March

Fifi

Adopted at 8 years of age went to the bridge March 2nd 2012

Fifi's Journey

Fifi came to me a little more than four years ago after many years being bounced around. I foster with Poodle Rescue of New England and was doing intake at the time. A call came in for a 7-pound toy poodle who had diabetes. The story was that she’d been brought in to the vet to be euthanized by the elderly couple – she was obese and had just been diagnosed with diabetes. The vet felt that she wasn’t ready to be put down and his vet tech took her home. After a few days, she realized she couldn’t keep her and brought Fifi to the local shelter. The shelter director thought Fifi would be a good dog for her mother and so she brought her to her mother. She remained with the mother for 2 years until the mother became ill and had to go into rehab. At that time Fifi went to live with the woman’s other daughter who had her for a few months but wasn’t able to afford Fifi’s medical treatment. She contacted PRNE. I took the intake call and agreed to foster her. When I went to meet the woman, I was surprised to see such a sweet little girl sitting patiently in the backseat of the mini van. She had just been groomed and looked like she was just going with the flow. Poor Fifi had already had at least four homes that we knew of by the age of 9.

Diabetic dogs are difficult to place because many people are afraid of needles. We knew Fifi would end up staying with us and it was fine because she fit right in and was just perfect. Within four months of having Fifi, she began to have seizures. I was sleeping downstairs in our living room one night with a sick dog and I heard this tumbling sound. I looked up to see Fifi running around at the bottom of the stairs. I had no idea what was going on and thought her insulin levels were off and she came down to find me. Everything seemed to be fine for a few weeks and then I actually saw her having a seizure. I contacted my vet and brought her to see her. She is a holistic vet and so we began treating Fifi’s seizures with different types of holistic treatments. Nothing seemed to work for very long and we finally put her on Phenobaritol. She remained on that for a few months when we switched her over the Potassium Bromide. She did well for about 8 months and began having cluster seizures. During one episode, her eye started to bleed. Shortly after, we had to have that eye removed. Within a few months, I took Fifi to a neurologist and we started her on Zonisamide along with the PB. She still had cluster seizures – about once a month – usually three seizures approximately 4-6 hours apart. Fifi ended up losing her remaining eye due to the pressure of the seizures. In July of 2011, I took Fifi to the hospital because she was having a hard time coming out of a seizure. At that time, she was diagnosed with a collapsing bronchi. We started her on a mix of a bronchial dialator, an inhaler and a cough suppressant in addition to the Zonisamide and PB. In December of 2011, Fifi aspirated during a seizure and developed pneumonia. She ended up in the hospital for a one-week stay in oxygen. She came through with flying colors and I brought her home, good as new.

Fifi remained seizure free since January 8, 2012. We had a great two-month period of chewing bones, relaxing and enjoying life. On Thursday, she began coughing and exhibiting signs of breathing difficulties. Saturday morning at 4:00 a.m., I brought her into the emergency vet hospital and we determined that Fifi had just had enough.

As I read back through this, I am amazed at truly how much she endured and yet, I have to tell you that she was the happiest, sweetest, most gentle and kind little poodle I’ve ever had. She was alert up until the time we let her go. Her little head would follow my voice and her tiny paw would scratch at me to pet her. I don’t believe that Fifi suffered. I am not one to keep a dog alive for myself and I honestly believe that I always felt Fifi wanted to live and wanted me to do whatever I could to help her – until the end. I’m still struggling with having let her go while she was alert but deep in my heart I know that she was ready.

The problem with fostering is that we never get enough time with the dogs who end up staying with us. Four years wasn’t enough for me with Fifi. I hope she knew how much we loved her and how much she was a part of our household.

Rest in peace my sweet girl. You are one of a kind. I hope wherever you are, you’re seeing everything, tasting all you want to taste, jumping on all the furniture and climbing all the stairs. I love you.

Waiting for

Amanda

April

Dannii was one smart basenji. I was able to get him after he was returned to his breeder for reason's that I didn't completely understand. Apparently it was "older" couple and after Dannii got out of his "puppy hood", they couldn't handle him any longer. So, he was returned to his breeder. I happened to find out about it through the Northern California Basenji Club. I made the phone call, and the rest is history, as they say.

Now I had MzLilli who I had adopted from BRAT. Apparently I didn't give Lilli enough time to settle in (though she seemed settled in to me, as she would play with the cat that I had). Since Lilli was already spayed, I wasn't looking for a dog to mate, just a companion to LilliSo when I talked to the breeder, I told her that I had a female, spayed, and she said to bring her with me, so she could meet Dannii also. Which I did. At the first meet, Lilli growled (not loud, and for not very long) at Dannii. Dannii was just so jubilant that he didn't care. He would come over to sniff her out, and she didn't like him getting close to her butt. This breeder was laughing and chuckling as Lilli tried to bluff her way with Dannii, and all she kept saying was "that's your typical female basenji"! I was worried at first that she was going to kill him, but after a few hours, Lilli put my fear to restDannii and Lilli got along very well. She would protect the cat (Peeve, who is now 13 yrs old) from Dannii. Dannii wanted to chase the cat, and Lilli wouldn't let him!

I had thought that since Dannii was still intact, and I had all his papers, I thought we would try the show ring. I talked to the breeder about it, and she said to go for it. As it was at that point in time, Dannii was the only one out of his litter mates that did not go into the show ring right off the bat. So, I gave it a shot, got allot of pointers from the breeders, and people for the basenji club. Turned out, it was not Dannii's thing. When you would want him to stack, he would sit, and when you wanted him to sit, he would stand. Didn't not like being in the show ring at all! So, we tired the lure coursing. First couple times, it was great, and the breeders said that he was going to be a great courser. Well, they spoke too soon. Next time out, he jumped all the wires and sat and waited for the bag to get in from of him, and then he pulled the bag off of the wire, and ran through the field with it. All the while, everyone is screaming at me to "get your dog off the field"! Dannii was having so much fun with that bag and running where he wanted too, that he was not listening to a word that I was saying. Finally, someone was able to grab him and he started flying by them, they reached out and snagged that boy right off of the ground! That was the end to his career, short lived as it was.

Now mind you, he's still intact. When we went to the dog park later, he tried to start a fight with almost every dog there. So, I got him nurtured. He calmed down right quick after that. So then when we would go to the dog park, he would run and run and run and play with other dogs. Lilli sometimes would charge the other dog's, thinking that there was going to be a fight, so she was always butting in on their play. Lilli wasn't so much into running and playing with other dogs, but once in a while, she would find a dog that she took a fancy too, and
would play with them. Otherwise, you always found her at my side, being petted, or she would go over to someone else (didn't matter who) and make them pet her. If that person had their own dog, and that dog came over to check things out, Lilli would growl for them to back off. She wanted to be petted with no one butting in. She had always been that way.

Dannii and Lilli both slept with me. For some reason, Lilli liked to go down to the foot of the bed and sleep. Dannii liked being around my waist area, both slept on the same side of me, my left side, as I got out of bed on the right. They knew when it was bedtime, and both were ready for bed, as long as I was going to bed too.I admit I made lots of mistakes with Lilli, and I regret them. I had been told that I should have never gotten Dannii since Lilli was still new to the household. I been accused of caring more for Dannii than I didLilli...........which was/is NOT true at all. I loved Lilli and she would come and jump in my lap and curl up at night. I played with her. I would lock Dannii out in the backyard while Lilli and I had our time in the house, or I would close the door on Dannii and Lilli and I would be out in the yard. Lots of times, I just took Lilli for walkies, just her and I, as she did very well on a leash. However, she was starting to pull, as was Dannii, so I bought them both a gentle leader, and boy did that save my back and arms!

When Lilli passed, it was just Dannii, and he was looking all over for Lilli. I believe he knew that she had gone, but he was still looking for her at times. I don't think Dannii ever got used to being the only dog after having Lilli to help keep him company. Which explains that when Dannii's breeders called about 7 months later and told me that they had gotten Jenna back from her original owners, and wanted to know if I was interested, I jumped at the chance. This time, I had Dannii in tow, when we went to meet Jenna. We were in the backyard, and Dannii was running all around sniffing all these new smells. It was when I sat down, and Jenna attached herself to my hip, that Dannii realized there was another dog in the yard! So, he came over to check her out, she did the exact same thing that Lilli did when they first met, growled! Dannii just looked at Jenna, and said, ok, and went back to checking out the yard. I was so afraid that he was going to find a way out, that I could not relax. The breeders would not tell me why the owners returned Jenna, but I soon found out. She did what Lilli would do...........pee and poop on the carpet!!! Ruined the carpet.It was a month after that, that I got a phone call from one of my students dad (am a driving instructor, mind you),asking me if I could come and get their basenji. That it was the wrong dog for them and they never should have gotten it in the first place. When I showed up, all the dad would say, it was not the right kind of dog for them. They named this 4 month old basenji "Duke"! Duke? Give me a break. It took me a couple of days, but Duke turned into Zak! I found out he was a chewer! I've never had a dog before that would chew up clothes and shoes and underwear, and sleepwear.......what's with them chewing out the crotch in everything, anyways? Dannii had never ever chewed any clothing or shoes. Paper towels, toilet papers, napkins and such, yes, never clothes! Jenna had chewed the crotch out of a pair of flannel pj's that I loved, and then had to throw them out! Guess she had made herself at home then!

Zak was 4 months old when I brought him home, and he is now 7. Where did the time go? Dannii did not much care for Zak when Zak got a couple months older, and they had some knock down drag out fights. Thanks to folks on this list, Jean, Betsy, and Barb, and everyone else, I learned how to handle them, and made sure that the slight curl of the lip or a snark, I stepped in between them. Also, thanks to Jean's advice, I bought them all muzzles, and they had been a Godsend! There was one time, Dannii and Zak got into a big fight, and Dannii knocked Zak over on his back, and stupid me, I reached down to grab Zak's collar, and he came up snapping! He bit me and half of a dozen times, I yelling, "ow, ow, ow, ow", when he finally realized its me that he has and not Dannii. This was before the muzzles. Poor Zak, he looked so confused. Me, the only band aides that I had were the little tiny ones, so I had about 6 of them all over my right wrist, and they had bled like a stuck pig, so I had to stop at the store and buy some regular band aides.

I've watched these three B's grow and tolerate each other, also, saw them play the chair game. They have one recliner and whoever is in the recliner, mostly Zak will come up and wag his butt/tail and play bow to who ever is in the chair, most of the time, its Dannii. Zak figures its his turn so he will entice Dannii out of the chair, by doing the play bow thing to him. Dannii falls for it every time! As soon as he jumps out of the chair, Zak is in the chair. The first time that happened, I wished I had a camera to capture the look on Dannii's face.......it was like what the he** just happened here? For some reason, Dannii never did do this to Zak or Jenna. Jenna would do it to Zak, but Zak would do it to either one of them. It was just Dannii that wouldn't do it. If one had the chair, he would find somewhere else to lay down, most of the time, my lap, or my bed.

The years are marching on now, and the fights have almost come to a nil. The occasional snark or growl, and I would say "leave it" and that was the end of that. Zak would try and pull that at the dog park, and he got the muzzle. He soon learned to keep quiet.........at least for the most part.

It was only this past year, around this time now, that I noticed that Dannii was dripping some blood after he would go poop. Not allot and not much. Stupid me, stupid, stupid me, it wasn't until later into summer, that I figured I better get Dannii checked out. Well, at first my vet thought Dannii had infected anal gland. Some antibiotics and chicken and rice and two weeks later, with NO change, we went back. Turned out this was my vet's last day as he was retiring and he had sold the practice. Anyways, now he says, Dannii has colitis. More pills and chicken and rice. No change again after two weeks. Now we see the new vet, and she suggests blood work, nothing shows up. Then suggests an ultra sound. That was not a good day. Turned out Dannii had a mass on the outside of his colon and the guy who did the ultra sound, was 90% positive it was cancer. Was told Dannii would not live to see his 12th birthday in December. Recommended we see a specialist, which we did. Was thinking of surgery, but the specialist said that doing a biospy would be better, and just bit cheaper. Ok, a couple days later, the results "probable lymphoma". Couldn't they get a 100% reading? Was told it would be another $500 for that. She said to see their oncologist. Wanted to talk to my vet first. Which I did, then I made the appointment with the oncologist. He was talking chemo and CBC every 3-4weeks which would cost around $450 every 3-4 weeks! I just sat down and cried. I didnt have that kind of money. I live from paycheck to paycheck, and just pray nothing goes wrong in between. So he came back with a different solution. The clinic had some donated Elspar (chemo) and there would be no charge to me, but they needed to keep him and give him a benadryl shot to make there was no side affects. So I had to leave him for a few hours. At this point in time, Dannii had almost stopped eating. He would eat some scrambled eggs, but not much else. This was around the 1st part of November 2011. He was also put on prednisone.

He had perked up so well, that he had me completely fooled, thinking this was all a big mistake. He took another downhill slide, the end of January. He was looking really bad at our last basenji meet-up. I figured this was it for him. Then a friend from our meet-up said that he would pay for the Elspar for Dannii. I said no, as there was no way I could afford to pay him back. He said that he wanted to donate to Dannii, that he didn't like seeing him like this, and maybe it would help. I told him there were no guarantees, that he could get the shot, and maybe a day or two later, he would have to be put down. It didn't matter to him. There should be more angels like him. So I gave him my vets info, and he called and told them how much to charge his credit card for the Elspar for Dannii. So on January 31, of 2011, Dannii got another round of Elspar. The vet told me that there was enough for a second shot a week later, which we did. At that time, Dannii really should have been put down, but I just couldn't do it, I wanted to give him a bit more time. He got a whole month of being able to poop ok with out straining or grunting. He had a wonderful 4-6 weeks. Then Dannii took another turn for the worst, again my friend (Chris, I will always be so very grateful to you)! paid for another round of Elspar. This was it, no more. Dannii got one very good week and a half. He got the second part of the Elspar on the 4th of this month. That made a total of 5 shots of Elspar since November.

The vet tried to do a rectal but Dannii was in no mood to let her. The lymphoma had finally taken over his colon. He was eating was up to yesterday, but nothing as of today. Just water. He is just sleeping. I wished I could have gotten him into the vets to have this done yesterday (Monday), but I really need the hours at work, and could not afford to take the time off. As it is, I have no idea how I am even going to pay for this. I would like to have Dannii cremated like I did Lilli, but having to pay to
have him put to sleep, I just don't know. I know the whole total is going to be around $220.00, that includes putting him down. If my original vet was still there, he would have let me make payments, but not this vet. She has already made some changes to the building, so I guess "we" have to pay for that.

I posted a couple of pictures of Dannii from February to now. They are in my album Wright, Marti.

I copied a poem that I would like to share. Its for a loved one, but I think its fitting for this. I pray that God will give me the strength to endure today that my beloved Dannii will once again be that free spirit, running free with the wind. With MzLilli chasing his behind all the way!!

Remember me in quiet days
While raindrops whisper on your pane.
But in your memories have no grief,
Let just the joy we knew remain.

Remember me when evening
stars
Look down on you with steadfast eyes.
Remember me if once you wake
To catch a glimpse of red sunrise.

And when your thoughts do turn to me,
Know that I would not have you cry.
But live for me, and laugh for me,
When you are happy, so am I.

Remember an old joke we shared.
Remember me when spring walks by.
Think once of me when you are glad.
And while you live, I shall not die.

~Author Unknown~

Waiting for Marti

Moxie

October 17,1995 - April 22, 2012.

I love him and I pray when I leave this earth he will be the first living thing I see. No one can ever take his place.

Waiting for
Ed

Brodie

11/13/2009-4/26/2012

"My little boy now has wings"

The Silence
The silence without you is deafening.
Even when we were totally quiet,
Even when sleeping,
I could hear and feel your presence.
There are so many sounds and sensations,
That were part of me and part of you.
Together in our coexistence.
Your breathing.
Your movement.
Your smell.
Your voice.
Your thoughts. Yes, sometimes I could
actually hear you thinking.
Now you are gone.
I look for you several times a day,
But you are not there.
I listen for you every moment,
Waiting for the confirmation of your being.
And realizing every moment,
That you are no longer here.
The silence is deafening.
I never could have imagined
The void that your death would cause.
All other sounds and sensations in my life
Continue uninterrupted.
They pale in comparison
To the silence of your absence.

Anon

Waiting for

Cindi

May

Julie

May 3, 2012

Sadly, our beautiful little girl had to leave her loving home, "parents" and Cocker "brothers" on May 3, 2012. She had somewhere inhaled a spore that resulted in a fungal disorder known as Hystoplasmosis. The source of the disease is relatively common in the region but rarely contracted and difficult to detect in testing. Unfortunately by the time the fungus was detected in her latest lab work, it had invaded her little body and ravaged her system to the extent that immediate and in itself life threatening treatment was required. Julie started having what was thought to be immune system symptoms, neurological facial issues, retinal degeneration and colitis a little over a year ago. In each area of symptoms she was under the care of a specialist so we had what we knew to be expert advice on care and were diligent in administering the necessary medications for all her growing conditions. Each time she would temporarily recover but the symptoms would reoccur. Finally the day after a GI scope done at Gulf Coast, we had to rush her back for treatment. The disease was only then pinpointed in a repeat of another gland biopsy. Knowing the then long odds and being made aware she would not survive without the treatment, we approved the administration of the recommended medications. She fought valiantly for several days and even rallied at one point but could not sustain the fight. After being reassured of the extent of her suffering and advised of the result of the futility of further treatment by internal specialists at Gulf Coast Veterinary Hospital, we lovingly held and stroked her as we soothingly talked to her and helped her cross to the Rainbow Bridge. We shall forever be grateful for the day that we stopped into PetSmart to purchase food for our previous angels, Dame Molly and Lady Anastasia Morris, and we saw little Julie timidly sitting there with her foster mom. There was something about her that screamed out to us that she needed to come with us and have a safe, loving home for the rest of her days. Julie's pre-rescue beginning was tragic due to the severe abuse she suffered at the hands of her original owners but we vowed when we adopted her that she would never have a bad day again in her life. She made it so easy for us to keep that promise. We absolutely cherished and loved her immediately after adopting her, and with time and her growing trust with us we saw a personality come out in her that was bigger and more dynamic than any we have been privileged to see. Her intelligence, curiosity, capacity for love and eagerness to please was truly amazing and a source of constant joy and pleasure throughout her time with our family. As much as you can treat these special fur-babies as your own child, she was extra special to us and she clearly knew that. Queen Julie ruled the roost. She made us laugh and smile each and every day of her life with us, and the void left by the joy and love she returned to us is akin to the size of the Grand Canyon in our hearts. There is clearly a small hole in the energy and personality of our home right now that will be felt forever. As we console each other through our tears, we try to find solace in the poem below and believe that this is truly what our Julie would tell us if she could.

Grieve not, nor speak of me with tears, But laugh and talk of me as if I was beside you. I loved you so, 'Twas Heaven here with you.

Author: Isla Paschal Richardson

A very bright and special light has been extinguished in our lives. Rest in peace little Julie and always feel our love for you until we meet again. Wait patiently and know as we do that we will see your precious and oh so special light again.

Waiting for Janice

Reina

December 4, 1996 – May 29, 1012

She managed to poop on three airport carpets before arriving home, some twelve hours after we departed Philadelphia, including Houston and Albuquerque. She was good at leaving her mark. Her “story” really began when a bird flew into the illuminated front seat window as I went to open the front door when we arrived at home. She looked at the bird, the bird looked at her. Does that ever happen? Reina had the soul of a little bird in flight.

Reina was introduced into a “family” of three (see picture, aka Miss Tongue): Molly, Skye, and Rose, the little black dog I rescued as she ran across a dirt road. Reina wanted to be the Queen, of course, her name signifying queen, Snyder’s Desert Rein. I called the four of them The Girlies.

Reina was the Cindy Crawford of Dalmatians – a Reserve at six months, two Best of Breeds before she was out of puppy class…but she hated to show, simple as that. She sulked. She cried. No nails! She tried to escape. I gave up.

Reina ran ten miles in a circle every day, and if you ever visit my old property in New Mexico you’ll see the “track” she created. People used to ask me if I made the track for the Dalmatians. Yeah, likely. Maybe it was twenty miles, I don’t know. She never did learn to formally sit or stay.

The boys, Boots and Chase, became her “puppies.” She was great at cleaning ears. If you presented a stuffed toy Dalmatian she’d clean the ears and the other end! She was a natural little momma if ever there was. And she loved kittens as well as puppies – she had her own cat, Rick. She captured a Black Hooded Grosbeak in her mouth and carried him around gently as he squawked and screamed…no damage when she put him down.

Reina was the sweetest little thing who didn’t have one mean hair on her body. I thought she was going to keep on going until she was about 28 but old age wore her down. It was very sad at the end…the body kept going but the mind was gone. Then she suffered a stroke and I didn’t want her to repeat that trauma. So at the end, she died of old age. And she loved to eat!

She earned her Reserve in Flagstaff, AZ in rain and puddles and cold. Boy, that set the stage, didn’t it? She got in front of the judge and would not cooperate. I yelled (literally yelled), “LET’S EAT!!” Well, damn, didn’t she put on a great face! We sang a Let’s Eat song and she’d run around in a circle while I made her food.

She’s back in New Mexico right now, probably with Molly, Skye, and Rose, running in a circle. Don’t rest in peace, Little One – Keep on runnin’ as you loved so much! I love YOU so much. Your Boots will be there soon…

Waiting for

Hety

June

"Gypsey"

Oct 2002 - June 2012

Gypsey, a Sheltie, came into my life in April 2006 when I met my now husband. He had hand reared her when she was born as her mum rejected her, so obviously he had a very close connection to her. But everyone that met her loved her, she was a very special little dog - my mum had never liked dogs, until she met Gypsey. Gypsey was the first dog my mum (then aged 82/83) ever allowed into her home, despite my sister having had labradors for many years! She loved Gypsey as much as the rest of us.

My husband took early retirement at Christmas and has been on garden leave, complete with company car/petrol, up to the end of June. We have therefore been away quite a lot during the last 6 months, but Gypsey always stayed with the "dog lady", and lovely lady who lost her own dog and instead of having a new one decided to look after other people's when they were away on a one to one basis. Gypsey loved staying with her, and got very excited when she knew she was going. Jan and her husband loved her too.

When we got back from a holiday at the end of May, we went to pick her up only to be told that whilst we were away she had had 2 seizures. Fortunately Jan knew what they were and took her to the vet. they took bloods, the results of which came back on the day we returned, over a week later during which time Gypsey hadnt had any more seizures. That evening she was fine, but the next evening she had two more. At that point I started searching on the internet to find out as much about what might be happening as I could, which is when I came across the Epi website. Overnight she had at least 2 more seizures, so I made my husband take her to the emergency vet (it was jubilee weekend). She had another whilst she was there so they kept her in overnight. The next day, Monday, they said she was brighter and we could bring her home if we wanted as they wouldnt be able to do an MRI until the normal vets opened again on the Wednesday. Needless to say we picked her up and brought her back. By now I had done enough research to realise she was too old (nearly 10) to be epileptic, and also that it wasnt likely to be just random seizures, there was a 99% chance our baby had a brain tumour.

My husband had to carry her from the car, she couldnt stand up, it was like her little legs were made of rubber, or she was drunk. She wanted to stand, but when she did she just kept bumping into things. I put it down to the fact she had been sedated, but my husband suspected it was more than that. She had a couple more seizures, not as bad as the first ones, jaw snapping as opposed to legs paddling (forgive me that I do not know the correct terms, I didnt have long enough to learn them). It was horrible to see, and I was so upset. My husband was too, but he doesn't show his feelings. Then she went to sleep and I thought that would be good, give her a bit of time to get some strength back. I dozed off myself - guess I was exhausted from the emotion of it all - but I woke just a few minutes later, only to realise Gypsey was no longer breathing. Our beautiful little doggie had passed away in her sleep. It still brings tears to my eyes thinking about it, and I guess it will for a long time to come.

I am so glad we brought her back from the vets though, so she passed away in her home, and also that she passed away in her sleep and hadn't suffered for too long. I hope she is happy in doggy heaven, playing with all the other doggy angels including my sister's two labs, Sam and Bruce. Our love will be with her forever. RIP to a lovely dog with a wonderful nature"

Mum (Sandy) & Dad (John)

Max

12/20/2009 - 06/14/2012

You were only with me a short time but you touched my heart more than I could ever express. You were my friend, confidant & protector. You were loyal & true to the very last beat of your heart. My goal was to give you the best life had to offer & when it came time for us to part I could see the gratefulness in your eyes. Who could ask for more than the unconditional, selfless love of a dog? Not I. I miss you greatly everyday, in everything I do. I know you are happy & pain free now though which is what you deserve. Until it is time for us to reunite may you always run in fields of green.

Waiting at the Bridge for

Jennifer

Riley

Adopted at 7 1/2 years went to the bridge 6-15-12

To my Beloved pal Riley:
You came to me as a foster dog for Boston rescue. I was just helping out, didn't really want to foster another boy. I wanted a girl but the need was there so I took you in. I thank God every day that I did. You had been hit by a car and had lost the use of your front leg. We ended up having to amputate the leg, but that never stopped you. You were an inspiration to everyone everywhere we went. At the dog park people were amazed at how fast you could run and play. When someone showed and interest in adopting you I said "No, I can't let this one go!" and paid the fee and kept my happy boy. And I never looked back. We had an awesome 5 years together..

Then the first seizure came mid-January. And from then a gradual decline until I got the phone call from my vet that the neuro had said those two awful words - Brain Tumor. There are few things harder to go through with a dog, and I've loved and lost a few pups in my day.wonderful dog park in heaven! Be happy my beloved boy. I will never stop missing you and tearing up when I think of you. I love you forever and will be with you someday.

Love,

Mommy and Daddy Mike

Adele “Addy’ Foley

Adopted July 2008 – June 2012

This was our Addy, our Ada-belle, our BooBoo… She was the light of our lives. Her personality matched her good looks. She was so kind hearted and always tried to make everyone smile, she was such a little clown. She loved chewing her plastic bones, playing fetch, snuggling up at our feet and playing with Tricia (always letting her tug on her ears and poke her face.) She taught us so much over these past 4 years. We are so much more responsible and patient than we ever were before. She taught us how to live through adversity and how to ‘keep it in perspective’.

Addy fought epilepsy her entire life. However, the majority of her life was not defined by her seizures, but by her joyful demeanor and friendly attitude. We did everything in our power to improve her quality of life and keep her with us for as long as we possibly could. Our family shared a special connection and we all could sense when a seizure was coming. We knew it sometimes before Addy would seek us out, for protection and comfort. In the end, the decision was taken out of our hands, and Addy left us quickly and quietly. We are so grateful to Addy’s Aunt, Dr. Nicole Rickard and Dr. Jean Pitcairn at Chase Farm Animal Hospital. Without them, Addy would never have been a part of our lives. All of their time and extra care is what allowed Addy to be with us for as long as she was.

She will always be our first baby. We miss you and love you!

Waiting at the bridge for

Tommy, Bridget and Tricia Foley

July

Jessie

February 26, 2010 – July 18, 2012

We only had you for a short time, but loved you enough for a lifetime.

To my sweet girl,

This has been one of my hardest darkest days. My heart is aching and so broken. I miss you. I can’t believe I will never see, hear, smell or hold you again.

I remember when Sean wanted a puppy. Although I was adamant that we don’t get another dog, oh how happy I was to meet you. You were such a cute puppy! When work took Sean away from home shortly after you came to us, I promised Sean that I would look after his Jessie. At that moment, you became mine in my heart. Sometimes you were such a bad girl! You certainly did get into some mischief.
On October 27, 2011 you had your first seizure and our lives changed forever. Epilepsy became part of our lives, but I vowed that I would do whatever it took to give you the life you so deserved. It was hard for you, and yes, hard for us, but worth it. I would do it all over again.

July 16, 2012 would be the day that set the course that our lives were about to change, forever. Although with the new medication addition, you had been seizure free for almost 8 weeks – a record. But, the medication that was keeping the seizures away was making you sick. I always thought that it would be a seizure that would take you from us. I was never prepared for this at such an early stage in your illness and you were so young.

Jessie, you were so sick. I could see it in your eyes; I could hear it in each breath you took. Your life had diminished. I’m sorry. If there was anything that I could have done for you to keep you with us, I would have. When I visited you in the hospital on July 17, 2012 I knew that we had to make a decision. I told you that if you were too tired to keep on fighting that it was ok to let go, I would be ok. (I’m sorry, but I’m not – I didn’t realize this was going to be so hard). Although I wanted you to come home, I could tell you were worn-out. You were always such a brave girl. The doctor called me Wednesday morning and said that night you developed a fever and were fighting an infection – sadly at that moment, I knew that was your sign to me that you just didn’t have the strength to battle this anymore.

On July 18, 2012 at 2:23pm we let you go. I held you to the end, it was so very difficult, but I am comforted by the fact that you were able to feel my loving arms around you as you crossed the Rainbow Bridge.

I miss your grunts and groans, the sound of your squeaky toys, and that scratch at the door. I miss my silly girl.

Wait for me at the bridge my little lady - until then,
……
………….REST WELL MY SWEET GIRL ♥

Waiting for

Angela & Sean

September

Gaia

March 2001 - 3 September 2012

Updated: 09/08/2013