Memorials
If you would like to memorialize any of your deceased companions, please email text and photo of the memorial to rocky@burkevet.com.
Cats: Chelsea | Topper | Cleo | Marky | Leah | Robin
Dogs: Cecilia | Max | Daisy | Sally | Maggie | Binky | Tinkerbell | Bryn | Goldie | Shannon | Nikki | Merlin | Britta
Maggie
We have received the nice sympathy card from your office and appreciate all you empathy and care at this time. I am sending 2 of the last photos of Maggie while at the beach in early October. It was comforting to know that she got to enjoy the beach one last time. Thanks again for everything. The Mannings


Binky Riggins
Binky Riggins, our 3.5 year old Brittany spaniel, died on December 11, 2007 of liver disease.
Binky, our dear Brittany spaniel, brought us lots of laughs. She was full of energy, and made sure that the birds, chipmunks, squirrels, groundhogs, fox and deer stayed hidden while she roamed the yard. It was typical for her to sit still and erect in the backyard - very statuesque. Binky was truly "King of the Yard," creating paths throughout the yard as she ruled her domain. As a true hunting dog, she could sniff out any animal outside and any crumb inside. BInky was a fast dog and could leap over bushes without breaking stride. She was like a toddler saying "no" and a teenager who talks back - it was comical how she would vocalize her disagreement with our command. Frequently she would grab a sock or a stuffed animal and playfully hide. She loved to eat carrots and treats as she retired in her kennel. She would shake toys and playfully growl, almost as if she had caught a live animal. When we would play the piano, she would howl above the music. Binky would constantly remind us of her 3 daily meal times - often hours in advance - as if could actually forget. She effectively communicated her desire to come inside by repeatedly jumping up on windows and scratching doors. We never did pass dog training classes. Playing fetch was a one-side affair - she kept the toy away from us. She loved to go for car rides and always knew whose car was whose. It was humorous to watch her sleep in the evenings as she would roll over in her favorite chairs with her long legs extended in the air. She was a beautiful dog and we will miss her.


Tinkerbell
We will miss you Tinkerbell. You brought us lots of joy and will never be forgotten. ~The Campbells
\
Bryn
Thanks very much for all that you did for Bryn during her lifetime and particularly in the last 6 difficult months. You helped her and our entire family more than you can possibly know. You probably did not get to see it much at the vet clinic, but Bryn was one of the funniest dogs we've ever had the pleasure of meeting. That's why we've chosen this picture to memorialize her. Marc Paul

Goldie
It is with a heavy heart and much sadness - but John and I decided to let Goldie go in peace and be finally free of any suffering she had been experiencing these past months. We were with her yesterday (03/29/08) and held her close as she passed on peacefully with the aid of one of her Wonderful and Caring Vets at Burke Veterinary. Dr. Deutsch had first taken care of Goldie when we adopted her in 1991. He was always kind, patient and understanding. After several years˜Dr. Alt joined his practice and he, too is such a wonderful and caring man who takes the time to talk, listen, explain. Both doctors, whom we saw and spoke to often - we so Highly Respect! The Staff there has always been the friendliest and most loving - truly caring about the importance of what each of them do - as well as treating the animals with such tender, loving care. (they ALL listened patiently, too - to Goldie's Neurotic Mom :-))
After 16 years with our Goldie˜we knew the time was coming. She did not have an incurable disease˜but rather was aging with painful arthritis, lots of incontinence and most importantly˜her quality of life had diminished so much - we felt in our hearts that it was time. The actual procedure with Dr. Alt˜was done with such dignity! Something we will always remember. We were able to pet and love her til the end. The author Mitch Albom wrote "All dogs go to heaven"˜so that is what we will try to believe. She has brought us so much joy in her 16 years with us - definitely a special member of our family and will be so missed by us and our 4 guys. She gave us all unconditional love and for that we so grateful. Ann and John, John, Bruce, Phil and Pete

Marky Haaland
I will always remember ....how silly you looked while scratching an itch! You would move your tongue in and out of your mouth, rhythmically, with each scratch. ....you wiggled your rear end with vigor before pouncing on toy mice and scooted around the house with lightning speed. ....you frequently greeted me by sniffing my nose and then sneezing right in my face (I didn't mind a bit). ....the excited, ecstatic purring sounds you made while milk treading. ....the gentle, kind, beautiful and tolerant cat you were. You made me so happy, just by sitting in my lap. You comforted me and understood when no one else did. You kept me warm and made me feel loved. Thank you.

Shannon
Shannon was born sometime around May 13 1992 in Norfolk VA. and I picked her up at the animal shelter in Norkolk. When I got her Shannon was 2 months old. Shannon was with me for 16 years. She was like my kid. Shannon went with me everywhere I went. It has been two weeks since Shannon died and I miss her coming to the door when I get home from work, and I miss her waking me up in the morning to go for her morning walk. I can not believe she is gone because she felt like a 2 year old in a 16 year olds body. Shannon we love you and miss you.

Nikki
This was my baby girl dog Nikki, who had to be put to sleep on Thursday, 5/29/08, when she lost her battle with her health problems. Thanks to Dr. Alt and his crew, Nikki’s last year was spent comfortably and happy. Nikki and I had almost 12 1/2 wonderful years together. I got Nikki the year my mom had passed away, and she helped me deal with so much. I can never thank her enough for her unconditional love and support over the years. Thinking back, there are so many memories that make me smile - even those wild “husky puppy years”, which I can now laugh at. She was very smart and had great character. Growing up she definitely earned the nickname “Brat”, and kept me on my toes. I miss her a great deal, but I know she’s running wild, and having a great time with the gang in doggie heaven. I love you Nikki, and your paw print will be forever in my heart.

Robin (1999-2008)
I adopted Robin while I was going through college...I couldn't resist her black nose, rubber-band legs, and squeaky meow! Robin quickly became acquainted with my two other cats and soon earned the nickname "Mama Robin," as she was fond of surprising them with spontaneous head and ear cleanings. It always surprised me how she could eat all her food and everyone else's (including mine at times) and still have the energy to zoom up the cat tree or play with the laser pointer! Robin definitely ruled the house...the others knew better than to antagonize her...but she always made time in the evening to sit with me on her fluffy pillow and watch television. Robin's health difficulties happened so suddenly, and it doesn't feel right to look around and not see her. I miss her terribly, but I feel better knowing she is no longer suffering. We all miss and love you Robin!!!
