In Memory

Memorial contributions may be made to Gabriel's Angels in honor of a special person or animal. This is a wonderful way to recognize someone who has touched your life or to support a cause which you believe in. These gifts can be arranged in your will or trust just as you would leave a gift to a person. You simply need to clearly state that the gift is given in memory of an individual or to be used for a specific purpose.

• We will send a memorial notice to the honoree's family.
• An acknowledgement of your contribution will be provided to you for tax purposes.
• Please be sure to include the name of the honoree, the name and address of the honoree's family, and your name and address.

To make a gift in memory of someone, use our Donation Form, and specify "In Memory" for the Donation Type, and indicate who you are dedicating to in the Special Instructions field.

Honoring Star, Therapy Dog for Children’s Dental Village

Questions:  Joyce Anne Longfellow (480) 206-9048

To make a donation in Star's memory, please click here.

Star and Sunshine became therapy dogs at Children’s Dental Village soon after they were born on October 15, 1998 – long before they even knew what it meant to be a therapy dog!  Their owners Joyce Anne and Dr. Alan Longfellow, decided to enroll them in training when they were small balls of golden fur so that they would be gentle and loving with the many small people in their family – mostly grandchildren!  For the first year of their life they went to work each day at the dental practice to facilitate their training.  The hard work paid off. They passed their therapy dog certification by demonstrating that they would not jump on people, wouldn’t bark at little people, could be available for hugs and cuddling, and wouldn’t lick.  Unconditional love, loyalty, and playing ball were natural talents.

On July 7, 2010 Star died of complications from lymphoma.  She would have continued to serve her family and all the children who have loved her for so many years no matter how weak she had become.  Her human companions knew when it was time to release her.  Sunshine spooned with Star just hours before her death; and was lying next to her sister when Star took her last breath.   As a dog who was always part of our work of healing and serving children, Star fulfilled her life purpose.  We are grateful to know that Gabriel’s Angels will provide a way to memorialize Star’s life and carry on her work – to deliver healing pet therapy to children.  Sunshine is doing her part by going to work every day at Children’s Dental Village.  She hasn’t learned how to play ball without Star (who was always the one who returned the tennis ball to their human playmates), but she certainly knows how to nuzzle and tenderly welcome the children and adults who come for dental appointments.

To make a donation in Star's memory, please click here.