Remembering those who have passed on

Pope John Paul II, 1920-2005
In honor of Pope John Paul II, Rikki's Refuge has set up a special Memorial Fund to help people who are financially unable to provide medical care and/or food for their pets. The amount of familes we can help will be determined by the amount of money in the fund.

Read Pope John Paul II's story about the "Homeless cats". This story has been widely circulated around the internet and is a favorite among those who work with animals.

Louise Arnold Hilliard, 1925 - 2004
A memorial tribute is available in PDF format. You can learn more about Louise's life with Rikki and how her love of animals inspired the creation of Rikki's Refuge, a sanctuary where over 2,000 animals have already found safe harbor.

Robert S. Darby, III
On Tuesday, December 5, 2006. Treasured son of Margaret Darby; invaluable brother of Carole Darby; cherished grandson of Mr. and Mrs. F. Sheild McCandlish. Memorial contributions in his name can be sent to: Rikki's Refuge, P.O. Box 1357, Orange, VA 22960 or The Alzheimer's Association, 11240 Waples Mill Road, Suite 402, Fairfax, VA 22020.The Rob Darby Memorial Fund will be used to protect the wilderness and it’s animals that Rob so dearly loved. He was a very special young man, one of the kindest souls you’d ever expect to meet, ready to reach out and give anyone a hand if they needed it. He was here for the animals, and he was here for the people. He helped protect the woods, the animals, and the people of Rikki's Refuge. He's the guy the local poachers hated, but our wildlife loved.

Rob, when you raced over the Rainbow Bridge on your ATV there were lots of Rikki’s critters waiting to greet you. Bless you and may your family and friends remember the good times.

Do you know of resources for dealing with grief -- especially related to our animal friends? Let us know and we will post them here.

Do Pets Go to Heaven? (article from Feb 2005 issue of Guideposts)