From Abigail Adams' dogs, Juno and Satan, to Bo Obama, the animal companions who live at the White House become such a part of our country's collective culture (there is even a Presidential Pet Museum!) that everyone, regardless of political affiliation, mourns their passing.

When we heard that President George W. Bush's dog Barney, famous for his annual "BarneyCam" Christmas videos, died, PETA sent a letter of condolence to the Bush family, mentioning that a leaf with Barney's name engraved on it would be added to the Tree of Life memorial sculpture at our Norfolk, Virginia, headquarters:

PETA received this gracious response from President Bush:

Whether you're an ordinary Joe (or Jane) or the leader of the free world, when a dog takes hold of your heart, it's the start of something very special. Make sure that your dogs know just how special they are to you before they turn off the lights forever by treating them right—and that includes making a proper fuss over them on a regular basis.

"Tell all your friends I'm kind." That's what 6-year-old Catherine Hubbard used to say to insects, in the hope that they would all feel welcome and safe, according to her mother, Jenny. The thoughtful, introspective redhead was one of the 26 children and educators tragically gunned down at Sandy Hook Elementary School in Newtown, Connecticut, in December.

To honor Catherine, PETA is inscribing a leaf on the Tree of Life monument at our Norfolk, Virginia, headquarters that reads:

IN LOVING MEMORY OF

CATHERINE VIOLET HUBBARD

FRIEND TO ALL ANIMALS

Catherine loved to watch baby birds in their nests and reveled in having butterflies land on her. She doted on her beloved rabbit, Flopsy, and would help her elderly, arthritis-stricken dog, Samantha, to her feet when she struggled. Before Catherine's funeral, her parents asked that, in lieu of flowers, donations be made to The Animal Center in Newtown, an organization that rescues homeless animals and provides them with foster care. So far, more than $200,000 has been donated in Catherine's name. Catherine had dreamed of establishing her own animal shelter one day, and The Animal Center plans to use the money raised in her name to build the Catherine Violet Hubbard Animal Sanctuary, where children can visit and learn about animals rescued from abusive situations.

Each of us can pay tribute to Catherine by trying to live like she would—by taking a stray cat to a shelter, stopping to help a turtle cross the road, or walking a neighbor's dog. These are the kinds of things that Catherine would do if she were here—and the things she would teach others to do by her example.

PETA invites parents who want to raise compassionate kids like Catherine to visit PETAKids.com. And urge your kids to take a page from Catherine's book and tell all their friends that they're kind.

Christina-Taylor Green was just 9 years old when she was killed in last week's tragic shooting in Tucson, Arizona. To honor this compassionate little girl who loved animals and wanted to be a veterinarian, PETA is placing a leaf with her name engraved on it on the Tree of Life memorial sculpture at our Norfolk, Virginia, headquarters.

Christina-Taylor always dreamed about ways to make the world a better place. Born on September 11, 2001, she would tell people that she was born on a holiday, because she always chose to view it as a day of hope. The bright, bubbly third grader took her civic responsibilities seriously. "She was all about helping people, and being involved," says her mother. Aware that others in the world were struggling, Christina often told her mother, "We are so blessed. We have the best life."

PETA was so inspired by this young girl that we are also making a donation to the Christina-Taylor Green Memorial Fund, which will be used to help children in the Tucson area. Christina Taylor's life ended tragically, but she leaves behind a legacy of hope and inspiration that will help change the world for the better.

Written by Michelle Sherrow

We're saddened to report that a dear friend to both animals and PETA, Cynthia Long, recently passed away after what appears to have been a terrible, tragic accident.

Cynthia and her lifelong friend were returning from a gardening class when they drove past a cat who was stuck on a median, too frightened to cross in front of traffic. Knowing that the cat desperately needed help, they exited the interstate and turned the car around. Cynthia emerged from the car but as she tried to cross the passing lane, she was struck by another motorist. She died at the scene and investigators believe that both the glare from the setting sun and a bend in the road impaired the other driver's ability to see Cynthia until it was too late.

State Trooper Kurt Wagenbach told the Brattleboro Reformer "She was trying to do something out of the goodness of her heart, and it had tragic consequences." Another officer noted that, although the police have received calls about the cat, the animal has not yet been found.

Our deepest condolences go out to Cynthia's family and friends, and for her unwavering determination to help animals, we're honoring her posthumously with PETA's Compassionate Citizen Award. We're also adding a leaf in her name to our "Tree of Life", believing that her commitment to animal protection will inspire other people to always take action to help them, too.

Written by Karin Bennett