You & Your Pet by Dr. Wise

Rhode Island Veterinary Medical Association 11 South Angell Street #347 · Providence, RI 02906 (877) 521-0103 (866) 277-0238 Toll-Free ·Fax

Fluffy, our 17-year-old cat, recently died.   Fluffy was always there at my side as soon as I walked in the door.  I would like to make a donation to a worthy organization in her memory.  Do you have any suggestions?

I am very sorry about Fluffy.  It is difficult to cope with the loss of any loved one, and our pets certainly become members of the family.  It is wonderful that you want to make a donation in her memory, because such a gift will only help other animals who may not have been as fortunate as Fluffy.

There are many organizations that you might want to consider.  Along with local humane societies, there are national shelter groups and research foundations.  A personal favorite, for cats only, is the Cornell Feline Health Center.  The center is affiliated with the Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine, and is devoted exclusively to researching feline health issues.  It offers memorial programs, and diagnostic and consulting aid to veterinarians. 

To make a donation, you can write to the Cornell Feline Health Center, Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine, Ithaca, NY 14853-6401, or check with your veterinarian for the appropriate paperwork.

This information, prepared as a public service by the Rhode Island Veterinary Medical Association, answers problems Rhode Island veterinarians currently are seeing in their practices, as well as new developments in animal care.