Published: 11 Jun 2024 | Last Updated: 11 Jun 2024 10:34:50

Our special Memory Tree for pets

Today on World Pet Memorial Day we are honouring our beautiful Memory Tree that takes pride of place in the RVC Queen Mother Hospital for Animals (QMHA). Offering a space for reflection, it's a powerful reminder of the love we have for our pets. We share some of the stories behind the leaves on our Memory Tree and celebrate how each leaf continues to help us care for poorly pets. To date our Memory Tree has raised over £90,000 for our animal hospital, funding vital equipment to improve veterinary care. Last year the funds raised enabled us to purchase a GE Vivid IQ cardiology ultrasound which will increase the capacity of the RVC Cardiology and Cardiothoracic Surgery Service.

Our Memory Tree

The stories behind the leaves

Sapphire’s story

Sapphire

Sapphire was an RVC Blood Donor, giving nine donations during her years of service. When she died, she received a leaf from the Blood Donor team as their way to honour her life that had saved so many others.

Marian, Sapphire’s owner, told us,

“Sapphire was a beautiful, lively standard poodle. Sadly, she died shortly after her seventh birthday after being hit by a car. Knowing that her leaf is on the RVC Animal Care Trust's Memory Tree and having my own little golden leaf here at home is a comfort. I know that my beautiful girl is still remembered.”

Chrissie's story

Chrissie

As a kitten, Chrissie was diagnosed with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy at the QMHA. Her owners told us that despite this diagnosis, ‘she did so well’. They continue,

“It was devastating to lose her. She was nine and a half. We feel her loss every day but have great memories. Putting a leaf on the wonderful Memory Tree in the Queen Mother Hospital for Animals is our way of saying thank you. Thank you, Chrissy for the incredible gift you gave us every day. We were incredibly lucky to have so much time with you.”

Archie’s story

Archie

“Archie left many friends, both two legged and four pawed, who remember him with so much love for the wonderful character he was”, his owner Elaine told us. Archie often visited the QMHA for tests and treatment for a variety of health conditions. Elaine explained,

“Due to the treatment and care he got, Archie had a good quality of life until he was 12 years old, when the very sad day came. To say that we were heartbroken is an understatement but that we had him - with all the love he gave, all his clown like ways, his personality and character - we wouldn't have missed a second of our time with him. Archie gave us so much in love, companionship and enriched our lives in so many ways. The world would be a better place with more Archies'. A truly loving generous little soul. RIP beautiful boy.”

Professor Vicky Lipscomb, Clinical Director at the QMHA told us,

"The Memory Tree is simply a beautiful tribute. It gives our clients who have sadly lost their pet, a way to turn their sadness into something positive. Every message on the tree makes a difference, helping us fund more equipment in the hospital and give the very best care to our patients.”