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

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Cha Cha
Cha Cha crossed the Rainbow Bridge on September 28. She will be deeply missed by everyone who knew and loved her.

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Franz Joseph Haydn
adult male
Cavalier King Charles

9/12/09. It is with much sadness that I write here that Haydn passed today. His foster mom gave him so much love that I know we will see a new shining star when we look to the heavens tonight.

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In Memory of Maddie

I went to Petco on a cold Saturday in January, 2005 just to look at the animals. Little did I know I would fall in love with a big blond furry dog whose story was to hard to hear. An older woman over heard a man tell his dog," I can put you down just like I did your brother." The older woman asked if she could have the dog knowing she could not care for her. She placed Maddie (Minnie Mouse) with Morgan County Animal Control who in turn contacted Small Dog Rescue.

We already had 2 wonderful pets, Lindsay (13) our West Highland Terrier and George (2) our long haired domestic cat. We put in an application anyway and became Maddie's foster family within a week. On her first night I knew she was home. That evening after our 2 daughters had gone to bed, all 3 of the animals were lounging around the family den and looking very relaxed. Maddie was very unsure of men for a long time. A past history of abuse probably from a male. It took her 3 months to really warm up to my husband but in the end they were great buddies.

Maddie loved to crawl under our bed on my side at night to sleep. It was if she was going into her den. In the morning if she awoke first she would gently talk to us to get up too. Being a female she quickly learned to talk. Not bark but actually talk to us ie: when anyone put on tennis shoes she wanted to know if she could go for a walk, when our 2 daughters would go to bed at night she wanted to have her turn talking to me and my husband. She loved to take and pick up our girls from school and nobody could make you feel more welcome than Maddie when you came home.

Sadly she passed away on April 14, 2009 from a horrible accident. My husband had taken her for a run around the park and they came upon a coke delivery truck. A dolly caring a large supply of sodas crashed off the trucks loading dock. The noise was so loud is scared Maddie, who then pulled out of her collar and ran back around the park. She was crossing the street to come home and ran into the back of a car which killed her instantly. She touched our lives in so many ways and will be truly missed. Thank you small dog rescue for giving even abused dogs another chance.
Cathi Onley


MADDIE
I loved her with all my heart
And she loved me the same!
We played all day and slept all night
It was like a game
I loved her with all my heart
And she loved me the same!
No one could take her away
But then that day came and life will never be the same
By Claudia

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The sunshine in my life has gone. My Mollie and I had a ritual. Every day I asked her, “Who’s the love of my life?” Why it’s Mollie. “Who’s the sunshine in my life?” It’s Mollie! My sunshine has gone to another a better place. My Mollie passed away on Friday, December 26, 2008. I had taken her to the vet on November 20 since she was breathing heavily. At that time, she was diagnosed with phenomia and lung infection. After 2 rounds of antibodies, we re-took x-rays on Friday, December 20, 2008 and she was diagnosed with bone cancer starting in her back right knee. She went downhill very quickly. To the last minute, she has so much spirit, love & determination. I know that for the last week, she ate, drank, walked & lived because I asked her to. She loved me enough to be and do what I wanted even if that is not what she wanted. I finally said that it was not necessary little girl of mine to be here any longer. I had to let her go so she could run and chase squirrels.

I made a whole list - like 2.5 pages in my journal – of all the little things about Mollie that I always want to keep with me. So, here are a few things from the obvious to the quirky: • Mollie has ears like velvet as well as the softest fur ever • Mollie’s total trust in people in spite of her past • For a doxie (mix that is), she never wanted to burrow but loved her crate • She inhaled her food, so much so that I got really worried that it would harm her. I did a couple of things to slow her down, but she got the better of me. - Once, I found a couple of big rocks and put them in the bowl with her food so she would have to ear around but turns out, she picked up some BIG rocks and delicately put them next to her bowl and inhaled her food. - Another time, I cut up Granny Smith apples in tiney tiny cubes and mixed in with her food so she picked out each one, put in an anthill next to her bowl and inhaled her food. Cannot put one over on my Mollie! • The first night I had her, she slept in my bed and woke my up the next morning with kisses on my face. Near the end, this past Tuesday, December 23, she slept in my bed and woke me up on Wednesday morning with kisses on my face. In between that time, almost 8 years, she never slept the entire night in my bed or woke me up with kisses. I’d say it was a hello and goodbye in a neat cycle of life. Mollie was my first dog ever. I did not even grow up with dogs. It is so quiet, lonely and empty in home that does not feel like much of one at the moment without her barking, greeting and loving me. She has taken a big chunk of my heart with her and that is the way it should be. We had a great 8 years during which she helped me deal with my divorce as well as a huge depression. Thank you to Bren for saving my girl, Judy & Kay for fostering her, Anne for letting me adopt her, Craig for all your help during this tough process, Pat for being there with me, everyone at SDR for all their prayers & lastly to My Mollie for being more than I could every hope or pray for. Mollie - I love you & miss you greatly. You have my heart my little love & sunshine.
Lopa
Submitted byLopa Patel

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Mr. Goodbar came to us in October 2004. He was a beautif ul, sweet senior soul found wandering the streets then picked up by animal control. He was suppose to go on a transport to Connecticut 2 weeks after he was picked up. He was shaking so badly at the shelter, they called and asked if we could hold him for 2 weeks in a home as they did not know if he could make it at the shelter. Mr. Goodbar went to Anne's home (director of SDR) to stay and at the end of the 2 weeks, she just could not let him go. Anne called me and asked if I would foster him and I said sure.
Mr. Gee was a senior, sweet, adorable, what a typical JRT and he could not really go anywhere else. He had the great JRT killer instinct and if you gave him a toy, he "killed" it within 5 min at the most. It became a challenge to find toys that would last longer than a couple of minutes but man, it was hard. Everyone at SDR started looking for toys for him. I actually bought a big bag of stuffed toys and gave him one every few days to "kill". What was so funny was that when he was done, he was done. He walked away and never looked at the remains of that toy again. He loved to go on his walks and spend time hanging out with me but mostly he was an independent little boy.
From the time I got him in October 2004 till he was adopted on December 26, 2005, he got one application for adoption and it was the perfect home for him. I went to do a home visit and to do introduction to Andy, Gail & their wire-hair female JRT, Sparky, and he knew he was home. I was not sure, but Mr. Gee was positive. He walked into his new home and found the water bowl, toys, sleeping places, squirrel watching windows and made himself at home. He knew and he told me that he was home. He never looked back again. He found what he was looking for and that was that.
Andy, his buddy and companion, and his wife Gail are such good people who provided a wonderful home for my baby and now their baby. Soon after they adopted him, they found out that he leukemia. They did all the testing, medications, chemo, etc. for Mr. Gee was a champion through all the treatments. In September 2006, his bloodwork showed everything was NORMAL and he was the perky boy we all knew.
In June 2008, Mr. Gee just ran out of steam and on June 21, 2008, he was put to rest. I got the email and then spoke with Andy as we cried, shared memories and laughed.
Here is what Andy told me about Mr. Gee: "Mr. Gee was a very special dog and came to us with love and we loved him like nobody could. I will miss him terribly. He was my pal and I had such a good time with him. Thank you again for trusting us with him and I just wish I would have found him years earlier!"
Andy and Gail gave him a home, food, partner, walks, and loads of love. I gave him the time to find his forever home. I will treasure Mr. Goodbar, my sweet soul that showed me to always live life with zest. Rest in peace Mr. Goodbar.

Submitted byLopa Patel

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Precious Cattle Kate (Katie) died from her cancer on Monday, October 12, 2008. She was very sick at the end but she fought and fought until it finally got her. She was happy, bouncie, loving, well-behaved and many other things.
She brought us so much joy, We miss her so much.
We will adopt another dog in a while. Please let everyone that knew Cattle Kate that she has gone to heaven.
Submitted by Cheryl Dunbar

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Sugar Pug crossed the Rainbow Bridge on Monday, October 20. She was a loved member of her pack, and will be missed. Our hearts and prayers go out to her family, as well as our thanks for loving this dear old soul in the winter of her life. Her foster mom wrote this touching tribute to Sugar...
The Shadow Dog

I only knew her in the shadow of her life,
When she was but a shadow of herself.
May God grant her a sound body and spirit,
Youth and vigor,
Sun and grass,
Love and companionship,
On the far side of the Rainbow Bridge.

Rest in Peace Sugar Pug Fairy. Submitted by SmallDog Rescue

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Stella (formerly known as Lena Horn
Stella left us too soon. She was in an accident that should not have happened. We walked at the park in the evening, one of her favorite things to do. After, I stopped for gas. I do not know why she decided she wanted out of the car, but she jumped out. I think she was confused as to where she was, and she just started running on a busy street. This story does not have a happy ending. I know I will never take my dogs anywhere in the car without them being in a restraining harness. I hope others will read this and learn from my terrible mistake. I never want anyone to go through what we have gone through, losing our beautiful Stella, we loved her so much. We miss her so much everyday.
She touched my life even though our time together was short. She was pure sunshine, always happy, mischievous in a good way, and kind. She was our little girl. I am grateful for the small amount of time we had her. She taught me so much. Here are a few of the things I learned from Stella:
1. Always be nice to strangers. Give people, all people a chance. She was nice to everyone she met.
2. There is always another opportunity when you make a mistake to do it right. She always felt bad when she made a mistake in the house, but she didn’t give up until she got it right. She knew she was not perfect, so she didn’t beat herself up if she had a relapse.
3. Always get plenty of sleep.
4. Everyday is an opportunity to be happy.
Stella’s life did not start out good. She was in a deplorable puppy mill where people did not look out for her best interests, but she never complained and was never bitter when she was rescued. She was happy everyday she was alive. She was kind to everyone she met. We were so blessed to have her. Our hearts are broken. We miss her so much.
Submitted by Bee Allebone

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Green Arrow
Almost every one of us been through it. We see a special pal, aging and ill, slip slowly away from us. We beg him or her or the powers that be to release us from a life-or-death decision. All too often, we find that we must gather the strength to give our beloved companion the most difficult, unselfish gift we can. But sometimes, we are spared that decision. Such is the case for Michelle and Paul S, foster mom and dad to Green Arrow. As you might recall, Green Lantern left us about six and a half weeks ago. For him, Michelle had to decide it was time. Green Arrow was there for his brother's passing. He said his good-bye, as Michelle did that sad day. Remarkably, instead of withdrawing after Green Lantern's death, Green Arrow enjoyed a spell of energy. He made more attempts to engage with the other dogs at home. He spent more time with Michelle and Paul. He seemed to just feel better, in general. Over the past few days, though, Green Arrow clearly took a downturn. A suspected stomach virus was running through the dogs in the house, and it seemed to have reached him. For an old man with a weak heart, that did not bode well. Michelle got some medication to ease his discomfort and some fluids in him to boost his ability to fight off whatever it was that was making him sick. Still, Saturday night, Green Arrow had weakened to a point that he could no longer raise his head. Michelle and Paul did what they could to make him comfortable and went to bed. This morning, Michelle went to Green Arrow to tend to him. While she was changing his bedding, he shuddered and took leave of her. On his own, he set out for the Rainbow Bridge, where his brother and all the others were waiting to greet him. Michelle and Paul have given their hearts and souls to the Green Brothers. They gave them a place to go to feel loved and cared for - - a place where they could live out their final days in comfort and peace. In return, Green Arrow gave them a gift. He slipped away on his own, sparing them the agony of that final decision. He left gently and quietly. And he left truly in his time.

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Azura Skye

We are sad to report that Azura Skye passed away today, June 5. Azura will be missed very much by those who cared for her in her senior years. Our heartfelt thanks to Kathy D and Shannon B for helping us to care for Azura well into her retirement.
Azura Skye, like many senior dogs, found herself homeless when her owner could no longer care for her. A senior citizen got Azura as a puppy, but banished her to the yard when she grew up because she wasn't "cute" anymore. Additionally, no arrangements were made for her care when the time came that her guardian could no longer do so. When her guardian needed assisted care, the family decided Azura was too old to bother with. Fortunately for Azura, she was saved from death by a rescue group. She is a beautiful purebred Husky who needs socialization and a retirement home. If you are retired and interested in adopting a dog, please consider a dog who has earned retirement, as you have. Also, all pet owners should have an Advanced Directive for Pet Care for their pets, so that they will be taken care of if their guardians become unable to do so.

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Rabun
We are sad to report that Rabun crossed the Rainbow Bridge today, April 17. Although left behind by his uncaring "family", Rabun was loved very much and will be missed by his foster family. Thank you to all who helped with this sweet Southern Gentleman's care. We know that he will be waiting on the other side of the bridge to thank you himself. We especially thank Mark and Christie H, for being Rabun's virtual fosters.

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Green Lantern
We're sorry to report that Green Lantern passed away today, April 23.His brother, Green Arrow, and his foster family, will miss him very much.

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Shortbread
We are saddened to report that Shortbread passed away yesterday, January 6. While we are sad to lose Shortbread, we are proud that we were able to provide a loving home for her at the end of her sad and too short life. She crossed the Rainbow Bridge finally having known what it was like to be a beloved pet.
Shortbread brought with her the sad story of neglect.A standard daschund, she spent the first 10 years of her life outside, which made her look even older than those 10 years. Along the way she sustained a back injury that has left her stiff but still quite mobile. In SDR's care, for the first time in her life, she knew what it was like to live indoors, and was learning what affection from people is. She was a lovely soul, and we will miss her.

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Skeeter
December 29:You all were so kind to let us adopt Skeeter on November 22, 2004. Skeeter passed on March 24, 2007.
I cannot begin to express how much love Skeeter has given us. That boy was a special one and everyone he met loved him.
Upon our return home to Ohio (and we are so grateful for the exception), the first thing Skeeter did was try to climb into the refrigerator! :) Our two silky terrier girls, Abby (10) and Bobunk (7-1/2) also loved Skeeter. Bobunk would guide Skeeter around as his eyesight deteriorated. His specialists (yes, plural), determined that Skeeter was around 16 years old when he came to us. All loved him. Within the first two months, Skeeter had two major operations. Over the years my husband Tim laughingly called him Dr. Skeeter, as he could have been put through medical school. It wasn't until the last few days that he was in pain. His poor body just was giving out on him. That did not diminish his appetite though. Our little boy could eat and eat. Skeeter's back hair became very thin, so to keep him warm or protect him from the sun he had a whole dresser full of clothes. That boy actually would dance when we would put a shirt or sweater on him!
When we first adopted Skeeter, we had a four-level split. The last year it was too difficult for Skeeter to maneuver the stairs and we had baby gates all over the place to keep him from falling up or down the steps. It was then we decided to move to a ranch so that Skeeter could walk around freely. He definitely liked being able to follow us from room to room without having to be picked up and carried up and down the stairs.
As I am sitting here crying, all I can say is we loved Skeeter with all of our hearts. There is not a day goes by that either Tim or I will mention Skeeter.
If anyone is hesitant about adopting a senior pup, please don't. I'm not sure of Skeeter's past except that he was on the streets for at least a year and in foster care for almost as long becoming healthy and loved. Skeeter knew that we loved him, I am sure of it. There was not a moment of the day that Skeeter didn't show his love for us.
Cheryl and Tim Davis ps.-- We have added SmallDog Humane Society to our wills.

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Kiwi
adult male
Pomeranian
December 17: I'm sorry to inform you that we lost our little Kiwi man this morning. As you may know, Kiwi was very special. Sean and I adopted the little guy two years ago. When got Kiwi, he had been badly abused and was so scared. He bit us almost every day for weeks but over time he learned to trust us and even let us love on him. It took time but I got Kiwi kisses every now and then. He learned to play and loved to go for rides in the car. He also loved to talk alot. Apparent he had a lot to say. Kiwi had glaucoma and had lost one eye about 6 months ago....recently I had noticed that his remaining eye was looking red and irritated. We went to the vet and then to a specialist...nothing could be done to save his eye and he was in pain. Sean and I were with him this morning....

Right now our hearts are grieving, but we know Kiwi had 2 very happy years and at least he learned that not ALL people are bad.

Sean and Lauri

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Pepper
adult male
Poodle(Pure)
Sept 26: We are saddened to report that Pepper crossed the Rainbow Bridge this morning. By our vet's best guess, Pepper was about 15 or 16 years old, and has recently had some severe neurological symptoms. He has been blind for at least a year. We know that Pepper is with our founder and the oher "SmallDogs" who have gone before. Our hearts go out to Pepper's long time foster family.
This afternoon Pepper (AKA Petey Pepper) crossed over the RB as I held him in my arms. Petey came to SDR in 2003 while Bren was still with us. He was listed as 10 when we got him (that was in Bren years - Dr. Sue says he was more like 13 or 14 at that time). So going with Sue's guess he was very much a senior citizen. He has been completely bind for the last year or so and has had some neurological problems (his head was beginning to turn to one side and it was making it harder for him to eat). Petey let me know today that he was ready to go be with Bren. About 2:00 this afternoon he began crying and he couldn't stand up. He cried all the way to CM and when Sue saw him we both agreed it was time for him to go. He is now running and playing and can see for the first time in a long time and most of all he has no pain. He and Sweet Pea have probably already struck up a friendship and Bren is there to welcome another one of her "Kids." Loved and missed by his Mommy and Daddy.

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Scottie Starfruit
adult male
Shih Tzu (Pure)

Sept 27: Scottie crossed the Rainbow Bridge the day after his buddy Pepper did. Scottie apparenly had a stroke, and according to our vet was in great pain. He crossed the Bridge in the arms of his foster dad. We are so terribly sorry for this loss of two special babies in two days to the good people. We are eternally grateful to Pat and Bob for showing these two old gents the true meaning of love. Our hearts go out to them.
Thank you, Kathie D, for being Scottie's Virtual Foster!

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Sweet Pea Popeye
mature female
Chihuahua (Pure)

September 23, 2007 - We are sad to report that Sweet Pea crossed the Rainbow Bridge last night, of apparent congestive heart failure. We are grateful to her foster family for providing Sweet Pea the home and love she deserved in her senior years. Sweet Pea will be missed, and our prayers and thoughts are with her family.
Sweet Pea Popeye, or just plain "Sweet Pea," is a tiny 4lb, 14 year old purbred Chihuahua. Sweet Pea is currently recovering from her second mastectomy and is dealing with other health issues related to her advanced age.

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Ghengi
Ghengi crossed over the Rainbow Bridge about 4:30 this afternoon. He had a big heart (about 3 times bigger than it should have been) and he fought to the end. When I went to pick him up, Dr Sue told me how well he was doing, but reminded me that it was temporary, and he didn't have much time left. Little did I know that it was only minutes. When they went to get him for me he collapsed and his heart & lungs failed. The poor little guy was in pain, but I swear he looked at me and said " It's time to go- I love you and Mom- See you at the Bridge, I'll be there with Bren". I can't believe the little guy is gone and we'll miss him.

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Ginger
We knew her as Ginger Flip Flop. Her "family" dropped her at the vet's to be put to sleep because she was "old" at age 11. Luckily, Kim saw life left in this senior girl, and took her home. On July 1, 2007, Kim wrote: "Ginger McGillacutty Russell died yesterday. She was diagnosed with a large tumor a month ago. She was just shy of her 13th birthday. She was a terrific companion and just the cutest thing ever. Which is true of any pet you have ever had. It is very quiet here, this is the first time in 19 years I am fur free. Thanks for all your kind words." Our deepest sympathy goes to Kim. Still, we celebrate the love that she and Ginger shared, and are grateful that Ginger had two years of the purest kind of love - that of a true "Forever" family.

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Prince Pierre
We are sad to report that Prince Pierre passed. He was ushered over the Rainbow Bridge by those who loved him and cared for him. He was a sweet boy, and loved very much by his family. Our hearts go out to Prince Pierre's foster family.

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Dougie Baby
was a 7 year old purebred miniature America Eskimo Dog. Dougie was hearing impaired and may have had some neurological damage as well. He was well loved by his foster family, who cared for him for the past several years. Dougie crossed the Rainbow Bridge on June 1, 2007. Our thoughts go out to his foster family, who loved him very much.

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Tony
My sweet little Shih Tzu, Tony, was adopted from Small Dog Rescue two and one-half years ago. We were told, "If you are looking for a dog that will run and play and fetch the ball - this isn't him . Tony is a couch potato." Well, Tony was perfect for us. He was the sweetest dog, and we miss him terribly. He was always the little gentleman, waiting to be invited before jumping up on the couch to sit beside me. During the past year, Tony was losing his eyesight and hearing, and we jokingly nicknamed him Guard Dog, because we had to wake him up when we got home. Tony was loving and affectionate, and would follow me wherever I went in the house. He would only bark once to be let outside, then once again to come in. Last month Tony started drinking a lot of water, then stopped eating. We made several visits to the vet for tests and treatment, and are grateful to the kind vets who were loving and kind and tried to help Tony. However, the kidneys failed and the poor little boy was nauseous and starving. Our lives were richer for having Tony a member of our family, and it was hard to say goodbye. On Tuesday, May 1, Tony and I had a Bacon Party, which he seemed to enjoy very much. I then took Tony to the animal hospital, where he died peacefully in my arms. He will be in our hearts and memories forever. Tony was born July 2, 1999, was adopted by his Forever Family on October 30, 2004, and died on May 1, 2007. May God bless Tony and all of the animals and their caregivers.
Jeanette DeLuca

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Patches (ButtonsNBows)
Buttons N Bows was a cute grey and white terrier nicknamed Patches by her foster family. At 14 years old she lost her home due to the illness of her owner. Needless to say, this was a confusing time for Patches. Because of her advanced age, SmallDog Rescue considered Patches to be a permanent foster dog. Her foster family loved her as one of their own until she crossed gently over the Rainbow Bridge on May 2, 2007. She crossed peacefully, safe and secure in the knowledge that she was loved, and in the arms of her special person. We will all miss her, but our prayers are with Patti and Bob, her foster family.

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Candy (KitKat)

In loving memory.

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Georgie
I first met Georgie (formally Christian) at an SDR adoption. I had absolutely no intention of adopting a dog that day. But this skinny, shy, and somewhat pathetic little guy kept lifting his front paws up onto the doggie pen every time I went near it (I never saw him get up on his hind legs ever again). I swore he was trying to get my attention and telling me he wanted to go home with me. So I decided, spontaneously, to fill out an application and take him home for a trial run. We already had another poodle and a cat at home. Well, needless to say, I formally adopted him 2 weeks later in July of 2003. He fit right in at home and at work.
The only thing we knew about Georgie was that he had been left outside all the time. And after a vet's exam, we learned he was older than we thought (9-12 years), had a heart murmer, arthritis all over his precious body & legs, and an unexplainable limp.
We were so blessed to have had Georgie in our lives for three years. He loved to be loved. I guess because he never really had any before. He never did know how to give kisses, but if you picked him up and held him like a baby he would rest his head on your shoulder and stay there as long as you'd let him. He didn't know how to wag his tail either so he had so many adorable ways of letting us know when he was having a good time chasing us around the house or the yard. We are so happy that we were able to provide him with a loving and exciting life for the last three years of his life. He became one of the mascots of the Fred Astaire Dance Studios having his own column in the news letter. People looked forward to seeing him and he got lots of love and attention. Georgie went to heaven on July 21, 2006. The legs that once held him up to get my attention couldn't support his body anymore. He was struggling to walk around, even stand. My husband and I knew it was time for him to be at peace.
We loved Georgie very much and miss him very much. Thank you to SDR for all your amazing work and for putting us in contact with our precious, silly, special, loving, and unforgettable Georgie.
Lisa Marie Woodin

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Jessie
Hi,
I adopted an older (not-so-small) dog named Jessie from your organization three years ago. I just thought people there (I remember meeting Anne) would like people to know that she passed away this weekend after living out her retirement years with me. She was a fantastic dog that everyone in the neighborhood loved. I was proud to be known as "Jessie's mom" and even "Aunt Jessie" to my you neice, who certainly has her priorities right in the whole "dogs are more important than humans" hierarchy. Thanks so much for letting an Athenian like myself be part of your group and letting me have three wonderful years with Jessie. I only wish she could have been found sooner so I could have had more good years with her. Diana

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Biscuit
March 16, 2006. We are sad to report that Biscuit crossed the Rainbow Bridge today. After more than 2 years of "borrowed time" and living in the lap of luxury and love, Biscuit's heart finally wore out. He left this world while in the arms of his foster mom, comforted and safe. SmallDog Rescue would like to extend a special thank you to all those who followed Biscuit's journey, made contributions to his care, and donated medications that allowed him to continue living. He did not suffer and he maintained his grace and dignity to the very end. Our hearts go out to his wonderful foster mom, who cared for Biscuit when no one else would.

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Rusty Galax
March 27, 2006. We are saddened to report that Rusty passed away today. In chronic pain as a result of his years of neglect and abuse, Rusty's medications were no longer effective. Out of compassion for him, the difficult decision was made to end his suffering. He spent his last moments in the arms of his foster mom, who was the only person he ever really loved or trusted. Rusty can now truly rest in peace. Jackie, thank you for your gift of patience and dedication that you gave Rusty; our prayers go out to you.

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Honeysuckle Hope

Honeysuckle Hope, a permanent foster at Anne's house, has crossed the Rainbow Bridge this morning. Most of you never met Hope, many of you probably never even heard of Hope. Hope came to us in August 2004 from FCAS; Jackie pulled her when she saw her tired, emaciated body lying still on a cold, wet concrete pad. Jackie didn't want her to die alone, so she brought her back with her with the thought that she can at least leave this world with some dignity. Only Hope didn't die; she might have been ancient, blind, starved, and covered in wounds, but Hope was not ready to cross the Bridge yet. Hope came to my house first, where she gained weight and her health became stable. Since Hope was unadoptable, she then went to live at Anne's house, where she spent the last 14 months of her life until even she, the stoic, mighty fighter that she was, could no longer fend off the ravages of time and the winter of life.
Don't cry that Hope has left us. She was in the arms of the woman who loved and cared for Hope more than anyone else in her lifetime. She wasn't cold and alone. I am proud that SDR did what we could do for this ancient, decrepit dog when everyone else turned their back on her. Cry because the only good times this dog every knew were in her twilight years. Hope was the canine reincarnation of Bren - stubborn, independent, and a fighter to the very end. Bren no doubt chuckled when she met Hope this morning.
Hope's passing was not unexpected for those of us that knew her. In fact, we have lived with the notion that every day could be her last since she came to be with us. But, it's still a little sad. Hopey, we love you.
SmallDog Rescue

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Lexus

We are so sad to report that Lexus passed away the morning of November 26, 2005.
Soon after she began treatment for her heartworms, we discovered that this beautiful girl, given up because she was no longer "producing", was pregnant. She had 5 beautiful pups, who will appear on this site soon, and was a wonderful mother to them. Just when she was about to enjoy life as a true lady of leisure, we discovered she had congestive heart disease. With medication, Lexus finished to wean her pups. Sadly, she passed away before she could truly become the princess she deserved to be. Sweet until the very end, we are proud that Lexus had an opportunity to know life as a beloved pet. We are inspired by her, and will miss her very much. Her foster family is in our prayers.
SmallDog Rescue

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In Loving Memory of Brinks who earned his Angel wings on July 9th, 2005.
Leigh Ann Holz

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Ginger was a little corgi doxie mix who came into SDR through another group. I volunteered to foster her before I met her. I think it was fate taking matters into it's own hands. She wasn't fluffy, and there was nothing outstanding about her features, so she never got a lot of attention at adoptions - except the wrong kind! At home, she was a quiet, very well behaved little angel. At adoption, she barked incessantly! She wanted me to hold her or keep her with me the whole time. We tried putting a citronella bark collar on her, but she just barked out all the citronella and kept on going. The volunteers would spray her with water to try to make her stop barking, she would be dripping wet and still keep on going. That's because Ginger had a master plan. She was a smart little dog! She decided that she wanted to be with me, and she was bound and determined to make that happen. And she did. She lived out her life in my home, I really didn't mind at all. I loved her dearly. I finally just stopped taking her to adoptions. There didn't seem to be much point in it.
At home, Ginger was the queen of the house. When she walked through the room, the other dogs simply got out of her way. She was never mean about it, everyone just knew she was the queen. She loved to be help and cuddled, but she was never demanding about it, she just was there, ready when I was. One day at adoptions, I was walking with her through Petco, and she found a plush squeaky mouse someone had dropped on the floor. She picked it up and started carrying it, so I got it for her. After that, she always had it with her. It was her baby. When I walked her she would take it with her, setting it down to potty, then carefully picking it up again when she was done.
Then one day, probably about 8 months after I had taken her home, she developed a cough. I took her to the vet, and they thought she had bronchitis, and prescribed an antibiotic. She didn't really get over the cough, but she never acted sick, so I wasn't really worried. Then she sneezed blood. We took her back to the vet, and they found an abscessed tooth, and thought that was the problem. But she never got over her cough. Not long after that, I was walking the other dogs and Ginger sneaked out of my apartment to follow us. I saw her and said, "What are you doing out here? Get up the stairs! Up, up, up!" She looked at me and laughed (you could always tell when she was laughing), and ran up the stairs. A neighbor was walking by and said, "What a good dog!" I thought, yes, she is a good dog. A really good dog. The next day I knew she was sick. That night I took her to the emergency vet, who agreed that she was sick, but couldn't find anything definitely wrong with her. Her lymph nodes were a little swollen, everything else was normal. But the next day when I took her to our vet, her lymph nodes were very swollen, and the vet, knowing she was crashing, took a biopsy and sent her home with me. She died in my arms that night. She had lymphoma.
There was nothing anyone could have done. Right as she died, I had a very brief vision of her running through a field, happy and healthy. As she was dieing, the words to a song kept going through my head. The song was "Peace Be With You" and the line that kept playing was "Precious gift God gave to me". And she was a very precious gift. I am so blessed to have had her in my home, and I miss her very much.
Jackie Boldt

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Miko

In Loving Memory of Miko, the Chihuahua. My Little Miko...My Meekster ...God bless your little soul. May you rest in peace. May you be whole again, free from the cancer and pain, free from the worries that bound you to this world, free to go to that happy place.
I sensed that things were terribly wrong with Miko this morning. I called and made him a veterinary appointment. I decided I needed to ask Miko if it was "that time" - was he ready to go? How was I to know? He quickly sent me a vision of a happy place….a field of long, green grass blowing in the wind on top of a mountain top covered with beautiful multi colored flowers. He was walking away from me and towards a bright sunny light just over the horizon…..he paused briefly and turned his head back to look at me. I told him "don't look back- keep going, keep going, you're almost there!" Was he asking permission? Had he just said his goodbye to me? I started sobbing because I knew the answer.
The vet recommended that we put him to sleep today. Miko had let me know in just enough time to spare him any more pain and suffering than he could bear. How could I deny him that happy place for my own selfish reasons? He went with my loving arms wrapped around him. As I pulled away from the vet's office in tears, I heard him calling to me. He said "look momma, look at me, i'm playing". I said "you play boy, you keep playing, momma is so happy for you!"
He is now forever at rest in my backyard. He was buried with his favorite blankie, some beautiful pink roses from my rose bush, and a simple note saying "mommy and daddy love you". I plan to visit with him often. We can sit and talk and listen to the birds sing. I want that to become my happy place when I am sad.
Leigh Ann Holz

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Dublin

Dublin came in to SDR an old, clearly very ill, matted, and filthy shih tzu. I thought he was adorable. I told the facility manager that I would be glad to foster him once he had been to the vet. The vet said that he had a serious heart murmur, and that she would schedule him for an ultrasound, but we really didn't know if he would live long enough to get it. I just wanted to make sure he had every chance in the world, and that if he did die, he would be with someone who cared when it happened. He stayed with me for about two weeks. He loved sitting outside on the porch in a crate, he looked so happy there. He wobbled when he walked because his heart was so weak, but he always had a snuggle left in him, and he loved to be stroked and talked to. I noticed he was struggling more and more to breathe. At first he had a good day or two, then a good few hours, then then there were no good times at all. He was struggling so hard, and so clearly miserable. I spoke to our! director and our vet, and we all agreed that to keep him any longer would just be cruel. His heart mummer had gone from a grade 5 to a grade 6, and he was in congestive heart failure. He had a lot of trouble breathing, and an x-ray revealed that his heart was so enlarged that it was pressing against his trachea. So I told him that I loved him, and held him while he quietly and peacefully crossed over the rainbow bridge.
I don't know where Dublin's people were. He was at least 13 or 14 years old and was well socialized, so he had to have lived with someone all those years. Did they decide they couldn't afford the medicine that might have given him several more comfortable years if he had gotten it earlier? Did they feel that they just couldn't bear to watch him die? Did they simply turn him out on the street? We will never know what happened, why Dublin had to die with a strange voice in his ear and without the people he loved. But I am very grateful that I had him the two weeks I did, and that I was able to be there for him at the end. He truly was a wonderful little boy, and he deserved much better than that.
Jackie Boldt

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Lil Dog

"Lil Dog" was my first dog. I had not planned on getting a dog that morning.
April 6, 2002.
I was on my way to Kohls when I stopped to see the dogs out front of Petco.
There she was my LIL DOG! She looked like a funny little puppy. But she wasn’t a puppy at all.. she was an old lady who had cataracts, really bad black hair, dandruff, and a crooked leg. She was about 9 lbs. After minutes of looking at her through the cage.. The volunteer told me to get her out and sit with her. I was afraid. I had not handled dogs before. But she came out and pranced to the grass with me and pottied. I thought, well at least she is potty trained. The volunteer told me she had been given up because her owner had a baby.. and the Lil Dog did not like the baby. She said Lil Dog was about 7-8 yrs old. I adopted her. Come to find out she was more like 10-12. She NEVER messed in the house. She never chewed a thing. "Geriatric dogs are the best kind of dogs."
SHE WAS MY SHADOW for the next 2 years. During that time, because of her, I started to volunteer with dog rescue and became a foster. Her unconditional love for me love was amazing. I say "for me" because she was known to bite most other people. She would not let anyone touch her ears or her crooked leg. She was a quirky little dog but she was the most loyal dog I have ever known.
On Sunday Jan 4, 2004 LIL Dog and I got up as we always did around 9am. She went outside and did her business. By 11am she was in a bad state. She could not lift her head or walk. By Noon we were at the GA Vet specialist hospital. As I walked in, people came out crying. I thought "I do not want to be them.Within 2 hours I was walking out with my LIL Dog in a cardboard coffin. Balling my head off. She looked so peaceful. My husband was strong but I saw him cry for the first time when they brought LIL Dog bundled up in her blanket in the coffin and handed her to me to take home. I petted her all the way home. I even touched her ears and her leg which I could never touch without a nip when she was living. They say it was a "neural thing" and that she went peacefully. She is now buried in our back yard. I still keep her picture in my wallet and on my desk. She was the BEST LIL DOG EVER!
Amanda Wade

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Picasso
2002-2003

We adopted Picasso (formerly known as Don Quixote) in the summer of 2002 when he was just a little 15 lbs puppy. Due to a trauma to his head (possibly caused by abuse), he was deaf, had a head tilt, and was not able to walk properly. We were very happy that SDR approved us for adoption of this wonderful boy. In the 14 months he was with us, he grew up to be an incredibly strong and beautiul 80 lbs dog, who understood our sign language, and who loved to entertain us with his goofy and affectionate behavior. We feel so very fortunate that we got to share our life with him, and every day, we cherish the lessons he taught us about unconditional love. Our freckle-nosed wonderboy will always live in our hearts.
Katja Liendgens

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