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HEART is the advocate for the "underdog" whether feline or canine, fur or feather.
Since HEART was formed in 1984, we have saved the lives of thousands of animals!

URGENT NEED FOR FOSTER HOMES!!
HEART does not have a shelter facility and relies on volunteer foster homes.
It's true that no one person can save them all - but if you can make a difference in the life of even one animal,
your contribution is invaluable!! For more information visit our Foster Program page.
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RAINBOW BRIDGE

Just this side of heaven is a place called Rainbow Bridge

When an animal dies that has been especially close to someone here,
that pet goes to the Rainbow Bridge.
There are meadows and hills for all of our special friends
so they can run and play together.
There is plenty of food, water and sunshine,
and our friends are warm and comfortable.

All the animals who had been ill and old are restored to health and vigor;
those who were hurt or maimed are made whole and strong again,
just as we remember them in our dreams of days and times gone by.
The animals are happy and content, except for one small thing;
they each miss someone very special to them, who had to be left behind.

They all run and play together, but the day comes
when one suddenly stops and looks into the distance.
His bright eyes are intent; his eager body quivers.
Suddenly he begins to run from the group, flying over the green grass,
his legs carrying him faster and faster.

You have been spotted, and when you and your special friend finally meet,
you cling together in joyous reunion, never to be parted again.
The happy kisses rain upon your face;
your hands again caress the beloved head,
and you look once more into the trusting eyes of your pet,
so long gone from your life but never absent from your heart.

Then, you cross the Rainbow Bridge together.
 

In Loving Memory Of "EBONY"

Ebony Stevens recently passed away from kidney disease at the age of 13. He was an abandoned 2 year-old living on the river bank in Newport News, Virginia when he decided to adopt his owner, Elizabeth. Since he had been declawed by his original owner, Ebony became an indoor-only cat, but learned to walk comfortably outside on a leash. He put up with a lot during his life, as Elizabeth moved in and out of apartments, flew him on planes from VA to Buffalo and back, and drove him in vehicles on 10 hour road trips. Ebony loved exploring new places and confidently took charge of whatever house, airport, or office he visited. For the last 7 years of his life, he lived in Western New York and enjoyed taking vacations to his owner's parents' residence in Cattaraugus County. There, he played with 2 kitty country cousins, went for long walks on his leash in the back yard, and perched happily in the windows watching nature. He could jump up and hit tiny rubber balls with his paw like he was playing baseball, loved tapioca pudding, and liked to be carried around on his back cuddled like a baby. Even at the vet's office, Ebony proudly walked back and forth on the reception counter and flopped down to relax as if he was at home. Ebony is now in heaven sitting on Grandpa Carl's lap watching the birds and eating pudding.
 

In Loving Memory Of "DIXIE"

Dixie was an extraordinary Shepard mix we found at the Springville auction. She was the runt of the litter weighing 3 pounds. But she was also sick, suffering from malnutrition, and her distended little belly was full of parasites. We nursed her throught that, and in return, she gave us her unconditional love and loyalty for fourteen years. Dixie loved catching a Frisbee, strolling around the pond and watching a summer campfire.
 

In Loving Memory Of "ROCKY"

July 23, 1988 - September 12, 2005
We will miss you and never forget you.
Mama, Papa, Jan & Chava
 

In Loving Memory Of "HARLEY"

 

WHEN A PET DIES

Everyone who loves animals knows how awful it is when you lose a pet. You miss the greeting at the door, the thud of a soft body landing next to you on the couch, the loving presence in the house. When I lost my Chesapeake Bay retriever, Hillary, I felt so bereft. Then in the mail came a card from Canine Helpers for the Handicapped. It said that two friends had made a donation to Canine Helpers, in memory of Hillary. I was enormously touched and comforted that someone had cared enough for Hillary, and for me, to do this. So when my friend lost her black lab, Lucy, I send a small donation to HEART. She was so moved that she framed the letter from HEART, along with some photos of Lucy. And so it has snowballed. I continue to make donations when a friend loses a pet, and they in turn, knowing how much it helps, do the same for their friends, cousins, and neighbors. It is a wonderful way to help HEART and bring comfort to someone grieving for a lost pet.
 

In Loving Memory Of
"LITTLE UNKNOWN PUPPY"

Enclosed please find a donation in the amount of $100 to be used however you see fit. Your reputation is golden and I know you will put this to good use.

Last summer I hit and killed a German Shepard puppy in Eden. It was extremely traumatic for me, and even now I avoid the "accident site", even though it is on the way to my parent's home. He ran right into my SUV, I couldn't stop; the police said it wasn't my fault, etc. etc. etc.

The owner did not make the situation any better - his drunken rants centered more on my interrupting his Bills game than the condition of his animal. He did, however, manage to express concern that it was a $500 animal and he expected restitution. He showed little respect for the pet by dragging its body to the road side and leaving it there while he went back in to finish watching the game. The police were familiar with him, and assured me the dog was probably better off. I did hear he was cited by the game warden for letting his dog roam unattended and unleashed.

This has been little consolation for me, and I make this donation in that unknown puppy's name, so you can save the next one who runs into traffic or rescue the next one living with an abusive owner. I swear if he had lived I would have rushed him right to the vet and-paid whatever the cost was. That choice wasn't available to me.
 

In Loving Memory Of "DRAKE GEARY"

Drake was a HEART dog who came to us at the age of 11. Drake's owners passed away leaving this senior pet with love to share. Drake came to us and from the minute we met him we never second-guessed taking in a senior pet. Drake taught us that love comes in so many forms from his cute gray colored face to his silly antics of licking the furniture. Also, we learned that toilet paper is the enemy and must be destroyed, at once! He was the best Doberman pal we could ever ask for and he will be surely missed. Thanks HEART for allowing us to love this special guy. We will miss him and we will see him at the Pet Rainbow Bridge.
 

In Loving Memory Of "LEE FOX SHELDON"

Lee Fox Sheldon had great respect for life - all life. She carried herself with grace of mind, body and spirit. She was and always will be an example of what a true friend should be; what a true teacher should be; what a true animal lover should be. She was a great lady and mentor to so many of us in HEART. She worked feverishly, for so many years, to find homes for stray and needy pets - mostly dogs, but sometimes cats. Her passion for re-homing pets was in addition to her tireless work as a board member of the Animal Birth Control Society of WNY. Her countless Humane Education shows featured Buddy, a HEART rescue dog she and husband Stan adopted thirteen years ago. These informative and entertaining shows thrilled children and adults at pre-schools, elementary schools and adult centers. HEART began networking with Lee over 20 years ago. Her winning way with people and her "never give up" attitude saved well over 3000 animals. She graciously worked as our HEART Shelter Liaison. Later in life, she learned to use the computer so she could feature these deserving dogs for adoption on the HEART website as well as in local publications. We will all miss Lee for so many reasons, but we take comfort in remembering her recent comment. She spoke with sincerity and conviction when she said, "I'm ready for the next phase of my life." Lee passed away the morning of January 18, 2007. She will be greatly missed by all her friends in HEART.
 

In Loving Memory Of "MILLIE"

Millie was a tiny, gentle pup. She was found dehydrated by the side of the road by a HEART volunteer. Millie was loaded with lice according to the veterinarian and she could barely lift her head. Sadly, Millie didn’t make it even after many days of intensive care. She had loving clinic caregivers and several HEART volunteers as visitors who brought her stuffed toys to keep her company. She passed on knowing that there were lots of new friends who cared about her. Even if that’s all we could do, at least it was something. We still made a difference.
 

"TIFFANY"
FOREVER IN OUR HEARTS

On March 7, 2007 we lost a member of our HEART family when Tiffany Nealon, 28, died in a tragic accident. Tiffany was a dedicated HEART volunteer along with her mother Pam Nealon. Our hearts and thoughts are with the Nealon family. Tiffany's kindness towards animals in need helped save the lives of many homeless animals. In honor of her love for animals donations may be made in Tiffany's memory to HEART. Your memorial donation will be used to help carry on HEART's mission to rescue, nurture and adopt homeless animals into loving, forever homes. A personalized card will be sent to the Nealon family to notify them of your gift. We wish to thank everyone that has already made a donation to HEART in memory of Tiffany. Please send donations to HEART Inc., P.O. Box 415, Hamburg, NY 14075.
 

In Loving Memory Of "PATCHES"
August 2007

So often at HEART we agonize over the plight of needy animals we see in the hands of irresponsible people. Patches is one of those animals. She was 12 years old when she was left by her owner at the veterinarian’s office. Her owner was moving and didn’t want to take her three cats (Patches, her sister Tiffany, and her son Chipper). She decided it would be easier to just euthanize her pets of many years and get new ones later on. She laughing told the vet on her way out “there are going to be three executions today”. The caring vet refused to euthanize the cats and called HEART to see if we could help. All three cats were placed in caring foster homes. Certainly a better ending than what they might have had!! Patches was a regular visitor to our Pet Adoption Center. She was a gentle, friendly, sweet cat. She loved to be brushed and nap in the sun at the adoption center window (pictured above). Patches was with HEART for several months until she suddenly became ill. Sadly, she passed away before we were able to find her a new forever home. Goodbye Patches -- You Were Loved, You are Missed, You are Forever in our Hearts.
 

In Loving Memory Of "MOLSON"

Molson (aka "Poodle-kitty" or "Schnoodle-licious") selected us in 1994 at a HEART foster home in Orchard Park. HEART rescued him and his litter mates from a cardboard box in a Tops parking lot. He quickly adapted to his new Buffalo home. His favorite activities included "sunbathing" under desk lamps, and serving admirably as a newspaper “paperweight" and computer keyboard "cozy". During his 13 years with us, he enjoyed cruising Lake Erie and Lake Ontario on our sailboat. He was quite the adventurous sea-kitty, and loved to watch the birds while lounging on the foredeck when we were at anchor. In January 2007, he was diagnosed with dilated cardiomyopathy, a terminal heart disease. Through diligent care, we were able to keep him alive with a good quality of life for almost 10 months. But on October 6, 2007, his little ticker could go on no longer, and we had to say goodbye to our loving, affectionate buddy.
 

IN MEMORY OF DONATION FORM

You can make a donation to HEART in memory of a pet. Your donation will include having your pet featured on this section of our web site.

YOUR NAME:

ADDRESS:

PHONE:

E-MAIL:

PET'S NAME:

SHORT NARRATIVE ABOUT YOUR PET:


You can also include a photo of your pet. We will scan and return to you. Please send above information and your donation (payable to HEART) to:

HEART Animal Rescue & Adoption Team
Attn: In Memory Of
P.O. Box 415
Hamburg, NY 14075
(716) 821-1915
 

 

 

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