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Feline In Memoriam Program -

…A meaningful way to express compassion on your client's loss

The Cornell Feline Health Center's In Memoriam Program provides a positive way to show your compassion. A memorial contribution can gently convey your sympathy and understanding of their loss and reassures them that their cats' lives had significance. Your gift also demonstrates your commitment to the continued progress of feline medicine, because it supports the center's work. Ultimately, the progress made by the Center benefits both you and your clients by helping felines live longer and healthier lives.

How it Works

The process is simple. You complete and submit a memorial card - furnished by the center - with your pledge or contribution. We will send your client a personalized letter acknowledging your thoughtful gesture in memory of their pet. Contributions can be made at the time the card is submitted or they can be pledged and paid monthly. To request a starter package, please contact Donald Personius at (607) 253-3415.

Client Response to the Program

Several hundred veterinarians participate in the center's In Memoriam Program. Many have reported that their clients are extremely appreciative of the program, and that it has strengthened the veterinarian-client realtionship. The following comments from clients are just a sampling of the responses we receive daily:

Letters from clients -

“Thank you for your very comforting letter that my husband and I recently received. The extremely thoughtful monetary tribute made by our veterinarian in Norris's memory was exceptionally comforting to us and accepted with deep gratitude.”

—The Barr Family, Florida

“It was a very unusual and special thing for my veterinarians to send you a pledge in Lester's name. They did a great deal for him medically and are compassionate people. This pledge is extremely meaningful to me.”

—A.J. Greenberg, New York

“Thank you very much for the letter notifying us of a donation to your organization on behalf of Frosty by our veterinarian. We miss Frosty very much. It is comforting to know that the donation may help advance feline medicine so that other cats may lead better lives in the future.”

—W.B. Levin, Jr., Virginia

“Thank you so much for your kind letter expressing sympathy regarding the passing of my loyal companion cat, Renfield. Your kind acknowledgements and those of my veterinarian are remembered with deep appreciation.”

—C.A. Saul, New York

Such positive reponses make it easy to understand why the In Memoriam Program is so popular with participating veterinarians. While the In Memoriam Program is designed to help your client through the bereavement phase, it also allows you to take an active role in advancing feline medicine while building your own practice.

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