Pet Memorials
"Until one has loved an animal, a part of one's soul remains unawakened." -Anatole France 
On behalf of the staff at Center Veterinary Clinic, we are honored to pay respect to our beloved animal friends who have passed. We also welcome our clients to create a lasting tribute for your beloved pet or animal friend on our website's Pet Memorial page. Please contact our office at 858-271-1152 or email us to find out how to make a Pet Memorial page.
Buddee was found in a Vons parking lot in December 1998. We guessed his age to be about six weeks. No one could ever guess his true breed. All we knew is that he was part of our family. He was great with kids, adults and anyone who would show him kindness. He was also protective. In 2001 my husband died and Buddee took on the role of protector for Kathryn and me. In 2003, our house burned down in the Cedar Fire. I had to move him 6 times in one year but he stayed true to us and was ready to move back when we found a new house for him to protect. Even with a loud bark, he was known in the neighborhood as the cool dog. He was one of the greatest things to ever happen to me and I will love him always. I was so lucky to have him as the constant man in my life for the past 13 years. I know he is in heaven now with my beloved husband watching over us both. We love you always Buddee, take good care of Daddy till we meet again. 1998-2012 
What does it mean to be a true friend, a companion? Maybe it's someone who never lies to you, senses when you are sad or in pain, makes you happy when you're down, and protects you when you sleep. In return, a true friend/companion only asks the same from those that he/she loves. For the Harden family, our companion went by many names--he was a "Rescue Dot" called mutt; lunk-head; happy-boy, big dog, puppers or just plain "RI" (A Gaelic word meaning "King")
For 2 1/2 years, RI was a full blooded/full time member of our family, and most of all, the friend/companion of Kristine. He had many physical and yes, mental issues during his short but very happy life, most caused by his time spent on the streets. Plagued by constant pain, depression and dog aggression, he was still able to make our daily lives a pleasure with his playfulness, his sometimes crazy jumping like a mountain goat, and his desire to just run "figure eights" in our upstairs loft. All of this occurred while living in a two story house with only a small patio, and 2 cats and 1 small dog names Cinnamon. RI, a Saint Bernard/Shepard mix (63 pounds) and Cinnamon, a Pomeranian mix (14 pounds) were like big brother and little sister, doing everything together. Thy took evening walks, sat side-by-side while chicken was cooking on the stove, and shared a lawn chair cushion in the patio on sunny days. Even on RI's bad days, he made us laugh, smile and feel blessed to have him in our lives!
In January, RI's physical pain from many ailments, increased aggression, and constant fear resulted in a visit to his doctor. After a thorough review of his past medical history and discussion of recent aggression toward family members, the doctor's conclusion was that there was nothing further that could be done for RI to help him experience the positive quality of life he deserved.
On January 18, 2012, RI spend a lovely day with his family at his favorite park in Ramona (hiking and trying to catch ducks in the pond), chasing waves on the beach at North Island Naval Air Station and riding in the car. Later that evening, he underwent humane euthanasia
Ri is no longer physically with us in our home, but his spirit is! He lives on in our hearts, minds, and photographs. His little sister, Cinnamon, still waits for him to come home and sometimes lays on their patio chair cushion. And with every day that passes, Cinnamon is doing things that only RI would do. We desperately miss our "Big Dog", and our hearts continue to experience an emptiness that only our memories can attempt to fill. But we also know his spirit is still with us as he will never leave, will continue to sense our pain and attempt to make us smile and laugh, and will always protect us while we sleep. An all he asks in return is a little of the same.
Kayla was a brown Akita born on May 11, 2001. I was seriously hurt in an auto accident in 2003. In 2005, I had not improved much from my injuries. A firend who worked at a vet office told me that they had a dog named Kayla that had been left with them. The family did not want to pay the bill even though Kayla had done what she was trained to do. She had pulled their child back from running in the street. I took Kayla home and we went out for walks many times each day, though not far. Kayla went everywhere I went. Soon, I was able to walk farther then to the end of the block. We would go out for an hour or more. In a few months, I was told that people could understand my speech and thoughts better. I was able to talk to someone and they could understand me and did not have to ask me to repeat myself or hear me. Kayla and I walked all over Mira Mesa and it was not hard for me anymore. Kayla started to have problems with her back legs. She could not get up on her own and I had to help her up. Finally, she could not stay up even with me helping her and I knew it was time. Kayla helped me heal almost all the way from my injuries. Without Kayla, it would have taken a lot longer to heal, if ever. Thank You, Kayla! 2001-2012 
Pal, or Pally Boy, was the dog of our lives...He was my shadow around the house. He always had to be where Mama was. When I would start to clean, for some reason, he always brought me a toy hoping I would start playing..too much attention to the cleaning I guess. He loved to run for the floppy flyer every early evening. That was our special time together. Sweet and gentle tempered, he could be a rascal and steal a sock or anything really and run around the house with it. He was also an avid lizard hunter and survived a rattlesnake bite to the nose thanks to Doc B and Staff. Pally was also psychic! He knew when I was going to get up from sitting, go from one room to another, and even when I was just THINKING about feeding him or going outside before I even made a move. Such a part of me. I feel like my right arm and a piece of my heart is gone. He'll be part of us forever. 1998-2011
Vicki, Pally's Mom
They say "a man's home is his castle" but here Pal seemed to be the ruler of his little domain. Every morning he had a routine to survey his yard by starting at one end and following his route along the fence. On his daily inspection he would stop to sniff his neighbors between the slats and continue once he knew all was well. I'm sure his neighboring friends miss him.
When Pal was younger, we would rough house or I would chase him with a towel pretending to smack him then he would stop, turn about to attack my shoes or to grab the towel. By the sound of his barking and growling, you would think we had the most ferocious dog in the world.
Although our house and yard will seem empty without Pal they are full of memories of him running across the yard chasing lizards, crows and on occasion rabbits that happen to think they could eat his grass. I can still hear him bounding up the stairs to get a favorite toy or hear him barking at the intrude, me, coming through the front door. Or, see him looking out the second floor window and then disappear to greet me with his smiling face and wagging tail.
Pal easily made friends and everyone loved his friendly and crazy personality. Pal wasn't a pet, he was part of our family. He will always be my "champ" and I am thankful for the gift of having him in my life. 1998-2011
Bill, Pal's Dad
Elton John was a beautiful 16 year old male Abyssinian Cat. He lived for many years with his family and finally came to live at CVC because he had diabetes that was very difficult to control. Here, he was a clinic angel hanging out in the office and cuddling the day away. Whenever the microwave or refrigerator opened, Elton John would stand at attention. None of the staff members could resist his cries for food so he would often munch on our lunches. Elton John simply had the sweetest, kindest soul. He put up with us testing his glucose at least twice a day and didn't even stop purring. He endured Halloween costumes and even a 17th birthday picture. His presence will always be missed. 1994-2010
Zoey was an incredible family dog and one of our best friends. She came to us at age 7 after spending her entire life outside. In fact, she wasn't even potty trained. She quickly became an intricate part of our busy family of 6 filled with pets. Zoey always had a smile on her face! Whether you went outside for a second or were gone for an entire day, Zoey ran to the front door to greet you. She never met a stranger and despite her giant size, she was extra gentle. When you looked into her big brown eyes, you instantly knew what a special soul she was. Zoey died unexpectedly in her sleep but was loved to the very last minute of her life. She is a once in a lifetime dog and we are all better for having known her. 1999-2010
Honey was a sweet, shy 15 year old cat who came to live in our clinic when her owner had to go into assisted living. No one would take Honey because of her advanced age so she joined the CVC crew! Honey was often there to greet us in the hallway as we arrived to work and would typically visit the other clinic cats and spend quality time cuddling with each one. When working in the back, Honey was often an extra helper. We definitely miss her kind nature! 1995-2010
Brandi was a much loved family dog. We bought her after being turned down by the pound to get a "mutt" because we lived on a canyon and they thought we were a "risk." We spent more than we wanted to spend on getting her (being a pure bred and all), and then maintaining her health, but she was worth every penny. She was an adopted mother to our German Shepherd, Nish, then "put up with" another baby, Shadow, when we got her. Brandi slept in my kids' beds with them until they were old enough to say no, then she put up a fight, but settled for her pillow or the top of the couch cushions where she could spy on the neighbors all day and night. Seeing her get sick was extremely hard, but we know she is happy now in doggy heaven.
Brinkley was a Yellow Lab Mix who was found tied up behind Center Veterinary Clinic. Her age was estimated at 5 months. After CVC asked if we would want her, we immediately adopted her and were blessed to have Brinkley for almost 10 years. She was perhaps the happiest, most friendly and loving dog we have ever had. She never met a person she didn't like. On her walks she believed everyone was there just for her and she had many fans in our neighborhood. Our two cats adored her and they often slept together. We could only guess the events that led to Brinkley being abandoned, however, we are grateful that we were able to make her part of our family. She passed away December 22, 2009. She is missed and will always remain a loving memory in our hearts.
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San Diego, CA 92126
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