Just over a year ago, Sue Gibson and her father, Tom Hayes, began creating something truly special at White Whiskers β a memory garden designed to honor beloved dogs who have passed on. The garden provides a peaceful space for dog owners to reflect and remember, while also serving as a tribute to the senior dogs who spent their final days at the Sanctuary.
βIβve been involved with Furrever Friends Dog Rescue for over 15 years,β shares Sue. βI met Polla at an event, and when she told me about her vision for a memory garden, I immediately offered to build it for White Whiskers β with my dad, and at no cost.β
The garden was unveiled at the sanctuaryβs open house last summer and quickly became a beloved feature. This spring, the father-daughter landscaping team is back at it β expanding the space with new edging, vibrant perennials that will bloom all season, and even a beautiful magnolia tree. βItβs Ryanβs favorite,β Sue adds, referring to White Whiskersβ contractor. βAnd will bring both shade and color to the garden.β
Sue says being around the dogs and volunteers at White Whiskers β especially Polla β is a joy. βPolla is so easy to work with.Β She entrusted us with the garden, and her passion for senior dogs is both infectious and inspiring.β
While Tom admits heβs βnot really an animal person,β his love for gardening is clear β from his home in Orchard Park to the condo community gardens he helps maintain. βIβm just happy to support my daughterβs dedication to rescue work and to help create a little country garden for White Whiskers.β
Sueβs commitment to rescue runs deep. Through Furrever Friends, sheβs fostered several dogs and adopted two Cavalier King Charles Spaniels rescued from puppy mills: Rosebud (6) and Katie (13Β½). βWhen we adopted Rosebud, she had been diagnosed with congestive heart failure, and we didnβt think sheβd make it. But after a second opinion and the right care, she pulled through β and now she even serves as a therapy dog.β
From all of us at White Whiskers, thank you, Sue and Tom, for your green thumbs and generous hearts. Itβs volunteers like you who keep tails wagging and spirits high!Β
Want to join our incredible team of volunteers?
Please visit the volunteer page on our website https://whitewhiskerswny.org/volunteer/ or email our Volunteer Coordinator Bailey at whitewhiskerssocial@gmail.com