Memorials & Tributes

Memorial Donations

Celebrate the life of a loved one or beloved animal by making a gift in their memory.

The loss of a special pet is one of life’s most difficult experiences. More than just animals, our pets are trusted confidantes, children, and faithful pals. Sharing thoughts of a special pet is important in coming to terms with the loss of an animal companion and helps others going through similar experiences. This Memorials page allows individuals to make a donation in honor of a special pet or person in their life. Donations through this page are set aside for the Phoenix Care Fund – a fund that offsets the cost of life-saving medical treatments and special surgeries for our rescued animals. If you would like to pay tribute towards a special pet or person in your life, please use the PayPal donation button at the top of this column, or send your message along with your kind donation to news@furkids.org.

In Honor and Remembrance of These Loving Pets and People:

For John Giffer — every dog’s best friend. Happy 50th Birthday! – Denise (April 2013)

In honor of John Giffer’s 50th Birthday and his passion for saving our furry friends! – Julie Walker

John Giffer celebrated his 50th Birthday and in lieu of gifts he asked donations be made to our animals. Thank you to Ronald and Joyce Brenton, Raymond Henderson, Kimberly Speed, Chris Orton, Robert and Judith Harnsberger, Donna and William Paulk, Theresa Strait, Wayne Huntsinger, Joshua and Warthman, Teresa and Matthew Benner, Richard Reneau, The Springer Family, Candice Stein, Mary Beth Zibilich, Timothy Moore, Jeannie Porter, and Paul and Patricia Breensholtz for your donations in John’s honor!

In memory of Larry Logue. We lost a friend to animals this year. (1937-2013)

In honor of Pat Bittinger’s 70th Birthday! – Anne Stockton (March 2013)

In memory of Keno, beloved member of the Van Der Hal family… The Bishop Family (March 2013)

In remembrance of Congo-Sydney’s best friend!! We all miss you… Marsha Bailey (Jan. 2013)

In memory of Arlo. Thank you SDR for saving this sweet boy. I am so lucky to have been his mom. -Michelle Saye (Jan. 2013)

For Foxy Roxy Fordham who lived with sweetness and died with grace on Christmas Day 2012. (Dec. 2012)

In memory of Millie. In honor of Dr. Eggleston and Dr. Muller and Staff at Holcomb Bridge Animal Hospital (Dec. 2012)

Allen Davidson, In honor of Sammy, our adopted beagle from small dog rescue. Thank you for giving us the best friend we could have! (Dec. 2012)

Merry Christmas from Shelby, Charlie, Michelle & Kevin Myers. (Dec. 2012)

In loving memory of Maggie. A very special girl! – Jamie and Charles Gabriel. (Nov. 2012)

Donation in lieu of flowers for Ray Bacon, father of Randy Bacon, grandfather of Samantha Bacon. (Nov. 2012)

In loving memory of Lizzie (Lulu) Elliot, who will always live in the heart of her man, Paul (Oct. 2012)

Margaret Misegades, in memory of Rambo, beloved dog of Thomas Blaisdell. (May 2012)

Please sponsor rescue dog Hawkeye for a month – in memory of Lorri Norwood Cruse, by Sheila Hendricks, Cynthia Revo, and David Payne.

T-Bird and Ellie were both long-term foster dogs. Both were loved and cared for in a fantastic foster home for years. We are very sad to have lost them both and they will always be with us. May they rest in peace. – Everyone at SmallDog Rescue

In memory of Jessy Brown, my friend Patti’s beloved sweet girl who brought many years of joy to her life. I wish her peace and comfort at this difficult time. – Candace Bourg, Feb. 2012

Faye Roane, in memory of Muffin, a sweet pug who was deeply loved for many years!

In honor of Riley, the labradoodle. To the Goldstein family, from the Schiff Family.

Cattle Kate

We celebrate the joy that you brought us. It was a short time but we remember so fondly and happily.

Your picture still shines in our bedroom. You now have a sister, Maggie aka Princess. She is a terrier mix and we love her too. I can picture the two of you playing and snuggling together. We miss you every day are thankful that you became a part of our family. We love you very much!

Mom and Dad

Dazy

September 7, 2011 , Dazy passed to the Rainbow Bridge.

When I adopted you 3 years ago, I was scared and unsure if I was ready to have another furry friend after I had lost my Samoyed I had for 15 years. I even thought about taking you back to the adoption group. But I am so thankful I didn’t. You brought me so much love and joy in these 3 short years. I was not ready to let you go, but you were failing and I didn’t want you to suffer anymore. It was the hardest decision I think I have ever made and I pray you know it was because I loved you so much I had to let you go. I am in so much pain and I can’t stop crying. I look for you on the couch where you slept and dreamed and made all those funny noises while you were chasing whatever you were after…..and the bed is so empty without you snoring and kicking me with your little feet. I love you my precious Dazy and I will forever cherish our years together. Look for me one day at the Rainbow Bridge and we’ll get Lucee and go be together forever. My baby girl, I love you.

-Sandra

Angel

Our little Angel adopted from SDR in March 2004, passed away on August 24, 2010 from stomach cancer. Her loss, shortly after her diagnosis, was very sudden and a shock to us all. It has been extremely difficult and a not a day has gone by that we have not thought of her or mentioned her name in a conversation. She loved to take long naps lying on our steps in the warm afternoon sun. She had her own special personality and always let you know if it was getting past her bedtime. Her little “love bites” and the fact that half her body shook when wagging her tail were the warmest greetings anyone could ask for upon entering the house (even if you simply went to the mailbox and back)! We are so thankful to have over 6 wonderful years with her.

-The Thompsons

Jerry Seinfeld

One of our long-term dogs, Jerry Seinfeld, has passed away. Our thanks to his wonderful foster mom and volunteer, Vicki C., who fostered him for two years and loved him as one of her own. These are the lovely things she had to say about Jerry:

“I first met Jerry Seinfeld at an adoption event in early 2008. He was shy and quiet, a little unnerved by the chaos around him. I opened his crate door and leashed him for his two o’clock walk. To help reassure him, I picked him up. Jerry leaned into me and rested his head on my shoulder. Such a simple gesture, yet as powerful as any natural force. I held him most of the rest of that day, telling myself over and over that I didn’t need a second foster. I tried to convince myself that Jerry would be more than I could handle — who knew what kind of issues he might have, having been left abandoned in a house for six months after his owner died? But as the week passed I could still feel the weight of that little head resting so innocently on my shoulder.

After two-plus years of fostering Little Jerry, there is much I have learned. I learned that every dog deserves a second chance. I learned that the dogs who have lost the most have the most to give. I learned the purity of true unconditional love. The way to Jerry’s heart wasn’t through treats or toys. All he wanted was me. And in the end, that is what I was able to give him.

Little Jerry passed away this morning at 1:55. In his bed. In his house. And with his human at his side. Thank you Craig for coming on your day off to see if anything could be done to help ease his suffering. But in the end, all Jerry needed was me.

Rest in peace, Little Jerr Jerr. Mommy loves you … unconditionally.”

Vicki C.

Hal

My late husband John and I adopted Hal, the black and white Shih Tzu in August, 2003. He was 10 years old and was my very first dog. Hal went through the loss of my 22 year old Himalayan cat, Coco, who he had become quite attached. He always watched over her and slept next to her. Whenever she meowed, he would run over to her, check her over from ear to toe and then she would proceed to swat him in the face.

A few months after losing my cat, my husband died of cancer. Hal was depressed for a month, but he helped me through that difficult time. I don’t know what I would have done without him. Sadly, Hal has gone to the Bridge in July just short of his 17th birthday. He was so healthy up until the month before he died. He ended up with a tumor that took away the use of his hind legs and his appetitie.

I miss my sweet Hal more than words can say…he was the most wonderful dog anyone could have asked for. I am so glad I had those short 7 years with him.

Thanks for doing what you do for all the animals needing homes…

-Mary

Sophie

Sweet little Sophie (formerly White Russian) passed away on August 27, 2010. She was lovingly fostered by Mary before I found her at SDR with her companion Sadie (formerly Foxy Lady) and fell completely in love with the two of them. I became their mommy last October and they have enriched my life and given me hours of joy and love. She is also survived by her Maltese family of Sadie, Widgeon, Wexley and Surrey.

Sophie endured a difficult life. Approximately 13 years old, she had been de-barked and suffered from serious dental problems. A luxuriating patella and a victim of over-breeding that curved her small spine would have caused many rescue groups to turn her away but SDR saw that she had so much more to give and placed her for adoption. Unfortunately, it was the diagnosis of liver cancer that took control of her little body and eventually caused her death. She died in my arms with the same dignity and sweet spirit that she lived her life.

Mary and I knew that Sophie found it unbearable to be separated from Sadie which is why they were fostered and adopted as a pair. I believe that Sophie is patiently waiting for her Sadie to join her so that they can frolic and play under blue skies with no pain.

-Iris

Penny

Our little Penny (named Perpetua by Small Dog Rescue) passed away on August 25, 2010. Penny was one of the lucky ones rescued from the Bartow County puppy mill in February, 2006. Because of the tender care of Small Dog Rescue, and then the love and support of her foster mom, Judy Branch, we were able to bring her to her forever home on July 15, 2006. This special, sweet little girl was a true inspiration to all who knew and loved her. We still marvel at how so much love could be bundled up in one so small. SDR, Penny is the result of what you work so hard to accomplish each and every day. You did the hard part of saving her life. We got the easy part of just loving her. Thank you.

-Bridget and Brad

Louis Love Me Do

This past Friday morning (August 27th, 2010), SmallDog Rescue’s little Maltese, Louis Love Me Do, passed away. He was diagnosed with cancer a few weeks ago and he passed away in his foster mom’s arms at home. Louis came to us in July of 2009. A family showed up at Petco on one of our adoption days with him. They said they didn’t have time for him. SmallDog agreed to take him in, and since the naming theme that month was “The Beatles,” we added “Love Me Do” to his existing name. Louis turned out to be at least 10 years old. He had a dental and needed most of his teeth removed. He also had to lose an eye due to the discomfort of glaucoma. He also turned out to be deaf!

Louis was a rascal, or “a grumpy little old man,” as his foster mom, Mary, says. We would like to thank Mary for taking him into her home and seeing him through his last days. It is no easy task but we can’t imagine what Louis’ fate would have been if SDR didn’t take him in. Thanks also to his Virtual Foster parents, who sponsored him and helped to pay for his grooming, treatment for an ear infection, and the costs for testing when he took ill.

As sad as his passing is, we are so proud to be able to take in some of the many, many senior dogs that end up abandonded, and to give them the care and love that they so deserve in their last years. Ultilmately, Louis’ story is a happy one, and it couldn’t happen without our supporters and generous volunteers. Thank you.

Fred

Winifred Louise (“Fred”) – formerly Madame Pomfrey, who found us through Small Dog Rescue on July 14, 2007, crossed the Rainbow Bridge on July 11, 2010. Though she was with us for only 3 years, she gave us a lifetime of joy and happiness. She will be remembered by all as the sweetest and most precious member of our family.

- John

Ovaltine (Teeny)

We are sad to say that Teeny has passed away. He joins our group of beloved pups already at the Rainbow Bridge.
Ovaltine is an adorable white Malti-Poo. He is 10 years old and weighs about 12lbs. Also known as “Teeny,” Ovaltine is a very sweet and loving boy. He does fine with other dogs and cats.

Franco Pozzi

We are sad to say that Franco has passed away. He joins our group of beloved pups already at the Rainbow Bridge.
What an adorable, fluffy pup! This is Franco Pozzi, an 8-year-old, 11-pound, black Pekingese. Franco is a friendly and perky fella, who has a great attitude despite a difficult medical history. Franco has a broken jaw that cannot be repaired, resulting in dental issues and teeth extractions. He also has ulcers which are currently in the healing process. Franco hopes to find a family who will give him the TLC he deserves; and a place to call home where he can live a worry-free life. Because of his size, no small children for Franco Pozzi.

Nina (formerly known as Helena)

Nina, known to the Small Breed Rescue crew as Helena, passed on June 5, 2009 due to congestive heart failure. Even though we have adopted again (Abbey Road 7/09), we still miss Nina and speak of her often. We adopted her just before Thanksgiving Day 2005 and forever will give thanks for getting to share life with her, regrettably for too short a time. She came to us a scared little girl with a bad left rear leg, heart condition, and bad teeth. We gave her all our love and her devotion to us developed quickly and with wonderful intensity. Her favorite things were rides in the car or truck and dinnertime. We pray our Lord is now caring for her and hope to see her again, restored in body and health. Nina, I’ll have a Greenie for you when we meet again, DAD.
Eddy Saunders

An obituary for my dog Brandy

September of 2004 it was love at first site. I saw her face on the Small Dog Rescue site and I had to meet the dog with that goofy face. When she arrived at my house I knew instantly she was meant for me. She had a funny way of greeting people, she would smile a big toothy smile. She sat right down and made her self at home. It was perfect. She became very attached to me. I was her Mary she was my lamb. She was happiest just hanging out and sitting on me or be constantly underfoot. I could literally push the vacuum up to the dog before she would begrudgingly move.
Preston loved finding her ticklish spot, pretended not to feed her from the table and getting her to do the happy crazy supper dance complete with insistent barking before she got her bowl; it was a site to behold. It was then she acted like a dog most. The other time she acted like a dog is when she met my parents dog. she got a temporary muzzle that day, most unhappy dog.
We got Brandy a brother named Kermit. They took one look at each other when they met and likely said ” yeah! you are here!” They were like salt and pepper. I will miss taking them both on walks.
There are a million things I will miss about her. I loved her so much. I am happy she had so many people that loved and cared for her for the last 5 years after such a rocky start in her life. I will miss her poking me in the arm like a person, singing like a coyote when coerced,, keeping my lap warm on winter mornings, her watching me in the bathroom, and having to say GIDDYUP as she went excruciatingly slow down the stairs, and just talking to her and hearing her low groan of pleasure when she had her belly rubbed.
Brandy died Sept. 10,2009. Her illness was brief but awful. She is at rest now and now longer out of breath. My goofy goober baby girl is is heaven.

Brandy’s mom

Mamie Smith

UPDATE July 25: Mamie Smith found her forever home, but after a very short time there, she had a stroke and passed to the Rainbow Bridge.

Here is what Mamie’s new mom wrote after she had passed:

Miss Mamie and I had a conversation on the way home this afternoon, and I wanted to share some of her words with you:

“After 16 months of seeing so many of my friends put on leashes, say their good-byes, and walk out the door with their forever family, it was finally my turn! Yesterday afternoon, when my friends at Small Dog Rescue told me that I needed to get gussied up for a meet-and-greet, I couldn’t believe it! Me…do you really mean me? Mamie?

So I got a bath, had my (punk) hair styled, and put on my pearls for the big event. I wasn’t nervous at all, just very excited, ’cause anyone who ever gave me half a chance was charmed by my sunny personality! It must have gone well, ’cause next thing I knew, I was the one on a leash, walking out the door. My good friend Michelle hugged me good-bye, put me in the car, and we were off! OMG!

On the long ride home, I decided this new person was all right, and she promised me that no matter how many days we had together, every day was going to be a good day. I tried to get some rest, so I’d be ready to move when the time came. Good thing, because when we got home there was so much to see and do. The yard was huge, and so much fun to explore, and the house was great, too. I explored every nook and cranny as many times as I wanted to, even told off a big orange cat who thought for just a minute that he was the boss of me – the girl’s still got it! – and every time I presented myself, I got a reassuring scratching on the head.

I had such a great time, the best day I can remember in years, but I finally got tired out and was ready for bed. So I took one last walk out in my new yard, got some more treats and said good night. As I snuggled into my soft new bed, I felt happy, safe, and loved – I finally was home again. I had my forever family.

Then this morning I had some really strange dreams, but thankfully I went back to sleep again. When I woke up I was in this really cool place called the Rainbow Bridge, and I felt AWESOME! I’ve already made a new friend, and we have so much in common. She’s a cocker spaniel, just like me, and her name is Sandy…”

Michelle, thank you for your help and support through this process. Thank you for entrusting me with Mamie, who was clearly loved and so special to all of you at Small Dog Rescue. Thank you for your kind words of comfort this afternoon. And thank you and everyone at Small Dog Rescue for the work you do every day.
It was my privilege to know and love Mamie for her short forever. She was a wonderful and important addition to our family, and she is both missed and fondly remembered tonight – such a little lady and a kind and gentle soul. I look forward to seeing her (and Sandy) again. If you have a picture of Mamie in her pearls, I would dearly love to have it.

Laura, Mamie’s forever mom