No one has described our Memorial Garden better than Marianne Spencer-Pearlman, a member of our Board of Directors. Spencer-Pearlman wrote about her experience with the garden for a Spring 2011 issue of our e-newsletter:

I was asked to write about what the Animal Rescue, Inc. Memorial Garden means to me. It's a quiet place to visit one of my favorite animals at the farm. It is also a beautiful place to celebrate the seasons. I can smell the blossoms in spring and hear the first robins. I can relax in the shade in the summer and watch the fish enjoy the cool pond. I can walk down the memorial path to the lake and see the leaves change color in the fall. I can view every monument and ornament in the winter.

Most of all, this is a place to remember my loved ones, three companions who lived with me. I can remember Dooley's kindness and generosity, Poppy's wisdom and fierce spirit and Sammy's unending love -- three dogs who affected my life greatly. In this garden, I know their memorial markers are surrounded by the love of many others. It is a place of understanding and sharing both gri ef and joy.

The spirit of these loved ones blends with the natural surroundings and the souls of all those remembered. Their goodness renews my commitment to help others, to do whatever I can to help Animal Rescue, Inc. and animals in need. The caretakers at this sanctuary learn about many sad things, but they work untiringly to end suffering and to turn lives around. I see numerous monuments in the garden that demonstrate the bond shared in forever homes. I know that many animals have found love and happiness through Animal Rescue, Inc. never again to endure the misery they had experienced earlier.

The Animal Rescue, Inc. team has also given me courage. I look at the monuments to farm animals and dogs rescued from "puppy mills." Before volunteering at Animal Rescue, Inc., I was unable to face the truth about the cruelty inflicted on animals raised for food or garments, or animals bred for money. Together, with the brave people at Animal Rescue, Inc., I can look at the truth. When I get too upset, I can sit in the memorial garden, draw on the power of my surroundings and gain strength to do what I can.

In this garden, I am not alone. Compassion is everywhere. The beauty is delightful; the waterfall is soothing. After each visit, I leave renewed, peaceful and happy to be alive.

Marianne Spencer Pearlman

Member of the Board

You too, can be a part of our Memorial brick program. Click here to purchase a brick for your garden or ours in memory of a loved one – human, canine, feline or otherwise.