*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: 09/06/10
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~Sasha~ (memorial coming soon) |
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~Zane~ (memorial coming soon) |
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~Emily~ (memorial coming soon) |
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~Millie~ (memorial coming soon) |
 ~March 07, 2010~ |
~Cara~ Her foster Mom was quite shocked when Cara was so ill late last year. After a trip to the Vet and some medicine, she seemed to get better. But just a few weeks ago, she went back to the Vet and was once again, very ill. It was determined that her little gal probably had cancer. And on Sunday, March 07th, Cara passed over the Rainbow Bridge with her foster Mom at her side. Cara first came to us when she was just a little pup of about 4 months old. She was the only girl with two brothers, Chevy & Cubby. All of the pups were extremely shy. Kelly took Cara home to foster. But Cara never out-grew her shyness. She depended on her 4-legged foster Sisters, Madison & Reeny for guidance. She loved her foster Mom, Kelly. Kelly never expected, at just 8 years old, Cara's life would be cut short like this. But there is no doubt that even though she was always the shy gal with the big brown eyes, she was the gal who loved and was loved. Rest in Peace sweet girl. |
 ~February 10, 2010~ |
~Myrtle~
Myrtle came into my life about 2 ½ years ago. She was so pitiful, I fell
in love with her that moment. Myrtle’s teeth were in such bad shape when
she arrived at Pet Refuge that they had to be removed. She was also
blind and couldn’t hear very well. It took about a year to be able to
pick her up and have her be comfortable with it. But she was so sweet, I
started calling her Sweetpea and she sure was one.
Myrtle loved her food and she always knew when it was time for breakfast
or dinner. Chopped-up liver bits were her absolute favorite! My dog
Rusty loved her also and was teaching her how to play. It was so
good to see that. She was having seizures for about a year. I
promised her the day I got her that she would never have a bad day and
she didn't until her last day. Rusty and I are so very grateful for the
time Sweetpea was with us. We miss her so much, but know she is
playing in the sun having her treats waiting on this side of the rainbow
for us to come get her.
God Bless everyone who knew her and loved her.
Karin and Rusty |
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~Angel~ I remember the phone call quite well! It was from the Mishawaka Police Department to let us know that an officer was at our shelter because someone tied this sweet gal to our front door on a cold, winter night. Angel was about a year old then. She was unsuccessfully adopted out and returned for which we apologize to her for. A nice family came around a short time later, with Chow experience and then adopted her. But after a lot of tears, they had to return her to us due to some weird behavior she was having. A short time after her return, Angel started having seizures and our Vet explained that it was probably due to a medical issue which would explain why she had some behavioral problems in her last home. The seizures could not be controlled, so with a lot more tears, we let you cross over the rainbow bridge. You touched many lives while with us and I know, while you were in her very last home too. Angel, you were a good girl and I can't explain why people in your past treated you as they did. But I know that we loved you very much. Your last home loved you very much. We enjoyed your kisses and hope that you were happy while you were with us. |
  ~October 16, 2009~ |
~Princess~ Princess the Plump, as she was affectionately known, went over the Rainbow Bridge on Oct. 16, 2009. When she first came to me she was a grouchy, overweight and deaf prima donna. She was a touchy dog and would let you know if she didn't like you. It was discovered that a lot of her grouchiness was due to medical issues that no one knew she had. Once they were taken care of and Princess was put on the proper medication, her mood improved. She really enjoyed eating but once she felt better she moved a lot more so her weight started coming down. She would follow me around and want to be wherever I was. She even enjoyed going outside and walking around once she was feeling better. Princess loved her beds and I had one in every room for her. Her favorite time was "night-night" time. When she saw my hand signal for night-night she would came as fast as her plump little body would let her. She would run into the bedroom and plop down on her bed. She knew this was "our" time together because I would sit on the floor and pet her and talk to her. Sometime she would even want to play. Although she was a quiet little girl, I miss Princess dearly and her absence is felt. She was definitely royalty in my eyes. |
~August 06, 2009~ |
~Perry~ Perry first came to us as a stray some folks in a neighborhood were feeding at about 1-2 years of age. He was adopted out once, but unfortunately it wasn't meant to be and he was returned. Throughout the years, he had become a favorite with many of the cleaning volunteers and had many nicknames such as Perry-Bear and Hairy-Perry and Handsome Man. Perry has always had a weight issue some due to his thyroid. His stubborn streak would get the best of some of the cleaners when they tried to get him outside, to a kennel to potty and he would plant his butt firmly down and insist on running our main yard area. We thought he would lose weight by having him go on the "green bean diet". He was much to smart for that ploy and so cleaners would find the green beans laying very nicely all over his kennel floor and all of his kibble gone! Perry loved belly rubs, stuffed Teddy Bears and hula-hoops! About 2 months ago, we learned that he had cancer in one of his legs. He also had hip problems so when the cancer took over his leg, there was no more that could be done. He hid his pain and still gave many wet kisses until the very end. To our dear Perry, you might have started out as a stray that no one wanted but we were fortunate to have had you in our lives. You took a piece of my heart, with you, over that Rainbow Bridge. I hope you and Zena will be waiting for me and I miss you both very much. Ps: Please leave Middy (Midnight) alone! |
 ~August 03, 2009~ |
~Scout~ Gone way too soon, your little life had just begun. I suppose a bigger plan was in the works in Heaven and you were needed there. You took with you much love that was given from your foster Mom, Pam. Rest in peace sweet boy. |
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~T.J.~ Last month we lost a dear family member. T.J. was a Rottie mix who lived with Gary and me until his adoption. He was a sweet, good natured dog who didn't know a stranger, human or canine. T.J. was adopted and then returned, and went to live with our daughter and her family. Because of health issues, he became a permanent foster. T.J. loved to play with Erin's boxer, Roxie and her twin boys. He loved balls--and nothing round was safe--he even managed to pop the tether ball! When it was discovered that T.J. was diabetic, T.J. would spend one day a month at Kryder's veterinary clinic. He soon became a favorite with the staff because of his loving personality. No matter how many blood draws or tests he had to endure, he never grumped or complained. And although Dr Harr and Dr Hatch did everything they could to help him, his diabetes could not be controlled and his hips and back gave out on him. When he passed over the Rainbow Bridge, he took a bit of everyone's soul with him. But we know that he is free from pain, and is definitely running with a ball in his mouth, looking for someone to join him in a good game of fetch. |
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Connor (memorial forthcoming) |
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~Wolfie & Boo-Boo~ On February 25th, Wolfie a Chow mix, passed over the Rainbow bridge at the age of a little over 14 years from ongoing health problems. Her Brother Boo, passed early last Spring. Both were an inseparable pair that came to us from a litter of pups that were found. The entire litter were pretty ferel and one of our fosters, Laureen, took Wolfie and Boo into her home to work with them. After a lot of work from her entire family and many years, the pair became a part of their family. They were both extremely loved and will be dearly missed. |
 ~January 19, 2009~ |
~R.J.~ By the time you came to us, the cancer had spread to many areas of your little body. We were blessed to have had a little time with you and watch you run in our yard, play and destroy stuffed animals in a matter of no time and give some of the dogs hell if they looked twice at your food bowl! I loved how you would come up and snuggle your head between my arms and what a good boy you were during all the medical procedures we had to put you through. Stick up for Red over the rainbow bridge and don't let Zena pick on you too much. Rest in peace sweet boy. |
~January 15, 2009~ |
~Zena~ Zena first came to Pet Refuge in 1997 by the name of Anna. I didn't know her then -- not until she was adopted and returned to us with the new name of Zena in 2002. From 2002 until 2004 she went through a couple more adoptions and returns to us. I can laughingly say this now, because in knowing our precious Zena, I realize that we just didn't find her the right owner. We should have just let her pick where she wanted to be, because it was with us at Pet Refuge. Zena was a free-spirited, Husky gal, who did what she wanted - when she wanted. It was always a fun time when the cleaners had to attempt to get her to take her thyroid and glucosamine medicine. She knew exactly where they hid the pills! She resided in her own apartment at the shelter which had a couch, TV, radio and kuranda bed. Her favorite foods consisted of weekly cube cheese treats from Mary B and Michelle., pizza bites from the Sunday cat adoption crew, McDonald's cheeseburger, french fries with ketchup and apple dippers, with the caramel dip of course and chicken mcnuggets from Angela. Although you could usually find her napping through the soaps in the afternoon, she loved being outdoors, especially in the cooler weather. She had no problem in letting the cleaners know when she wasn't quite ready to come back inside yet when she gave them a good "you'll have to catch me first" game. She loved to hang with the cleaners when they took their coffee break outside. She was a people dog. She enjoyed going for visits at a local Retirement Home. They always welcomed her with yummy treats. She was a talker and when you passed by her apartment, you had better say hi to her! She was our official, office dog. Rest in Peace sweet Z. |
 ~January 10, 2009~ |
~Red~ Your stay with us was not very long. We are still unsure if it was something in your past and some medical reason which would explain your difficult times. You brought joy to many of our lives and we will never forget how talented you were to be able to bark with ease, even with a squeekie toy in your mouth. No more worries sweet Red. Rest in peace. |
~October 13, 2008~ |
~Abnor~ Abnor was in a loving foster home for almost 2 years. He was diagnosed with epilepsy a year and a half ago. We were there when Abnor first came into this world when his Mother, Maggie, came in to us very pregnant. In fact, she delivered her pups the next day after taking her in! We were also with Abnor as he left us from this world on October 13th. He was adopted out briefly as a pup but returned to us at about a year and a half of age due to the seizures he started having. For the last six months, the seizures were under control but it is unfortunate that we found he had probable cancer of the liver and he suffered from severe pancreatitis and too much damage had been done. Abnor was 3 1/2 years old and would have celebrated his 4th birthday in February of 2009. We are very sad that Abnor's life was cut so short because he made such an impact in everyone's life that met him. If you knew Abnor, you had better be a person that loved to receive wet and sloppy kisses because he enjoyed giving them. He is one of the most sweet and loving dogs that you would ever meet. Abnor loved his squeak toys, especially his hamburger. He enjoyed being "where ever you were" and playing ball. He also loved Nilla wafers and the "last bite" of anything he could get from his foster Grandpa & Grandma! We were truly blessed to have had Abnor as a part of so many of our lives. We also are very grateful to his foster Mom, Linda, and her entire family for giving him so much love and opening their home to him. Right now, the pain of his passing has left us with broken hearts. But we know that in time, we will surely smile when remembering the wonderful dog that he was and happy that we were able to have known such a special boy! |
~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 |
