Stormy this is for you, my beautiful girl, who always had a smile on her face everyday for the fourteen years you spent in my arms. Everyone loved you. You were so kind to every animal and person you met each day. Such a fierce breed, Argentine Dogos, Pittbull/Great Dane mix, but you put everyone you met at ease.

I will never forget the day, you came through the door, carrying something in your mouth, and of course, I screamed and screamed, but you set her down so gently; no the squirrel was not dead, but injured, and around and around the dining room table we all ran, till finally I caught her, and put her in a box.

It took 9 hours for the animal control to show up, sadly the squirrel had passed away. The woman examined her and was so amazed, not one puncture wound or tooth mark on the squirrels body, she said. She must have fallen from a tree and broke her leg. This sweet dog, who knew mom, always was the fixer of sick animals, you brought her straight to me, thinking maybe I could help.

But that was you, sweet Stormy. And of course, another day, forever imprinted in my mind, August 4, 2004. I tried to keep you alive, though almost blind, deaf, arthritis, and a thyroid disease, I just could not bear the thought of being without you. But the house was sold, everyone moved over to the new house, and only two dogs could go.

But still for a month, with only a mattress on the floor, and the pittbull, DeeDee laying by our side, I stayed to the last moment. The final eviction day, I gathered you in my arms, took you to the vet, and you knew, running for the door, you were also afraid to leave me. But I held you, and thanked you for the best fourteen years of my life.

I spent two years in bed, in a dreamlike state, unable to cope, so heartbroken. But with the responses to those on Sacpaws.com, I was able to snap out of it. I realized, for you Stormy, my new mission in life, to do the thing hardest for me, learning to let go.

So I will take in older dogs, of the pittbull breed, the chance for a home almost impossible. I will let these dogs finish out their lives, feeling safe, and will hold them, when their time comes, with a kiss and a whisper thanking them for the love they gave to all those whose life they had touched.

This I will do in your honor, my sweet loving Stormy.

Mom

Ricky – a Maltese – was an amazing dog. He died just hours from writing this. We loved him more than words can say.

Ricky

I don’t have a single memory, of where he’s not alive,
No matter what had hit him, he always would survive.

His older years, we could see, were far from perfection,
We loved him, and he loved us with an unconditional affection.

For the ones he loved, he’d take on a form four times his size,
Though in his mind, and in those eyes, you couldn’t call him un-wise.

Today he’s driven down that dirt road, now to be seen no more,
Behind him hearts are breaking, and tears flood to the shore.

In his life he reached out and left his paw-prints on our hearts,
Then with him he took our love as he parts.

We miss you Rick, We love you and we wish you all the best,
Thank you for being a part of our lives, now you can finally rest.

~Destanie.C

We love you Rick. Rest in Peace.

Kookie is a black and white Shih-tzu. I’ve had her since she was 4 months old and was my old time roommate back in NY.

I decided to move to California and I brought her with me as well. I took her everywhere I went. My parents even used to babysit her for me and that’s how close we were.

Kookie was a potty trained, newspaper dog but loved to be outdoors all the time. One thing for sure, she loved to eat. I had my child in 2003 and they became close since my son calls her “my sister”. The rest of the dogs we have are just pets.

We loved her so much and we miss her terribly. I had to decide to get her euthanized since she was having a hard time walking and it was already affecting her brain. I had to let my son say his goodbye’s to her the morning before I was taking her to the vet thinking that maybe we can still save her.

I got her cremated so we are both looking forward to that, knowing that she will still be with us and we can take her everywhere.

I know it will take time but it sure does hurt. The other picture is the most recent one that morning that he was saying goodbye to his sister …. thanks

Brandi was a Labrador & Grey Hound mix. She was adopted from the North Shore Animal League in Port Washington Long Island New York. At that time my boyfriend and I decided to get a puppy to keep me company as he worked as a flight attendant in order for me to have some companionship.

I had decided to adopt a male dog and call him Brandon. Once at the North Shore Animal League, I fell in love with a beautiful puppy that turned out to be a girl. I had to have her. Needless to say, Brandon became Brandi.

Brandi was a dog full of energy and love. The type of loving girl that cries when you leave and when you come back, even if you were gone only 5 minutes. Brandi was friendly with all people and other animals. She was the welcoming committee. I slept with her everyday until she became a senior dog and she could not make it onto the bed anymore. As Brandi became older and more ill my boyfriend prepared her meals daily. Yes, home cooked meals and managed to keep her weight under control in the most amazing way.

Brandi developed a cancerous tumor on her neck. Fortunately the tumor was on the outside of her body. For about four years I would surgically remove this tumor that kept growing back bigger and bigger. I removed about 4 tumors a year for 4 years. Last year the tumor stop growing. It seemed as if the fight was won. The vet was impressed with this and said I added at least two years to her life. Brandi was always very good during this procedure. It was very upsetting for me to do this and the healing process was a battle in itself, with a moving dog with a thick coat.

In the last year Brandi developed more tumors but they were in her abdomen and hind legs. She became lethargic most of the time. There were times when she was full of energy and would play with Apollo, our second dog that was adopted to give Brandi a companion at age 6. Brandi had her own dog. Brandi was the type of dog that always seemed to be happy and smiling.

Brandi developed very bad arthritis, where walking became more about collapsing. Along with that came incontinence as well. When she got to the point that she would not attempt to drink water or eat unless it was brought to her and the fact she could not climb the stairs to get inside anymore, it was time to put her to sleep.

It was a decision that to this day we cry and have suffered a terrible loss. We were with Brandi to the last breath at the vet’s office. I was face to face with her and kissed her lots. Very ill humans do not have it this good. She literally feel asleep quick and without pain.

Brandi was cremated and her ashes are kept in an urn with a beautiful Brass plate, that has her photo as the one seen in the memorial.

(Apollo meets Silas)

Silas, a Jack Russel Terrier immediately became a new member of the family to help us recover in such a horrible time of mourning. Silas came to his new home at 10 weeks old. He has definitely helped with the pain of the loss of our beloved Brandi. It has been a month and I still wake up crying. I still find myself looking for her…

There is a song on the radio that keeps coming on that goes “FIRST TIME, EVER I SAW YOUR FACE” and I think of Brandi and start crying. I find myself saying in my mind everyday “Good morning Brandi, Good night Brandi, I love you Brandi, God please hold her for me for when I arrive” daily.

(Apollo misses Brandi)

Our dog Apollo is still mourning Brandi terribly. He has been completely inactive and sometimes has to be convinced to eat. Apollo is just opening up to Silas after nearly a month. Yes, dogs do mourn other dogs. Even though we are grateful for Silas, who has made it a little easier, Brandi’s absence is still very much real.

Brandi, you will be in our hearts forever and we thank you for all the love you have given your whole life. We love you.

Mario Alvarado, Perry Mondidu, Bobby Dean, Apollo Alvarado

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This poem is Brandi ….. the best girl in the world:

The Rainbows Bridge Poem

Just this side of heaven is a place called Rainbow Bridge. When an animal dies that has been especially close to someone here, that pet goes to Rainbow Bridge. There are meadows and hills for all of our special friends so they can run and play together. There is plenty of food, water and sunshine, and our friends are warm and comfortable.

All the animals who had been ill and old are restored to health and vigor. Those who were hurt or maimed are made whole and strong again, just as we remember them in our dreams of days and times gone by. The animals are happy and content, except for one small thing; they each miss someone very special to them, who had to be left behind.

They all run and play together, but the day comes when one suddenly stops and looks into the distance. His bright eyes are intent. His eager body quivers. Suddenly he begins to run from the group, flying over the green grass, his legs carrying him faster and faster.

You have been spotted, and 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, and 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 Rainbow Bridge together….

My beautiful little boy Chihuahua, Mickey Ramos, left us suddenly on April 9, 2009.

While doing some remodeling to our home, my little dog snuck out. He wasn’t one to run out. But the second the door was open, he did like to step outside do his thing and come right back in.

I didn’t realize it until the following morning when he didn’t come into my bed for our morning cuddle, that he wasn’t in the house.

I frantically started calling out for him and even ran outside running around like a mad woman screaming for my Mickey. I decided to call my husband at work who rushed home to help me look for him.

My nine year old daughter helped us make fliers. By noon time, my parents were on there way over to help look for him when my step mom came in and just started crying.

I knew something wasn’t right. She told me they had found him dead on the street apparently hit by a car.

I just couldn’t believe it. It was one of the worst days of my life. I never got a chance to say goodbye or tell you how much you meant to us. I still cant believe he left us so soon.

He was only 3 years old and I miss him so much it hurts. We decided to bury him in my dads yard. This way he will always be near and still be with us always. That was one of Mickey’s favorite places to be.

He was such a good boy to me and my family, always making us laugh. He was super smart and super affectionate and I miss his cuddles so much.

I would call him Neenee and Shushee and he always was very obedient. He was my best friend and he will forever and always be in my heart.

Mickey my little boy, when you left me you took a big piece of me with you. We will never ever forget you.

Love always,
The Ramos Family
(Mami, Dadi, Jessalyn and Baby Iris)

In Loving Memory of My Sweet Misty

Oh my dear Misty, how I miss you so. My heart is so empty without you. We had a very special bond between us. A bond that can never be broken even though you are no longer physically with me.

You will always be in that special place in my heart and in my soul my Misty. Thank you for all the love and devotion you have given to me throughout the years. I could never have repaid all the joy you brought to my life.

I love you so much my Misty. I am so sad and lonely without you. This house, my heart, is so empty. How can I live without you? When you came into my life ten short years ago, I could not believe what a special gift you were. That I deserved such a wonderful creature. You were my world and will always be.

Everything deservedly revolved around you and your comfort and happiness. Your happiness was my true happiness. We did everything together, everything Wherever I went, you came with. My constant companion, my friend.

Thank you for all you have given me. I will never forget you. I love you so and miss you so much.

Take care of Grandpa now and go for long walks on the beach together. We will be together soon. I love you my dear Misty. You will always be my little baby girl.

Love, Mommy

We got Kirby before Christmas one year and we all loved him. When we picked him, there we so many to chose from, but this one stood out to the family.

Kirby was a dog that everyone loved to be around. I remember how Kirby used to play with my pet guinea pig and that made me happy.

The day that Kirby died was a very sad day for me. I remember how my dad was taking me to a babysitting class and as we were going down the street the dog was following the car.

Then the dog ran under the car and got hit by the tires. When I heard the sound, I knew we had hit him, but I was praying that he would be OK.

My dad put the dog in a blanket in the back of the truck and then took me to my babysitting class. While I was at the class my dad took the dog to the vets and the vet said that there was nothing we could do.

My dad then came and got me out of the class and told me that he was dead, and I broke down crying, I decided to leave the class and just come home and cry.

In the end we decided to cremate him and I miss him so much. Kirby was a friendly dog that I loved and that I have many fond memories of.

Kirby, we are all thinking about you and are always in our hearts and I wish that you were still here.

Time has a way of escaping you, until the fret filled day you loose the one that so touched your heart. Now time is he enemy, wishing you could go in reverse and hold the one that made your heart complete just one more time.

I was such a proud “Parent”……..Whenever I would take Cinnabear anywhere, everyone became so drawn to her. I can’t begin to tell you how many people approached us wanting to pet her and ask questions about her. Even as recently as this past February.

I had taken her to PETSMART to pick out some treats and get food. I carefully placed her pillow in the cart, then her. You see her little legs were just wearing out and didn’t carry her very well. It seems everyone that spotted her wanted to stop and pet her, asking how old the “puppy” was? When I would say she was 15, they couldn’t believe it. Everyone thought she looked like a little baby bear.

Cinnabear was quiet, reserved, and absolutely loyal to the very end. She was my shadow following me every where I would go. Even when her legs were giving out from a neurological disease, she would not retreat from being my shadow, braving every step until she was upstairs, by my side. My heart will always be broken without her.

My little “Bear Bears”, Cinnabear, was with me for a very short 15 years. She will always and forever be in my heart because she was and always will be “MY LITTLE GIRL”.

In closing I can only say that if you love, truly love, sometimes the decisions you make aren’t necessarily what you want, but you make them because your love wins out in the end. IF you truly love, sometimes you have to let go.

Jazmine is a Boxer puppy and was born July 10th 2008.  She sadly deceased on January 30th 2009.

She was the most loveable playful adorable puppy and touched everyone’s hearts. Jazmine had a short life but gave so much to us and we miss her. We love you Jazz. Rest in peace baby

Estelle Wechsle and Gary Swailes
Montreal, Quebec

The end of a wonderful life ceased on January 20, 2009. Our beloved dog Chelsea was laid to rest after a series of severe seizures.  It was the most difficult decision our family has ever made.  We were by her side at the doctor’s office as she was put to sleep.  She died peacefully.

Chelsea was an Australian Cattle Dog and had just turned 16 years old on January 2.  She lived a long and happy life. Our family loved her more than anything and we took such good care of her.

As a puppy, we knew Chelsea was special. She was very smart and had a wonderful personality. As most puppies, she went through the challenging years. Chelsea loved to bite off blooming flowers in the yard and nibble off the water drip irrigation heads that watered our plants.

At age 3 months, she was nominated and awarded “Puppy of the Month” at our local Vet. Everywhere we took her, people loved her and said how sweet she was. Here’s the cute photo of that proud day.

We took her to puppy obedience training and she showed signs of being very independent and not wanting to play much with other dogs. But when it came time for her “final exam” she aced it with flying colors.  She did all her commands like a seasoned pro.  We were oh so proud of her.

Our joke was she was like a cat with nine lives, and she used them all plus more.  Whether getting loose and wandering the neighborhood or battling pancreatitis and the terrible seizures …. Chelsea was a fighter to the very end.

As Chelsea grew older, her strong willed independence waned, and she loved to always be nearby one of us. Whether it was dad in the office working, mom in the kitchen, or everyone watching TV, Chelsea was always around.

Like most dogs, she loved to go for long walks.  You just had to say the word “WALK” and she jumped up with a big smile on her face and her tail wagging.  It was as though she had never been on a walk before.

One of Chelsea’s dislikes was getting her fur wet when it rained.  We bought her this cute raincoat with a hood.  When she went outside to do “her business” we would put this on her so she would stay warm and dry.  This picture was taken only a few weeks ago.  Sadly, this is the last picture we have of Chelsea.

We have so many fond memories of Chelsea that we could write a book. She was a perfect match for our family, and we will always remember the special dog she was and the endless amount of joy she brought to us.

Chelsea, we love you so much! You gave us 16 wonderful years of happiness and will be loved forever.

We miss you so much.