In Memoriam 
A place for SmallDog Rescue Dogs to be remembered by their families.
If you would like to have your SDR dog remembered on our website, please email your submission to kliendgens@yahoo.com |
Green Arrow
Almost every one of us been through it. We see a special pal, aging and ill, slip slowly away from us. We beg him or her or the powers that be to release us from a life-or-death decision. All too often, we find that we must gather the strength to give our beloved companion the most difficult, unselfish gift we can. But sometimes, we are spared that decision. Such is the case for Michelle and Paul S, foster mom and dad to Green Arrow. As you might recall, Green Lantern left us about six and a half weeks ago. For him, Michelle had to decide it was time. Green Arrow was there for his brother's passing. He said his good-bye, as Michelle did that sad day. Remarkably, instead of withdrawing after Green Lantern's death, Green Arrow enjoyed a spell of energy. He made more attempts to engage with the other dogs at home. He spent more time with Michelle and Paul. He seemed to just feel better, in general. Over the past few days, though, Green Arrow clearly took a downturn. A suspected stomach virus was running through the dogs in the house, and it seemed to have reached him. For an old man with a weak heart, that did not bode well. Michelle got some medication to ease his discomfort and some fluids in him to boost his ability to fight off whatever it was that was making him sick. Still, Saturday night, Green Arrow had weakened to a point that he could no longer raise his head. Michelle and Paul did what they could to make him comfortable and went to bed. This morning, Michelle went to Green Arrow to tend to him. While she was changing his bedding, he shuddered and took leave of her. On his own, he set out for the Rainbow Bridge, where his brother and all the others were waiting to greet him. Michelle and Paul have given their hearts and souls to the Green Brothers. They gave them a place to go to feel loved and cared for - - a place where they could live out their final days in comfort and peace. In return, Green Arrow gave them a gift. He slipped away on his own, sparing them the agony of that final decision. He left gently and quietly. And he left truly in his time.
Azura Skye
We are sad to report that Azura Skye passed away today, June 5. Azura will be missed very much by those who cared for her in her senior years. Our heartfelt thanks to Kathy D and Shannon B for helping us to care for Azura well into her retirement.
Azura Skye, like many senior dogs, found herself homeless when her owner could no longer care for her. A senior citizen got Azura as a puppy, but banished her to the yard when she grew up because she wasn't "cute" anymore. Additionally, no arrangements were made for her care when the time came that her guardian could no longer do so. When her guardian needed assisted care, the family decided Azura was too old to bother with. Fortunately for Azura, she was saved from death by a rescue group. She is a beautiful purebred Husky who needs socialization and a retirement home. If you are retired and interested in adopting a dog, please consider a dog who has earned retirement, as you have. Also, all pet owners should have an Advanced Directive for Pet Care for their pets, so that they will be taken care of if their guardians become unable to do so.
Rabun
We are sad to report that Rabun crossed the Rainbow Bridge today, April 17. Although left behind by his uncaring "family", Rabun was loved very much and will be missed by his foster family. Thank you to all who helped with this sweet Southern Gentleman's care. We know that he will be waiting on the other side of the bridge to thank you himself. We especially thank Mark and Christie H, for being Rabun's virtual fosters.
Green Lantern
We're sorry to report that Green Lantern passed away today, April 23.His brother, Green Arrow, and his foster family, will miss him very much.
Shortbread
We are saddened to report that Shortbread passed away yesterday, January 6. While we are sad to lose Shortbread, we are proud that we were able to provide a loving home for her at the end of her sad and too short life. She crossed the Rainbow Bridge finally having known what it was like to be a beloved pet.
Shortbread brought with her the sad story of neglect.A standard daschund, she spent the first 10 years of her life outside, which made her look even older than those 10 years. Along the way she sustained a back injury that has left her stiff but still quite mobile. In SDR's care, for the first time in her life, she knew what it was like to live indoors, and was learning what affection from people is. She was a lovely soul, and we will miss her.
Skeeter
December 29:You all were so kind to let us adopt Skeeter on November 22, 2004. Skeeter passed on March 24, 2007.
I cannot begin to express how much love Skeeter has given us. That boy was a special one and everyone he met loved him.
Upon our return home to Ohio (and we are so grateful for the exception), the first thing Skeeter did was try to climb into the refrigerator! :) Our two silky terrier girls, Abby (10) and Bobunk (7-1/2) also loved Skeeter. Bobunk would guide Skeeter around as his eyesight deteriorated. His specialists (yes, plural), determined that Skeeter was around 16 years old when he came to us. All loved him. Within the first two months, Skeeter had two major operations. Over the years my husband Tim laughingly called him Dr. Skeeter, as he could have been put through medical school. It wasn't until the last few days that he was in pain. His poor body just was giving out on him. That did not diminish his appetite though. Our little boy could eat and eat. Skeeter's back hair became very thin, so to keep him warm or protect him from the sun he had a whole dresser full of clothes. That boy actually would dance when we would put a shirt or sweater on him!
When we first adopted Skeeter, we had a four-level split. The last year it was too difficult for Skeeter to maneuver the stairs and we had baby gates all over the place to keep him from falling up or down the steps. It was then we decided to move to a ranch so that Skeeter could walk around freely. He definitely liked being able to follow us from room to room without having to be picked up and carried up and down the stairs.
As I am sitting here crying, all I can say is we loved Skeeter with all of our hearts. There is not a day goes by that either Tim or I will mention Skeeter.
If anyone is hesitant about adopting a senior pup, please don't. I'm not sure of Skeeter's past except that he was on the streets for at least a year and in foster care for almost as long becoming healthy and loved. Skeeter knew that we loved him, I am sure of it. There was not a moment of the day that Skeeter didn't show his love for us.
Cheryl and Tim Davis ps.-- We have added SmallDog Humane Society to our wills.
Kiwi
adult male
Pomeranian
December 17: I'm sorry to inform you that we lost our little Kiwi man this morning. As you may know, Kiwi was very special. Sean and I adopted the little guy two years ago. When got Kiwi, he had been badly abused and was so scared. He bit us almost every day for weeks but over time he learned to trust us and even let us love on him. It took time but I got Kiwi kisses every now and then. He learned to play and loved to go for rides in the car. He also loved to talk alot. Apparent he had a lot to say. Kiwi had glaucoma and had lost one eye about 6 months ago....recently I had noticed that his remaining eye was looking red and irritated. We went to the vet and then to a specialist...nothing could be done to save his eye and he was in pain. Sean and I were with him this morning....
Right now our hearts are grieving, but we know Kiwi had 2 very happy years and at least he learned that not ALL people are bad.
Sean and Lauri
Pepper
adult male
Poodle(Pure)
Sept 26: We are saddened to report that Pepper crossed the Rainbow Bridge this morning. By our vet's best guess, Pepper was about 15 or 16 years old, and has recently had some severe neurological symptoms. He has been blind for at least a year. We know that Pepper is with our founder and the oher "SmallDogs" who have gone before. Our hearts go out to Pepper's long time foster family.
This afternoon Pepper (AKA Petey Pepper) crossed over the RB as I held him in my arms. Petey came to SDR in 2003 while Bren was still with us. He was listed as 10 when we got him (that was in Bren years - Dr. Sue says he was more like 13 or 14 at that time). So going with Sue's guess he was very much a senior citizen. He has been completely bind for the last year or so and has had some neurological problems (his head was beginning to turn to one side and it was making it harder for him to eat). Petey let me know today that he was ready to go be with Bren. About 2:00 this afternoon he began crying and he couldn't stand up. He cried all the way to CM and when Sue saw him we both agreed it was time for him to go. He is now running and playing and can see for the first time in a long time and most of all he has no pain. He and Sweet Pea have probably already struck up a friendship and Bren is there to welcome another one of her "Kids." Loved and missed by his Mommy and Daddy.
Scottie Starfruit
adult male
Shih Tzu (Pure)
Sept 27: Scottie crossed the Rainbow Bridge the day after his buddy Pepper did. Scottie apparenly had a stroke, and according to our vet was in great pain. He crossed the Bridge in the arms of his foster dad. We are so terribly sorry for this loss of two special babies in two days to the good people. We are eternally grateful to Pat and Bob for showing these two old gents the true meaning of love. Our hearts go out to them.
Thank you, Kathie D, for being Scottie's Virtual Foster!
Sweet Pea Popeye
mature female
Chihuahua (Pure)
September 23, 2007 - We are sad to report that Sweet Pea crossed the Rainbow Bridge last night, of apparent congestive heart failure. We are grateful to her foster family for providing Sweet Pea the home and love she deserved in her senior years. Sweet Pea will be missed, and our prayers and thoughts are with her family.
Sweet Pea Popeye, or just plain "Sweet Pea," is a tiny 4lb, 14 year old purbred Chihuahua. Sweet Pea is currently recovering from her second mastectomy and is dealing with other health issues related to her advanced age.
Ghengi
Ghengi crossed over the Rainbow Bridge about 4:30 this afternoon. He had a big heart (about 3 times bigger than it should have been) and he fought to the end. When I went to pick him up, Dr Sue told me how well he was doing, but reminded me that it was temporary, and he didn't have much time left. Little did I know that it was only minutes. When they went to get him for me he collapsed and his heart & lungs failed. The poor little guy was in pain, but I swear he looked at me and said " It's time to go- I love you and Mom- See you at the Bridge, I'll be there with Bren". I can't believe the little guy is gone and we'll miss him.
Ginger
We knew her as Ginger Flip Flop. Her "family" dropped her at the vet's to be put to sleep because she was "old" at age 11. Luckily, Kim saw life left in this senior girl, and took her home. On July 1, 2007, Kim wrote: "Ginger McGillacutty Russell died yesterday. She was diagnosed with a large tumor a month ago. She was just shy of her 13th birthday. She was a terrific companion and just the cutest thing ever. Which is true of any pet you have ever had. It is very quiet here, this is the first time in 19 years I am fur free. Thanks for all your kind words." Our deepest sympathy goes to Kim. Still, we celebrate the love that she and Ginger shared, and are grateful that Ginger had two years of the purest kind of love - that of a true "Forever" family.
Prince Pierre
We are sad to report that Prince Pierre passed. He was ushered over the Rainbow Bridge by those who loved him and cared for him. He was a sweet boy, and loved very much by his family. Our hearts go out to Prince Pierre's foster family.
Dougie Baby
was a 7 year old purebred miniature America Eskimo Dog. Dougie was hearing impaired and may have had some neurological damage as well. He was well loved by his foster family, who cared for him for the past several years. Dougie crossed the Rainbow Bridge on June 1, 2007. Our thoughts go out to his foster family, who loved him very much.
Tony
My sweet little Shih Tzu, Tony, was adopted from Small Dog Rescue two and one-half years ago. We were told, "If you are looking for a dog that will run and play and fetch the ball - this isn't him . Tony is a couch potato." Well, Tony was perfect for us. He was the sweetest dog, and we miss him terribly. He was always the little gentleman, waiting to be invited before jumping up on the couch to sit beside me. During the past year, Tony was losing his eyesight and hearing, and we jokingly nicknamed him Guard Dog, because we had to wake him up when we got home. Tony was loving and affectionate, and would follow me wherever I went in the house. He would only bark once to be let outside, then once again to come in. Last month Tony started drinking a lot of water, then stopped eating. We made several visits to the vet for tests and treatment, and are grateful to the kind vets who were loving and kind and tried to help Tony. However, the kidneys failed and the poor little boy was nauseous and starving. Our lives were richer for having Tony a member of our family, and it was hard to say goodbye. On Tuesday, May 1, Tony and I had a Bacon Party, which he seemed to enjoy very much. I then took Tony to the animal hospital, where he died peacefully in my arms. He will be in our hearts and memories forever. Tony was born July 2, 1999, was adopted by his Forever Family on October 30, 2004, and died on May 1, 2007. May God bless Tony and all of the animals and their caregivers.
Jeanette DeLuca
Patches (ButtonsNBows)
Buttons N Bows was a cute grey and white terrier nicknamed Patches by her foster family. At 14 years old she lost her home due to the illness of her owner. Needless to say, this was a confusing time for Patches. Because of her advanced age, SmallDog Rescue considered Patches to be a permanent foster dog. Her foster family loved her as one of their own until she crossed gently over the Rainbow Bridge on May 2, 2007. She crossed peacefully, safe and secure in the knowledge that she was loved, and in the arms of her special person. We will all miss her, but our prayers are with Patti and Bob, her foster family.
Candy (KitKat)
In loving memory.
Georgie
I first met Georgie (formally Christian) at an SDR adoption. I had absolutely no intention of adopting a dog that day. But this skinny, shy, and somewhat pathetic little guy kept lifting his front paws up onto the doggie pen every time I went near it (I never saw him get up on his hind legs ever again). I swore he was trying to get my attention and telling me he wanted to go home with me. So I decided, spontaneously, to fill out an application and take him home for a trial run. We already had another poodle and a cat at home. Well, needless to say, I formally adopted him 2 weeks later in July of 2003. He fit right in at home and at work.
The only thing we knew about Georgie was that he had been left outside all the time. And after a vet's exam, we learned he was older than we thought (9-12 years), had a heart murmer, arthritis all over his precious body & legs, and an unexplainable limp.
We were so blessed to have had Georgie in our lives for three years. He loved to be loved. I guess because he never really had any before. He never did know how to give kisses, but if you picked him up and held him like a baby he would rest his head on your shoulder and stay there as long as you'd let him. He didn't know how to wag his tail either so he had so many adorable ways of letting us know when he was having a good time chasing us around the house or the yard. We are so happy that we were able to provide him with a loving and exciting life for the last three years of his life. He became one of the mascots of the Fred Astaire Dance Studios having his own column in the news letter. People looked forward to seeing him and he got lots of love and attention. Georgie went to heaven on July 21, 2006. The legs that once held him up to get my attention couldn't support his body anymore. He was struggling to walk around, even stand. My husband and I knew it was time for him to be at peace.
We loved Georgie very much and miss him very much. Thank you to SDR for all your amazing work and for putting us in contact with our precious, silly, special, loving, and unforgettable Georgie.
Lisa Marie Woodin
Jessie
Hi,
I adopted an older (not-so-small) dog named Jessie from your organization three years ago. I just thought people there (I remember meeting Anne) would like people to know that she passed away this weekend after living out her retirement years with me. She was a fantastic dog that everyone in the neighborhood loved. I was proud to be known as "Jessie's mom" and even "Aunt Jessie" to my you neice, who certainly has her priorities right in the whole "dogs are more important than humans" hierarchy. Thanks so much for letting an Athenian like myself be part of your group and letting me have three wonderful years with Jessie. I only wish she could have been found sooner so I could have had more good years with her. Diana
Biscuit
March 16, 2006. We are sad to report that Biscuit crossed the Rainbow Bridge today. After more than 2 years of "borrowed time" and living in the lap of luxury and love, Biscuit's heart finally wore out. He left this world while in the arms of his foster mom, comforted and safe. SmallDog Rescue would like to extend a special thank you to all those who followed Biscuit's journey, made contributions to his care, and donated medications that allowed him to continue living. He did not suffer and he maintained his grace and dignity to the very end. Our hearts go out to his wonderful foster mom, who cared for Biscuit when no one else would.
Rusty Galax
March 27, 2006. We are saddened to report that Rusty passed away today. In chronic pain as a result of his years of neglect and abuse, Rusty's medications were no longer effective. Out of compassion for him, the difficult decision was made to end his suffering. He spent his last moments in the arms of his foster mom, who was the only person he ever really loved or trusted. Rusty can now truly rest in peace. Jackie, thank you for your gift of patience and dedication that you gave Rusty; our prayers go out to you.
Honeysuckle Hope
Honeysuckle Hope, a permanent foster at Anne's house, has crossed the Rainbow Bridge this morning. Most of you never met Hope, many of you probably never even heard of Hope. Hope came to us in August 2004 from FCAS; Jackie pulled her when she saw her tired, emaciated body lying still on a cold, wet concrete pad. Jackie didn't want her to die alone, so she brought her back with her with the thought that she can at least leave this world with some dignity. Only Hope didn't die; she might have been ancient, blind, starved, and covered in wounds, but Hope was not ready to cross the Bridge yet. Hope came to my house first, where she gained weight and her health became stable. Since Hope was unadoptable, she then went to live at Anne's house, where she spent the last 14 months of her life until even she, the stoic, mighty fighter that she was, could no longer fend off the ravages of time and the winter of life.
Don't cry that Hope has left us. She was in the arms of the woman who loved and cared for Hope more than anyone else in her lifetime. She wasn't cold and alone. I am proud that SDR did what we could do for this ancient, decrepit dog when everyone else turned their back on her. Cry because the only good times this dog every knew were in her twilight years. Hope was the canine reincarnation of Bren - stubborn, independent, and a fighter to the very end. Bren no doubt chuckled when she met Hope this morning.
Hope's passing was not unexpected for those of us that knew her. In fact, we have lived with the notion that every day could be her last since she came to be with us. But, it's still a little sad. Hopey, we love you.
SmallDog Rescue
Lexus
We are so sad to report that Lexus passed away the morning of November 26, 2005.
Soon after she began treatment for her heartworms, we discovered that this beautiful girl, given up because she was no longer "producing", was pregnant. She had 5 beautiful pups, who will appear on this site soon, and was a wonderful mother to them. Just when she was about to enjoy life as a true lady of leisure, we discovered she had congestive heart disease. With medication, Lexus finished to wean her pups. Sadly, she passed away before she could truly become the princess she deserved to be. Sweet until the very end, we are proud that Lexus had an opportunity to know life as a beloved pet. We are inspired by her, and will miss her very much. Her foster family is in our prayers.
SmallDog Rescue
In Loving Memory of Brinks who earned his Angel wings on July 9th, 2005.
Leigh Ann Holz
Ginger was a little corgi doxie mix who came into SDR through another group. I volunteered to foster her before I met her. I think it was fate taking matters into it's own hands. She wasn't fluffy, and there was nothing outstanding about her features, so she never got a lot of attention at adoptions - except the wrong kind! At home, she was a quiet, very well behaved little angel. At adoption, she barked incessantly! She wanted me to hold her or keep her with me the whole time. We tried putting a citronella bark collar on her, but she just barked out all the citronella and kept on going. The volunteers would spray her with water to try to make her stop barking, she would be dripping wet and still keep on going. That's because Ginger had a master plan. She was a smart little dog! She decided that she wanted to be with me, and she was bound and determined to make that happen. And she did. She lived out her life in my home, I really didn't mind at all. I loved her dearly. I finally just stopped taking her to adoptions. There didn't seem to be much point in it.
At home, Ginger was the queen of the house. When she walked through the room, the other dogs simply got out of her way. She was never mean about it, everyone just knew she was the queen. She loved to be help and cuddled, but she was never demanding about it, she just was there, ready when I was. One day at adoptions, I was walking with her through Petco, and she found a plush squeaky mouse someone had dropped on the floor. She picked it up and started carrying it, so I got it for her. After that, she always had it with her. It was her baby. When I walked her she would take it with her, setting it down to potty, then carefully picking it up again when she was done.
Then one day, probably about 8 months after I had taken her home, she developed a cough. I took her to the vet, and they thought she had bronchitis, and prescribed an antibiotic. She didn't really get over the cough, but she never acted sick, so I wasn't really worried. Then she sneezed blood. We took her back to the vet, and they found an abscessed tooth, and thought that was the problem. But she never got over her cough. Not long after that, I was walking the other dogs and Ginger sneaked out of my apartment to follow us. I saw her and said, "What are you doing out here? Get up the stairs! Up, up, up!" She looked at me and laughed (you could always tell when she was laughing), and ran up the stairs. A neighbor was walking by and said, "What a good dog!" I thought, yes, she is a good dog. A really good dog. The next day I knew she was sick. That night I took her to the emergency vet, who agreed that she was sick, but couldn't find anything definitely wrong with her. Her lymph nodes were a little swollen, everything else was normal. But the next day when I took her to our vet, her lymph nodes were very swollen, and the vet, knowing she was crashing, took a biopsy and sent her home with me. She died in my arms that night. She had lymphoma.
There was nothing anyone could have done. Right as she died, I had a very brief vision of her running through a field, happy and healthy. As she was dieing, the words to a song kept going through my head. The song was "Peace Be With You" and the line that kept playing was "Precious gift God gave to me". And she was a very precious gift. I am so blessed to have had her in my home, and I miss her very much.
Jackie Boldt
Miko
In Loving Memory of Miko, the Chihuahua. My Little Miko...My Meekster ...God bless your little soul. May you rest in peace. May you be whole again, free from the cancer and pain, free from the worries that bound you to this world, free to go to that happy place.
I sensed that things were terribly wrong with Miko this morning. I called and made him a veterinary appointment. I decided I needed to ask Miko if it was "that time" - was he ready to go? How was I to know? He quickly sent me a vision of a happy place….a field of long, green grass blowing in the wind on top of a mountain top covered with beautiful multi colored flowers. He was walking away from me and towards a bright sunny light just over the horizon…..he paused briefly and turned his head back to look at me. I told him "don't look back- keep going, keep going, you're almost there!" Was he asking permission? Had he just said his goodbye to me? I started sobbing because I knew the answer.
The vet recommended that we put him to sleep today. Miko had let me know in just enough time to spare him any more pain and suffering than he could bear. How could I deny him that happy place for my own selfish reasons? He went with my loving arms wrapped around him. As I pulled away from the vet's office in tears, I heard him calling to me. He said "look momma, look at me, i'm playing". I said "you play boy, you keep playing, momma is so happy for you!"
He is now forever at rest in my backyard. He was buried with his favorite blankie, some beautiful pink roses from my rose bush, and a simple note saying "mommy and daddy love you". I plan to visit with him often. We can sit and talk and listen to the birds sing. I want that to become my happy place when I am sad.
Leigh Ann Holz
Dublin
Dublin came in to SDR an old, clearly very ill, matted, and filthy shih tzu. I thought he was adorable. I told the facility manager that I would be glad to foster him once he had been to the vet. The vet said that he had a serious heart murmur, and that she would schedule him for an ultrasound, but we really didn't know if he would live long enough to get it. I just wanted to make sure he had every chance in the world, and that if he did die, he would be with someone who cared when it happened. He stayed with me for about two weeks. He loved sitting outside on the porch in a crate, he looked so happy there. He wobbled when he walked because his heart was so weak, but he always had a snuggle left in him, and he loved to be stroked and talked to. I noticed he was struggling more and more to breathe. At first he had a good day or two, then a good few hours, then then there were no good times at all. He was struggling so hard, and so clearly miserable. I spoke to our! director and our vet, and we all agreed that to keep him any longer would just be cruel. His heart mummer had gone from a grade 5 to a grade 6, and he was in congestive heart failure. He had a lot of trouble breathing, and an x-ray revealed that his heart was so enlarged that it was pressing against his trachea. So I told him that I loved him, and held him while he quietly and peacefully crossed over the rainbow bridge.
I don't know where Dublin's people were. He was at least 13 or 14 years old and was well socialized, so he had to have lived with someone all those years. Did they decide they couldn't afford the medicine that might have given him several more comfortable years if he had gotten it earlier? Did they feel that they just couldn't bear to watch him die? Did they simply turn him out on the street? We will never know what happened, why Dublin had to die with a strange voice in his ear and without the people he loved. But I am very grateful that I had him the two weeks I did, and that I was able to be there for him at the end. He truly was a wonderful little boy, and he deserved much better than that.
Jackie Boldt
Lil Dog
"Lil Dog" was my first dog. I had not planned on getting a dog that morning.
April 6, 2002.
I was on my way to Kohls when I stopped to see the dogs out front of Petco.
There she was my LIL DOG! She looked like a funny little puppy. But she wasn’t a puppy at all.. she was an old lady who had cataracts, really bad black hair, dandruff, and a crooked leg. She was about 9 lbs. After minutes of looking at her through the cage.. The volunteer told me to get her out and sit with her. I was afraid. I had not handled dogs before. But she came out and pranced to the grass with me and pottied. I thought, well at least she is potty trained. The volunteer told me she had been given up because her owner had a baby.. and the Lil Dog did not like the baby. She said Lil Dog was about 7-8 yrs old. I adopted her. Come to find out she was more like 10-12. She NEVER messed in the house. She never chewed a thing. "Geriatric dogs are the best kind of dogs."
SHE WAS MY SHADOW for the next 2 years. During that time, because of her, I started to volunteer with dog rescue and became a foster. Her unconditional love for me love was amazing. I say "for me" because she was known to bite most other people. She would not let anyone touch her ears or her crooked leg. She was a quirky little dog but she was the most loyal dog I have ever known.
On Sunday Jan 4, 2004 LIL Dog and I got up as we always did around 9am. She went outside and did her business. By 11am she was in a bad state. She could not lift her head or walk. By Noon we were at the GA Vet specialist hospital. As I walked in, people came out crying. I thought "I do not want to be them.Within 2 hours I was walking out with my LIL Dog in a cardboard coffin. Balling my head off. She looked so peaceful. My husband was strong but I saw him cry for the first time when they brought LIL Dog bundled up in her blanket in the coffin and handed her to me to take home. I petted her all the way home. I even touched her ears and her leg which I could never touch without a nip when she was living. They say it was a "neural thing" and that she went peacefully. She is now buried in our back yard. I still keep her picture in my wallet and on my desk. She was the BEST LIL DOG EVER!
Amanda Wade
Picasso
2002-2003
We adopted Picasso (formerly known as Don Quixote) in the summer of 2002 when he was just a little 15 lbs puppy. Due to a trauma to his head (possibly caused by abuse), he was deaf, had a head tilt, and was not able to walk properly. We were very happy that SDR approved us for adoption of this wonderful boy. In the 14 months he was with us, he grew up to be an incredibly strong and beautiul 80 lbs dog, who understood our sign language, and who loved to entertain us with his goofy and affectionate behavior. We feel so very fortunate that we got to share our life with him, and every day, we cherish the lessons he taught us about unconditional love. Our freckle-nosed wonderboy will always live in our hearts.
Katja Liendgens