Alan Edwin Baron
August 5, 1943 - April 8, 2021

"Please accept my deepest sympathy I remember when the two of you first met and it was always Donna and Al. You were at my wedding and we both have AIMEE'S. I know how close the two of you were and how SPECIAL your life together was. I only wish that we were together so that I could give you the support that you need at this time. Love to you and the family always."

"What a beautiful service and tribute to this special man. His legacy of kindness, curiosity and respect for all of God?s creation will live on through those who knew him. He definitely left this world in a better place for having shared his spirit of love and generosity. Larry and Mary Lou Whitt "

"Just a few minutes into my job interview with Al and I knew I found my ?home away from home?. His sincerity and compassion made us lifelong friends. He could be the calm in the storm or the life of the party. He surrounded himself with good, special people, therefore making me feel worthy of his friendship and caring. I wish we had one more chance to get together for the lunch we last talked about. I am forever grateful for having known Al. Rest In Peace, my friend. Donna, love and prayers to you and the family."

"My family met Al through Pets Are Inn over ten years ago. My family traveled regularly, so I had the opportunity to talk to Al regularly about caring for our "additional children"-our Welsh Corgi and Golden Retriever. Every time I spoke with Al, he always took the time to listen how my family was doing. Al had this calming aura that always put me at peace wherever I was. Our dogs passed away several years ago, but brought us the blessing of meeting Al. It is interesting the people we meet in our lives that leave a lasting impression - Al was one such person. May he rest in peace. "

"Dear Donna, Aimee, Jeff and Cookie, I am so sorry for the loss of Al, one of my 17 1st cousins on my mother's Baron side! I really don't remember individual times while we were growing up. We were either at a family Chanukah party or at Aunt Sarah's summer cottages at Woodhull Lake. Bob and I got to know Al with dear Donna in his life. We married about a month apart and Bob and I rented an apartment near you and Al. I remember how thrilled we were when Jeff was born. We came to visit and then anticipated the birth of our first son a few months from then. When we visited, I recognized that Al had some similar mannerisms of his Dad. I know that family was all important to Al and he was blessed with a fabulous wife, two children and two grandchildren and a special sister to love!! Cookie and Bob and I saw each other in person in Florida several years ago, but we, unfortunately only saw you on the internet. It was definitely my loss. Donna, you and Al were meant for each other! May fond memories sustain all of you. From what I understand there were sooo many wonderful life experiences together! May you find comfort among the mourners of Zion and Jerusalem.. Love, Cousin Marsha "

"Our family has the great fortune of being neighbors with Al and Donna. For the last 16 years we?ve been blessed by their neighborly generosity. We will miss Al?s friendly greetings and alley and over-the-fence chats, his dry and silly sense of humor, the texts asking if it?s raining at our house because it?s raining at his house, the way he watched out for all of us, and maybe most of all, hearing our kids says ?see you later, AL-igator.? His heart was big and he made our little corner of the world better. Sending extra love to your family in this time of loss. "

"Donna, Aimee, Jeff, and the rest of the Baron family, It is hard to believe that I have know you for 45 years. Aimee and I have known each other since kindergarten, and ever since, Donna and Al were like family. As Aimee and I played as children, our parents became very close friends also. Just about all of my life, I have known what a positive, kind-hearted and special man he was. He always greeted everyone with a smile, no matter how he was feeling. I know that he is up there in heaven laughing about memories. I will always cherish memories of him, and smile when thinking of him."

"Kitty & Ray Trissel: We met Al & Donna in 1998 and became family when Aims & Ed were married in 2000. Al always made us feel like family and he was a joy to be around. He was kind and gentle. He had a million dollar smile and gave the best hugs ever. We will miss you Al you were the Best of the Best. Rest in Peace Dear Friend. Love Kitty & Ray"

"The MINUTE I began speaking with Al, it was love at first listen!! This kind, gentle caring man was immediately understanding my heart towards my beloved pet, Brock. He sought to find the perfect vacation home for him and he did! The first time we left Brock, Al called me every day to reassure me Brock was okay. As we got to know each other better, his wit began to emerge and he always left me smiling at the end of a call. Sometimes he and Donna would pick Brock up, and it was evident their love for each other. When my dad died, All sent someone to get Brock immediately. When my son was in the Covid ICU, both Al and Donna checked on us many times. They are beyond special people. I have not cried this much since my Dad died. I will miss you deeply, Al! You lived your life with integrity and a great heart. I love you, Donna! Lisa Allen"

"The MINUTE I began speaking with Al, it was love at first listen!! This kind, gentle caring man was immediately understanding my heart towards my beloved pet, Brock. He sought to find the perfect vacation home for him and he did! The first time we left Brock, Al called me every day to reassure me Brock was okay. As we got to know each other better, his wit began to emerge and he always left me smiling at the end of a call. Sometimes he and Donna would pick Brock up, and it was evident their love for each other. When my dad died, All sent someone to get Brock immediately. When my son was in the Covid ICU, both Al and Donna checked on us many times. They are beyond special people. I have not cried this much since my Dad died. I will miss you deeply, Al! You lived your life with integrity and a great heart. I love you, Donna! Lisa Allen"

"Susan & Howard Al Baron was our dear forever friend; soft spoken, kind, caring, sincere, with a great sense of humor. We met in the early 1960?s when Donna & I connected at University of Detroit, became friends, & made our first dinner date along with our 2 boyfriends, at the time, not knowing that they were already acquaintances, having worked at Fresh Air Camp for 2 summers, & shared a tent when they were 15 & 16. That?s where it all began! Our friendship continued from there... We shared SO many good times in those early years... double-dated, married, had children, & later became neighbors in West Bloomfield, as Al helped to build our home in 1972. There are so many great memories to cherish of the good times shared, never to be forgotten... dinners, Bobby Laurel at The Apartment, outings, playing cards, travel, carpools, & so much more. We remember being sad when told that Donna & Al would be moving to TX. That wasn?t in our plan! We have stayed in touch & visited over the years. Howard & I are having a hard time comprehending the loss of Al, & know how he will be missed by his sweet Donna, Jeff, Aimee, grandchildren & entire family. Life is too short, & we grieve with you & yours. Al will be missed; he was a treasure, & we will remember the good times of Donna, Al, Susan & Howard forever in our hearts. There are NO words! May he Rest In Peace.. Al will NEVER be forgotten."

"Susan & Howard Al Baron was our dear forever friend; soft spoken, kind, caring, sincere, with a great sense of humor. We met in the early 1960?s when Donna & I connected at University of Detroit, became friends, & made our first dinner date along with our 2 boyfriends, at the time, not knowing that they were already acquaintances, having worked at Fresh Air Camp for 2 summers, & shared a tent when they were 15 & 16. That?s where it all began! Our friendship continued from there... We shared SO many good times in those early years... double-dated, married, had children, & later became neighbors in West Bloomfield, as Al helped to build our home in 1972. There are so many great memories to cherish of the good times shared, never to be forgotten... dinners, Bobby Laurel at The Apartment, outings, playing cards, travel, carpools, & so much more. We remember being sad when told that Donna & Al would be moving to TX. That wasn?t in our plan! We have stayed in touch & visited over the years. Howard & I are having a hard time comprehending the loss of Al, & know how he will be missed by his sweet Donna, Jeff, Aimee, grandchildren & entire family. Life is too short, & we grieve with you & yours. Al will be missed; he was a treasure, & we will remember the good times of Donna, Al, Susan & Howard forever in our hearts. There are NO words! May he Rest In Peace.. Al will NEVER be forgotten."

"I have many fond memories of Al, sweet, soft-spoken, caring, family man, friend to my parents since before I was born - and lucky for us, neighbors back in the day who became "family". Sending love and strength "

"Al battled cancer with dignity and had remarkable tenacity to want to live another day! I recognized the often ups and downs in his personality, surely as a result of some positive and then the disheartening prognoses. I have been there too as a cancer survivor, and when I felt his quiet suffering, I knew how important it was to talk to him. We liked to tell each other jokes, and I am sure that on some of the last trips to our home to pick up our dogs, he struggled to decide if he wanted to come to the house at all, but did so that he and I could visit again in person for a few precious moments to get a chuckle out of each other. Al?s battle with cancer was heroic, and finding out that he was in the Navy explains his survival instinct. Al is surrounded by a wave of love from family and friends, but also lived the hearts of our poodles Heidi, Maggie, and our schnauzer, Lovie, and still does, in our current rescued four-legged family members, Bella, Shadow, and Annie. Al made Pets R Inn our second family, and just as one saves a special holiday or birthday card for many years from a loved one, we have kept EVERY SINGLE ?Report Card? and photograph from the Pets R Inn caretakers. This priceless collection has become our diary of all the rescue dogs we have given a loving home to. There were numerous times when we would add a new rescue to the family, and Al would, when confirming their return the day before after being baby sat for the first time, say that the newest dog would not be coming back to us ? because she (they are always girls!) is too well-liked by the foster family! I might have said to him: ?Not funny Al; go to time out!? Al too became a dog lover when he adopted his own rescue; Apollo! Al touched many hearts with his kind ways! Becky and I will never forget Al, and memories will be rekindled, whenever a Pets R Inn van goes by! Richard Lyschik "

"Words can't express how much Al will be missed. We have known Al and Donna since day one when they took over Pets Are Inn. Al was so professional but at the same time personable. He always wanted to make sure the pet and caregivers were the perfect fit. He was so helpful in many ways especially with my computer problems. Al and Donna were always ready to party and we certainly enjoyed doing it. Al was so proud of his family, especially Sam and Maddie. We celebrate a life well lived. Al - we're raising a piece of Steffanelli's Candy to you today. He always said it was the best chocolate - (we brought it in from Erie, PA as holiday gifts and he said he LOVED it) Al, you are truly missed. All those years and all those doggies and the experiences with them :) Our love to Donna and the family. Bev & Marty Gallagher"

"Dear Baron family: I regret didn't have an opportunity to get to know Al, except through his sister Eve and late father. Based on all the lovely tributes here, it's clear he was a true mensch, and a lot like his dad Sid. May you treasure the memories and take comfort in the love of friends and family"

"Al was a dear friend to my husband and myself for several years--someone upon whom could always depend.  He had a silly sense of humor, a curious nature and an ENORMOUS heart.  Enjoyed our time together tremendously, and I feel profoundly blessed to have known him.  Al was a true light unto this world; may he rest in peace. Love to Donna, his family and all who knew him...both four-footed & two."

"I met Al and Donna a few years ago. They treated like family almost immediately. Well, at least until they got to know me. Then they blocked my number. Kidding of course about that last part. My trips to Dallas were always stressful, but they made it so much better and I always looked forward to seeing them. Driving to and from the airport was always exciting where one would take the wheel and the other would navigate around the traffic to make sure I got where I needed to be on time. Al and I became text buddies and we talked on the phone a lot about just about everything. You know you have met a good friend when you can insult each other and laugh like kids about it. You must be looking down on us Al, because I could have sworn I heard someone laughing when I kicked the coffee table the other day. Thoughts and prayers are with you and your family Donna. I miss you Al."

"Larry and I are so saddened to hear of Al?s recent passing. He was such a gentle man who truly cared for all of God?s creatures and seemed to live a life of joy and gratitude sprinkled with a large dose of humor! We never worried about our Maisie girl while we were away as we knew she was loved and spoiled by the Pets Are Inn family. Al?s kindness, dignity, professionalism and respect for others will be missed by so many. Donna, may you and your children find comfort in the memories and the knowledge that we all share in the loss of this dear man. Larry and Mary Lou Whitt"

"Larry and I are so saddened to hear of Al?s recent passing. He was such a gentle man who truly cared for all of God?s creatures and seemed to live a life of joy and gratitude sprinkled with a large dose of humor! We never worried about our Maisie girl while we were away as we knew she was loved and spoiled by the Pets Are Inn family. Al?s kindness, dignity, professionalism and respect for others will be missed by so many. Donna, may you and your children find comfort in the memories and the knowledge that we all share in the loss of this dear man. Larry and Mary Lou Whitt"

"Larry and I are so saddened to hear of Al?s recent passing. He was such a gentle man who truly cared for all of God?s creatures and seemed to live a life of joy and gratitude sprinkled with a large dose of humor! We never worried about our Maisie girl while we were away as we knew she was loved and spoiled by the Pets Are Inn family. Al?s kindness, dignity, professionalism and respect for others will be missed by so many. Donna, may you and your children find comfort in the memories and the knowledge that we all share in the loss of this dear man. Larry and Mary Lou Whitt"

"I have a few memories of playing at Aimee's house on Greenbriar and always thought Al was such a nice dad! Flash forward to adulthood, my mom speaks so fondly of Al and what a special bond they had. Al will truly be missed. I am sending all of my positive thoughts to friends and family (and former neighbors)"

"Didn?t know Al well but got to know him thru Pets Are In-was a genuinely really nice man-loved visiting with him-took such pride in the professionalism of Pets Are In-he will be dearly missed-May his memory be a blessing to Donna and his family"

"Al was one of the nicest men I've had the privilege of knowing. We have been a part of his life through 2 of our dogs. He was always available when I had any questions or needed anything special for pick ups or drop offs for Remy and now Talie. He was always joking and said silly things that made us laugh. One morning I asked for an earlier than usual pick up and he even showed up in his bathrobe (just to be silly). He was a very caring person and you could tell he cherished Donna and always took extra care of all of his dog clients to make sure they were at the best houses to fit their needs. I know his family will miss him as well as all of us who have known him. RIP Al Baron"

"Donna, I am so sorry to hear the news of Al's passing. We met through Pets Are Inn and he took such good care of my little Kayla. He always showed a very caring and loving spirit. May you and your family be comforted by your memories and the condolences of so many. He will be missed. God bless you and your family and friends.. Joan and Dick Meyer"

"Donna and family, Mark and I are so very saddened to hear this news, and send you our sincere condolences. You and Al, and Alta and the other Pets Are Inn folks took such wonderful care of our sweet labs, Joey and Roxie, and we didn?t leave them with just anybody. It?s been a couple of years now that they have been at the rainbow bridge, as they say in pet grieving. And I hope that Al will get to see them and many other of the beloved pets that he helped care for in an absolutely beautiful way. Al will truly be missed. May the Lord be with you. Linda and Mark Robinson "

"Donna We are heartbroken to hear of Al's passing and our sincere condolences to Donna and family. We have been next door neighbors to Al and Donna for 22 years. We have enjoyed our neighborly talks with Al out in the front yard over the years. Marieli has enjoyed working for their pet sitting business the last couple of years as Al has been a pleasure to work with. We will certainly miss him. To Donna and family may the happy memories of Al give you comfort during this time of your loss."

"Donna, I was so sorry to hear about Al's passing. He will certainly be missed by everyone that knew him. I met y'all about 12 years ago when I brought our rambuncious Maverick (German Shepherd/Blue Heeler Mix) to be interviewed at your office. He passed the interview and began a great journey with his older companion Lucky (a Golden Retriever) who taught Maverick how to behave! So the journey began with you and Al and the wonderful company of Pets Are Inn. I was so happy to find Pets Are Inn and what a special & loving business this is. Al was always on time and ready to get my boys in the van! Both of them are gone now but we have Jake who has had the pleasure of being in the Pets Are Inn family for 7 years. So many of us missed out on travel in 2020 but hopefully we can all travel again and our fur-babies can book a reservation. In closing, Al was such a super nice and polite gentleman and it was always a pleasure to see him. May God bless you and your family and comfort you in these days. Luanne, Vance and Jake Payne"

"We only met a year ago via Pets are Inn... Scared to leave our 4 pound Chihuahua for the first time... He made us feel truly safe and loved. We again only a month or so ago left our Roxy in order to go to Mexico, and he was amazing!!! We as pet parents felt so safe and listened to. He will be missed. He is thanked by us, the Whittiers, for all he did and how much he cared. Truly amazing. Condolences. Jenny and Steve Whittier"

"Donna: We are very sad that Al has passed. We have been blessed to have been your neighbors the last 18 years. We will certainly miss Al's quick wit, humor and spirited political discussions. Al always had a smile. Maile & Trey May God comfort you among the other mourners of Zion and Jerusalem."

"Dear Donna, I feel closer to you and Al in the short time I have known you guys than people I have know for decades. I am sorry we met only recently and will miss Al and our conversations. I hope you take comfort in your family and friends and we will always be loyal to Pets Are Inn! Michael, Julie, Jordan, and Tori Zimmermann with a bark out from Tucker and Lily."

"We are so saddened to learn of Al's passing. We will miss talking to him on the phone and in person. He was such joy and pleasure to know and will be greatly missed. He took such great care of our sweet Lacy who made the transition several years and sweet Sofi loved to see him coming up the walk for her. He was a lovely and gentle man. Donna and Lonnie "

"I have known Al and Donna for 15 years. Al has been my boss for 7 years after I started driving pets for PETS ARE INN. I talked to Al nearly every day. I can still hear his voice. He was always so pleasant to me on the phone. I am still holding my phone and expecting to hear Al's voice. But I hear a pleasant female voice now... that of Donna as we move ahead in the PETS ARE INN business. Al will be dearly missed by me and my family of 6. Blessings, Alta Gillings"

"Dear Donna and Family, We are all so saddened at Al's passing. Our hearts go out to you. In the short time that Karl, Gabby (our furry family member), and I knew you and Al, we were struck by his kindness, compassion, and ever-present twinkle in his eye. May your good memories sustain you in these difficult days. Fondly, Paula Hart"

"Dear Donna, we are so grieved with you at Al's passing. May God comfort you and your family especially in these next days and weeks. Al was what my mother used to call "a true gentleman", gentle and respectful and kind. We need more men like him!!! May you be blessed as you continue Pets Are Inn, and may the legacy Al started continue through his family, friends, and business. Blessings from the Brown Family"

"Al was one of the finest human beings I have ever had the privilege to know. Over the past 17 years my husband Jerry and I utilized the services of their business Pets Are Inn. Whenever he would call to confirm a reservation or pick up and or deliver our dogs to use he always had a smile; he truly loved his business but more importantly he spoke so much of love of his family. The world was a better place with him being in it, I am very sadden to hear of his passing. My prayers and thoughts are with him and his family and close friends. Rest in Peace AL! "

"Didn?t know Al well but got to know him thru Pets Are In-was a genuinely really nice man-loved visiting with him-took such pride in the professionalism of Pets Are In-he will be dearly missed-May his memory be a blessing to Donna and his family"

"I only met Al a few times in person - but I have the sound of his kind melodious voice in my head when he would call to confirm a Pets Are Inn pick up. I wish I had found Pets Are Inn sooner so I would have more fond memories of him. Prayers for Donna and Family. With a grateful heart - The Hrads"

"Al was the sweetest kindness person I have ever met.. How Al persevered these last years or so showed his bravery and the will to live through all that he was suffering...I will miss you!"

"You were a man with a kind soul and a pure heart. So many of us were blessed to have known you. You enriched our lives for sure. Rest in peace my dear friend. Sheila Jackson"

"To my brother, I was a pain in your 5-year-old butt, but I have loved, adored and idolized you my whole life. (Except when I was 15 and you wouldn't let me date your friends.) I still have the letter you wrote to me when you were in the Navy. Not that I followed the advice, but I still have the letter. I so admire your bravery and courage as you fought your health issues with such dignity for so many years. How extra blessed we all are to have had you in our lives for so many years. You have left a huge void that can never be filled by another. You were always there for me I will miss you, my fun-loving, sweet, kind brother. Love, Cookie Love, always, Cookie "

"We did win the neighbor lottery for sure. We all enjoyed the ALligator. Al and Brian have had lots of fun and laughs over thhe years.,, some at our expense! He made this world better for so many. Melinda and Brian "

"Taylor and Parker send their love. They loved AL and have only fond memories of the 20 years next door."

"Although I hadn't seen Al for many, many years, I still remember what a sweet man he was to all, and how proud he was of his family and how much he loved them. I am so sorry for your great loss, Donna, and my heartfelt sympathy to Aimee and all other family and friends who lost a great man. Debbi (Levin) Kowalski and family"

"Al was a business person who loved pets and with his wife Donna owned a Pets Are Inn Franchise in Dallas/Plano area. Al and Donna were the Number One Franchise for Business done in 2020 as compared to 2019 ... he will be missed by all .. Ann & Jim Platt"