http://www.animalloverswebforum.com/ Sun, 31 May 2026 02:50:35 +0000 MyBB http://www.animalloverswebforum.com/showthread.php?tid=9240 Thu, 12 Mar 2026 06:47:30 +0000 Catherine]]> http://www.animalloverswebforum.com/showthread.php?tid=9240 Wiarton Willie was the current groundhog in a succession of groundhogs. Willie is famous for being a white groundhog. No doubt all the Wiarton Willies are related,
since white groundhogs are not common. 

[/url][url=https://www.ctvnews.ca/london/article/south-bruce-peninsula-announces-death-of-wiarton-willie/]https://www.ctvnews.ca/london/article/south-bruce-peninsula-announces-death-of-wiarton-willie/


https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/london/wi...-9.7122450

There is quite a history to Willie and his predecessors. We always seem to find another groundhog to be the official Wiarton Willie.
That groundhog lives a life of comfort and good care and only works one day a year.
It sounds like a dream job.
For now, we will miss out Wiarton Willie and remember him fondly, especially since he promised us an early spring this year.]]> Wiarton Willie was the current groundhog in a succession of groundhogs. Willie is famous for being a white groundhog. No doubt all the Wiarton Willies are related,
since white groundhogs are not common. 

[/url][url=https://www.ctvnews.ca/london/article/south-bruce-peninsula-announces-death-of-wiarton-willie/]https://www.ctvnews.ca/london/article/south-bruce-peninsula-announces-death-of-wiarton-willie/


https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/london/wi...-9.7122450

There is quite a history to Willie and his predecessors. We always seem to find another groundhog to be the official Wiarton Willie.
That groundhog lives a life of comfort and good care and only works one day a year.
It sounds like a dream job.
For now, we will miss out Wiarton Willie and remember him fondly, especially since he promised us an early spring this year.]]> http://www.animalloverswebforum.com/showthread.php?tid=8822 Thu, 18 Sep 2025 06:32:45 +0000 Catherine]]> http://www.animalloverswebforum.com/showthread.php?tid=8822
https://www.youtube.com/shorts/6-2Y926eGkw

This time there is no joy.
Sadly Mango has died because of lead poisoning.

Birds like Mango feed along the shore and accidently eat lead shot and lead fishing weights. Then they develop lead poisoning.
They tried to save him, but it was too severe.


https://toronto.citynews.ca/2025/09/11/s...fe-centre/

Mango was hurt because of fishing gear that cut his face. Many animals are hurt because of discarded fishing gear.
People who fish along  the lake need to pick up their gear and their garbage. Too many animals have suffered from things people leave along the lake.

https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/kitchener...-1.7599804

There is no excuse for leaving dangerous garbage out where it can harm animals.

Now Charlotte is missing. Swans mate for life so who knows what might have happened to her. She might have died of her grief. Humans didn't just kill Mango, they also destroyed Charlotte's life.
If she is still out there, she is grieving and nothing we can do will help.]]>
https://www.youtube.com/shorts/6-2Y926eGkw

This time there is no joy.
Sadly Mango has died because of lead poisoning.

Birds like Mango feed along the shore and accidently eat lead shot and lead fishing weights. Then they develop lead poisoning.
They tried to save him, but it was too severe.


https://toronto.citynews.ca/2025/09/11/s...fe-centre/

Mango was hurt because of fishing gear that cut his face. Many animals are hurt because of discarded fishing gear.
People who fish along  the lake need to pick up their gear and their garbage. Too many animals have suffered from things people leave along the lake.

https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/kitchener...-1.7599804

There is no excuse for leaving dangerous garbage out where it can harm animals.

Now Charlotte is missing. Swans mate for life so who knows what might have happened to her. She might have died of her grief. Humans didn't just kill Mango, they also destroyed Charlotte's life.
If she is still out there, she is grieving and nothing we can do will help.]]> http://www.animalloverswebforum.com/showthread.php?tid=8783 Sat, 23 Aug 2025 04:48:51 +0000 Catherine]]> http://www.animalloverswebforum.com/showthread.php?tid=8783 He was found wandering, without a mother, almost completely blind, in early July.
Holly's Haven Wildlife Rescue took him in and cared for him. He was thriving. He was in a peaceful environment where he was well fed and much loved.
As soon as he was ready, Toronto Zoo was going to receive him. There is an enclosure already waiting for him.
Even an hour and a half before his death he appeared fine. Then he was gone.
They have not yet determined why he died.

https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/toronto/b...-1.7615795

I never got to meet him. I was so looking forward to going to the zoo and finally seeing our beloved Cedar.
Who knows what happened. Maybe it is related to why he is blind. I hope we find out what happened, but it is possible we will never know.
Sometimes these things just happen. At least he had some happy weeks where he was cared for and loved.

Farewell little Cedar. I would love to have known you.]]> He was found wandering, without a mother, almost completely blind, in early July.
Holly's Haven Wildlife Rescue took him in and cared for him. He was thriving. He was in a peaceful environment where he was well fed and much loved.
As soon as he was ready, Toronto Zoo was going to receive him. There is an enclosure already waiting for him.
Even an hour and a half before his death he appeared fine. Then he was gone.
They have not yet determined why he died.

https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/toronto/b...-1.7615795

I never got to meet him. I was so looking forward to going to the zoo and finally seeing our beloved Cedar.
Who knows what happened. Maybe it is related to why he is blind. I hope we find out what happened, but it is possible we will never know.
Sometimes these things just happen. At least he had some happy weeks where he was cared for and loved.

Farewell little Cedar. I would love to have known you.]]> http://www.animalloverswebforum.com/showthread.php?tid=8330 Sun, 05 Jan 2025 04:31:45 +0000 Catherine]]> http://www.animalloverswebforum.com/showthread.php?tid=8330 Sadly Moja the Spotted Hyena died on Christmas day at the age of 24. He had a long and happy life and was loved by all.
Lily the 11 year old moose started to decline on Dec 23. Sadly she had to be humanely euthanized. 


https://www.cp24.com/local/toronto/2025/...residents/

These animals will be missed by all of us who have visited them at the zoo. They will be especially missed by the dedicated people who cared for them.
It is always hard to let go of our animal friends. Many have much shorter lives than we do and they seem to be gone so soon, even if they lived the fullness of the lifespan they had. Goodbye Moja and Lily. Thank-you for the years you shared with us.]]> Sadly Moja the Spotted Hyena died on Christmas day at the age of 24. He had a long and happy life and was loved by all.
Lily the 11 year old moose started to decline on Dec 23. Sadly she had to be humanely euthanized. 


https://www.cp24.com/local/toronto/2025/...residents/

These animals will be missed by all of us who have visited them at the zoo. They will be especially missed by the dedicated people who cared for them.
It is always hard to let go of our animal friends. Many have much shorter lives than we do and they seem to be gone so soon, even if they lived the fullness of the lifespan they had. Goodbye Moja and Lily. Thank-you for the years you shared with us.]]> http://www.animalloverswebforum.com/showthread.php?tid=8209 Thu, 31 Oct 2024 03:56:16 +0000 Catherine]]> http://www.animalloverswebforum.com/showthread.php?tid=8209 He died quietly with his loving human and gorilla family around him. He joins his girls Samantha and Josephine who crossed over  ahead of him.
Charles has been with the zoo since it opened 50 years ago. Everyone knows Charlie. He leaves a very big hole in our hearts.

https://www.torontozoo.com/


https://www.msn.com/en-ca/health/other/c...d8faa&ei=8

It is hard to think of him not being there. I am glad I did get to see him briefly a couple of weeks ago.
His gorilla family must be feeling lost without him. I am glad they have closed the building to give them and the staff time to mourn.

Goodbye Charles, I am going to miss you.  ]]> He died quietly with his loving human and gorilla family around him. He joins his girls Samantha and Josephine who crossed over  ahead of him.
Charles has been with the zoo since it opened 50 years ago. Everyone knows Charlie. He leaves a very big hole in our hearts.

https://www.torontozoo.com/


https://www.msn.com/en-ca/health/other/c...d8faa&ei=8

It is hard to think of him not being there. I am glad I did get to see him briefly a couple of weeks ago.
His gorilla family must be feeling lost without him. I am glad they have closed the building to give them and the staff time to mourn.

Goodbye Charles, I am going to miss you.  ]]> http://www.animalloverswebforum.com/showthread.php?tid=8179 Sun, 13 Oct 2024 05:32:31 +0000 Catherine]]> http://www.animalloverswebforum.com/showthread.php?tid=8179
https://www.newsweek.com/pet-owners-deva...ne-1965852

It may not seem important when you think about all the things that have been lost, but our pets are important to us and this loss will effect people deeply.
If some of the collars can be found it would help. Hopefully the bridge will be rebuilt. Maybe people can go back and leave a new collar and message.
If it can't be built in the same place, perhaps a new place can be found.
Maybe we need Rainbow Bridges in many places so people have a place to visit when they need to grieve and remember.
It is worth thinking about.]]>
https://www.newsweek.com/pet-owners-deva...ne-1965852

It may not seem important when you think about all the things that have been lost, but our pets are important to us and this loss will effect people deeply.
If some of the collars can be found it would help. Hopefully the bridge will be rebuilt. Maybe people can go back and leave a new collar and message.
If it can't be built in the same place, perhaps a new place can be found.
Maybe we need Rainbow Bridges in many places so people have a place to visit when they need to grieve and remember.
It is worth thinking about.]]> http://www.animalloverswebforum.com/showthread.php?tid=7943 Wed, 22 May 2024 05:09:17 +0000 Catherine]]> http://www.animalloverswebforum.com/showthread.php?tid=7943 This kind of behavior has been observed in Chimpanzees and other species. Some mothers will carry a dead baby for a long time. 
Sadly Natalia lost a baby in 2018. 

https://www.msn.com/en-ca/lifestyle/othe...bc5&ei=100

You have to feel for Natalia and her loss. She has lost two babies while other females in her group have living children. 
I don't know what it will take for her to let go of her grief and move on. Maybe you never really move on from the loss of a child. 
At least we can hope that she can find ways to be happy again. I am glad they are giving her time and respect to deal with her loss.]]> This kind of behavior has been observed in Chimpanzees and other species. Some mothers will carry a dead baby for a long time. 
Sadly Natalia lost a baby in 2018. 

https://www.msn.com/en-ca/lifestyle/othe...bc5&ei=100

You have to feel for Natalia and her loss. She has lost two babies while other females in her group have living children. 
I don't know what it will take for her to let go of her grief and move on. Maybe you never really move on from the loss of a child. 
At least we can hope that she can find ways to be happy again. I am glad they are giving her time and respect to deal with her loss.]]> http://www.animalloverswebforum.com/showthread.php?tid=7777 Sun, 25 Feb 2024 05:16:44 +0000 Catherine]]> http://www.animalloverswebforum.com/showthread.php?tid=7777 For a year he has lived wild in New York City. He seemed to be doing okay. There were plenty of rats for him to eat.
The zoo was not able to bring him in.
Sadly he has flown into a building and been killed. He is much loved in New York and people are devastated.

https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2024...g-building

This is so sad. Flaco suffered the fate of so many birds in big cities. The bright lights and reflective windows of big buildings cause the death of many birds.
Many in New York are feeling the loss badly. Who ever vandalized his enclosure is ultimately responsible for Flaco's death. It is still hoped that they will catch whoever did this.

RIP Flaco. You were much loved.]]> For a year he has lived wild in New York City. He seemed to be doing okay. There were plenty of rats for him to eat.
The zoo was not able to bring him in.
Sadly he has flown into a building and been killed. He is much loved in New York and people are devastated.

https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2024...g-building

This is so sad. Flaco suffered the fate of so many birds in big cities. The bright lights and reflective windows of big buildings cause the death of many birds.
Many in New York are feeling the loss badly. Who ever vandalized his enclosure is ultimately responsible for Flaco's death. It is still hoped that they will catch whoever did this.

RIP Flaco. You were much loved.]]> http://www.animalloverswebforum.com/showthread.php?tid=7647 Mon, 18 Dec 2023 05:42:36 +0000 Catherine]]> http://www.animalloverswebforum.com/showthread.php?tid=7647 Every year between Thanksgiving and Three Kings day it is decorated with memorials to pets that are gone. Every year new ones appear. The keeper of the tree gathers them up at the end of the season and brings them out the next year. This has been going on since the 1980s.

https://www.nytimes.com/2023/12/17/nyreg...-tree.html

This is a beautiful idea. It gives people a place to remember their pets. We never forget them. It is good to publicly acknowledge that. 
I wonder now if there are other memorial places like this tree. Every city should have one.]]> Every year between Thanksgiving and Three Kings day it is decorated with memorials to pets that are gone. Every year new ones appear. The keeper of the tree gathers them up at the end of the season and brings them out the next year. This has been going on since the 1980s.

https://www.nytimes.com/2023/12/17/nyreg...-tree.html

This is a beautiful idea. It gives people a place to remember their pets. We never forget them. It is good to publicly acknowledge that. 
I wonder now if there are other memorial places like this tree. Every city should have one.]]> http://www.animalloverswebforum.com/showthread.php?tid=7580 Tue, 14 Nov 2023 06:00:55 +0000 Catherine]]> http://www.animalloverswebforum.com/showthread.php?tid=7580

He was such a cute little guy. He was shy and uncertain and he blossomed into Big Boris, the happy chubby piggie.
He has sat and watched me have breakfast every day for all these years.
He has always been a real character and so much fun. These last months I could see he was getting older and slowing down.
His appetite was not what it used to be. When he didn't eat his breakfast this morning, I knew it was the end. 
My happy chubby piggie left me for the Rainbow Bridge during the day.

He leaves behind a big empty space in my life. I thought we had a bit more time, but sadly no. There never is enough time.
My little baby Boris will be missed.]]>

He was such a cute little guy. He was shy and uncertain and he blossomed into Big Boris, the happy chubby piggie.
He has sat and watched me have breakfast every day for all these years.
He has always been a real character and so much fun. These last months I could see he was getting older and slowing down.
His appetite was not what it used to be. When he didn't eat his breakfast this morning, I knew it was the end. 
My happy chubby piggie left me for the Rainbow Bridge during the day.

He leaves behind a big empty space in my life. I thought we had a bit more time, but sadly no. There never is enough time.
My little baby Boris will be missed.]]> http://www.animalloverswebforum.com/showthread.php?tid=7539 Tue, 24 Oct 2023 04:26:51 +0000 Catherine]]> http://www.animalloverswebforum.com/showthread.php?tid=7539
https://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-67194721

Bobi was a beautiful old dog. He spent his whole life with the same loving family.
After 31 years, they are really going to miss him. They won't be able to remember a time before Bobi was part of their lives.
I am sure after all these years there must be many friends waiting for him at the rainbow bridge. Run free like a young pup again Bobi.]]>
https://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-67194721

Bobi was a beautiful old dog. He spent his whole life with the same loving family.
After 31 years, they are really going to miss him. They won't be able to remember a time before Bobi was part of their lives.
I am sure after all these years there must be many friends waiting for him at the rainbow bridge. Run free like a young pup again Bobi.]]> http://www.animalloverswebforum.com/showthread.php?tid=7531 Fri, 20 Oct 2023 03:35:38 +0000 Catherine]]> http://www.animalloverswebforum.com/showthread.php?tid=7531 Esther was supposed to be a mini pig, but she ended up being 600 pounds. Her people had to leave the city to keep her.  They eventually ended up setting up a sanctuary for abused farm animals. When she developed breast cancer she inspired a fund raiser to buy a large animal sized CT scanner that was donated to the Guelf Vet Collage. Veterinary care for farm animals has improved because of her gift.
Esther had over 1000,000 social media followers and was named PETA's 2018 Best Animal Influencer.
She showed people that pigs are so much more that we realized. Her personality touched all who heard about her.


https://kitchener.ctvnews.ca/her-memory-...-1.6608386

It is hard to believe she is gone. We have been hearing stories about Esther for years.
I know her work will go on. Her memory will live large among us. 
For now, Good Bye Esther. We love you and we will miss you.]]> Esther was supposed to be a mini pig, but she ended up being 600 pounds. Her people had to leave the city to keep her.  They eventually ended up setting up a sanctuary for abused farm animals. When she developed breast cancer she inspired a fund raiser to buy a large animal sized CT scanner that was donated to the Guelf Vet Collage. Veterinary care for farm animals has improved because of her gift.
Esther had over 1000,000 social media followers and was named PETA's 2018 Best Animal Influencer.
She showed people that pigs are so much more that we realized. Her personality touched all who heard about her.


https://kitchener.ctvnews.ca/her-memory-...-1.6608386

It is hard to believe she is gone. We have been hearing stories about Esther for years.
I know her work will go on. Her memory will live large among us. 
For now, Good Bye Esther. We love you and we will miss you.]]> http://www.animalloverswebforum.com/showthread.php?tid=7380 Wed, 02 Aug 2023 04:53:40 +0000 Catherine]]> http://www.animalloverswebforum.com/showthread.php?tid=7380
https://youtu.be/Tuxu4ZjX32o

I notice people brought dog collars and harnesses. I guess there is comfort in leaving something there at the bridge.
It is important to have somewhere to remember the pet we have lost.
Our pets bring us such joy, but they don't outlive us. We know they have shorter lives, but it is still worth it.]]>
https://youtu.be/Tuxu4ZjX32o

I notice people brought dog collars and harnesses. I guess there is comfort in leaving something there at the bridge.
It is important to have somewhere to remember the pet we have lost.
Our pets bring us such joy, but they don't outlive us. We know they have shorter lives, but it is still worth it.]]> http://www.animalloverswebforum.com/showthread.php?tid=7370 Thu, 27 Jul 2023 05:09:09 +0000 Catherine]]> http://www.animalloverswebforum.com/showthread.php?tid=7370
https://www.blogto.com/city/2023/07/toro...olice-dog/


Yes there will be a procession to honour the fallen Officer.

https://toronto.citynews.ca/2023/07/26/p...e-of-duty/

Bingo leaves behind a grieving partner. There is nothing we can say except, Thank you and Sorry for your loss.]]>
https://www.blogto.com/city/2023/07/toro...olice-dog/


Yes there will be a procession to honour the fallen Officer.

https://toronto.citynews.ca/2023/07/26/p...e-of-duty/

Bingo leaves behind a grieving partner. There is nothing we can say except, Thank you and Sorry for your loss.]]> http://www.animalloverswebforum.com/showthread.php?tid=7278 Mon, 12 Jun 2023 04:38:40 +0000 Catherine]]> http://www.animalloverswebforum.com/showthread.php?tid=7278
https://nationaldaycalendar.com/world-pe...ay-june-8/

However you plan to the celebrate the day It is important to remember how much our pets mean to us.
That love doesn't end when they are gone. We just need to find new ways to express it as we cherish their memories.


https://www.furevermemorials.com/pet-los...celebrate/

I like the idea of planting things to remember a pet. Going for a special walk would be beautiful.
Just sitting and remembering the time you had with your pet is special. Whatever you need to do to remember your pet, that is the right thing for you to do. 
Each of our pets was unique in our lives and we will remember them in our own way.]]>
https://nationaldaycalendar.com/world-pe...ay-june-8/

However you plan to the celebrate the day It is important to remember how much our pets mean to us.
That love doesn't end when they are gone. We just need to find new ways to express it as we cherish their memories.


https://www.furevermemorials.com/pet-los...celebrate/

I like the idea of planting things to remember a pet. Going for a special walk would be beautiful.
Just sitting and remembering the time you had with your pet is special. Whatever you need to do to remember your pet, that is the right thing for you to do. 
Each of our pets was unique in our lives and we will remember them in our own way.]]>