Thank You to our kind and generous friends who have made donations in remembrance of their family members and pets.

Pets are family and special friends who touch our hearts in a way no other can. Their time with us seems too short, but they provide so much  joy and unconditional love, and leave behind so many happy memories.

A donation has been received by Kitty Cat Lane Rescue to honor the dear memory of sweet little “Roxy-” devotdd feline member of the Mucarellh family of East Waterboro, ME. Ruth shares: “after bravely enduring a prior difficult surgery requiring most of her teeth to be extracted, we then lost our lovely little girl “Roxy” to throat cancer. She is so sadly missed by Mom and Dad, and Jasper, Shalimar and Dove. She will forever be in our hearts and fondly remembered, as we think of her in kitty heaven, happy and healthy.”

Our thoughts and prayers are with the entire Lucarelli family.

In Loving Memory of Joseph Peck, caring Grandfather who loved cats and dogs, a donation was made to Kitty Cat Lane Rescue by his three granddaughters Sharon, Donna, and Jessica. 

All our thoughts and prayers are with each of you and your families.

A donation has been received by Jamie Pacheco in loving memory of her Mom Barbara Ise. Our thoughts are with you, Jamie.

To honor the memory of “Bill,” devoted feline friend of David Lee of Bar Mills, ME for 17 years, a donation has been received by Kitty Cat Lane Rescue from Judy Bullard of Earthlight Reiki/Earthcraft of Scarborough, ME. Our sympathy goes out to David. 

In memory of Annie Higgins, beloved Mother, Grandmother, and Aunt who dearly loved cats.

In memory of 15 year old “Pelley” Higgins, beloved male tiger cat who “ruled the roost and was large and in charge of the neighborhood!” 

Our thoughts are with the Higgins and Spinney families. 

In loving memory of “Kristoffie” Parks-Smith… special companion, and beloved dear friend to his “MaMa” Nancy. His funny feline antics and precious memories will remain always in our hearts. Sadly missed and fondly remembered with love from Mama, Pyewackette, Tyger Lily, Katarina, and Matthew.

When It’s Time To Say Goodbye    

Sharing your life with a pet companion involves many responsibilities. At the beginning of your relationship, you consider lifestyle compatibility, financial costs for veterinarian care, and the obvious food, bowls, toys, perhaps a bed. If a child is involved, there’s often the eternal promise that he will be the one to walk the dog or feed the cat, so you, as the parent will not have to do absolutely anything if you only give in to this passionate plea. (A final request, mind you, also promising he’ll never ask for anything ever again.) It’s an exciting family decision adding a cute and happy animal friend to the family, full of anticipation of years of happiness and fun. 

The last thing you’re pondering during this happy time is when years have passed, and eventually a day arrives when your beloved furry family member is no longer young or healthy. There may be medical issues involved, or the years now exhibit a lack of enjoying a quality lifestyle. Your pet’s demeanor has changed, and you’ve witnessed the symptoms or new behaviors, and your stomach feels that awful nervous feeling that you hate. You know this time when you take your dear friend to the vets, a decision must be made, one you dread, and have no control of.

The reason I’ve chosen this sad and difficult topic for one of my weekly columns and placed it on our Memorial Page as well, is because I recently had to make this sorrowful choice with one of my own family pets once again. My beautiful cat Erica had not been quite herself, and prior treatments to help what ailed her had failed. Feeling the time to say goodbye was near, I spent as much quality time with her, spoiling her more than usual, before the day came to make the dreaded appointment.

Gosh, how I hate making that phone call. As I  heard the words leave my mouth, it forced a possible option to now become an inevitable reality. I hung up the phone and wrote down the appointment time, and began to deal with my sweet Erica’s unavoidable loss. Because sadly, it was now time to say goodbye to my dear friend. It would be selfish holding on to her any longer, as her condition would merely deteriorate further, causing further discomfort and pain. I knew it, and the vet confirmed it.

It’s always heartbreaking having to say goodbye to a beloved pet, but as is the case when we adopt them, and as we share their daily life, our obligation is to provide the best care possible, both in youth, as well as old age. The only good thing about euthanasia is when it is used to relieve suffering, as with a dear pet in pain at the end of his life, and not as it’s currently over used by some as an unnecessary form of pet population control. Although I truly felt saddened by the loss of my feline friend, I was relieved she would feel no more pain, and Erica could then rest in peace, hopefully with the souls of my other pets passed on before her.

I always remain with my pet in the vet’s office. I believe it’s an expression of kindness not selfishly leaving them alone with strangers because it’s too uncomfortable for me to deal with. They’re frightened enough, so I even ask the Doctor to administer a mild sedative first, so there’s no chance of them experiencing any pain or fear during the final procedure.

During the last moments I remained with my precious cat, I held Erica and told her how much I loved her. I thanked her for loving me, and expressed how much joy she had brought into my life the years we shared together. I whispered she should visit my dreams, and I would look to meeting her again someday at the rainbow bridge, when it was time for us to be together again when my job here was done. I stroked her fur gently, holding her in my arms as she drew her last breath in this occasionally cruel world, softly proclaiming my last goodbye. Erica was a beautiful, lovely cat companion with a unique personality, and I'll miss her very much.

Should you find your grief overwhelming to deal with by yourself, share your feelings with someone who’ll understand, someone sympathetic with a pet or has dealt with pet loss. Read a book or check online resources on the subject. It can help you unburden your sorrow and deal with your grief so it becomes manageable.                  

In Loving Memory of sweet Emma. I am heartbroken from her loss. She was my sweet little baby girl. Please take a moment with me to remember my beloved Emma. She was a precious joy in our life.

In Loving Memory of dear “Tiny Tim,” my sweet kitten companion and family member. Only 9 months old, he fought so hard, yet finally succumbed to a virus. I'll miss his little kitten ways so very much. May his little soul rest in peace.

Thank You to the Fern Chapter #139 Order of the Eastern Star, for their donation in Memory of Mr. Donald Moulton. He and his wife not only loved cats, but Donald once resided at the same home I live in and run Kitty Cat Lane Rescue!

In loving memory of my sweet “Matthew.” We found each other when he was at his worse; hungry and cold, all matted and dirty from living the first years of his short life on the streets. One ear was partially missing from fights and he had a broken hip that healed incorrectly, so he walked with a permanent wobble. After getting him fed and cleaned up, I was heartbroken to learn he was diagnosed with feline aids. I was determined however, to make what remaining time he had left to be the most comfortable he could have; whether just a week, a month or a year. He couldn’t live among my other cats, so we moved to a large, old house in the country where he could have his own separate “apartment” upstairs. The veterinarian didn’t think Matthew would see six more months, but my little miracle buddy lived to enjoy five years with me. (It’s amazing what good care and lots of TLC will do!) But sadly, Matthew’s health did eventually further deteriorate, and I had to make that sad decision pet caregivers dread when their pet’s quality of life lessens. Yet I was blessed to spend that time with him, and still smile as I think of the special times we spent together; the two of us upstairs playing with his cat toys, when there was a time once he could barely walk. I’ll always remember my dear Matthew with fondness and love. He had tremendous spirit and an amazing, gentle heart. He gave me much joy, peace and unconditional love.

“The 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, until 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 their 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 Rainbow Bridge together....                                                           Author unknown.

If you’d like to add a loved ones name to our Memorial page, email us with the information and we’ll be happy to post it for you. Just click on the Rainbow Bridge logo directly above to link to our email address.