I have been blessed with a life of little loss. Until recently, I had never encountered the passing of a close relative or good friend. My first experience came when I was a senior in high school when our family golden retriever, Casey, passed away peacefully in our home. The next large loss I dealt with came one month ago when a previous foster dog of mine was taken by cancer. Though I could smile knowing that she was in a loving home for the last four months of her short life, it was still difficult to cope with. Nothing, however, could prepare me for the loss of one of my best friends, Andrew Guzzi.

Never in my life had I met such a selfless person. Everything he did was to please others and make sure that those around him were happy. He succeeded in this each and every day. Andrew had the most contagious smile and was such a pleasure to be around. He blessed the lives of all of those who came into his world. Not only did he have a large group of exceptionally close friends, but also a very tight knit family.

Visiting with Andrew’s family last night, I was so pleased to find that they were requesting memorial gifts to go to Animal Friends in his name. I always enjoyed watching him interact with my two dogs, Bailey and Aspen. They both adored him and looked forward to his visits. I am certain that Andrew would be pleased to know that Animal Friends will benefit in his honor.

Donations to Animal Friends are a meaningful way to memorialize someone. We are happy to mail a keepsake card to let the family know that you have made a gift in honor or in memory of someone special. Click here to donate in memory of Andrew Guzzi, or someone who you have loved and lost.