*MEMORIALS*
This page is dedicated to
those dogs that have received their wings and have crossed over the Rainbow
Bridge. Although these dogs were never adopted, they meant as much to us
as our own. They were "home". We will always remember the difference each has made in our lives,
and with this special page, we would like to share our cherished memories....
Last Update: 07/06/08
~June 06, 2008~ |
~Bailey -- Lady~
Bailey first came to Pet Refuge in 2001. She was 5 years old then and her owner traveled a lot and could no longer keep her. She was adopted out 2 more times and returned to us for various reasons. When she returned for the last time in October, 2007, we learned she had many tumors on her tummy that had to be removed. She went into a foster home around January and the growths that were removed, started to grow back. We learned that they were cancer. A few were removed again with hopes that it would slow things down a bit but in June, a tumor burst and spread throughout her body. Bailey, renamed Lady by her foster Mom, Karen, was so lucky that she was able to be in a foster home and share such a loving and warm space with her two other foster sister dogs, cat and Karen. Karen gave her the patience she needed and surrounded her with love in her final months of life. We will be forever thankful to her. There is a great loss for our girl that loved to play fetch, grab throw pillows off the couch, and go for car rides. Rest in peace sweet girl. |
~May 08, 2008~ |
~Bentley~
I had some doubts when I was asked if I would foster Bentley. I had never had a male dog. But right from the start, Bentley put all my fears to rest. He was a perfect gentleman. But he made it known right away to my other dog, a female named Breanna that he would be the first one outside, the lead when going for walks and when he was the first one done with his food, she was supposed to share her food with him. During a visit to the vet to have his teeth cleaned they had to pull all but a few teeth. But this didn’t deter him from his love of food and his gusto in which he gulped it down. We always laughed at the way he would make a beeline to the kitchen as fast as his little legs would take him to see if there was food in his bowl. The first couple of years, he loved to go for walks. He had a strut that said “I’m here, I’m proud and I am the best in the show.” Bentley was 16 ½ years old, couldn’t hear good, had arthritis, cataracts and was almost blind in one eye. Even though he couldn’t see very well, he developed a routine of walking along the walls to get where he wanted. You could always find him in his bedroom bed, in the kitchen or in his kennel bed. The first Christmas he was with us I couldn’t find him. I found him sleeping under the Christmas tree. I have heard that Bentley’s life before us wasn’t very good. Since he was an older dog he wasn’t very active. He wasn’t used to any form of continued contact such as being petted, brushed or held. Eventually, he overcame his fear and he loved belly rubs and would put his head on my shoulder when he was being held. And if I put my face very close to his, sometimes, he would give me a small kiss. I will miss that sweet little dog. Love ~ Lynne Switalski |
~May 07, 2008~ JoBear ~ you will always remain in the hearts of the volunteers' at the shelter who came in and took care of you each day. You came so close, many times, to finding that forever home, but we realized that we were meant to be your forever home. We believe that you were always happy with us and that you never let the shelter life bring you down. You always greeted each cleaning volunteer with a wagging tail and usually your frog in your mouth and waited patiently, until it was your turn to go outside and tear around the yard (you were not the easiest one to catch at times!) Although you didn't care for other dogs, you loved each one of us. We will always love you and remember the special boy you were. Rest in peace sweet boy. |
~JoBear / Homeless Joe / Joe / Joseph~
JoBear was a very special dog to all of us at Pet
Refuge. His passing affects us even more so because of his story.
When a person dies they inevitably leave some of their goals and
dreams unmet. My mother, Kim Pickell, was a Pet Refuge volunteer
who died in 2007. I never had a chance to talk to her about her
goals and dreams, but we did talk quite frequently about the dogs we
saw in our neighborhoods. My mom was always watching out for
dogs being neglected or abused. She especially felt bad for the
dogs who were kept outside because they were so often neglected.
There were several dogs in my neighborhood who my mom agonized
about--especially when the weather was really bad--but there was one
dog in particular that my mom really kept an eye out for. He was
a big black chow who looked very similar to her own dog. We
started calling him Homeless Joe. We often saw Homeless Joe running loose but we could never catch him.
We knew someone in the area must have owned him because one time we
saw him dragging part of a large metal chain. We figured he was
kept as an outside dog because his hair was always ragged and he had
insect bites on his ears. My mom wanted more than anything to
catch Homeless Joe and get him off the streets and find him someplace
warm to sleep and call his home. My mother died in January 2007
before ever catching Homeless Joe. Eight months later my girlfriend and I were driving home from dinner
late one night. It was pitch black outside and I was driving
along when Syd shouted for me to stop the car. A big black dog
had ran across the street in front of us. Syd got out to run
after the dog and no sooner than she had crossed the street a pickup
truck came down the other way and the dog ran out in front of it and
was hit. The dog yelped in pain and fell down in the road.
The truck sped off and we were left with this big black dog who I
immediately recognized. This dog who had never let us get within
20 feet of him many months ago was now letting us help him because he
was in so much pain. It almost seems too strange to be a
coincidence that we spotted him running that night. We're never
usually out that late, and rarely ever go down that road, but we
happened to be there the night Homeless Joe got hit. Coincidence
or not, my mother's wishes for Homeless Joe were coming true. We rushed Homeless Joe to the animal emergency clinic and called the
Dog Dept Coordinator, Bonnie, for advice on what to do. The
emergency clinic took x-rays and found out that he was actually okay
and just needed pain medicine for a sprained muscle. Pet Refuge
was able to take him in. His owners never came for him so he was
given the name JoBear and put up for adoption. We discovered
that JoBear was heartworm positive and probably would not have
survived on the streets. He was put on medical hold and went
through heartworm treatment and starting looking really good. |
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~April 05, 2008~ |
~Cookie~
Cookie first came to Pet Refuge in December of 2003. She was found laying in an alley. She looked nothing like her picture above....she was totally matted to the extent that we could not even tell her gender. After getting her shaved down and cleaned up, we discovered a very beautiful gal! She was adopted but after a years time, she was returned to us because they no longer wanted her. Soon after her return, and running some blood work, it was determined that her kidneys were failing. Her eyesight wasn't so good anymore and neither was her hearing. She was in the age range of about 8-10 years old. In remembering when she first came in, I believe that some very hard years of life had taken their toll on her. A volunteer, Diane, who comes in every Wednesday afternoon to help take care of the shelter dogs seen her and decided that Cookie could live out her remaining years at her home. Cookie was with Diane and her husband, Rich, for about 14 months before she had a severe seizure, probably due to her progressive kidney failure and her body could not recover from it. It is in those last 14 months with Diane & Rich that she will take the true love and tenderness they gave her, with her, over the rainbow bridge. In talking with Diane, Cookie will be fondly remembered for ALWAYS being at the door, greeting them, whenever they came home. She loved to follow around one of their dogs, who was all white in color, around in the backyard. They will miss her nose prints all along the cabinets in the kitchen! Rest in peace our sweet Cookie girl. |
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~October 12, 2007~
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~Bandit~ Time passes & age takes its toll. Bandit, 3 weeks shy of his 11th birthday, went to the bridge on 10-12. This is so difficult to write. So many memories of such a magnificent dog that had been my foster for almost 8yrs. I remember all to well the 1st night he spent with me. Neither one of us got much sleep that night. He cried & whined all night long. He was a pacer & unpredictable around my other dogs. He was a picky eater & in the beginning it was hard to keep weight on him. In spite of those issues, it wasn’t long, before a nice couple chose to adopt him. I was happy to see Bandit get a second chance. Several wks & many phone calls later, he came back to me. I smile now at the circumstance. He obviously thought he was doing a good job of protecting his mistress. Unfortunately, she did not need to be protected from her husband! I would take Bandit to adoption events & hope that no one would see him. But he was just to beautiful a shepherd not to get the attention he did. And before long, he was on his way to being a family dog. Several weeks passed when the phone call came that, do to aggressive behavior & biting, Bandit had failed in this home also. At this point, it was decided, to make Bandit my permanent foster. It took time to get the weight back on and for Bandit’s true talents to shine through. He became my shadow. He loved to play ball or chase just about anything that was handy that I would throw. He became a farm dog. I remember the late summer nights & putting hay in the barn. Bandit would hang out in the barn with me long after the other dogs had headed back to the house. Bandit had a good life. A yard to run & doggie friends to play with. Good food & a warm safe place to sleep. And someone who loved him dearly & misses him terribly. I can see him now running free with Rusty, Sandy, Rachel and his other friends that went before him. Rest in peace big guy. Love you Jean |
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~September 08, 2007~ |
~Bailey~ Bailey, being the hound lover that I am, how could I ever resist falling for your big brown eyes. You were returned to Pet Refuge after you showed that you did not like being left to entertain yourself for long hours. You challenged a St. Bernard in your first foster home and you came out the loser. After a stay at the office, you somehow injured your back. Bailey, you were in so much pain and couldn't walk, that they feared that you weren't going to make it. Fortunately, your Auntie took you home to try to recuperate you. After about a week, you came to my home. Those first few weeks were very hard to watch, as you struggled painfully to your feet to go outside or eat. Gradually you started to improve because your doggie determination just wouldn't quit. We were all amazed. Before long you were running around the yard and playing as a dog should. In the next 4 years, that you lived in my home, we worked on many things with you from behavioral training to agility, which we referred to as "JUMP". You loved agility and learned once again that other dogs could be your friends. Your ears always perked up, if I said we were going to JUMP. You loved to visit Pet Refuge and greet all your friends with great enthusiasm. You could be so ornery sometimes and I know in time, that we will look back at these times and laugh, especially the time you shredded the hamster bedding bag, rolled in it, then waited for me to discover you lying in your new homemade bed. The look on your face was classic. You were never adopted and maybe that was meant to be. We loved you so much. I miss your ability to know when I need a pick-me-up, and talk to me. It is so quiet here without your a-roo-roo-roo.Your life was quickly cut short at the age of 7 1/2 yrs, due to a tumor and kidney failure. One week you were fine, the next you were gone. Bailey play happily in the fields at the Rainbow Bridge, now that there is no more pain. I know someday we will meet again. Remember me, because I will never forget you and will always love you, my Bay-Bay Boy. Love, Paula , Steve and children |
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~August 27, 2007~ |
~Nevada~ Nevada first came to us after having puppies. She was heartworm positive and went through treatment. Although she did okay around some dogs, her love was for people. She was one of the most loyal dogs and truly loved her foster Mom, Linda. During her stay at our shelter, she did the cutest thing which would always put a smile on our faces....when we would put her outside, in one of our kennels, to exercise and potty and go back to get her, she would crouch down very low on the ground and wait for you to open the kennel door. I am not sure why she did this, but it was "her thing" and would always make me laugh! She loved to get treats and would do any obedience command you gave her to get one! Including posing, patiently, for one of the best pictures I have ever taken. Nevada had her own style. She will be missed by all of the volunteers who knew her well. From all of the dog volunteers....may you rest in peace. |
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~February 26, 2007~ |
~Lady~ Little Lady came to PR in 2004. She was found walking down a country road and one of our volunteers brought you to Pet Refuge. She looked so pitiful in the crate when I first seen her. She always had this sad look on her face, as though asking why am I here. After being checked out by the vet, it was determined she had liver problems and Cushings disease. The vet estimated your age at over ten years. You came home with me in October 2004 to spend what remaining time you had left. All of my dogs at the time didn't know what to make of you. You didn't play with any of them, just kept pretty much to yourself. You loved going for walks, always being the trailer, but you kept up with everyone. When we would get home, all of the other dogs would just crash out, but not you. You just sat down and seemed to say What's Next. The only time there was any kind of activity out of you was when it was time for breakfast or dinner. You couldn't get to your bowl fast enough. The little snorts you made as you tried to get every last bit of food from the bowl, was priceless. And pity anyone that tried to give you a treat, you clamped down on my fingers more than once. Everywhere I went, you followed. How you could tell even when it seemed like you were sound asleep, I'll never know. You liked going for rides in the truck, your little face stuck out the window, sneezing all the time. You were daddy's little girl, as the wife used to say. Whoever let you go on that road, I thank them, because you brought joy and happiness to my family. It was their loss. May you be young and full of energy again as you romp in the green grass in dog heaven ~ Love Terry & Teri |
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~October 22, 2006~ |
~Ralphie~ Ralphie first came to us in early March in quite the state. He was found as a stray along side a county road with matted fur, tumors all over him and barely able to walk. A best guess of his age was that he was an elderly fellow. We did not want him to have to stay at the shelter and not knowing where he could go, a volunteer in the cat department, Karen, stepped forward and opened her home to him. After being shaved down and having some of the huge tumors removed, he slowly got some energy back and loved to go for walks in the woods with his 4-legged companion, Gracie (a pug) and his two-legged companions Karen and Corrie. A few weeks ago, he started not being able to hold down food or get up any longer and things just went down hill from there including a possible stroke. We are so happy that he had some wonderful months and we knew he was a happy boy being so loved in Karen's home. Follow Gracie over the rainbow bridge and enjoy many more walks with her, now, through the woods again. Always know how much you were loved ~ rest peaceful. |
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~October 18, 2006~ |
~Nudder Budder~ Our Nudder passed away today, October 18th, due to renal & liver failure complications. After he got very sick a few days ago, we learned that he had very small kidneys and his body could no longer handle the toxins that built-up in it. Nudder came to us only a little over 6 months ago. His owner no longer could keep him. He was so afraid when he first came in that he hid underneath a chair in our front office. He didn't even have a name. It didn't take him long to come around and became a favorite among many of the volunteers. He was always happy and greeted you with a wagging tail. He loved to play with many of the other dogs that stay at the shelter. He was able to go for some "overnights" at one of our volunteers' home. Although we wished he could have been felt the joy of living in a home, one volunteer told me today, that he did have a "family" and that was us. We loved him and will miss him terribly. Nudder will remain in our hearts and memories forever. May the trees and bushes in heaven be plentiful for you Nudder. Rest in peace.
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~September 05, 2006~ |
~VELVET~ You originally came to us, with your brother Terry, when your Owner passed away. At twelve years old, we still had hopes of placing you into a home but unfortunately, when we found out you had cancer, we knew that was not going to happen. You stoled the heart of one of our volunteers and that is where you spent your last months, happy. He talked of how you loved to go for walks and play in the pond water! It is funny how the "puppy" never really leaves a dog - even when they age! I know how losing your owner probably broke your heart but I hope that we were able to give you some happiness in your time with us as I know that you brought happiness into the hearts of many of us especially your foster dad, Dave. We'll miss you sweet Velvet ~ rest in peace.
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~August 22, 2006~ |
~Stormy~ Your name came from when you were found in a parking lot after a terrible night of storms - too weary to walk any farther. After some cleaning up, some food and some rest, you perked back up. We knew you were an older gal with a body that was pretty worn but your waggin tail told us that it was not time yet. We talked of how great of a dog you must of been in your younger years as it was so obvious because of how sweet and loving you were now. I will never understand why someone didn't come looking for you...someone must have loved you because we fell in love with you only having you for a few short months. The cheese snacks will be plentiful in heaven ~ rest in peace. Love John and Bonnie |
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~July 29, 2006~ |
~Max~ Max was 5 years old and a Pomeranian mix who first came to Pet Refuge 2 years ago after his Owner passed away from Cancer. He was originally found as a stray in his Owners' garage. Max was in a permanent foster home due to severe anxiety issues around strangers. He deeply loved his foster Mom & Dad. On July 24th he started to not feel very well and after going to the Vet, nothing could be found wrong with him. A few days later he started having seizures and on July 29th, he quietly passed away at home. He will be missed by his 4-legged brothers and sisters; both canine and feline. He was "Daddy's boy" and we are happy that his final years were spent in a loving home. |
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~July 02, 2006~ |
~MIDNIGHT~ "Big Middy in the City", it is hard to believe you are gone. What a life you led. You came to Pet Refuge as a pup that had been tied to a tree with hip issues, only to find out later that you had been shot. You had been in foster homes then adopted and returned because you just loved your owners' too much and wanted to protect them. You made lots of loves at Pet Refuge and stole many volunteers' hearts. You were a lot of peoples' favorite. My life changed forever, the day I brought you home. I could not believe how scared you were of being in the house. That was understandable, considering you had spent nearly 5 years at the shelter. We worked through it and I took great joy in sharing a room with you. You convinced me to bring Hannah home because she was your girlfriend at the shelter. You had tried for Perry, but I knew that was not because you "loved" him! Then, the news came that you had bone cancer and your life was to be cut short - if I only knew just how short it would be. Home is not the same without you. Pet Refuge is not the same without you. You are the best thing that ever happened to me and I am glad that you chose us to spend the last days of your life with. No regrets. I am happy that you finally got to see what a home and love was like - if only it could have been a little longer. "God Bless the broken road that led you to me". I will always miss you "big man". Rest well. Love Molly & Billy |
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~June 05, 2006~ |
~SODA~ Soda, you stole my heart the first time I laid eyes on you, starved, weak, struggling to stand and keep your legs under you. Your life had been so hard and you had learned to trust no one. I’m honored that you trusted me to share your journey and that you could experience life as it always should have been before you left. You were such a fighter. Such a tough girl, with a soft, gentle side. I’ll never forget you climbing in the bathtub with me, snuggling on the sofa, and going to adoptions with an attitude sufficient to ward off any possible adopters. You were a very, vert smart girl, my Soda-poppers and I miss you. Love, PatI'll find you in the morning sun, and when the night is new I'll be looking at the moon, but I'll be seeing you.~ Irving Kahal |
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~April 05, 2006~ |
~MERCEDES~ My Mercedes Mercedes, an 8 yr old Shihtzu, came to Pet Refuge in September of 2005. She had my heart the minute I met her. Before Mercedes was made available for adoption, she was diagnosed with kidney failure and also had an eye ulcer within those first few weeks and needed to have her eye removed. Before I brought her to live with us, she would see me and bark until I came to see her, I think we had a connection right from the start (it was definitely my heart to her heart) When I brought her home, she instantly made herself the top dog in the house, and a lap dog to all. If you were in the lazy boy (her favorite place) she would sit and stare at you and then bark, because she wanted up (she always asked!) and loved to sleep on you or at the end. She quickly endeared herself to us all. She loved bread(obsessively so) When I couldn’t get a pill down her all I needed to do was resort to “bread-bread” and she was right there waiting. She loved to be held, and carried and cuddled. When she heard the “fridge” door open or someone in the kitchen she would make a quick dash, from wherever she was, and stand “dancing”on two feet waiting for that tidbit that might come her way. She loved going bye’bye in the car, and would sit up at the window and watch all that went by. She loved to go for a walk, if you had a leash in hand, she was ready! She would happily greet all who came thru the door (usually with her “two-step on two feet” dance) She was a dog of courage and stubbornness, both loving and feisty. Her health seriously deteriorated in the spring, and we said our final good bye on April 5, 2006. She is always in my thoughts. Her time with us was, of course, too short. I miss her terribly, but am happy that she could be with us thru her last months, and that she knew that she was loved. She was a joy every day and I feel blessed to have had her in my life. She will always be remembered as “my little girl” and “my Mercedes” - a wonderful, spirited, brave and loving dog. Love Linda |
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~March 17, 2005~ |
~SLIM~ Slim! What can I say? I thought I would be taking him home to relieve his stress, fatten him up and adopt him out. Who could have guessed the laundry list of health problems that were waiting to be discovered? Addison’s Disease, Inflammatory Bowel Disease, Head Bobbing Syndrome, and finally, it was likely cancer that took him. So many memories…snuggling, walking in the park. I’ll never forget the look on the pharmacist’s face when I went to fill his Prozac and she asked how old he was, not knowing he was a dog. Or her reaction when she asked for his driver’s license and I told her it was suspended for driving under the influence. Slim wasn’t an “easy” dog. He had his moments and gave us all a run for our money. But we worked out the kinks and love is what I will always remember about him. And those eyes….no one who has looked into Slims' eyes can forget them. They were the sweetest, most expressive eyes in the world. Sadly, those same eyes told me when he couldn’t fight anymore. Rest well, sweet Slim. Love, Pat |
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~December 22, 2004~ |
~SHEBA~ Sheba came to Pet Refuge with heartworm, several tumors, and virtually bald from flea allergies. She had been through a couple of different foster homes before coming here. Prospective adopters would inquire about her, but change their minds upon learning her age (she was probably nine when we got her). As time went on, I found myself hoping no one would look at her because I couldn’t bear the thought of her leaving. Sheba was the best couch potato I’ve ever seen. She had that task perfected! She was always willing to share her space with me, however, and we spent many hours snuggled in on cold winter nights. Twice Sheba had mammary tumors removed and her last surgery was for a cancerous mass on her neck. Sadly, she died quietly in her sleep ten days after that surgery. The hardest thing was not being able to say good-bye. So I say to you, Sheba, Good-bye and I love you still. Love, Pat |
