Memorials

ROWDY 2008-2025
I was so lucky to have known and loved you for 17 years. You are a part of me and my soul. You were there for so many huge things in my life and always made everything that much better. I miss you more than words can ever express. I will miss our trips you will forever be my favorite road warrior. I miss waking up and seeing that beautiful face and I will miss you and love you until the day my heart stops ❤️❤️❤️❤️

Our sweet Dakota has crossed the rainbow bridge after 13 incredible years (2012-2025). Her wings were ready, but our hearts were not. 💔

She was the sweetest, happiest, sassiest, most loving best friend and the best big sister to her brothers. She had a kind heart, the happiest wags, and gave the best cuddles. She loved the snow, the beach, catching frisbees, eating french fries, and beating up on her brothers. She was the star of our wedding as the cutest flower girl. But nothing made her happier than curling up in our bed, right where she belonged. She was simply the best.

We already miss her beyond words. She will always be in our hearts. 💕

Decades ago I moved to Canada with five cats. As I got older and my cats died off I said no more, I have to outlive my pets. The last of the five died, that was it . After a few months, contacted my vet, said I could adopt one or two older cats. Within weeks I adopted Tommy & Dicky, two older cats from a lady going into a retirement home on the other side of Canada. I had not even seen pictures of the two cats until the day I picked them up. One long hair, one short hair, both a cream color. Years went buy, we all moved back to the States. My Tommy & Dicky two of the most loving cats you can imagine. I gave my cats the best care available.

What happened I do not know. A few weeks ago Tommy went down hill at only 13 years. Kidney failure. I did everything possible to save him but after three days at critical care it was decided nothing more to be done to save him. So I brought my little Tommy home where he felt safe and loved. For a few hours he laid in the sunshine, ate tuna fish, and drank milk and water. Then at home, he was put to sleep with me petting him. I loved Tommy so much and my heart is broken I could not save him. He was purring to the very end.

There has to be a place in heaven for our pets and some day we will be reunited.

Our sweet Petey Boy! My husband found him on the job in Richmond in Gilpin Court on ST Peter St…we decided to rescue him and name him Petey. He lived to be 16 years old and was with us for 15 years. He was always a playful, sweet, loving dog. We love and miss him dearly. We know he is up there happily playing with our other pets that have crossed the Rainbow Bridge. Petey- 2010-2025

From the moment we met you filled our hearts with love. Your snuggles brought us comfort and joy every day as your affection was endless. Always curling up beside us and making everything feel better. We will feel the loss of your warmth and presence in ways words can never fully capture.Though you are no longer physically with us, your spirit will forever remain in our hearts.

We will miss your soft purrs, headbutts, cuddles and kisses, and sleepy snores. Thank you for being our family. You will never be forgotten, and you will always be loved. Rest peacefully, handsome boy.

My special emotional and most loving side kick. For 18 years he loved and entertained me. Regal and in his hay day he would climb straight up a tree and then turn around and climb straight back down. He ruled the neighborhood. He came into our lives to heal the pain of losing my mom. Zeek is irreplaceable. I love you, buddy.

?/2012 – 1/4/2025
The question remains who rescued who 💕 you will always be in our hearts and we will cherish all the memories made over the last 12 years.

Run free my handsome beach boy 💕

We love you to the beach and a million times back 💕💕

We’ll never stop missing your sweet face – those eyes through which you could communicate without a sound. You were pure love. 💜

Our sweet Cali girl, we miss you so much. We were so lucky that she showed up on our deck ten years ago and chose us to be her family. She was so dedicated to us that she went from being an outdoor cat to an indoor cat and moved with us. She loved her home, her toys, our bed, and sleeping with us at night and most of all, she loved us thoroughly. She was so sweet, loving smart, and had such a loud purr. We miss her greeting us when we come home. She loved being cuddled, held, and getting kisses and she would give us nose “kisses”. She has been so much a part of our lives and she loved us thoroughly. We miss everything about her. We are not sure how we got so lucky to spend these years with her and are so grateful for that. We love you Cali and know you are at peace. We’ll see you on the other side of the rainbow bridge.

Oh, my Elisa.

Daniel and I were going to Petsmart for Dougie in 2014 and they were having an adoption event. We had talked about getting Doug a sibling for a while but had no real plans. My sweet Elisa was in a crate and I swear to jeebus we locked eyes from across the parking lot. It felt like kismet, which I decidedly don’t believe in. Dougie’s curmudgeonly butt took to her immediately, speaking volumes about her character. I had always wanted a dog that smiled. She was the decision that made Daniel, Dougie, and I a little family.

She was a proper mutt/hound mix huntress. In her heyday, she was the scourge of chipmunks, squirrels, anything that came into the yard. I’m convinced that the skinks of Dunston Avenue still tell stories about the battle hardened generations of their tailless ancestors to this day.

She was also the sweetest (to humans). She had that “never met a stranger” personality. Genuinely, I have never met a more empathetic dog. If anyone in the house was upset, she could find you. I was crying in the weird unfinished basement of our first house once after a shit day (and she would never, ever come down there). She came and found me and pushed into my lap. All my niecephews grew up around her and she was so very loved. Sleepovers nestled between them were her favorite thing. She got an entire two weeks at the beach without her little siblings last year, sleeping in a queen bed, living her best life.

Last week, we found about her battle with cancer when it was already too late, despite being so very diligent with her various health issues over the last few years. We are reeling with how fast this loss happened, and keep thinking we’ll wake up. At the same time, we are so, so grateful that she was still tail wagging, loving on her brother, and barking at her sister until the very end. Her last day on this earth, she was cuddled nonstop and introduced to no fewer than three new types of cheese. We should all be so lucky.

My sweet girl, you brought so much joy to my life and to that of so many others. I’m going to miss you forever. 💔

The Dowager, Elisa Abattoir Bilius Merbles Qwijibo Schmutz “Tha Murdaliza” Patenaude

2009(ish) – April 17, 2024

When you and your special friend finally meet, you cling together in joyous reunion, never to be parted again. The happy kisses rain upon your face. Your hands again caress the beloved head. You look once more into the trusting eyes of your pet, so long gone from your life but never absent from your heart.

Then… you cross the Rainbow Bridge together.

~Unknown

The Best Dog of All
By Kelly Roper

Loving and loyal,
A friend through and through,
How in the world can I
live life without you?

I’ve known you since you
Were just a scrappy little pup.
Fighting to survive,
And you never gave up.

I watched you grow into a
beautiful canine friend.
Back in those days,
I could not imagine this end.

But now it is all over,
And you’re truly gone.
Somehow I’ll find a way
To try to carry on.

Perhaps one day I’ll find
A new puppy who,
Will become my dear friend,
But she’ll never replace you.

I’ll keep your little photo
hung up on my wall,
And I’ll always remember you
As the very best dog of all.
❤️🐾❤️
Forever in hearts❣️

Chopper we missed you. You were able to communicate with us and made our life happier every minute you were with us. You will be at great place like this home if there is after life. We missed you…..your loving family.

Hooch, the incredible wonder dog. Rescued by my Son & Daughter. Taught us more than we would have ever imagined.

I watched my sweet baby born 13 years ago. I picked her out of her liter. She loved to chase deer, squirrels and our inside kitties. Our cat Bella Mae is 2 years old and has grown up with Freddie and looks for her every day. I have nothing but wonderful things to say about these amazing people at such a sad time.

This is a nice poem that gave me some peace when our sweet Casey lost his battle with nasal cancer.

“Windows in Heaven” by Jerry Wayne Baldwin

It’s my first day in heaven,
And what a beautiful place,
You’ll be glad to know,
There’s a smile upon my face,

The moment I left you,
Two angels in white,
Carried me up here,
To heaven that night.
All those stories you hear ,
About rainbow bridge are true,
But you don’t walk over it,
The angels carried me through,
There’s a gate at the end,
Made of pearl,
It must be the biggest gate,
In the whole world!
Once I got in
I started looking around,
You just won’t believe,
All the neat things I found!
The first place they took me,
Had to be the most fun,
A humongous field,
With miles and miles to run!
Once I was tired the angels said,
We’ll take you to your new home,
But first we need to stop by this place
Full of tasty bones,
They told me to take one with me,
But one is all I need,
Because every good thing lasts forever,
Up in heaven you see,
They took me to my new house,
It took my breath away,
Most beautiful place I’ve ever seen,
With a huge yard to play,
They said come on lets go inside ,
And have a look around,
They took me to the bottom floor,
You won’t believe what I found,
The floor of my house is a window
And you won’t believe the view,
See my house it sets right over yours,
So I can still keep an eye on you!
I was so worried about you,
When I went away,
Now I can watch you every second,
And know that you are okay!
So the next time you are missing me,
This is what you do,
Step outside and look straight up,
Because I still have my eye on YOU!

Clifford was a pure soul and only wanted to love and be loved. When you adopt a senior dog you don’t really know how much time you’ll have with them, but I’d adopt Clifford again in a heartbeat, and ten more like him. He bonded with us instantly at 13.5 years old and fit in our household perfectly. We’ll miss his nosey nose and hearing his footsteps follow our every move.

Sammy was the perfect dog. We love him so very much. He will always be in our hearts. Thank you Dr. Dahlgren for your support and kindness you gave Sammy and our family.

My sweet Choco. It was so hard to say goodbye to you yesterday. But at least you are no longer suffering. You were and always will be my best friend. I love you always and forever. We had 12 great years together and though I wish it was longer, you had an amazing life filled with love and adventures. Rest in peace my sweet pup in doggie heaven.

Love, Dad

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I have chosen to leave a flower for this memorial 💐

Choco, nothing has been the same since you left, but it’s a relief knowing you’re no longer suffering. Your infectious energy and loving kisses and cuddles will be dearly missed, but your energy and spirit will be with us always. I’m so glad we got to know and love you for these 12 glorious years and give you the life you deserved. We couldn’t have asked for a better puppy. I love you, Choco. Forever and always. 💕🐶

– Maggie Edwards

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I have chosen to leave a flower for this memorial 💐

I was lucky enough to be Choco’s aunt, and I am heartbroken that he will no longer be on this earth. His wagging tail and his happy face always made me feel so loved. He was a special pup, and he loved so fiercely and so sweetly. His loss is massively felt by the many people (and dogs!) he touched. He made life better and he took great care of his dad. We will always remember how he made us feel and we will miss him dearly. RIP sweet Chocs- we love you. ❤️

 – Abigail Edwards

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I have chosen to leave a flower for this memorial 💐

Sweet Choco,
I am so grateful to have had the privilege to get to know you during our ‘puppy parties’. You’ve left a permanent mark on my heart and I’m so appreciative. I hope you and Poppie are rough housing and carefree together. Thanks for bringing joy into my life; I love you as one of my own.
Love, Leah

– Leah Nesgoda

My words before I had to say goodbye forever:
My dear and cherished friend,
we have to say goodbye today.
We knew this day would come.
I tried to prepare myself and you did your best to help me,
But in spite of all the efforts made
the reality of this day shatters my heart.

Ours was a love tenderly molded and cultivated,
rooted in unwavering trust and strengthened with joy.
Standing firm and unwavering
against the hardships and fears we faced together.

Almost 17 years, my friend…
Seventeen years you were my constant and steadfast companion.
You never doubted me.
You never judged me.
And always, you loved me.

You shared my happiness,
You shared my pain,
And always, you loved me.

You comforted me when I needed comfort,
You scolded me when I needed it,
And always, you loved me.

You asked very little of me.
A place for you to rest your head.
A simple meal, cool water,
…occasional moments of play.
a window, to safely view the world.
In return I received more love from your tiny heart
than I imagined could fill the world.

These last few days were hard…
…today is unbearable
I fervently pray I handled it all as you would have it.
I hope I gave you dignity,
I hope I gave you peace.

I hope my love will bare you gently and lovingly
to the foot of the rainbow bridge.
I hope you’ll feel me cradle you in my arms,
and that I’ll hold the last pulse of your tiny heart in my hand.

Thank you my dear and cherished friend…
Thank you for your trust in me.
Thank you for sharing your last breath with me.
Thank you for sharing your precious life with me.
And most of all…
thank you for loving me.

—

I have chosen to leave a flower for this memorial 💐

Your poem to Bob brought me to tears. Sending you all of the love to navigate through this grief.

– Lindsay Morris

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I have chosen to leave a flower for this memorial 💐

Bob was one of the sweetest cat’s I knew. He was my daughter’s cat but part of the entire family. I ove him very much.
He was very lucky to have such a loving mother. Rachel took the best care of him. I was with Bob when he crossed the rainbow Bridge. He looked very peaceful and out of pain. I will remember Bob and love Bob ♾️

– 

As our life progressed together, we thought we would have so many more years with you. You were aging but still so active, energetic and puppy like. We were looking forward to caring for you in your old age. But your life took a different turn when you were diagnosed with an aggressive heart tumor. We are so fortunate to have had the extra two months with you and to say goodbye with you at home. We miss you every day. You will remain in our hearts and memories forever.

While we were living in South America, she fell seven stories, broke her back and tail, was put together with cardboard and tape; she had cancer three times and kicked its ass twice. She lived in three countries and two continents. Tiggy had more love to give than any other and she welcomed all my snuggles and kisses. She knew all my stories because she was my confidante. She was my co-worker, always beside me as I worked.

She was the best cat. Every cat is the best cat.

My beautiful Lola was my constant companion for 16 1/2 years. Always by my side, greeting me at the top of the stairs every morning. She loved sitting in the sunshine and snuggling under blankets.

Our connection was instant and powerful. There for each other through the good and the bad.

She loved stealing my seat but we would end up sharing. I loved kissing the top of her sweet soft head and telling her she was mama’s baby. My princess Lola. Lolabelle. I loved you fiercely and will forever.

Henry came to our family as a puppy from the Blue Ridge Border Collie Rescue. His mom was an Australian Shepherd. His dad may have been a Bernese Mountain Dog, or perhaps a run-of-the-mill hound dog. Whatever his origin story, Henry was the absolute strongest dog, of both mind and body, we’ve ever owned. He was definitely one of a kind. He had our hearts from the first moment we saw him as a roly-poly pudgy pup. Much like his namesake, French soccer player Thierry Henry, Henry’s favorite thing to do was play with his soccer ball. Besides belly rubs and peanut butter bones, his second favorite thing was licking clean all our dirty dishes. Henry gave our family 12 years of happy, aggravating, and wonderful memories to treasure. He was a loving and constant companion who will be missed tremendously. Henry, you will always be in our hearts, minds, and souls.

First of all, thank you, Dr. Dahlgren and Emma for your loving care of our Cooper for these past months but mostly for helping him cross over at home so peacefully and beautifully. It is a gift that can never be repaid.

“This past Saturday, our beautiful golden boy, Cooper, (aka Dabbie) crossed over the rainbow bridge at home surrounded by those who loved him most and cared for him in his last difficult months.

Cooper came to us as a SEVA foster three years ago after he arrived in the United States from Turkey. He had been placed with a previous foster who could no longer care for him. Our family had just lost our boy Max, another SEVA boy, a few weeks earlier and we were not certain that we were ready for a foster or a permanent adoption so soon. Well, the rest is history. Despite numerous health issues including debilitating arthritis and being dangerously overweight, our Coop began to progress, lose weight, get healthy, and as a result, so much happier. With patience, love, time, and hard work on his part he became healthier and part of our family permanently.

Cooper loved running and exploring in Bandy Park. He loved his walks, swimming therapy, and most of all he loved eating, eating, and more eating, (which had to be strictly managed and controlled which resulted in many a “stink eye” from our boy). Coop also loved his cold laser treatments and deep massage from Emma, the wonderful therapist who treated him for the last few months. Most of all he loved his brothers Charlie and Eric and his Mama and Dad.

Cooper’s life is a testament to what love can do. Cooper’s message to all is don’t give up on us in difficult times. Stay with me, love me, care for me and I will return that love tenfold. We will miss my sweet baby but I do take comfort in the fact that his last days were filled with love and dignity as he crossed over at home in the arms of those who loved him most and cared for him best.

We will meet again sweet boy. My last words to him as I looked him in the eyes were, ‘I love you, sweet boy, run free now.”

We miss our sweet gentle Jack more than you will ever know. We are so grateful you chose us as your family. Your little sister Poppy is lost without you and are we. We hope to see you again when we cross the Rainbow Bridge ourselves one day.

8/26/15 – 6/30/22
My sweet girl, gone too soon! No longer by my side but forever in heart.

My sweet boy I hope you’re chasing tennis balls till your heart’s content and playing with Sadie and driving her nuts. I hope you have a huge room of babies to snuggle with! Love you sweet boy I will miss you but I know you’re in a better place.

2006-2022
My sweet Zena. We met in 2012 and man what a great 10 years we had together. You never let your past define you. You loved everyone you met and boy did you love meeting people. You especially loved the kiddos. You were such and kind and loving soul. We miss you so much mama girl. Thank you for letting me be your mom. I’ll see you again my beautiful old lady. Love you forever and always.

Yesterday, we had the kindest doctor come to our house to help our baby get the relaxation he needs. We had such a gentle and peaceful experience and we are so thankful to them. We were able to hold and love our baby within the comfort of his own home.

We love him so much and know that love is endless.

As the years went on, Chewy grew older and older. We guess he was around 19 years old. I would like to think I helped make the last 12 good ones. He helped me in the garden by keeping mice away. And always came in to keep guard while I took a shower. And if I needed help finding the perfect sunbeam spot in the house, he was sure to be there.

My heart is so sore with him now gone. My home is too quiet. I don’t trip nearly as much. I miss my friend. But I know he has found the peace that is without pain. For that, I’m forever thankful. Though my heart is broken, I’ll carry the memories of that little black cat with me forever.

Rest easy, baby.

Sylvester (also known as Syl, Sylvester J. Mittens, Cat Norris, and Buddy) passed away at 4:55 pm 2/4/25 surrounded by his loved ones. He was preceded in death by his roommate, Sailor. He leaves a loving mommy and daddy, my Child who found & loved him, caring friends, and his roommate, Rainbow.

Sylvester came to us from under a car in Northern Virginia 14 years ago. The brave kitten he was, he walked up to the Child and immediately demanded pets. When we went to leave, he followed us leading the Child to scream “Daddy, he needs a forever home”. Thus, began life with our loving black cat.

Sylvester participated in hobbies like sleeping, enjoying the sun, eating, receiving pets and treats, chasing lasers, running outside to eat grass, and sometimes harassing his roommates. He was also a lifetime member of the vomiting hairball club.

He was well-liked by everyone who met him. Even his veterinarians and their techs loved him and would take turns holding and petting him. He was such a good cat, that he convinced a woman who when we first got married did not even want cats into becoming his mommy. She hand-fed him Delectables, bought him furniture and treats, let him sleep by her side, and would say how much she missed him when we went on trips. He was her constant companion.

To the very end, he comforted his family as his cancer worsened. Sylvester was the bestest cat who provided a lot of love to his family. He will be greatly missed but reminders of him will continue for years

She will be missed by many, and we are glad to have known her.

Gizmo was such a sweet boy and will dearly be missed!

Such a sassy little queen, so good and quiet. We are going to miss you tremendously. Hope you and your brother Dexter get to play when you get over the bridge. You two were such good kitties.

Dearest, sweetest, silliest Banana,

Being your mom has been the wildest adventure, funniest company, and greatest honor anyone could ever ask for. Thank you for training me how to be a human, and teaching me how to live and love life to the fullest. You were something else – something beyond words, and it was a privilege to have shared your incredible life with you.

Throughout that time it was my intent that we did everything as a pair, so to see you take a trip without me – to somewhere I can’t be yet – is a pain I can’t even describe. But this isn’t a goodbye; it’s just a “see ya soon.” And I cannot wait to hear your beautiful, stupid greeting song when we’re finally back together again.

Be good where you are. Remember that we’ll be there at some point too, so please stay out of the garbage. Try to keep your claws manicured. Be nice to the mailmen and Amazon delivery people (they’re just trying to bring you something fun). I’ll know if you’re not. I’m your mother, after all.

I love you the same way you’ve loved us – with a heart so full it could burst.
– Mommy

Thank you also to these angels at Loving Kindness, and the overwhelmingly selfless, expertly managed service they’ve provided to Honey and us family members. We owe an enormous debt of gratitude to Dr. Bidwell in particular, who ensured that Honey’s first steps across the Bridge were blessed with all the peace, beauty, grace, and empathy they deserved – a tribute to the remarkable journey on which Honey’s taken us for the last 12 joyful years. Dr. Bidwell: Honey will save you a piece of that $26 filet you shared with her. [maybe, I can’t make any promises]
– Katelyn

Blankie, my sweet old sassy girl. We will miss and love you forever. You brought us so much love and comfort for over 11 years. Thank you for choosing us to be your family and leaving behind a piece of you through Lily. I hope you are playing and running as fast as you can across the stars with your brother Coco. You are free.

Teddy came to us a 8 week old pup.
We had so many laughs..good..bad..days and he would always be a the door doing something silly when we came home..from climbing into the toy box to stealing strangers hearts..we were blessed with 14 wonderful years with him..he will always be our “stinky butt” or as the groomer would say “spoiled teddy”

Rosie was the most loyal and sweet dog. She touched many lives. There wasn’t a person she did not like. We are so sad and our hearts are broken without her, but we are thankful we had 13 great years with her. We love you Rosie!

Sophie came into our lives unexpectedly in September 2013. She was a SPCA rescue. Sophie gave us 12 years of joy. Sophie was well travelled as we visited many national parks. She loved to hike and enjoyed a nice cool swim in the lakes and the ocean. Sophie was well loved by many and will be missed immensely. Our hearts are broken but her gentile spirit will live forever in our memories.

Genji’s Barking

He was no bigger than a hiking boot
when we brought him home

We didn’t know how old he was,
he didn’t have a name

we named him for Prince Genji,
a hero of old Japan

Until rescued, Genji lived inside a cage
he always disliked open spaces,

we had to teach him how to walk up stairs
and to recognize his name

Genji was almost blind as a young dog
and totally sightless later, but

he was a heroic eater, never missed a
meal, he let you know when it was time

Genji didn’t really run or play much,
he wasn’t great shakes as a dog

He was quiet, soft in most things, but
he seemed to know what we had done

in bringing him into our home, Genji repaid
us well with love

I heard Genji bark twice last night, though
I know that he is gone

When a blind dog barks you go and check
because it’s likely something is wrong

Not this time though, Genji got me up to let
me know that all is well

For Genji.
Adopted 8/17/2012 — Died 12/5/2023
MK Harris

Thank you to Dr. Dahlgren for helping Maggie Mae on her journey yesterday. I told MM that she’s allowed to bark at every UPS, Amazon, FedEx or mail truck in Heaven. And it’s OK to bark at all the people and dogs walking down the Pearly streets. 15 years- life well lived Mags!

She gave us her sweet son, Sky, so she lives on through him.

Trelle is very missed, but we know she is running free and no longer burdened by her failing body. There is comfort in that.
Dr Alex, thank you for gently leading us through the process with your kind compassion. It made the whole process more bearable.

Katinka taught us all to stop and watch the birds, to be present, enjoy a little sunshine, that a cuddle break is always a good idea, and how to love so completely and unconditionally. She completed our lives, and she completed us. We will always be so grateful for her and the lessons she generously and patiently taught us.

She will be loved forever and missed longingly; she will bring a smile to our faces when the tears stop and the sun comes back out, as she always knew it would and the exact spot it would shine. Always loved and never forgotten.

I miss you so much. Though I know saying goodbye was “the right thing to do”, to release you from any more suffering, as it became harder for you to breathe, it still stings. It’s a lot quieter around here. I miss the pitter patter of your tiny paws on the hardwood floors. I miss your mischievous mayhem and big brown beady eyes looking up at me. I cling to the beautiful 2.5 years of memories we share together. To experience the love of a dog is priceless, but experiencing the love from a senior rescue like you has been so unique and special. I will always make up fun stories about what your first decade of life was like, but I hope the golden years we shared were your best yet!

Thank you for coming into my life and giving me so much laughter and light heartedness when I needed it the most. It started off just me and you, then you were with me when I got married and even helped welcome a new human sister to the world. You were right by my side and I’ll always cherish that time together. My cantankerous but sweet as pie chihuahua sidekick. I will never forget you and will honor your life by living life to the fullest and giving love to all animals, especially sweet senior dogs like you.

Thank you Lovingkindness, Dr Dahlgren, Emma and Brandy, for being so loving and gentle and supportive during a difficult time. Saying goodbye is painful, but they made it peaceful as it could be and I am eternally grateful for that and in awe of their grace and experience.

I know one day we will be reunited again. I hope you’re frolicking up there in true Max fashion with all your furry friends. Dogs DO go to Heaven, you can’t convince me otherwise. Though you are no longer physically here Max, your light will remain with me always and forever. I love you.

Dunkin – End of Watch 10/12/21.

We love you Bongo and are so grateful we got to care for you in your golden years. You brought us endless laughter and so much joy.

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I have chosen to leave a flower for this memorial

– Karen Woodring

I pray that each day eases the pain of losing him. My son and I will forever miss him. He’s gone but will never be forgotten. Thanks to Dr. Dahlgren for her kind and compassionate service.

As we said goodbye to our Oliver, we remember how he warmed our hearts for 15 years and joined us at many life milestones, making them that much more delightful! In our daughter’s words, “I just hope we have repaid him for all of the love he’s given us.” 

My sweet baby and constant companion. For 18 years you were always there. For such a tiny kitten, you left a giant whole in our hearts. We love you June bug.

He was an excellent sport through costumes, moves, family photos, and adapting to his role as big brother to a spirited toddler. We loved every adventure of our journey together.
Our only regret is that we didn’t have more days and years to spend as a family.

His peaceful passing may have ended his time on earth with us, but we are blessed that love leaves us with his memory.

My best buddy Ty helped me through so much and made my life so much happier. I’m glad he isn’t in pain anymore and I’m glad he’s in doggy Heaven!

Mom started making plans and continued to make sure my pain was controlled. I heard her tell Noni and Uncle Nico that I was going to get chocolate cake on my special day. Mom has never let me have chocolate cake before. I think I will really like it. Then Mom started calling my special day, Chocolate Cake Day.

Mom said I get to pick when my Chocolate Cake Day will be. I can tell it makes Mom sad. Mom said she is ok and that me not being in pain anymore was worth the sadness. I don’t like when anyone is sad. It is my job to love on them and protect them and make them smile. I tell Mom my pain is not that bad and that my Chocolate Cake Day can wait.

I got a few good months where I got to spend time with Mom and Dad. I got to help them and guard and do patrols. I got lots of visitors who loved on me. Aunt Lisa even came to love on me. And I got to spend time with my sister May.

I fell on my walk today. Mom sat with me and rubbed and petted me and loved on me while I gathered enough strength to stand again. She told me I was going to get a special visitor who was going to give me a magical shot that was going to take away all my pain and then I would get to run and play with my brothers again. Then Mom told Dad that she had set a date for my Chocolate Cake Day.

Today is my Chocolate Cake Day. I slept against Mom all night and woke up to her hugging me. I love hugs. Dad gave my lots of yummy options for breakfast and told me it was going to be a good day. I can tell they are both being very brave.

Mom and Dad took me for a ride. I love rides. We stopped at the park and I got to roam around and take in all the sniffs. Then we went to go get the chocolate cake.

When we got home, I chose to lay in the yard. Its a nice day and I love being outside. Mom and Dad sat beside me and rubbed my ears and brushed me. I love those things. I got lots of yummy snacks and then I got my chocolate cake. It was so delicious. My special visitor came. It was Dr. Dahlgren. She helped my brother, Grady, the day of his transition. She was nice to him and to me too. She loved on me and gave me yummy snacks as she gave me the magical shot. I didn’t even feel it. I started getting sleepy. Mom and Dad kissed me and loved on me. They told me they loved me and to go have fun with my brothers and that they would see us all again real soon. It was a good day. Thank you for my Chocolate Cake Day, Mom and Dad. I love you.

Anton 12/30/10 – 11/05/22

Sweet Brutus was my constant companion, following me up and down stairs as I did errands throughout the house, snoring loudly next to me when I worked. But if he wanted something, like a car ride or extra time outside, he made sure he got it. Every time I looked at him, he would lock eyes, and just hold it. Coming home, even if I was gone for a few seconds, I was treated to an exciting game of chase. Brutus was my dear sweet friend and I miss him so much. I love you, Brutus.

Iden came to us as an 8-week-old service dog in training from Canine Companions for Independence. As 1st-time puppy raisers we learned along with her. During her advanced training in New York, she decided she’d rather come back to us and live a life of leisure. She worked as a therapy dog for Veterans Moving Forward before retiring. Iden loved to swim, and play hide and seek and was the kindest soul we’ve ever known. She was an integral part of our family. Although we miss her, her spirit is always with us. RIP sweet girl ❤️

We said goodbye to the best girl today.
She was the most passionate fetch player, hiking companion, a chicken enthusiast, the most patient big sister to Loki (dog brother) and to Astrid (human sister) and she was our family for more than nine transformative years. Our little house has more residents than when the three of us first moved in, but it feels a little empty today. Rest In Peace Puffin .

The first day I brought Malcolm home I could already tell he was special. In less than an hour with me, he knew where he should and shouldn’t go and wanted nothing more than to be right by my side. I’ve never met a dog who loved people as much as he. Everyone he met was a new friend. He was a dog that could do anything. When I wanted to run, he ran with me. When I wanted to be lazy, he snuggled beside me. His myriad of health issues that plagued him all his life served as a template for me to care for my wife when she was diagnosed with cancer. He was my faithful companion who knew me in my teens, 20s, and 30s. He helped make me who I am today. Every single day with him was a blessing and I know for the rest of my life I will never forget the joy and love he brought to my life. I miss you already Malcolm. Thank you for every single day you gave me.

I was blessed to have Bean as my furbaby for 15 wonderful years. She was spunky, sassy, and an eternal kitten…playful, sweet, and empathetic up until the very end, continually comforting me even though she was the one needing comforting. I remember adopting her from the RSPCA as a kitten who wanted nothing to do with me and she quickly turned into the loving cat that wouldn’t leave my side. Her passing was heartbreaking but as peaceful as I could have imagined thanks to the wonderful compassion of Dr. Dahlgren, I am forever grateful her last moments were as touching as they were.

Iden II was bred and raised to be a service dog for Canine Companions for Independence. She had different plans! As her puppy raisers, she chose to live her life as our pet. Iden was later certified as a therapy dog and worked for Veterans Moving Forward.

She lived a full 14 years, enjoying chasing balls, swimming, and playing hide and go seek. She was the kindest soul I’ve ever known.

Iden left her paw print on many people’s hearts and will be missed beyond words.

We had to say goodbye to our sweet old Jules on Monday. She lived a healthy 14 years, as blissful as they get. We’ll miss her howl, her extraordinary gift for licking pots clean, her incessant shedding (maybe not). We’ll miss her unlimited affection, most of all.

Til we meet again on the rainbow bridge, Jules. The yard’s too big without you. We love you. 💔

How lucky we were to have you in our family for 16 years. May heaven have lots of sunny spots for you to curl up and take a nap. We miss you every day. Love you forever, Mi.

Our sweet Marigold…”MG” … as I planted Marigold flowers in one of our first gardens 13 years ago, you came into our life. Running around me and the flowers and the dirt was flying! You fit in immediately with your dog pack and became her dog to our little girl Vena. Memories full of your sweet nature, independent ways, and “junkyard” antics will always bring a smile to our faces and love to our hearts. Safe travels on your daily walks sweet Marigold. We will be listening for you.

French Poet Anatole France said ‘until one has loved a animal, a part of one’s soul remains unawakened”. My world has changed forever, There will Never be another like you my sweet 4-legged compainion Apache<3 Your dedication to me over your 13 years was truly a blessing. I will miss my garden buddy, your “voice’ always talking about something, lol, Being able to wrap my arms around your neck and telling you how much Momma loves you. A True companion in every since of the word, I believe that we will see each other again one day and play basketball once again…. Love you 4-EVER “Poot”, Momma

Run free, sweetie…til I see you again!!

He held on to the very end, walking to the door every day to greet me as I woke up in the morning and arrived from work, even though his body was slowly betraying him. He kept trying to eat even when it was hard for him, because I would kindly ask him to try to eat a little more. He was a stubborn cat and loved life. He was not a friendly cat by nature, but always knew when something was troubling me. Like when I lost my job, my business, lost my brother & other times. He was an indoor cat, but his last moments were outside in the grass where he always loved to explore, as the vet pulled up to my house. He passed peacefully & painlessly in his home, because I promised him I would never take him in a car ride again.

SOMEONE ONCE SAID that having a good dog brings you years of joy and happiness, and companionship, followed by a single day of crushing anguish and sorrow; and after that, weeks of unbearable grief and prolonged mourning.

They were right.

Click here to read full memorial.

Teddy, my boy. Words cannot express how much we love and miss you! You were with me during every life milestone for 16 years. We will forever cherish our time together.

Thank you Dr. Bidwell for helping our beloved Piglet cross over the rainbow bridge. We are grateful for your compassionate care. Click here to watch Piglet’s memorial video.

Love your Momma, G-Ma, G, PJ, Ginger, and Leo