Early in August of 1994 my buddy was born. I picked him up 8 weeks later and he was a bundle of energy from that day on. He camped, he canoed, and no goose was ever safe from his consumate hearding instints.
He was the biggest comedian I ever knew and he always made me laugh. Some dogs know they're funny, and some are just plain quirky. He didn't know he was quirky and he sure didn't know he was funny, but god how he made us laugh.
No car ride was too long, and no stranger to scary to try and score some pets from. He frisbee fanatasism was always there, though towards the end he would only catch it once or twice.
On May 22nd, 2006 I made the hardest decision I've ever had to do. Cancer was ravaging my buddy and he stopped walking. It had already taken most of his sight and his spirit was starting to wain. We gave him his favorite treat and took him for one last car ride. It was quick and peaceful.
I still can't comprehend that he's not there. That food that is dropped has to actually be cleaned up. My wife misses him being under her feet, though you would have never believed this when he was doing it. I miss his routine. I miss a house with out him. Who's going to inspect the bags from the grocery store? Who's going to let me know that once again it is 8:30 and there's no dog food in the appropriate dog bowl?
Augie, the worlds craziest Border Collie
1994-2006.
You were loved by many, accepted into every home like a brother.
Most of all you were my best friend.
He was the biggest comedian I ever knew and he always made me laugh. Some dogs know they're funny, and some are just plain quirky. He didn't know he was quirky and he sure didn't know he was funny, but god how he made us laugh.
No car ride was too long, and no stranger to scary to try and score some pets from. He frisbee fanatasism was always there, though towards the end he would only catch it once or twice.
On May 22nd, 2006 I made the hardest decision I've ever had to do. Cancer was ravaging my buddy and he stopped walking. It had already taken most of his sight and his spirit was starting to wain. We gave him his favorite treat and took him for one last car ride. It was quick and peaceful.
I still can't comprehend that he's not there. That food that is dropped has to actually be cleaned up. My wife misses him being under her feet, though you would have never believed this when he was doing it. I miss his routine. I miss a house with out him. Who's going to inspect the bags from the grocery store? Who's going to let me know that once again it is 8:30 and there's no dog food in the appropriate dog bowl?
Augie, the worlds craziest Border Collie
1994-2006.
You were loved by many, accepted into every home like a brother.
Most of all you were my best friend.
8/1/88-5/6/06
Riley was an amazing Dachshund. I was at an outdoor concert in Stewart Park in Roseburg, Oregon; RV full-timing with four little dogs. On my way back from a walk, I noticed a parked truck near my RV with the windows cracked just a bit, and Riley was inside. The temperature was like close to 90 degrees!
The cops noticed the situation, too; and called Animal Control. Meantime, Riley's owner came to the truck -- completely inebriated, and opened the door to the truck. The cops said, "You're in no condition to drive anything! How old is your dog?" (I had a bowl of water ready, which Riley drank so fast I was afraid he would choke or drown.) Riley was 15 at the time, and when the cop said, "Well, Animal Control is coming to get him, and they will "put him down," as no one will adopt a dog his age.
Riley's owner panicked, picked up Riley and brought him to me, saying, "Sarah, I'll do anything you want. He doesn't deserve to die because of my mistake. Please, take him!" I asked the cop if I could take the pooch, and he said, "It's up to you, ma'am."
So, for almost three years, Riley became a very close and loving member of my canine "family." Unfortunately, his teeth were horribly destroyed, he had ear mites, tape worm, etc. At the vet, all his problems were taken care of -- including shots -- but not his teeth, because I could not afford it.
Yet, Riley seemed to enjoy his life with us, on warm sunny days he would lie on his back and kick his short little legs in the air while wiggling his body. Had he lived until August, 2006, he would have been 18 years of age -- and didn't look it!
And what dignity and courage he had at the vet's. As we waited for the vet, I held him close to me on my lap. Riley turned his head, looked at me kindly, and licked my chin, as if to say, "It's okay. I love you."
I brought him home and buried him under a shady grove of trees. My other canines remained quiet as they huddled together two and three in a doggy bed meant for one. They were like that for three days. No playing rambunctiously their games of tug-of-war, or chasing, etc. Wanting them to know it was alright for them to mourn, I kept talking to them about Riley, saying I understood he was missed by them also, and that Riley deserved to be remembered in our hearts forever.
It was amazing to me, that even though I have five other canine babies (received a puppy for my birthday in March), the void left by Riley was immense. It was a sense of loneliness and emptiness that was indescribable. What supports me is that I know he is in a better place, free of all pain and at peace. I am forever grateful for the privilege of taking care of Riley for almost three years.
Yes, Riley, have a great time Over the Rainbow Bridge. I'll be looking for you, too.
Riley was an amazing Dachshund. I was at an outdoor concert in Stewart Park in Roseburg, Oregon; RV full-timing with four little dogs. On my way back from a walk, I noticed a parked truck near my RV with the windows cracked just a bit, and Riley was inside. The temperature was like close to 90 degrees!
The cops noticed the situation, too; and called Animal Control. Meantime, Riley's owner came to the truck -- completely inebriated, and opened the door to the truck. The cops said, "You're in no condition to drive anything! How old is your dog?" (I had a bowl of water ready, which Riley drank so fast I was afraid he would choke or drown.) Riley was 15 at the time, and when the cop said, "Well, Animal Control is coming to get him, and they will "put him down," as no one will adopt a dog his age.
Riley's owner panicked, picked up Riley and brought him to me, saying, "Sarah, I'll do anything you want. He doesn't deserve to die because of my mistake. Please, take him!" I asked the cop if I could take the pooch, and he said, "It's up to you, ma'am."
So, for almost three years, Riley became a very close and loving member of my canine "family." Unfortunately, his teeth were horribly destroyed, he had ear mites, tape worm, etc. At the vet, all his problems were taken care of -- including shots -- but not his teeth, because I could not afford it.
Yet, Riley seemed to enjoy his life with us, on warm sunny days he would lie on his back and kick his short little legs in the air while wiggling his body. Had he lived until August, 2006, he would have been 18 years of age -- and didn't look it!
And what dignity and courage he had at the vet's. As we waited for the vet, I held him close to me on my lap. Riley turned his head, looked at me kindly, and licked my chin, as if to say, "It's okay. I love you."
I brought him home and buried him under a shady grove of trees. My other canines remained quiet as they huddled together two and three in a doggy bed meant for one. They were like that for three days. No playing rambunctiously their games of tug-of-war, or chasing, etc. Wanting them to know it was alright for them to mourn, I kept talking to them about Riley, saying I understood he was missed by them also, and that Riley deserved to be remembered in our hearts forever.
It was amazing to me, that even though I have five other canine babies (received a puppy for my birthday in March), the void left by Riley was immense. It was a sense of loneliness and emptiness that was indescribable. What supports me is that I know he is in a better place, free of all pain and at peace. I am forever grateful for the privilege of taking care of Riley for almost three years.
Yes, Riley, have a great time Over the Rainbow Bridge. I'll be looking for you, too.
Puddles - Our Springer/Samoyed mix - adopted from a shelter in North Dakota. Bitten by a centipede in Okinawa, hit by a police car in Connecticut, had ACL reconstruction surgery in Virginia, suffered from Cushings disease and went blind at 10-1/2 years old. You were a great companion on our camping trips, we miss you.
Sissy - Our Terrier/lab mix - adopted from a shelter in North Dakota. Loved the hot weather and sunshine of Okinawa, suffered from Cushing's disease and a brain tumor, passed away at 13 years old. You never did like camping, but you always came along anyway:)
We miss you.
Sissy - Our Terrier/lab mix - adopted from a shelter in North Dakota. Loved the hot weather and sunshine of Okinawa, suffered from Cushing's disease and a brain tumor, passed away at 13 years old. You never did like camping, but you always came along anyway:)
We miss you.
Starz Natural Born Ale TD, our Allie, was born May 18, 2004 in Longmont Colorado.
Destiny brought you to us; I guess that is why it is so hard to understand why you were taken so young. We lost 14-year old Katie when you were 7 weeks old. You would have liked Katie. Your intended owner became seriously ill and couldnโt take you. We needed another golden to share life with, and you needed a home. So, thatโs how a Colorado puppy came to live in North Carolina.
Here, you found Cricket, a golden like you. She acted like a grump, bared her teeth and growled at you. But you knew it was an act. You would pounce on her and pull on her ears until she would go somewhere to hide. There was Mike, a red and white dog that always seemed to be working. He watched every move you and the others made. This year, you got him to play when you showed that you could run as fast a he could. And there was Fire, another red and white dog that took you under her wing, so to speak. You could cuddle up beside her when you missed you litter mates. You chased her through tunnels and across dog walks. Dogs, years older than you were, have to be taught where their rear legs are before they can handle a dog walk. But you were fearless. If Fire could do it, then so could you. Fire would wrestle with you, and let you win. Poor Fire, she didnโt know that you would think of her as your favorite toy.
You loved every person and dog you ever met. You found it difficult to believe that they didnโt all love you.
You became my partner, and a darn good team we made. We learned how to track.
Although I held the leash, you led the way and we earned our first title.
On that terrible morning, March 21, 2006, I am grateful that you made it back to me. Iโm so sorry that I couldnโt help you
Emerson said, โTo have played and laughed with enthusiasm, and sung with exultation โ this is to have succeeded.โ
In the short time you had, you succeeded big time. When we meet again, I would be honored to hold your leash and let you lead.
Tom
Destiny brought you to us; I guess that is why it is so hard to understand why you were taken so young. We lost 14-year old Katie when you were 7 weeks old. You would have liked Katie. Your intended owner became seriously ill and couldnโt take you. We needed another golden to share life with, and you needed a home. So, thatโs how a Colorado puppy came to live in North Carolina.
Here, you found Cricket, a golden like you. She acted like a grump, bared her teeth and growled at you. But you knew it was an act. You would pounce on her and pull on her ears until she would go somewhere to hide. There was Mike, a red and white dog that always seemed to be working. He watched every move you and the others made. This year, you got him to play when you showed that you could run as fast a he could. And there was Fire, another red and white dog that took you under her wing, so to speak. You could cuddle up beside her when you missed you litter mates. You chased her through tunnels and across dog walks. Dogs, years older than you were, have to be taught where their rear legs are before they can handle a dog walk. But you were fearless. If Fire could do it, then so could you. Fire would wrestle with you, and let you win. Poor Fire, she didnโt know that you would think of her as your favorite toy.
You loved every person and dog you ever met. You found it difficult to believe that they didnโt all love you.
You became my partner, and a darn good team we made. We learned how to track.
Although I held the leash, you led the way and we earned our first title.
On that terrible morning, March 21, 2006, I am grateful that you made it back to me. Iโm so sorry that I couldnโt help you
Emerson said, โTo have played and laughed with enthusiasm, and sung with exultation โ this is to have succeeded.โ
In the short time you had, you succeeded big time. When we meet again, I would be honored to hold your leash and let you lead.
Tom
JB - Dappled Long Hair Dachshund
He died last Thanksgiving Day from complications with Diabetes and Cushings Disease.
JB was a good companion, a wonderful friend and a great teacher. I learned most everything I know about patience from this little guy and he showed on numerous occasions what is meant by unconditional love.
This is Deanna. She was born on Nov 11th 1992, and past away on Jan 6th 2005. I had her since she was 6 wks old. My now wife bought her for me as a Christmas present, and I can't think of a better one I have ever received. She was really good to me and my family, and she is missed terribly.
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Prince Charles of Bark-A-Lot (1989-Dec 2005) was our Friend for over 16 years.
We will be looking forward to seeing Charley at the Rainbow Bridge
Sully, my first dog November 10 1998-October 20th 2005. Here is Sully's story its kinda long but I wanted to tell everyone his story.
As a family my parents had dogs but this one was first one that I paid for everything for him. Sully was a golden retriever born on November 10th 1998. Him and his 6 siblings flew to Vancouver BC From Alberta Canada when they were 8 weeks old to start a new venture. They were all in training to be an assistance dog. I puppy raised him from the time he was 8 weeks old. And at 16 months he even came to high school with me. He went in to advance training where he was suppose to learn to turn lights on and pick up things but Sully had other things on his mind. He didn't want to work.
Well that day came were he had been release from the program. My parents said we couldn't keep him as we already had kept the first dog we raised that had a health problem. I begged to keep him and I got my wish. Well Sully was a stubborn dog but we were very alike. He was a brat at time but I loved him.
In July of 2005 Sully started limping and had been on bed rest for quite some time. He was allowed to swim. Well the limp would never go away and any time he played he could barely walk. He had X-rays done in early October and had to sent to a specialist. I was waiting to find out the results.
On October 16th 2005 I was taking Sully and my parents dog and one of the dogs I had in training whose's birthday it was I was to go swimming. Sully was breathing kinda funny but I didn't think too much of it and took them to the beach. Well Sully played and swam a bit but not being his usually self. He would usually chase the stick and swim. Then I noticed he was shaking and breathing heavier. So we left and I took him to my work which is a vet clinic ( I am a dog groomer there). The vet looked at him and felt him but couldn't find anything abnormal. He thought he might have and infection of some sort. So he got a shot of antibiotics and said if his breathing isn't better bring him back the next day for blood work. Well it wasn't better and I took him back in the morning to get blood work.
Well at about 5:30 that night the vet called (who is also my boss) The bloodwork showed that Sully was anemic which could mean that he is bleeding internally. A soon as I got of the phone I almost died. It was the worst news ever. I had to bring him back the next day for an ultrasound. It was confirmed he had a tumor on his spleen and liver. So I was told to spend time with him and that in a couple of days they will do an exploratory on him to see where the bleeding is coming from. Wednesday night the day before his exploratory he was his usually self and jumped on the kitchen table and stole a baked potatoes. So on Thursday October 20th 2005 he was put under and they opened him up and he had about 20 lumps on his liver and his spleen. The bleeding was coming from his liver. I had to make a decision which was the hardest thing I have ever had to do. But I knew he would never recover and there was nothing that could be done. He was put to sleep. I had found out during that week that his legs where not good either from the X-rays.
I would have never have thought he wouldn't make it to his 7th Birthday. He always looked so young. I see some of his siblings and they are light in their face and look old but Sully never did.
He was a great companion where ever he went. He loved camping and rarely barked. He loved everyone. I miss him dearly he will be remembered forever. Here are some pictures of him.
As a family my parents had dogs but this one was first one that I paid for everything for him. Sully was a golden retriever born on November 10th 1998. Him and his 6 siblings flew to Vancouver BC From Alberta Canada when they were 8 weeks old to start a new venture. They were all in training to be an assistance dog. I puppy raised him from the time he was 8 weeks old. And at 16 months he even came to high school with me. He went in to advance training where he was suppose to learn to turn lights on and pick up things but Sully had other things on his mind. He didn't want to work.
Well that day came were he had been release from the program. My parents said we couldn't keep him as we already had kept the first dog we raised that had a health problem. I begged to keep him and I got my wish. Well Sully was a stubborn dog but we were very alike. He was a brat at time but I loved him.
In July of 2005 Sully started limping and had been on bed rest for quite some time. He was allowed to swim. Well the limp would never go away and any time he played he could barely walk. He had X-rays done in early October and had to sent to a specialist. I was waiting to find out the results.
On October 16th 2005 I was taking Sully and my parents dog and one of the dogs I had in training whose's birthday it was I was to go swimming. Sully was breathing kinda funny but I didn't think too much of it and took them to the beach. Well Sully played and swam a bit but not being his usually self. He would usually chase the stick and swim. Then I noticed he was shaking and breathing heavier. So we left and I took him to my work which is a vet clinic ( I am a dog groomer there). The vet looked at him and felt him but couldn't find anything abnormal. He thought he might have and infection of some sort. So he got a shot of antibiotics and said if his breathing isn't better bring him back the next day for blood work. Well it wasn't better and I took him back in the morning to get blood work.
Well at about 5:30 that night the vet called (who is also my boss) The bloodwork showed that Sully was anemic which could mean that he is bleeding internally. A soon as I got of the phone I almost died. It was the worst news ever. I had to bring him back the next day for an ultrasound. It was confirmed he had a tumor on his spleen and liver. So I was told to spend time with him and that in a couple of days they will do an exploratory on him to see where the bleeding is coming from. Wednesday night the day before his exploratory he was his usually self and jumped on the kitchen table and stole a baked potatoes. So on Thursday October 20th 2005 he was put under and they opened him up and he had about 20 lumps on his liver and his spleen. The bleeding was coming from his liver. I had to make a decision which was the hardest thing I have ever had to do. But I knew he would never recover and there was nothing that could be done. He was put to sleep. I had found out during that week that his legs where not good either from the X-rays.
I would have never have thought he wouldn't make it to his 7th Birthday. He always looked so young. I see some of his siblings and they are light in their face and look old but Sully never did.
He was a great companion where ever he went. He loved camping and rarely barked. He loved everyone. I miss him dearly he will be remembered forever. Here are some pictures of him.
This is Gabby.... she was a precious, loving dog. I found Gabby on a cold & windy late October day (in 1990) in a small town in NE Texas. I was a division manager for a well known auto parts chain and I was visiting with one of the store managers that day.
When I arrived at the store and got out of my car I heard a horrible sound. It was something like a yelp but more like a dog screaming. I looked across the street and saw a group of young teen aged boys in a circle and they were kicking something.... that something turned out to be a medium sized mixed breed dog! :M I was outraged as you can imagine. To make a long story short a few of the boys actually stuck around when I ran over screaming at the top of my lungs at them. The police came and took care of finding out who the other boys were but most of all I took care of the dog. I put the dog in the back of the parts store, I cut my visit short with the store manager, and then loaded her up in my company car to take to my vet. She got sick about five times on the two hour drive to the vet (ick) but she talked the entire way... I began calling her Gabby.
Once at the vet's office, come to find out she had a broken leg, several cracked and fractured ribs and likely was bruised and battered more than any x-ray could ever tell us. ๐ My heart ached for this dog! We patched her up, put a splint on her leg and I headed home with her.
I decided to keep her "until she healed and then find her a good home". A few weeks later I ran an ad in the newspaper about a "found dog that needed a good home". The first call I got I looked over at her and replied "Thanks for calling, she found a good home".
The vet estimated her age to be between one and two when I found her. She was also expecting pups and on December 20, 1990 she gave birth to five cute little (who knows what kind of mix) puppies. Only four were alive, I still have her son (Samson) with me today...
Gabby lived a long life, slowly she began to trust and transform into a great dog. She became a very loyal, fun loving, yet protective pet that would play with a tennis ball until she collapsed. We lived a full life together until early in 2005 when this picture was taken...as you can see by her stance and the grey on her muzzle, age was stealing her away from me.
Gabby went to the Rainbow Bridge on May 16, 2005. After all the time we spent together I was heartbroken.
Thank you for sharing so many wonderful years with me....rest well sweet Gabby until we meet again.
"Bubba" - Trumbull's Surley It's Stormin Norman
September 8, 1998 - December 20, 2005
We lost our camping buddy to lymphoma cancer. He was a wonderful companion and loved meeting everyone at the various campgrounds over the years. He always brought smiles to peoples faces as they saw him trot by on those short legs, tail wagging, ears flapping in the wind, and his nose to the ground. His seven years with us were far to short, and me miss him terribly.
September 8, 1998 - December 20, 2005
We lost our camping buddy to lymphoma cancer. He was a wonderful companion and loved meeting everyone at the various campgrounds over the years. He always brought smiles to peoples faces as they saw him trot by on those short legs, tail wagging, ears flapping in the wind, and his nose to the ground. His seven years with us were far to short, and me miss him terribly.
February 2002 - April 1, 2006
Axel came to us in February of 2002; The shelter estimated his age to be approximately 5-6 years old.
his buddy (salli girl :W) gunther
Thannks Mod/Admin
Axel RIP buddy, I miss you so much!
Axel came to us in February of 2002; The shelter estimated his age to be approximately 5-6 years old.
his buddy (salli girl :W) gunther
Thannks Mod/Admin
Axel RIP buddy, I miss you so much!
Champion Gucci's Free as the Breede, call name Marco, a/k/a "Pokey" went to wait for us at the Rainbow Bridge December 6, 2004. He was 15 years old.
Marco started off life as a champion Italian Greyhound, even winning a best in show. After 7 years with his show family he retired from the ring and was adopted by another family. Loved for another 7 years Marco thought this second family would keep him forever - it was not to be the case. With the addition of a newborn this new family had no room in their hearts for this little champion.
As rescue volunteers for Italian Greyhound Rescue we were called to our local vet's office to pick up this old, frail iggy who was now homeless in November of 2003. We were immediately enchanted by this little guys big brown eyes. He immediately wagged his tail upon seeing us enter the room. We took Marco home to assess his adoptability. Our first trip to the vet found him to have severe dental disease and he had to have 14 (which was most of them) teeth removed. Neglect of his teeth had also damaged the valves of his heart. We also discoverd that he was nearly deaf and malnourished.
Oldsters are often difficult to adopt out so we decided that we would keep him and give him the best care he could get for whatever time he had left. With good nutrition he began to thrive. He loved to run and play with his sisters and he loved nothing more than to lay on the grass in the warm summer sun. He was a gentle spirit who charmed everyone with his lovable ways. He was always the first to jump into the lap of a stranger and give them a kiss. At rescue picnics and playdates he always ended up in the lap of a kind soul who was smitten by this little grey, deaf dog.
But sadly his damaged heart got the best of his strong spirit and we had to help him to the bridge after a stroke brought him near death. His last moments were spent in our laps staring into each other's eye as we soothed him with kind words and loving caresses.
We miss our "little man" and he remains in our hearts today.
We love you Marco! See you at the bridge!
Lisa, Glenn, Maxie, & Lucy
Marco started off life as a champion Italian Greyhound, even winning a best in show. After 7 years with his show family he retired from the ring and was adopted by another family. Loved for another 7 years Marco thought this second family would keep him forever - it was not to be the case. With the addition of a newborn this new family had no room in their hearts for this little champion.
As rescue volunteers for Italian Greyhound Rescue we were called to our local vet's office to pick up this old, frail iggy who was now homeless in November of 2003. We were immediately enchanted by this little guys big brown eyes. He immediately wagged his tail upon seeing us enter the room. We took Marco home to assess his adoptability. Our first trip to the vet found him to have severe dental disease and he had to have 14 (which was most of them) teeth removed. Neglect of his teeth had also damaged the valves of his heart. We also discoverd that he was nearly deaf and malnourished.
Oldsters are often difficult to adopt out so we decided that we would keep him and give him the best care he could get for whatever time he had left. With good nutrition he began to thrive. He loved to run and play with his sisters and he loved nothing more than to lay on the grass in the warm summer sun. He was a gentle spirit who charmed everyone with his lovable ways. He was always the first to jump into the lap of a stranger and give them a kiss. At rescue picnics and playdates he always ended up in the lap of a kind soul who was smitten by this little grey, deaf dog.
But sadly his damaged heart got the best of his strong spirit and we had to help him to the bridge after a stroke brought him near death. His last moments were spent in our laps staring into each other's eye as we soothed him with kind words and loving caresses.
We miss our "little man" and he remains in our hearts today.
We love you Marco! See you at the bridge!
Lisa, Glenn, Maxie, & Lucy
Erin
Irish Wolfhound
8/25/1996- 8/24/1999
The first dog that was "mine". She was my heart dog and I thought my heart would surely break when bone cancer took her from me. She taught me the truth of the old saying - "It's better to have loved and lost than to never have loved at all".
I miss you still and always, my beautiful Er-babe.
Irish Wolfhound
8/25/1996- 8/24/1999
The first dog that was "mine". She was my heart dog and I thought my heart would surely break when bone cancer took her from me. She taught me the truth of the old saying - "It's better to have loved and lost than to never have loved at all".
I miss you still and always, my beautiful Er-babe.
