Category Archives: Memorials

Gizmo we will always love you buddy rest easy

CrackerJack Pagliocca 2/26/05 – 8/6/21 He may have arrived as “Horace” but he left this earth as CrackerJack (aka “Cracks”, CJ, The Baby, and Baby Boy), an adorable rescue beagle from New Orleans, who had been one of the many dogs separated from their owners during Hurricane Katrina. CrackerJack was a charmer, who could win over anyone with his eyes, a tilt of the head, floppy ears, and curiosity. One of his best buddies was Uncle John who took good care of him and took CJ with him to work at his record store. He developed quite a fan club there. Uncle Chris would give him lots of belly rubs and long walks when he babysat CJ. “Gramma” and “Grampa” in Pennsylvania loved his visits too, and for a time he was a soothing companion for Grampa after Gramma passed. And then there was Ginnie, his favorite school crossing guard, whom he would run to meet every day after school for a special treat. Cousin Mindy, the poodle, was not always amused at his antics, but Aunt Diana showered lots of love on him too. He certainly was not short of attention! CJ did not like car rides, but loved arriving at an intended destination, which usually included more treats, affection, and adventure. I worked out of my home office for 16 years unless I was travelling, and CrackerJack was my assistant under the desk by my feet. We called that “going to work”, which was part of a daily routine. He would sleep horizontally in bed instead of vertically, which was entertaining, especially when we had to share a twin bed while the house was being renovated!! When I got my old piano from PA, he loved to sprawl out on the carpet next to me as I attempted to learn a new piece. Other things he was noted for loving were football (he could watch an entire game!), music, especially Bob Dylan (whom we dubbed “Uncle Bob”), and a chartreuse green squeaky named “Toy” that his neighbor Marissa gave him. CrackerJack had typical beagle traits and was “all boy”. Besides attention his priorities were food and treats, especially chicken and salmon. CJ would nudge you if he wasn’t getting an immediate response. He was very vocal, stubborn, and focused, and pretended until the end he did not understand the command “Stay!” He detested being taunted by two ducks who came every spring for about 10 weeks to hang out on the pool cover and deck before they headed onwards. It was difficult to walk with him, since he could stop in the middle of crossing a street without warning and want to go back to revisit a scent he just smelled. He was extremely strong and could pull quite hard, so we were limited to going around the block. He seemed to always attract new admirers. When CrackerJack started to develop arthritis and walking became more and more of an issue, he went to physical therapy and acupuncture for a while, and although it did help for a time to slow down the progression, he finally could only walk if assisted in the back and had to wear diapers. I remember thinking when one doctor told me about expressing an older dog and she had done it herself for two years that I didn’t think I could do that, but instead I did it for 2 ½ years and would do it longer or all over again if I had to. CrackerJack was one of a kind, and has left a big hole in my heart. But I am so thankful for the 15 1/2 years that he was with me. He will always be missed, and very fondly remembered.

Chloe was loved by so many. 9 years of so many memories. She was crazy, funny, smart, spoiled and loving. Who knew a cat could act like a queen. She took over our household. She had plenty of beds around the house for her naps. She loved looking out of the window. She loved drinking water from the bathroom sink. She loved her back rubs. She loved cuddling on her time. Chloe was always so calm and chill. Chloe will be loved forever. Gone too soon, but never forgotten!

My baby, Rexi you were one of a kind crazy, hyper, silly, playful but very protective. Mamita only god knows why you left us so soon. LeOmar will miss you the most you were his sleeping buddy his night blanket his soothing buddy. We love you so much and will never forget all the memories we have thank you baby girl for being a loyal best friend.

We will forever be loving you our beautiful little girl xoxo

We don’t know exactly when Molly was born, but she began her new life with us in June 2008 after we were selected to adopt her (then 3.5 years old) from an animal rescue shelter. Molly was as close to perfect as can be–quiet, loving, gentle, caring, and full of life. As passive as she was, she was also very protective of me, especially when I fought through an illness. When she wanted to play, she’d grab her toy and squeak it. When she lost interest in her toys, if she wanted company, she’d grunt loudly to call someone in to watch TV with her or just hang out. When I napped, she napped. When I worked, she sat under my desk supervising. And if she sensed I was spooked by someone or something, she showed enough of an aggressive streak to send a warning to whatever spooked me. Everyone loved Molly; everyone knew her. And did I mention how smart she was? Any time I had to train her for something, she picked it up very quickly. She also began to recognize certain songs, and I’ll especially never forget how when I did my workouts, she would get up off her bed and join me when she had the energy to do so. My heart is broken over losing my sweet baby, but I know she’ll be just as loved in Heaven as she was here on earth.

In early September 2009, in the midst of moving into our new home and starting our next chapter together, we received a call from the Animal Adoption Center in Lindenwold NJ that would forever change our lives. After spending months visiting the rescue, walking and meeting different dogs, a member of the staff called us to tell us they had found “our dog.” It’s still not clear who rescued who. Berkley was instantly part of our family and we loved it! From the very first of our many walks, people came out of their homes, crossed the street, and stopped their cars to see her, meet her and pet her. Berkley was a magnetic light to all she met. She was SO excited to greet us whenever we came in the door, even if we just went out to get the mail. She was the best fan club you could imagine. Family and friends, neighbors, coworkers, and even strangers marveled at her beauty and personality. She knew it and loved getting all the pets and loves. She was the smartest dog you could ever come across and was able to understand anything you said. Later in her life, we turned to spelling things to try and communicate without her understanding…but that still did not work. Car rides to her grandparents’ houses at the shore were some of her favorite times. New foods, smells and time with family always made her smile. Fishing on the boat, going for walks on the beach, snuggling under a blanket, laying on her landing, and running laps in the snow are just a few of the many great memories we share. Ice cream was one of her favorite things…especially vanilla peanut butter. Words cannot express the profound impact Berkley had on our life. On many lives to be honest. From the first second of our 4347 days together we were in love. Berkley is imprinted on our souls forever. We will keep her alive through sweet memories, and she’ll forever be in our hearts, thoughts, and dreams. While we are immensely sad and grieving our baby, we know that she is in a better place. We will always cherish the times we had together and anxiously wait to see our precious pup again. She was the best dog you could ever meet and will be missed by so many. Thank you for all of the fun, entertainment, friendship, companionship, and pure joy you brought to us, Berkley. We love you, prettiest girl and we hope that you are at peace enjoying walks, food, and pets from everyone who was there to greet you. We are eternally grateful for the gift of you and our many memories together. You were a true blessing. Until we meet again…All of our love always and forever…

In early September 2009, in the midst of moving into our new home and starting our next chapter together, we received a call from the Animal Adoption Center in Lindenwold NJ that would forever change our lives. After spending months visiting the rescue, walking and meeting different dogs, a member of the staff called us to tell us they had found “our dog.” It’s still not clear who rescued who. Berkley was instantly part of our family and we loved it! From the very first of our many walks, people came out of their homes, crossed the street, and stopped their cars to see her, meet her and pet her. Berkley was a magnetic light to all she met. She was SO excited to greet us whenever we came in the door, even if we just went out to get the mail. She was the best fan club you could imagine. Family and friends, neighbors, coworkers, and even strangers marveled at her beauty and personality. She knew it and loved getting all the pets and loves. She was the smartest dog you could ever come across and was able to understand anything you said. Later in her life, we turned to spelling things to try and communicate without her understanding…but that still did not work. Car rides to her grandparents’ houses at the shore were some of her favorite times. New foods, smells and time with family always made her smile. Fishing on the boat, going for walks on the beach, snuggling under a blanket, laying on her landing, and running laps in the snow are just a few of the many great memories we share. Ice cream was one of her favorite things…especially vanilla peanut butter. Words cannot express the profound impact Berkley had on our life. On many lives to be honest. From the first second of our 4347 days together we were in love. Berkley is imprinted on our souls forever. We will keep her alive through sweet memories, and she’ll forever be in our hearts, thoughts, and dreams. While we are immensely sad and grieving our baby, we know that she is in a better place. We will always cherish the times we had together and anxiously wait to see our precious pup again. She was the best dog you could ever meet and will be missed by so many. Thank you for all of the fun, entertainment, friendship, companionship, and pure joy you brought to us, Berkley. We love you, prettiest girl and we hope that you are at peace enjoying walks, food, and pets from everyone who was there to greet you. We are eternally grateful for the gift of you and our many memories together. You were a true blessing. Until we meet again…All of our love always and forever…

My heart is heavy and completely broken…my family and I had to kiss our sweet boy Prince goodbye as he crossed over the rainbow bridge. We’re completely devastated and I personally don’t know how I’m going to move on from this loss, he meant the world to me. You were the most fun, intelligent, loving dog, and we were blessed to have you join our family… 15 years of unconditional love just wasn’t long enough! We’ve been through so many highs and lows together but you never faltered, you were always right there through it all. You were a huge presence in our lives and will always be greatly missed. Love you forever ❤????