by Lynne Haley, senior director of development
In March we proudly launched a new and improved Pet Memorial Program website so it would be even easier to express sympathy and compassion to grieving pet owners by memorializing a pet and submitting a story. Over the last 20 years, tens of thousands of beloved animals have been memorialized by donations made in their names from pet owners, family members, friends, and veterinarians. In the last three years alone, the program has raised nearly $240,000.
“At our clinic we love the WSU Pet Memorial Program. It is so much more meaningful to our clients who have lost a beloved pet than cards or flowers ever could be.”
—Dr. John Winters, Beverly Hills Small Animal Hospital
Originally called the Companion Animal Fund, donations made to the program then and now are used to educate the next generation of veterinarians and to improve the health of animals. Last year $25,000 from the Pet Memorial Program was used as a cornerstone gift to help raise money for a much needed new MRI at the college. Today we are nearly halfway to our goal of purchasing this life-saving machine that can show if a horse has a torn ligament or a dog has a brain tumor.
We are so grateful to everyone who has given to the program or shared a story about their pet. If you haven’t visited our Pet Memorial site, or if it has been a while, please visit our new site and let us know what you think.
“I can’t tell you how much I appreciate this opportunity to offer condolences to friends who have lost pets. I still remember what a wonderful feeling it was to receive a letter from you folks when I lost my dear little calico, Harriett. Keep up the good work.”
—Aberdeen, Washington