Gone But Not Forgotten
This beautiful baby girl appeared at the Memphis Animal Shelter on April 15 2004. She was very sweet and friendly. We contacted rescue volunteers in Memphis to help us save her. The adoption fee was paid and she had to stay at the shelter for a couple of days to be spayed and given the basic shots. We were excited about her arrival to our rescue and were making arrangements to transport her to Baltimore. Unfortunately, her story was not meant to be a happy ending. We received an e-mail that our pup died. She was left in a kennel to recover after the surgery. When the shelter staff checked on her, she was dead. She never woke up. Rest in peace, beautiful baby. We'll meet you at the bridge and bring you some very special toys.
This beautiful baby girl appeared at the Memphis Animal Shelter on April 15 2004. She was very sweet and friendly. We contacted rescue volunteers in Memphis to help us save her. The adoption fee was paid and she had to stay at the shelter for a couple of days to be spayed and given the basic shots. We were excited about her arrival to our rescue and were making arrangements to transport her to Baltimore. Unfortunately, her story was not meant to be a happy ending. We received an e-mail that our pup died. She was left in a kennel to recover after the surgery. When the shelter staff checked on her, she was dead. She never woke up. Rest in peace, beautiful baby. We'll meet you at the bridge and bring you some very special toys.
Butch was a beautiful shepherd mix who ended up at the Mason County Animal Shelter in WV. This shelter is run by wonderful staff and supported by committed volunteers who do their best and go out of their way to save as many animals as possible. This is the same shelter that sent us Shadow (see our success stories). This shelter is in a rural region of WV, and only very few dogs end up adopted locally. This is especially true for large breeds and black dogs. Our foster homes were full as usual when we were contacted by the shelter to help them place Butch.
In the meantime Butch developed issues and aggression problems at the shelter. A rescue agreed to take him, however, after finding out about his behavior problems they had to back out. There are very few foster homes that can deal with aggression issues. Someone recognized him and informed the shelter staff that Butch was abused by his owner. We believed that Butch would turn around in a home environment given a chance. We found a trainer who agreed to work with him and were ready to bring him to Baltimore.
Unfortunately, again, it was not meant to be. Butch showed aggression during the visit of a county official to the shelter. The shelter staff was ordered to put Butch down - they were not given a choice. When we called the shelter to tell them that we found a trainer we found out that Butch was gone. We were only several hours late in this race for life.
Godspeed, Butch, we say, until our journey comes full circle and our paths cross again.
A day later we rescued a small shepherd mix from the DE SPCA. We named him Little Buch (see our success stories).
By Molly, who adopted Boris Ann at the age of 10
My very, very beautiful Boris Ann died quietly and with all of her majestic dignity looking from the porch onto the woods she loved with her vet and Peter and I at her side.
She had not been feeling well for several weeks but I thought it was her age and the HW+ catching up with her and with the holiday I just sort of kept a wary eye on her. I called the Vet the first thing Monday morning and took her in for a check up. I was completely floored when the x-rays showed a heart tumor and cancer throughout her chest. Her abdomen was filling with fluid and she was becoming increasing uncomfortable. We could not save her and so I took her home.I cannot begin to express the sadness that fills my heart and eyes as I try to type this. Boris Ann came from the Memphis Shelter, over 10years in age, HW+ and with her teeth filed off. No one was sure if she would survive the transport to Georgia, but she did and she thrived and she loved and she showed me on a daily basis how to live a life of dignity regardless of drooling or a gummy smile.
I can only imagine the kind of dog she was in her youth and in her prime and the countless numbers of beautiful puppies that she must have mothered. I wish I had had her whole life to share - instead I get the last seven months of her life and for that I say a very quiet thank you to the heavens for the privilege of having known her. She was much like any other old lady you might know - content with her meals and a quiet spot to watch the sunsets. On good days she would play ball or chase the water hose but she was always a grand old lady. I want to thank everyone who helped her on her journey to me - she was a heart gift and will always be remembered and cherished by the last people in her life who loved her.b
Molly
I had to say goodbye to a special friend yesterday. Sam had been with me almost 18 years but it wasn't long enough. In February, 1987, a friend saw what she thought was a group of boys playing ball. After looking more closely, she realized the ball they were throwing was not a ball but rather a tiny GSD mix puppy. My friend ran to grab the pup and the sadistic boys scattered. When she picked up Sam, most of his tail fell off because the boys had put a rubber band around it. Sam had to have surgery to remove the rest of his tail because gangrene had set up in it and he came to recuperate at my house. Sam never me left after he recovered but he left me forever yesterday. I had to make the decision to put him to sleep and my heart still hurts from it. Sam's poor old body gave out but his eyes were still aware. I hope he understood that I was doing it because I loved him. I held him and kissed him while my vet slipped the pink liquid in his vein because I would never send a friend on that journey alone. Rest in peace my sweet boy. I hope to meet you again where you will always be young and never in pain.
I love you, Sam.
Kerry
Dec. 11, 2004
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Jag was a 2 year old black and red male that was rescued from Memphis Animal Shelter end of May 2005. He was HW+, and immediately began treatment. He was doing pretty well, until this morning. One of the kennel workers noticed him coughing and struggling. By the time they got him up front to the vet, it was too late. Some of the dying worms created a blockage and caused a blood clot. He never had a chance.
Jag was not only handsome but very sweet too. No wonder that soon someone fell in love with him: he had a foster home (to become his forever home) lined up. We lost him a day before he moved to his forever home.
Rest in peace sweet boy. Even though we didn't know you long, you will be missed. You deserved much better than what life dealt you. Run free at the bridge, and watch over all the angels that come after you. See you at the Bridge.
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Bella was a sweet, beautiful 1 year old female GSD. She was rescued from the high-kill Memphis Animal Shelter end of May 2005, and started learning that life can be good while she was waiting for transport to her foster/forever home! Bella was a very friendly girl, she got along well with other dogs, and also liked children. She had a forever family lined up.
Unfortunately, the happy ending was not meant to be. Our beautiful Bella lost her fight to the infection she picked up at the shelter. The treatment seemed to work first, however, after ten days she suddenly started deteriorating and there was nothing our vet could do for her.
Rest in peace sweet Bella. You will be missed missed by all the rescue volunteers whose lives you have touched. You deserved much better than what life dealt you. Run free at the Bridge beautiful Bella, and watch over all the angels that come after you. Say hello to our boy Jag and keep him company in a place where you are both happy and healthy. See you at the Bridge - we'll bring you toys and some very special treats.
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Hi, my name is Hope, and boy do I have a story to tell you!
I am a 4 year old female white GSD. So far, my life has consisted of being outdoors on a chain, and having lots and lots of puppies. When I was rescued, my ears were raw and bleeding from flies chewing on them, I hadn't had any shots, and I also have heartworm. It hasn't been an easy life, but I hear that's all about to change!
I get along great with other dogs, and I love kids! They're fun to play with! I'm currently a little scared and shy, but who wouldn't be! I don't really know what to expect or what's going to happen to me next. But if you give me a little bit of time, I'll warm right up to you. All I really want is for someone to love me.
They tell me I'm going to receive treatment for the heartworms, and once that's over I'll feel a lot better. I'm going to be spayed, so I won't have to worry about raising any more babies. So it really does sound like things are looking up!
SAD NEWS: It is with great sadness that we report the loss of our beautiful Hope. Hope was malnourished when she arrived and had to get stronger before starting her heartworm treatment. She gained weight and appeared to be doing better. Then suddenly, our Hope collapsed and our vet and our love could not save her. We lost her to congestive heart failure which was caused by the heartworm disease. She never made it to a forever home, but she was loved and spoiled by our volunteers during the last weeks of her life. Hope is now waiting for us at the Rainbow Bridge, happy, healthy and pain-free. Run free at the Bridge sweet Hope, you'll be always with us in our hearts."
I didn't know this puppy, but I would have loved to have known him. I don't think he even had a name.......... He was listed on the “Urgent” thread (of the Germanshepherds Rescue Board). I found him there an hour and 2 minutes after he was first posted. He’s pitiful little face and mangy little body just broke my heart. I wanted to help him. I made inquiries and our rescue offered to sponsor him.
Almost at that exact same time, I learned that he was KILLED!!!!!
They didn’t even give him a chance!!!!! I would have taken him, nursed him back to health, and loved him with all my heart.
My heart is now broken……………….
This hurts so much, I am so distraught!!! He was so close to being saved and having a long happy life…………………..
I just don’t understand……………
REST IN PEACE LITTLE BOY
