Ray Charles was our first blind dog. We adopted him on his second birthday-October 8, 1999. We had no idea what to expect when we saw his Petfinder adoption page. We never had any experience with a blind dog before. What we found out was that they are just like any other dog. Ray was blind from birth, so not only couldn't he see, he didn't know he should be able to! He learned our house over a weekend, and could navigate up and down stairs, down hallways, into doorways and around furniture in no time. People were amazed at how well he got around, and some swore he must have been able to see! As he got older, he developed severe arthritis, and then cancer. We released him from his pain on Dec. 30th, 2009. Without him, we would not have known the love that blind dogs have to offer, and BDRA would not be here. Good bye, Ray, we miss you. Karen and Eric.
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My beautiful Great Pyrenees, Sindari, the love of my life for 13 yrs.
He was my first Pyr. He loved his Sibe brothers and watched over and
protected us. I love and miss you Sindari. Sir Sin crossed the
Rainbow Bridge Aug 7, 2005
Bev & Mike Shane Yasha, Yuri, Quinn, Lokai & Tristin
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She was our first Siberian Husky. We had no idea we could find a purebred Siberian
Husky in a shelter. We figured we'd go to the pet store at the mall.
Fate had other plans.My sister in law called me to see if I wanted
to go to the shelter with her, to help her pick out a dog to adopt. I'm
always for playing with dogs, so I went along.We walk in, and there
she was. Second cage on the left. A little black and white, bi-eyed
Siberian Husky. I couldn't believe it. I immediately called Eric, and
told him we had to get to the shelter first thing in the morning,
because we had to adopt a dog (by the time we had gotten there that
evening, adoption hours were over) We weren't even in our house yet,
so Sasha came home with me for 3 weeks, until we moved. My parents' old
dog hated Sasha and her energy, so she hung in the family room for 3
weeks, where she ate a computer plug, 2 bags of beggin strips, an Elmo
costume, and 3 jars of finger paints. We had pink and blue and purple
pawprints all over the basement, and the couch, and the love seat. We
knew nothing about Sibes, besides the fact that they're gorgeous. Sasha
gave us an education and fast. She loved to eat the phone book, and any
hardback. She was the boss of the house, keeping
Isis and Ray in line, as well as any fosters we had in the house. As
soon as they came in, she mounted them, so they knew who was boss, and
all was well. She didn't keep her bossing to dogs. My father in law
was in her spot on the sofa. She squeezed behind him, and shoved him
off the couch, then curled up in his spot and went to sleep. On March 18th, 2008 we had to put her to sleep. She couldn't get up, could barely move. The cancer had spread so much. I
can't believe she's gone. I'm waiting for to jump on the bed and shove
me out of the way, or claw me for my breakfast, or jump in my spot when
I got up, or hog the blankets, or do any of the million things she did
every day. We still miss you, Sasha. Karen and Eric
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Sparky 4/3/94 - 3/13/06
All my daughter wanted for the holidays was a
little black puppy. It was at the top of her list, the bottom of her
list, and sprinkled in between. Sparky came into our lives at eight weeks old.
She was born 4/3/94 to proud parents Magic and Hershey. When we first
brought her home she weighed just 2.2 pounds and you could hold her in
the palm of your hand. She was our first dog. I think her ears were
bigger than the rest of her. My husband and children named her because
she was black with a little white running down her chest. My husband
said she looked like a little spark plug, hence Sparky. Sparky was a petite little girl. She had the
prettiest little face and was the love of my life. She was so soft; she
had such silky thick black fur. If I move my hand I can still feel her
fur. She was my shadow. If I was sick, she would stay snuggled next to
me and never leave. Sparky was about 5 when we adopted Sarah. And she
was definitely a princess. At first she ignored Sarah. She didn't want
us to know she really liked her, but at times we would find them
snuggled together on the steps or on a bed. In October of 2005 I noticed something starting
to protrude from the side of her mouth. We had it removed and it proved
to be cancerous. We were told that oral cancer is one of the worst for
a dog. After speaking with an oncologist we decided not to put her
through treatment. It would have involved travel to NYC and would have
been too stressful on Sparky. It would have possibly given her only a
few extra months at most. She was too good and too sweet to put her
through all that. And so, about 3 weeks before her 12th birthday, my
little baby Sparky lost her battle. It was time and she told me so with
her eyes. My daughter and I held her as we gave her hugs, kisses, and
through tears, our final gift of love. Sparky, you are now free of pain at the Rainbow
Bridge. We miss you so; you taught us the meaning of unconditional
love. Someday we will all be together again. I know that you are with
Grandpa smiling down at us now. We love you so much!! Love, Mommy (Sheila), Daddy (Walt), Cheryl, Matthew, Richard & Sarah
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NIKITA
I wanted a Siberian Husky and for Christmas in 1986 I got my
Nikita. I always wanted a blue eyed boy, but when I got Niki, he was
the one for me. His name means Unconquerable, and Nikita had no fear
of anything. He put Sindari, my Great Pyrenees, in his place right away
without even getting up off the floor. It was my love for Nikita that
got me into Siberian Husky Rescue after he crossed the Rainbow Bridge on
Dec 29th 2000 at the age of 14 yrs and 2 months. Niki was one in a million
Niki so I know how lucky I was to have him. He's running with pride
in his silver harness with all my dogs that passed before him and after, Kim,
Bandit, Chief, Sindari (#1), Sindari (the Pyr) Pirate, Casey, Daisy (my
inherited Pry) and Buffin.
Niki's nickname that he loved to be called was "Dahling"
We love and miss you Nikita.
Your Mommy and Daddy Bev and Mike Shane
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Rastus came to me when I needed him most, on the same day my partner died. I looked at him at the wake and said to myself "I would love a dog like him," as he made his way from one person to another, asking for a pat, but not too worried if he was ignored.
Fate meant he stayed - he was 7 years old, smart, cheeky, and very active. I knew nothing about dogs - had never owned one before - so he forced me to learn how to care for him, train him, walk, and feed him.
From the beginning he had collapsing trachea, but it only rarely slowed him down. He would have "attacks", and I would sit with him, massage his throat, and comfort him until the attack passed. On one of these occasions he snuggled closer to me, not to gain comfort but to comfort me and tell me it was all going to be ok.
He made me laugh, which was so important at that time. He loved cats, literally. Would go up to them and lick their faces, much to the cat's confusion. He would chase my cat, and run past when my cat stopped, as if that was the intention all along. He would have to be told four times to stop eating the cat's kibble, and only stopped if I put the bowl up high. If a smell in the grass was interesting, all the calling in the world wouldn't get him to come back to me.
In October 2009 he developed a cough, which turned out to be collapsing of his airways lower down. Various treatments were tried, from various vets, but nothing really helped. He would have one good day, and two bad. Then on 15 December I found him collapsed on the floor of his kennel. The vets tried all day to get him stable, but nothing worked - oxygen, steroids, diuretics. So I made the decision to let him go. Even the vet had tears in her eyes.
I still look up and expect to see him looking up at me. Rastus, I miss you, but know you are in a better place now.
Kim
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When Joy came to our door that freezing January 1999, little did we realize what a true gift she was .
Wearing a Montana Vet tag, we called and
were told they would contact the owner with our information. It was a
Rescue who gave us her history. She had just turned 1 yr. old when she
got here. It appears this almost perfect girl had been in 6 different
homes in that one short year. What huge mistakes these prior homes
made not giving her a chance to grow up a little . But what a blessing
for us.
Two years ago this coming Xmas I noted her
eye , having seen glaucoma was shocked to see that look in her left eye
. In June that year she lost her eye . She handled it like the champ
she was . I didn't do too well .
A year later she had a tumor on her elbow
and it was removed . Again she just accepted it . I also was able to
deal with it . In this very time she lost sight in her right eye . She
again amazed us and moved on. I was in awe of her ability to face her
problems and continue , I was not so strong .
The last of July, we noted a small lump on
her spine and rushed her to the vet . It was a calcium build up from
two vertebrae and the future was not bright .. One month later it had
tripled in size and she could barely get up or down. But she did to go
out and do her business . Through all her problems she never made a
mistake in the house.
On August 23, 2008 her vet came over and
released her out in the back on the hill she loved to lay on. She
handled it with all the grace, strength and class this wonderful girl
possessed. Her mother didn't handle it well at all and still is not .
When she closed her eye and left, all the joy in my world went with her
.
If Perfection had a name, it would be Joy.
Jan.21,1999 - Aug.23,2008
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We joined BDRA because of our love for our little blind
Pom. He was a rescue from the south, we pulled him and adopted him
"sight unseen" based on his listing as blind, senior and friendly...he
came to us on one of the transport trains from the south that we help
with when we can. I originally adopted him really for me, but my son
fell in love with him when we picked him up on train transport....and
never really put him down after that...he slept with him, watched TV
with him and generally spent all his time with this little guy. My son
is a 6' 2" high school football player and just had to snuggle with
this little 8 pound puff ball. My son also has a cockatiel that is very
attached to him....and whenever my son leaves the room (even if other
people are in it) the bird will shriek for him...very quickly our
little blind guy learned that if the bird was calling like that it
meant that my son had left the room and he would jump up whining and
"looking"....so funny! I would have to call him back to pick both of
them up. We adopted Rizzo with a heart murmur and for the last several
months he had to have a big increase in meds, became incontinent due to
the meds, and had trouble with coughing. This past Monday night, he
passed away at home during the night. I was lucky enough to get a
picture of him with my son at Christmas....such good looking boys! We
miss you Riz! Kay
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In Memory of Skeeter
April 13, 1994 – August 31, 2009
Skeeter was my constant companion for 15 ½ years. When
I turned twelve, my parents gave me a Shih-Tzu puppy – Skeeter – in
hopes that she would teach me responsibility. She, of course, taught me
much more than that. She saw me through changing friends, many schools
(high school, college, grad school), and many states (we lived in New
Hampshire, New York, Arizona, California). She had a strong
personality, even as she got older, and was spunky and opinionated. The growing cataracts in her eyes didn’t faze her, nor did when she could no longer jump on the bed, or easily on the couch. And
when an eye infection took away the sight in her left eye completely,
she learned quickly to deal with that as well and was patient with the
many medications I had to put in her eye. For three years she had that
big, blind eye. And even though the cataract in her seeing eye
continued to grow larger, and her hearing and her sense of smell
poorer, she was still cheerful, happy, and very loved, both by me and
her adopted dad, Jake.
Skeeter
became sick with complications of old age and died exactly three weeks
later. We’re glad she didn’t have to suffer long. Her wonderful vet was
still telling me that she wasn’t in much pain, might get better, and
not to put her down yet when she died naturally while in my lap. She was graceful, spunky and opinionated to the end.
Skeeter, you are very loved, and much missed. Love, Liz and Jake.
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Buddy, we tried to help you. We're sorry it was too late for you. We wanted to show you that you don't have to fear people. Godspeed, Buddy. You no longer have to be afraid. BDRA volunteers
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Keiko was a sweet dog who had a rough life. She ended up at a shelter in Texas with severe trauma to her head, requiring her eyes to be removed. Pablo and Val, BDRA volunteers, hoped to foster her and help her get past the pain to show her the love she so needed and deserved. Unfortunately, they never got that chance. Keiko died during surgery. Thank you to the BARC volunteers who worked tirelessly on Keiko's behalf. Godspeed, Keiko. You deserve so much more than you got. We will never
forget you. Pablo, Val, and the volunteers of BDRA.
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On May 2, 2010 I carried perfect Macey for the last time in this world, to a backyard burial site, and now she is waiting, playing at Rainbow Bridge.
Val and I are so thankful to each of you for your support and especially to those who brought Macey to us: Danielle, Colleen & Karen who facilitated Macey to BDRA, Kim for noticing an issue during transport and keeping her in VA (which allowed Andrew to go to Karen & Eric and on to a Forever Home). Kim and Val then spent a Sunday transporting this sweet girl back home to us.
Though a BDRA doggie, Macey had good vision; she was mostly deaf and had neurological issues and learning disabilities. Macey truly was at home and we were perfect for her. Val has a deaf sister and a daughter, Kayla, that passed away at 16 from heart failure and also had some issues that Macey faced. So - though not blind at all - Macey through BDRA found herself in our home, the one right place in the world for her.
That same day, I did a write-up for Macey's adoption page and we laughed about it, knowing Macey would not be adopted - too many issues. Macey would live all her life with us and Val was already figuring what to do next winter as Macey just loved being outdoors all day and would pout and whine when kept in.
Of course we built her a special pen, placed along a tree line for shade plus covered too. Macey would play there, with us or alone, sometimes with Mama Buffy or neighbor doggie Rascal. She loved to lie low, ready to pounce on her prey - us! Macey enjoyed her rawhides, stuffies and being loved on. It took awhile, yet she gave such good kisses and loved the ritual of nighttime loving before bed, a loving she received each and every night ... good for her and even better for us.
All of us will pass, though we know not when. Some will have long lives, others like Macey short ones. We can only hope to really have lived ... Macey really did live. Macey played, she was happy, she loved us and we loved Macey. Macey knew she was home here and fit right in to our pack of misfits, defectives and cast-offs. Macey was a Bassim and a BDRA doggie and again Val and I thank each of you for helping make that true. Please enjoy lovely Macey's pictures, attached.
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Sweet Carly came to BDRA heartworm positive and very sick. She was found wandering through a swamp in South Carolina. After coming to BDRA, she required 2 separate ER visits and had to stay there several days for monitoring and treatment. She received an immiticide injection for the heartworms, requiring her to be kept quiet. In true Husky fashion, she escaped her enclosure, and was found sleeping in the hallway. Thankfully she was not a typical hyper Sibe, and rested throughout her treatment. Despite this, a clot traveled to her lung. This caused her to be short of breath, but she still enjoyed her walks, her meals and belly rubs. A second clot proved to be too much for her. When her foster parents went to take her for her morning walk, she was gone. She passed away in her sleep, leaving many broken hearts behind. Carly was always so sweet and happy, despite everything she had been through. She had a wag and a kiss for everyone. We desperately wanted her to get better and enjoy her new life being happy and spoiled in a loving home, but it was not meant to be. BDRA wants to thank Carly's guardian angel, Lisa, who found her, took care of her, and transported her to her foster home when she was healthy enough to travel. Godspeed, beautiful Carlita girl. We miss you so much, and can't believe you're gone. Karen, Eric and the BDRA family.
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"Van Halen was pulled from Floyd County Animal Control near Rome, GA. He was a very sick boy and had a cataract in one eye. When we put him in the car, he wasn't even able to jump in the backseat, but had to be lifted. He was loved on and petted all the way back to Atlanta. When we got him home, we tried to bathe him as he was filthy. His fur was so matted and dirty three bath rinse made no difference in how he looked. He went to the vets and we were told he had no muscle tone in his back end at all and little muscle tone in the rest of his body. I asked if we could try to get him to eat and get better. The vet didn't think he would get better, but agreed to let us try. He ate everything we gave him and drank and drank and drank. He was house-trained and loved to walk outside as much as he could. He went a couple of days later to get shaved and bathed. He was like a different boy when he came home. Still very weak, but seemed to really be glad to be clean and mat free. We thought he was getting better with his good food and rest and love. On Monday night he started breathing oddly, like he was breathing through water. It continued to get worse through Tuesday. He was also trembling more as we walked him on Tuesday. We took him to the vets as his breathing was getting worse and worse. When he got into the room at the vets he collapsed and we talked with the vet. It was time to release him to be pain free. We were able to be with him as he crossed over the Rainbow Bridge. We know he is running and playing there like he was not able to here on Earth. He left paw prints on our hearts for the short time we were blessed to know him. Run free sweet boy!"
Rich and Colleen Wheat
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Nadya was a sweet little 4 yr old girl that came into rescue blind and deaf and heartworm positive. This little girl lived in a world of darkness and silence. A beautiful little girl with one brown eye and one parti eye, which had a little crescent of blue in one corner of her eye. A couple of weeks ago, the bedding in her crate moved and her hind legs splayed out on her. I know she was kept outside on dirt and grass all her life and anything slippery underfoot made her uncomfortable and spooked. So thinking she strained her leg I waited a few days to see if rest would help, there was no improvement. So off to the vet we go. To our shock and horror it was not a strain, it was bone cancer. This is when the worrying started because we know how fast spreading this cancer can be. She was on pain medication and a organic holistic grain to help her. The last couple of days she was not putting any weight on it at all and it was decided that it was time to help her across the Rainbow Bridge. So on July 21, 2010 our sweet little Nadya went to play with the other Sibe's in the Sky. Nadya is now running free of pain and can now see and hear once again. Godspeed little Miss Nadya, there is another star in the sky and it has your name on it. You will be sadly missed by all in rescue and especially by your foster Mom Bev. I miss seeing you spin little girlie.
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In Memory of Little Xavier
Recently, on a Monday night, we had the good fortune of meeting little Xavier. Despite a long history of neglect, emaciation, and being blind & deaf, he had a sweet loving nature that clearly shone through. The first few days he was still able to eat a little here and there but unfortunately his body wasn't able to handle it and his health steadily deteriorated. Blood tests revealed that he was in 4th stage kidney failure. During the week here and his short time in Texas, everyone who came in contact with this little guy could see his strength and desire to live and be loved. Because of this, BDRA went the extra mile and tried flushing the little guy's system. We all were heartbroken to hear it had no effect. We all find some comfort that in such a short time, he was loved and cared for by many. And that now he no longer has pain or hunger and is running, and jumping again as only a Min Pin can, over the Rainbow Bridge.
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We found Foster’s picture, by accident, in a book of adoptable dogs at a local store in July of 2009. When we called the shelter to ask about him they were a little surprised that we were calling specifically for Foster. He had been at the shelter for 3 months and no one had wanted him because Foster had cataracts and was mostly blind. We went and met him, and a little over 24 hours later he came home with us. We had him for about 4 months when we learned he was diabetic. He was put on insulin and a special food. In March, we took him to the University of Tennessee Veterinary School to have his cataracts removed. After some pre-operation test, we were told Foster had zero retinal function and that removing the cataracts would be pointless. Foster was completely blind. My husband, Jay, and I took the news hard, but then we realized Foster was happy and healthy otherwise and that was all that really mattered. A couple weeks after Foster’s 1 year anniversary with us, he had a sudden loss of the use of his left side. We rushed him to the vet in the middle of the night. The vet told us that she believed it was something neurological and referred us to UT Veterinary School. There they did a MRI, spinal tap, and a lot of blood work. It revealed he had a mass on his brain stem that was or had been bleeding. They believed the mass to be the result of an Auto-immune inflammation disease, and that it was putting pressure on his brain stem blocking the signals to his left side. He was started on low doses of chemo, to suppress his immune system. Even through all this, he was a happy little guy. We could see he was fighting. He would have a good day or two, where he could stand or even walk if we helped balance him a little. He would get so excited when he started walking, so would we. Then he would have a couple bad days. On Aug. 16th 2010, one year and one month to the day from when we got him, he began to have seizures. We again rushed him to the vet. On the short drive to the vet he had three more seizures. The treatments were not working. He was getting worse by the day and on that day he looked for the first time like he was in pain. As much as it destroyed us to do it, we could not let him be in pain. It was the hardest decision my husband and I have ever had to make, but the look in his little eyes told us he was ready. We miss him terribly, and know there will always be a hole in our hearts. Foster gave us so much love and happiness. He is now running, playing, sun bathing, and seeing everything with perfect vision on the other side of the Rainbow Bridge. Thank you, buddy, for all the love and memories. We love and miss you more than words could EVER describe. Love, Mom and Dad
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RIP to my special boy, Ernie. Thank
you for coming into my life and for being a living example of
resilience, trust, and unconditional love. Although you lost your
sight, you maintained a beautiful vision of the world and you were
joyful everyday.
May you now see how loved and how special you are. Love, Terry
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30 April 2010
On Friday 30 April my beautiful boy left this world and joined all the other fur angels north of the Rainbow Bridge.
Prince had been very brave over the past six months ~ not only did he have to battle cancer but he had to learn to adjust to almost completely losing his eyesight. My once very energetic best friend had to accept a life with many limitations and I know not being able to do zoomies with his sister/best friend Summer was very hard for both of them to accept.
We did everything we could to fight the cancer, he handled the metronomic chemotherapy very well and we had almost six wonderful months together after he was first diagnosed with Fibrosarcoma in November 2009. We will never know if the treatment slowed down the growth of the tumor and gave us more precious time together.
For those of you that don't know, Prince's tumor was located beside his spine. He had a CT scan last December and we were hoping it would be able to be surgically removed but that wasn't the case. The tumor had invaded and eroded some of his vertibrae and his spinal cord and nerves were compromised. The surgical specialists and radiologist could not believe that Prince was walking normally with the pressure that was already on his spinal cord.
I always knew my boy was tough, he was always so stoic and took everything in his stride. I truly believe his stubbornness and determination helped him fight off the effects of the tumor for so many months.
On Wednesday 15 April Prince and I headed to our vet clinic for routine blood tests. He loved going to our vet (which was just as well as we were there so often!) ~ always got so excited when we pulled up outside and he would normally announce his arrival before and after we entered the front doors with enthusiastic woof woofs. He had his tests and we went home. The next day our vet phoned and the results were not so good ~ his white blood count and platelets were very low and after consultation with the specialists, it was decided to withhold the cyclophosphamide for a week or so and re test him, the plan was to then start him on his chemo on a dose of every third day.
Saturday 17 April I noticed a change in Prince's back legs - they were a bit uncoordinated and seemed to be weaker than before. 5-6 days later they seemed to be even weaker and a couple of days after that they were collapsing on him at times. I knew in my heart that the time I had dreaded for the last 5+ months was here ~ my boy was losing his battle with this horrible disease. We had a few more vet appointments for blood tests and his WBC only increased ever so slightly. His bone marrow was no longer producing white blood cells and platelets. This meant his immune system was highly compromised so he couldn't be exposed to other dogs or places where he could pick up any bugs. He had to remain at home and had to be kept as calm as possible.
Prince's vet 'Dr Ruth' had gone on a three week holiday so we had been seeing 'Dr Jeff' the last few times we were at the clinic. Dr Ruth was wonderful with Prince and I didn't realise how much I had come to rely on her until she wasn't there. I decided to wait until she returned to make a decision about Prince. She was due to return to work on Monday 3 May. I wanted her to see Prince and confirm what I already knew deep down. The waiting was driving me insane and was very stressful, I then had a phone call to say Dr Ruth was returning early and that she would be available to see me anytime from Thursday afternoon onwards. I almost panicked ~ that seemed way too soon!
On Friday 30 April Prince, myself and my Mom went into the clinic to meet with Dr Ruth. She confirmed my worst fears. She said that because his back end had gone from basically normal (a little bit weak when he was tired) to collapsing, sometimes he even walked on his paws with them curled under in a time frame of a week and a half, she wouldn't be surprised if he was paralised within a week. She felt I really didn't have much time left with Prince. I decided that it was time to end Prince's battle. In the last week I could see he was beginning to struggle and when we began this journey I promised him and myself that I would not let him struggle or suffer. At 5pm Dr Ruth and Tracey came to our home. Approximately half an hour later Prince passed peacefully in my arms.
It was the hardest decision I have ever had to make but I knew it was the right one. I miss Prince so much, he will always be my main man and I will never ever forget all the wonderful times we had together. Prince was the very best companion I could have ever imagined and I am fortunate enough to have his son Kodiak, to carry on his fathers legacy. If he turns out to be half the dog Prince was I will be very blessed.
Run free my sweet boy, wear your silver harness proudly. You are now free of pain and can see and run again with all the other fur angels north of the Rainbow Bridge. When my time comes to leave this world it will be very comforting knowing that you will be there waiting for me and we will cross the Bridge together ~ forever. I will never ever forget you for you have left so many memories and paw prints on my heart. I adored you and loved you so very much.
Mom
xxxx
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Kazoo
came to us as a BDRA foster. He was old, blind and untrusting when he
arrived. He would growl when we tried to pet him, and kept his tail
tucked between his legs all the time. He was very arthritic and could
barely walk. He just seemed to have a broken spirit.
But Kazoo was a fighter. Within a couple of months, he was walking
much better, wagging his tail, and climbing in our laps for petting. We
knew we couldn't move him again and decided to adopt him and let him
stay with us for whatever time he had left. Unfortunately, it wasn't as
much time as we would have liked. On November 20th, Kazoo started
having seizures, and some odd neurological symptoms. He was in great
distress, and clearly suffering. We knew we couldn't let that continue,
and we had to let him go. Thank you to BDRA for saving him, and to
Angie for helping get him to us. Godspeed, Kazoo. I wish we could have
given you more time.
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I’m sorry to say that we had to put Norris down today. While sleeping this morning she went into convulsions. The attacks lasted over 40 minutes and she was still having them when we got her to the vet. The vet administered meds to stop them, but even then she was still having seizures.
The vet speculated she could be epileptic, or it could be something associated with her starvation, or some other neurological condition. After soul-searching we decided we had to put her out of her misery. There was no guarantee the vet could solve whatever was ailing her, and she was in a great deal of discomfort and I’m sure pain.
Thank you for trying to help her find a home. She is very much missed.
-Written November 10, 2010
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Apache
Eight years ago I rescued my dear Apache from an abusive home. She was a shy and very wary of people, and it took her a long time to trust and feel comfortable in her new home. The first time I laid eyes on her, I wanted her, because she was so beautiful and such a gentle soul. She was also 1/2 Akita, like my other adopted dog, Chelsea. The two of them bonded immediately and were good friends until Chelsea passed away at the age of 12. She was also the very maternal "big sister" to the two rowdy English Bull Terriers that joined our family after Chelsea's passing. Apache was a big part of my family, traveling to the beach with us on vacations, camping trips and to the lake to swim. She was the most well behaved dog that I ever had, and I can honestly say that I never had to tell her no or discipline her for one single thing. She was always calm, sweet, and gentle, and seemed to be the most balanced dog on the planet. I can only imagine what her life was like before she came here, but for the last 8 years, I tried to make it up to her for every bad thing that happened in her life. This summer I got one last chance to take her, just her and I, for one last trip to the beach. I knew that this would be the last, so every moment was cherished. For the past year, Apache lost her hearing and slowly lost almost all of her sight. She got dementia, and just didn't seem to be enjoying life. After much prayer and tears, I made the decision to send her to the bridge. On December 1, 2010, Apache passed away peacefully in my arms. I took her home and gave her one last kiss and hug, before burying her next to Chelsea. At last they will run and play together again. I will sadly miss her kind and gentle soul, that filled this house. She is my sweet angel, and I thank God that he allowed me to have her for eight years of our lives. I know that one day when I pass over the bridge, she and Chelsea will be there waiting for me. What a joyous day that will be!
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December 22, 2010
Nina, the OS dog (now named Daria) went to a neurologist today.
She has progressive hydrocephalus. Meaning fluid on the brain that will get worse.
This is what caused her blindness, and deafness, and mobility problems (difficulty walking).
This is going to get worse, and fast. She hasn't wanted to eat or drink, which is a sign of worsening.
Allowing it to go on would only cause her to suffer. So the board made the very difficult decision to let her go.
I'm sorry we couldn't do more.
Godspeed, Daria.
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Keller, our Love (10.12.1990+/- to 12.16.2010)(12.26.2010) On December 16, 2010 our love Keller left his beautiful
earthly body behind and sailed on to Rainbow Bridge, guided and
welcomed to the Bridge by Macey, Sparky and the unloved ones too, to go
joyfully run and play until we meet up again forever, and certainly
taking a piece of our hearts with him. Keller (aka Special K,
Sweater Boy, K, Mr. Keller J) will always be our love, a senior doggy
both blind and deaf, and a delightful and wise little guy with dignity
and grace, a will of steel and a giver of great Cocker kisses. We feel
blessed to have had this boy in our lives for most of 2010 yet are
heart-broken at his passing. We remember … … in late January
2010 this sweet Cocker senior was dumped in a vet’s lot in Louisiana,
was given 10 days for rescue, and last-minute Emma and Karen and Sheila
pleaded for him, Cheri in WI offered her home, then transport failed
and Keller was past out-of-time. Colleen worked a miracle, setting up a
transport piggy-backing with a Doxie rescue. Keller traveled with
Doxies Dudley and Hannah; Hannah used Keller as a pillow! I met
Keller’s transport in Birmingham AL February 13, 2010 and immediately
fell for this little guy. Keller was dirty and covered with fleas and
very weak, falling every couple of steps while pottying, yet each and
every time K would pull himself back up and keep going, clearly showing
his strong will and independence, again and again - amazing! Mr.
Keller was to spend a week at our home for vetting, eating, resting and
especially being loved on. The Amazing Traveling Vet Ashley came by
and treated Keller for Kennel Cough, ear infection, many worms, and a
urinary tract infection. After a warm bath, meds, good meals and lots
of loving, Mr. Keller began improving, strengthening up and showing us
his Cocker personality and - though Cheri and her pack would have given
him a fabulous life - we were blessed to have Keller join our pack
forever. And we soon enjoyed knowing and loving the real Keller, with
him healthy and happy, giving great Cocker kisses, displaying his
talent for stealthily seeking out the softest spots in our home to lay
down, outside enjoying feeling the breeze and rolling in the grass and
everywhere liking belly and ear-rubs, and working his way deep into our
hearts. Our girls enjoyed Keller: Lils met K first in AL,
Heather very often loved on him and Sid especially made time to cuddle
with this awesome senior doggie. Val provided Special K colorful
sweaters for warmth and took Sweater Boy to grooming - our only doggie
to ever go - yet at least in my mind, Mr. Keller was a Daddy’s Boy and
I loved this Cocker angel completely, loved laying with K and rubbing
his body and ears and getting those great Cocker kisses in return. Keller
was the senior member of our pack, with vet estimates of 15-20+ years,
and so we celebrated his 20th birthday on October 12. Right about that
time fellow blind-and-deaf super-senior Ginny the Pom entered Keller’s
life and the two partnered up and especially enjoyed sleeping alongside
one another for warmth and comfort. Dignity, charm,
perseverance, patience, will, gentleness, acceptance, love of the
simple pleasures - I saw all of these in Keller and learned, because I
too am greyer and my step also not as certain as once was, and I thank
Keller for those lessons. Also through Keller, a working friendship
began with Cocker Mom Sheila and that’s led to rescue and/or Furever
Homes for blind Cocker doggies as well as Keller having his Aunt Sheila
in his corner sending him hugs and wishes and prayers and finally a
guiding candle. Keller suffered many ailments that included a
non-operable tumor in his chest that pushed on his trachea and made
breathing difficult, other tumors, dementia, strokes recently, and
finally heart failure leading to fluid in his lungs and trembling - it
was time. Keller, Val and I spent Special K’s final earth day together
with lots of hugs and kisses and bed-time and a meal of liverwurst and
cheese and plenty of love. Though extremely difficult for her too, Vet
Ashley stopped by our home and mercifully allowed Keller - while in our
bed with us holding him - to leave his suffering behind and pass on to
Rainbow Bridge. Our doggies too knew and grieved, especially Mama
Buffy. Keller’s body was buried next to Macey and both of their
spirits live in our hearts. Thanks to each of you for all of the
BDRA emails and kind support about Keller. I’ve not been able to read
them yet, just too painful - have had a hard time with Keller’s
passing. My brain knows Keller had a wonderful time here, enjoyed life
and passed on at just the right moment to a great eternity where we‘ll
join him… my heart misses Special K, feels a numb loneliness and deep
sadness and many tears. Godspeed sweet Keller, go play at Rainbow
Bridge until we meet again, and, thank you Special K for enriching our
lives with your sweet Cocker love. http://bassim.us/keller
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December 27, 2010
Barney was diagnosed with rectal cancer, and had a poor prognosis. He was in pain, and the vet recommended we let him go. Godspeed, Barney.
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El
Guapo means The Handsome One in Spanish. That is exactly what you
were, my little man. Not only handsome on the outside with that sweet
little face, but most handsome on the inside. You had the biggest
heart and were more loving than I could have ever asked for. Though we
were only blessed with a short time together, I will dearly miss
everything about you. The way you greeted me every time I walked in
the room with your "excitement dance," the way you licked your chops
when I held and petted you, how you tried to climb up any chair in
which I was sitting if I didn't have you in my arms, how you eagerly
anticipated your "good boy" treats and the way you snored when you fell
asleep on my lap. All of your friends and family loved you and will
miss you more than words can say, but I will miss you most of all. I
can't walk around the house without picturing you everywhere, ears
perked awaiting my next step. You were the best boy a puppy mom could
have known. I am so very sorry that you were given so many hardships
in life. It's not fair and you deserved to live many long years
surrounded by love. I hope that you are resting in peace, knowing that
you were adored and that I'll always love you. My dearest El Guapo,
may you sleep as peacefully with the angels as you did in my arms.
I
love you,
Mommy Stephanie
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It
is with a very heavy heart that I let you all know that my sweet little
foster boy Innoko passed away today. I was able to comfort him in his
last moments as well as Val his adoptive mommy as he crossed the rainbow bridge.
Our little boy was strong and fought a tough battle – and I am so proud
of him! We made the decision to let him go as our poor baby was just
suffering too much and it would have absolutely been unfair to continue
his suffering. I have no regrets of any of the decisions we made for
this boy...I am at peace knowing we did everything we could and this
decision was our last final gift to him.
Innoko
I will never forget your sweet little face...I will never forget your
first little puppy kisses and how you would snuggle up into my arms...I
will never forget the way you used to wrestle with your brother for
what seemed to be hours on end....I will never forget how much you
loved your food so much so that you would just dive into your food
bowl...I will never forget you little man!
You
were an angel sent from heaven...even in your short while here with me
I have learned so much from you and you have touched so many hearts!
Today is a celebration of your life – be it short....you have made a
difference and your memory will live on through all of us!
Everyone
thank you so much for your kind words and well wishes...they have been
a great comfort to me during this difficult time. Board members, thank
you so much for being there for me and Innoko making the difficult
decisions and doing everything you possibly could. Maggie and Doris, I
know how saddened you must be having cared for Innoko during his
journey up north...thank you so much for taking such good care of our
little guy. Karen – you have been my rock through all of this and I
thank you so very much for all your support and hours of comforting on
the phone...you are amazing! And lastly Val, thank you so much going
and supporting me today...I can’t describe in words how much that truly
meant to me!
Godspeed sweet Innoko – may you run now free of pain!
*BDRA would like to thank all of our supporters for donating to Innoko's care....and for being there every step of the way.
CLICK HERE to read Innoko's road to recovery.
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"Thanks for crossposting Molly, our
blind JRT, on your websites as a courtesy to us. Sadly, we let Molly
cross the Bridge on Friday, 2/11. She had a cancerous tumor on her
belly and due to her age, we felt it best to let her pass peacefully
on. I appreciate your helping us with her listing, and my biggest
regret is that she was never able to find a forever home while she was
in our care."
Yours, Barbe, HSCC
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