In Loving Memory of Those Who Have Gone Before US
The loss of a loved one is a difficult and often heartbreaking time for those left behind. Here, we remember and pay tribute to those we have lost, the grief their loss brings, and the endearing memories that carry us through the pain. If you would like to memorialize your loved on on this page, please click here.
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Sally Sue
Sally was taken for a ride from her home in Lynden, Washington, to a shelter in Everett, Washington. Her owner told shelter staff that Sally peed in the house and they wanted her euthanized. They then abandoned her at the shelter. One of the friends of Basset Rescue of Puget Sound called us and we brought her into rescue. She had a large mass on her abdomen which the rescue removed. She came to my home as a foster dog to recover from her surgery. She ended up staying for 2 ½ years — until she flew to the rainbow bridge. The day I brought her home it took 20 minutes to finally get her out of the car. She settled in quickly and loved to play with her stuffed squeaky toy and ducky. That is when she gained the name Silly Sally Sue. She loved her walks and bones and all her friends. She would greet our mail carrier, JZ, and get her pets. She became the spokesdog for BROPS and would head the fundraisers. She was loved by all who knew her and she will be missed by all – especially her mom, Ellie.
Rooster & Sampson
These two brave boys left us unexpectedly one terrible summer. Sampson (left) in June and Rooster (right) in July of 2019. They were both well and truly loved beyond measure and are very much missed, every single day. They brought limitless happiness to their family and no one could resist giving them cuddles and love. Sampson was a good old man and his buddy, Roo, was a kid at heart, until the very end. We love and miss you, sweet boys, and we always will.
Zoey
Sandy Nelson
A hero is an individual who consistently and continually sacrifices their own needs in the interest of others. In 32 years as a Humane Society employee and, eventually, Executive Director, Sandy touched many in this community. Many community members remember Sandy for bringing the happiness and companionship of a pet into their lives. She gave hope and a voice to countless homeless, abandoned, and sick animals. She was a true life saver. Words cannot convey how much Sandy meant to everyone. She was truly an inspiration to all. Sandy always gave selflessly to all people who had the honor and pleasure of knowing her and to all the animals. She was a magnificent and incredible person through and through. She is, and will always be, missed by so many.
Darla and Daisy
Darla was lost in childbirth in January and Daisy succumbed to cancer in April. They are both forever in our hearts!
Gracie
My Gracie girl has walked over the Rainbow Bridge to be with all who have gone before her. Gracie (formerly Lady Grace) came into our lives 8-9 yrs ago, after her former owner overbred her and then abandoned her at the shelter (of course when it was closed) and left her to die. She had a 10# pus pocket in her uterus and was dying from the inside out. When the first employee got to work and found her they rushed her to the vet for emergency surgery. Janine (shelter director) called me and asked if we’d foster her if she made it through the surgery. Guess it wasn’t her time to go…she had more to give to this world, and that she did…another 8-9 years of love to everyone she met.
Kristina Gorne
One of Kristi’s greatest loves was her furry kids, she would always share her stories of her pals, the Labs. The biggest adventure she had always wanted to do was walk with the wolves, and she actually got to walk with them. The sheer enjoyment on her face when getting “kissed” by one of the wolves is the most beautiful memory. Kristi was a very special person with a huge heart. She was able to make friends with anyone who crossed her path. She went out of her way to help with any problem or concern a person may have had. Everyone appreciated how genuine and honest she was, no matter the issue. Kristi is greatly missed by all who loved her.
Pirurees
Pirurees October 6, 2005 – February 21, 2020
The baby of the family and wonderful companion to the end. One day, full of energy would love to go anywhere with you, then, it was like all of a sudden, he turned grey and limped around. He began to have moments of forgetfulness. His little heart was giving out. Pirurees, you brought much joy to our lives my crazy, silly chihuahua, who, from the beginning, never accepted the fact I had to clip your nails. Every day that was a challenge, from PetsMart, to the Vet to just at home trying to get those things cut. The craziest memory: The PetSmart Manager told me she couldn’t do his nails – she thought he would have a heart attack. That silly brat trained us well!
Bob & Joanie Peterson
The Petersons loved animals and were amazingly generous and kind advocates for those feral buddies that often don’t get a fair chance. Their big hearts and kind souls are missed every day. As their final act of love and generosity to animals in need, they included the Humane Society of Skagit Valley in their wills. We wish to honor their legacy of love and giving here.
Teagan
Teagan came to know many people as she accompanied me to my therapy practice and walked the dike for years. She had such a good heart and readily shared it. She was our big loving girl, always excited to see us come home, with a special “woo-woo” for her dad.
We miss her every day.
Love, George and Judith
Miranda Marshall
In loving memory of Miranda Marshall. Her loving and generous spirit touched many and will be forever remembered. May she rest in peace and her memory be eternal.
Trinity
We miss you every day sweet girl.
Love, Robin, Will and Family.
Lucee
Today I had to say goodbye to my sweet Lucee. Twelve years ago, Ken and I went to the Skagit Valley Humane Society and fell in love with Lucee’s smile while her thirteen puppies crawled all over her! Lucee had a rough start in life and we were eager to give her a good home and to also be a playmate for our lab mix Tupper. Lucee greeted everyone (except for other dogs) with her winning smiles and licks. Then… Tupper died and Ken was sick and I could see Lucee had become his shadow and she was so comforting to him. I knew we needed a dog and four years ago, Charlie came into our lives from Jerusalem and they bonded immediately. Lucee and Charlie have been my companions in the dog van and they were my evening entertainment! Charlie and I will be lost without Lucee but I wouldn’t want it any other way. Lucee gave me so much love, joy, laughs, and happiness for all these years. I loved her so much. 
Jerry
Jerry passed peacefully this weekend after spending 8+ years with his family. He was adopted from Skagit Valley Humane Society after being surrendered there because his former owner had died. He was loved, spoiled, and always quite the character. He will be missed greatly and leaves our hearts aching. Sweet dreams Jerry. . . . .
Tracy Giles
Tracy was rasied in Anacortes where she played varsity sports, volleyball and basketball. She passed away tragically in 1996, due to an accident at the refinery where she was employed. Every February, USW Local 12-591 and the Puget Sound Refinery have honored her memory with donations to the Humane Society of Skagit Valley and an annual grant that helps to support our spay and neuter and feral Barn Buddy Program. Tracy was an avid animal lover whose legacy lives on through those who knew and loved her, and she is well and truly missed by family and friends alike.
Albus
Albus was born on August 13, 2016, the runt of a litter of 12 babies. He was a fat, chonky cat, and sweet-tempered. He loved snuggles, sunning himself, and enjoying time in his carpet box on the balcony. He also really loved belly rubs and being brushed.
On May 14, 2020, we found out a second obstruction caused kidney failure so we had to say goodbye. He crossed the rainbow bridge at 12:35 PM held in my arms and the arms of his human brothers, in the warm sunny parking lot rather than inside the vet clinic. To the end he still headbutt staff, purred and despite his pain wanted belly rubs.
We miss you very much Fat-Fat, your comforting presence is missed. ❤🐾
Little Mama
We had to say goodbye to this good old gal. To say she was a light in our lives is an understatement. She started off as a foster, but I had a feeling from the moment I took her out of the car that she would be with us until the end. I couldn’t share photos of her on social media because she had a tough past — I referred to her as my “witness protection pup” — but I wanted to. I wanted to share her goofy walk, her lovely smile, the way she lit up a room and made everyone happier, just being around. She taught me patience and how to look deeper, even when you think you understand. Bladder cancer took her out, but it did not do so without a fight. And she was so brave, right up until the very end. On her final day, we took her for a long ride, a long walk, a hot dog, an ice cream cone. We surrounded her with love and tried to help her not be afraid. I miss her every day and I always will. We love you Little Mama, thank you for touching our lives and bringing us such joy. 
Mickey
Mickey was a loving, fierce, and extremely loyal terrier. I rescued him over a decade ago from the Humane Society of Skagit Valley. Legend has it he was roaming around the countryside and took a ride in a police car to get there. I will never forget the moment I met Mickey, he did one of his famous leg stretches and the rest is history. From that moment on, Mickey was my shadow, partner in crime and best friend.
A lover of any toy that squeaked, cheese and plush blankets, Mickey had many hobbies. Some of his favorite activities included patrolling the backyard for squirrels. He would spend hours watching out the window waiting for the offending squirrel to make its move and then explode in barks and scramble outside to chase it down. Nothing made him madder.
Mickey was a very involved member of the family, following us everywhere and wanting to be a part of it all. Life seems so much quieter without him. I will especially miss his tail-wagging greetings after a long day. We miss him profoundly and hold his memory dear in our hearts. Rest easy Mickey dog, we miss you dearly every single day. ❤🐾
Elsie
Our sweet Elsie ran across the Rainbow Bridge after her kidneys failed at only 8 yrs old. We adopted Elsie at 3 months old from Seattle Humane Society and found that she had many health issues. What might have been too much for some, was not too much for us. We adapted to her incontinence and worked with our vet to take care of her other issues. She was a VERY sweet and happy girl. 
Choco-Taco
There are simply no words to express what you meant to us or how devastated we are to lose you. There has never been a dog like you and there never will be. We are relieved that you no longer suffer, but we feel a deep ache in our hearts for the loss of you. We’ll love and miss you forever, my love. Rest easy now; may we one day meet again.
Lola
Lola Bunny, Your time on this earth was short, but boy, did you make the most of it. We were blessed to have the opportunity to love and care for you. Our hearts are forever broken that we couldn’t have the years and years we should have had. We love you and we miss you, but we’re glad your suffering is now done. We’ll see you on the other side, sweet girl.
Sammy & Jasper
Sammy and Jasper were my best buddies for 14 years and each other’s best friends. I miss them every day and am so glad that they are together again. Love, Katey
Arlene French
Arlene was a dear friend to the Humane Society of Skagit Valley as well as to animals everywhere. Besides being a prolific volunteer and fundraiser for HSSV, she also served on its board and was passionate about its mission. Arlene was an avid hiker, and frequently visited local wilderness areas in and around Skagit County with a cadre of local hiking friends, and often small dogs in tow. All of her friends and family as well as the animals she loved and served so well will miss her dearly.
Sheeba
In Memory of Sheeba. Rescued in 2007, crossed the rainbow bridge day after thanksgiving 2021. A regular on the oysterdome trail, but she loved the beach and the sand in Baja, too. My best friend who actually saved me when I rescued her!
Mary Helen Anderson
In memory of Mary Anderson who loved all people – especially the dog kind.
Loretta "Lori" Durham
In Loving Memory of Loretta “Lori” Durham and Her Unconditional Love For Precious Fur Babies Everywhere
Emma
Emma, thank you for taking such good care of our friends! You were the best girl, and we hope this donation made in your memory can help more rescues do the same for others. Rest In Peace sweet girl!
Andi
I adopted Andi (then Alma) from the Humane Society a short two years ago, with her best pal, Owen (the Mr. Jones.) In that short time she became not only my best pal too, but the best pal of all my other kitties as well. We all miss her a great deal. She will be in our hearts forever.
Luna
Amazing Friend, Forever in my Heart.
Gracie
I adopted Gracie from the Humane Society as a senior about 15 months ago, and it is one of the best things I have ever done!!! She was absolutely the love of my life. She was the sweetest, most loving creature on the face of the earth, and I miss her SO much. You will be in my heart FOREVER, little Gracie!! Until I see you on the other side…
Randy & Ringo
Randy & Ringo were born in a Bellevue office park 16 years ago. MEOW Cat Rescue worked with me to capture the small feral colony, and I adopted these two sweet peas, who became the most loving, sweet, gentle cats I could have hoped for. I lost Randy (the beautiful white kitty) May 6, ’22, and his brother Ringo, who could not live without Randy, joined him in June. My life will never be the same without my boys. I miss you more than I can say.
Daisy
May Daisy’s love and compassion be continued by all of our encounters with others, including dogs! She will be forever in our hearts.
Peace, George, Betsy, Steven, Mikki, and Izzy
Stella
In memory of our beloved cat, Stella who passed away on December 7, 2022. Stella adopted us many years ago and we will always cherish the privilege of the time she was a part of our family.
Jean Houston
Jean had a big heart for animals and all her babies and grand babies with fur and feathers. The Rainbow Bridge had to be vibrant with color as she made her way Home to Heaven.
You’ll always be in our hearts and terribly missed. It was a gift to know you.
Sharon Sue McLennan
In Loving Memory, Sharon Sue McLennan, 86, after living a life of immense love, gained her angel wings to Heaven on May 19, 2024, with her daughter, Sue Parker Anderson, by her side in the comfort of their home, in Burien, WA.
Mom loved the animals in her life, and they adored her too! Toto, Zoe, Jasmine, Buddy, Bailey, Calvin, Rumi, and more! They enjoyed unconditional love and mindful moments!
Zorro, Mickey, Calypso, Clem & Artic Cat
In Loving Memory of Zorro, Mickey, Calypso, Clem & Artic Cat.
Dottie Moe
Mackey
