for me: he was a piece of my home in Palestine that I hoped I would be able to bring back to the USA. I'm so grateful that I had a beautiful year with this sweet being, that I was able to rescue him from a life of living in the garbage or being chased by street animals. He brought me so much joy, comfort, and laughter." (Danielle Williams, August 2018)
In loving memory of Pipoca, 2017-2018
"I was very lucky to have spent a week with Daphne Sheldrick at Tsavo West and at her home in Nairobi National Park in 1999. She was a lovely lady, much like a grand elephant matriarch." (Kim Bartlett, April 2018)
In honor of Daphne Sheldrick, 1934-2018
"Rescued with his mother Melantha at the age of about six months, Bela had been dumped in the forest and was clearly a victim of severe abuse, reacting with terror to any new person or stimulus even many years later. Though he warmed to us quickly and enjoyed our company, Bela was too scarred to ever fully trust us even after a lifetime of care, a capacity innate to dogs but stolen from him by his puppyhood persecutor. Nonetheless, he led a long, good, and comfortable life, surrounded by dogs, cats, and humans who loved him." (Wolf Gordon Clifton, January 2018)
In loving memory of Bela, 2004-2018
"Simba was found abandoned in his former keepers' house in Cairo, Egypt. When we first met him at his rescuer's house, where he had become caretaker to several motherless kittens, we thought he was an elderly tom, and adopted him hoping simply to make him comfortable in his old age. Once we got him to the United States though, we discovered he was actually a young cat made lethargic and sickly by a fungal infection. With proper medical care, he soon became frisky and playful, and lived another nine years with us. Simba was a kindly introvert, quiet and gentle toward the other animals. His soothing presence will be greatly missed." (Wolf Gordon Clifton, October 2016)
In loving memory of Simba, c. 2006-2016
"Paralyzed in his hind legs, Elrond nonetheless knew joy in being held, fed, and rolled around the house in his 'chariot,' a transparent plastic box mounted in a postal cart. The baby of the household, he demanded much effort to care for, but in return inspired boundless delight through his cuteness and playful, shy yet upbeat personality. He was happy in his final moments being held in my mother Kim‘s arms. I take comfort in picturing him reborn with wings, soaring through golden skies with the boundless freedom of motion denied him in this life." (Wolf Gordon Clifton, July 2016)
In loving memory of Elrond, 2007-2016
"Puddles was the dog of my sister Jayne. When Jayne died four years ago, I naturally adopted Puddles. Being a most delightful dog, there was never a moment I didn't adore having Puddles in the household, and her presence always made me feel as if Jayne was nearby. They are together now." (Kim Bartlett, August 2015)
In loving memory of Puddles, d. 2015
"Our rescued hen Klinka taught me that chickens were brave and empathic, when she chased a cat who had a little bird in his mouth and she wouldn't give up until he let the bird go and it flew away, through the chain link in the fence around the yard. She showed how tough chickens could be when she became yard boss to a gang of cats and a pack of big dogs. She made me laugh with her fondness for country music. She made me feel loved when she was near death and yet opened her beak and tried to 'speak' back to me when I called her name. I miss Klinka every day." (Kim Bartlett, February 2016)
In loving memory of Klinka, 2008-2014
"Goodbye Mellie Melantha, the 'Black Rose.' You were such a happy, boisterous presence in our household, and the dog I always missed most while away at college. You were also the best mother imaginable to your traumatized son Bela. You protected him in your abusive former household, provided for him when you were both abandoned in the woods, and continued to love and comfort him for the rest of your life together with us." (Wolf Gordon Clifton, September 2014)
In loving memory of Melantha, c. 2002-2014
"Found living underneath the Clinton post office with two other feral cats, Miriam and Moses, Sabora was a sweet and gentle soul, but remained untouchable until old age, when she finally learned to trust my mom and me and enjoy being petted. She passed away on May 26, 2014. Goodbye, Sabora. May you awaken to a high and happy rebirth, and may we someday meet again before the end of time." (Wolf Gordon Clifton, June 2014)
In loving memory of Sabora, d. 2014
"Goodbye Lawan, dog of a thousand names. As in this life you overcame the waves of the Indian Ocean, may you now safely navigate the ocean of rebirth; and as in this life you were known as Dadasattva, may you travel far upon the bodhisattva path in your life to come. May your soul be blessed, dear Lawan, and may we all someday meet again, before the end of time." (Wolf Gordon Clifton, October 2015)
In loving memory of Lawan (aka "Dadasattva"), d. 2014
In loving memory of Henri, d. 2014
"You were a wonderful dog and an inspiration in your courage, stoicism, and gentle nature." (Wolf Gordon Clifton, June 2012)
In loving memory of Simon, 1998-2012
In loving memory of Miriam, c. 2000-2012
In loving memory of Brendan, c. 1994-2010
In loving memory of Miriam, d.2010
In loving memory of Sammy, d. 2010
"God bless you, Shamsy. I pray we someday meet again, before the end of time." (Wolf Gordon Clifton, September 2009)
In loving memory of Shamsy, d. 2009
"I love you Peetie, even if you feared me in life. I hope to someday see you again." (Wolf Gordon Clifton, November 2008)
In loving memory of Peetie, 1991-2008
"I love you, Chessy. Know always that I love you, wherever you are." (Wolf Gordon Clifton, November 2008)
In loving memory of Francesca, 1992-2008
"Born in Anjar, Kutch region, Gujarat state, Rati Shah was among the first Jains to seek an education in the U.S., at a time when practicing the strictly vegetarian Jain lifestyle in the U.S. was extremely difficult. He met and married the former Bonny Karstadt in 1968, while she was a student at Rutgers University. At the Shahs' home in Bartonville, Texas they established a personal sanctuary for rescued animals, including donkeys, pigs, and other farmed species, founded Ahimsa of Texas to support dog and cat sterilization, and in India founded the Dharma Donkey Sanctuary. Bonny Shah died of leukemia in July 2004. Rati Shah was a frequent donor in her memory." (Animal People News, October 2008)
In loving memory of Ratilal "Rati" Shah, 1936-2008
In loving memory of Tina, d.2008
In loving memory of Meeko, d.2008
In loving memory of Sylvie, d.2007
In loving memory of Zookie the dog (1987-1997) and cats Rousseau (1987-2006) and Voltaire (1984-2004)
In loving memory of Schopenhauer, d.2006
In loving memory of Rosalba, d.2006
In loving memory of Tasha, c. 1992-2005
In loving memory of Alfred the "dragon slayer," 1988-2006
In loving memory of Becky Louise, 1991-2005
In loving memory of Isaiah, 1990-2004
"Much like the donkeys with whom she most closely identified, Bonny loved to laugh and she laughed loud. She loved food and comfort. She could kick her heels high in play. But also like a donkey, she could endure all manner of physical suffering. She would work until she literally dropped. During all the time we knew Bonny, she fought leukemia. She had ups and downs, but even in her downs she did more to bring happiness and comfort to others than most healthy people ever consider doing. Bonny didn’t want to talk about doing things, she wanted to do things, and would always step in where she thought she was needed." (Kim Bartlett, July 2004)
In loving memory of Bonny Shah, 1946-2004
In loving memory of Babette, our "pig," 1994-2003
In loving memory of Dennis the cat, 1991-2002
In loving memory of Dolores, d.2005
In loving memory of Gidget the cat, d.1999
In loving memory of Brigita, d.1996
In loving memory of Catapuss