Barbara Long lost two of the most important souls in her life in 2001: first her terrier-beagle mix, Aurora, and then her father, Charles J. "Huey" Long III, about six months later. To honor their memories, and the memories of friends' pets who have passed away, Barbara has made several donations to The HSUS Kindred Spirits™ memorial program.

The HSUS uses donations made through the Kindred Spirits program to help all animals by supporting disaster relief for companion animals and wildlife, training professionals at animal shelters across the country, promoting spaying and neutering, and strengthening laws that protect animals. All donations are acknowledged with a sympathy card, and gifts over $50 are also acknowledged with a special-edition lapel pin.

"My dad and Aurora understood each other and shared many of the problems of growing older," said Barbara. One of her favorite memories is overhearing her father talk to Aurora about how tough it was to get old and to lose senses so important to them both, like their hearing and vision.

Barbara's family had always been cat people, but when Barbara found Aurora wandering around her apartment complex in San Antonio, she started to feed her. When the stray joined her for a ten-mile run one day, she knew she'd found a new companion. Aurora lived with Barbara and several cats, who also accepted the unlikely addition to the family, for more than 20 years.

"Kindred Spirits is a great program," said Barbara, who donated $5,000 in memory of Aurora. "It was a great way to say thank you to her for being in my life and to share my memories of her with others."

Now Barbara wears her Kindred Spirits pin beside the West Point pin she received at her father's military funeral service. Wearing the pins has helped her heal, along with a belief that Aurora must have edged her way to front of the crowd at Heaven's gates to be the first to greet her father.

"I want my life to count for something," said Barbara, "and helping animals who have been abused is a way for me to give something back."

In addition to her many donations to The HSUS, Barbara plans to retire soon and spend time volunteering with a wildlife rescue organization near San Antonio.