Lilly then (33 pounds)...and on Adoption Day CLICK TO READ LILLY's MEMORIAL		Bailey Lee CLICK TO READ BAILEY's MEMORIAL

To the sweet souls who left footprints on our hearts. . .




Visit The Rainbow Bridge



A NOTE FROM THE BRIDGE

To my dearest family, some things I'd like to say. But first of all, to let you know, that I arrived okay. I'm writing this from the Bridge. Here I dwell with God above. Here there's no more tears of sadness. Here is just eternal love. Please do not be unhappy, just because I'm out of sight. Remember that I am with you every morning, noon and night. That day I had to leave you, when my life on earth was through, God picked me up and hugged me, and He said, "I welcome you. It's good to have you back again, you were missed while you were gone. As for your dearest family, They'll be here later on." God gave me a list of things, that he wished for me to do. And foremost on the list, was to watch and care for you. And when you lie in bed at night, the day's chores put to flight, God and I are closest to you... in the middle of the night. When you think of my life on earth, and all those loving years, because you are only human, they are bound to bring you tears. But do not be afraid to cry, it does relieve the pain. Remember there would be no flowers, unless there was some rain. I wish that I could tell you, all that God has planned. If I were to tell you, you wouldn't understand. But one thing is for certain, though my life on earth is o'er. I'm closer to you now, than I ever was before. There are rocky roads ahead of you, and many hills to climb; But together we can do it, by taking one day at a time. It was always my philosophy, and I'd like it for you too; That as you give unto the world, the world will give to you. If you can help somebody, who's in sorrow and pain; Then you can say to God at night..."My day was not in vain." And now I am contented...that my life was worthwhile. Knowing as I passed along, I made somebody smile. So if you meet somebody, who is sad and feeling low; Just lend a hand to pick him up, as on your way you go. When you're walking down the street, with me on your mind; I'm walking in your footsteps, only half a step behind. And when it's time for you to go...from that body to be free. Remember you're not going...you're coming here to me. -- author unknown

Vincent was a very laid back, 2 year old neutered male, who was rescued from the Dewey (Las Vegas) Shelter thanks to the efforts of Sue (Las Vegas Sammy Rescue) and Naomi (So NV Aussie & Border Collie Rescue) and many other wonderful people who cared about him. Sue named him Vincent because he had an old injury and was missing part of one ear. Vincent went to Rainbow Bridge on August 11th due to complications from distemper. I hope you find your loving family there. Rest in Peace, sweet boy.

Apache was a white German Shepherd/Malamute mix that we rescued from the Apache Junction Shelter in November 2003. She was called unexpectedly to Rainbow Bridge shortly after her rescue, possibly due to distemper. We were proud to be your forever family, even if forever didn't turn out to be as long as we'd hoped for you. Thanks to Bev and to the people at AJ Shelter for trying to give this girl a chance at a better life.

Musket was a young male white GSD whose owner had turned him in to the Humane Society as being aggressive with strangers. Although we tried to work with him, the abandonment by his owner was just too much for Musket and he became too possessive of his foster and could not be controlled when anyone or anything outside of his foster family was around -- 2-footed or 4, it didn't matter. Sadly, we had to send Musket to Rainbow Bridge in July, 2004. We were just too afraid that someone was going to get hurt. If only his original owners had invested the time to properly socialize this beautiful, loving and loyal boy...we're sorry, Musket.

Alex was a 9 month old white GSD rescued from the Apache Junction Shelter in December 2003. After a brief but devastating illness (probably distemper coupled with kennel cough), Alex went to Rainbow Bridge on December 22nd.

Anna was rescued from the Dewey Las Vegas Shelter. We lost her due to complications from her spay surgery and possible distemper within 24 hours of her rescue.	Zane was rescued from the Phoenix East Side Shelter. He was lost to distemper.
Yuma was quarantined as a "biter" by the Yuma Humane Society for several weeks before he came to our rescue. We normally turn away "bite dogs" but what we found was not a bite dog, but a wonderfully social and outgoing 11 month old lover boy who, right up until the end, greeted every human with a wag of his tail. He succumbed 5 short days after we rescued him to a combination of pneumonia, an upper respiratory infection and possibly tick fever. This was NO BITE DOG. He died knowing he was loved and cared for, not euthanized in a shelter with the stigma of being a "biter."	Kristi was rescued from the same Las Vegas shelter as Gamble, but what we didn't know at the time was that she had been spayed at the shelter while suffering from kennel cough. After just a few days with us, Kristi developed a 106 degree fever. Diagnosis: pneumonia. Although we fought for many days and nights trying to save her, in the end we had to let her go and even then her tail was still wagging. We won't forget you, sweetheart. (Afternote: Shortly after Kristi was taken from the LV shelter, the shelter was taken over by the US Humane Society due to disease. All animals in the shelter were euthanized and the shelter closed. It has since reopened under what we can only hope are better conditions.)
Gamble was rescued from the Lied (Las Vegas) Shelter in July, 2006. He initially did well and was finally (after a month) ready for his neuter surgery. Unfortunately, the surgery turned out to be a disaster for Gamble and despite all efforts, he passed away four days later of an unknown blood coagulation problem. Our only consolation is that he did not die in that hell hole of a shelter, but with people who cared about and loved him.
Could you dump this beautiful face? If you are looking at this site, I doubt it. But this boy's family had no problem doing just that. Aspen was a 10 year old purebred white GSD who had been with his current family all of his life. The family "got tired of having him around" and brought him to their vet to be euthanized. A tech at the vet's office refused to let that happen and called our rescue for help. Unfortunately, Aspen took a very unexpected turn for the worse just before he was to be placed into his forever home and the determination was made to let him go to end his suffering. With his adoption pending, it's devastating for us to know that he never got to see his forever home. We do draw some comfort from the fact that he did not die with his uncaring family, but in a place where he was loved and well taken care of. Our thanks go out to Sara and the staff at Academy West for being there for Aspen and caring enough to do the best for him, and to Kate, who was willing to be Aspen's forever mom.
SHANE (aka SCHOEN) 1997 to March 15, 2008 Adopted as a senior in early April of 2007 by Gerry and Lynn, Shane led the life of a princess until her untimely death from hermangioscarcoma. No senior could have asked for a better home in her twilight years. She was a puppy at heart to the end...
CANDY DOB Unknown - June 4th, 2007 Candy, Candace, Sister, Sissy, Sister Matussa, Wolf Dog, My Beauty, My Girl, Miss Big Lips... My Sun, Moon and Stars. You took away my heartache when Bensen left and it is now replaced with the very loss of you. We tried so hard to teach you love, trust and what it's like to be in a real family. You brought us so much joy; seeing you come out of your shell. Seeing you go to the toy box for the first time and taking out a toy, learning to enjoy a soft couch, or skipping playfully in the yard. And what we wouldn't give to hear you harass the cats once more and make them scatter for cover. You were an angel and didn't deserve all that life dealt you. We are sorry that love alone couldn't save you from the cancer. We hope that our too-short time together made up for some of your previous suffering. We hope that you are finally in peace and free from any pain. Tearfully, we will bear the sorrow of your loss if it means that you are happy and healthy again. We love you, Sissy. You are my #1 Girl. Jeff & I wish to express deepest gratitude to Nancy & Bert at Southwest German Shepherd Rescue for bringing us together with our girl, Dermatologist Dr. Mitchell Song for controlling her allergies, Jeffrey & Karen Flocker for helping her mobility, Dr. Beth Dutton, Dr. Tracy Wight, Dr. Karen Claus, Dr. Marnie Duplissis and Oncologist Dr. Betsy Hershey. You all made a difference in her life and we are very appreciative. She was a very special girl.
Winston Foster Mom Betty never could resist a senior, and Winston was no exception. Deserted at a shelter by his owner, he lived the last months of his life receiving more love and attention than he had ever had. We'll miss you, Winston.
Cheyenne Adopted September 20, 2003 Cheyenne was surrendered by her owner in September of 2003 and adopted by the Johnson family. She died in her sleep on her favorite bed on July 5, 2008.	Lucy Adopted September 28, 2003 Lucy walked into a Peoria retirement home in early September 2003, where she was found (and hidden from management) by one of the caretakers. Happily, she was adopted by the Russell Family of Yuma. Lucy died in her sleep on August 10, 2008.
Claire and Conner were rescued from a Las Vegas high kill shelter in July 2006. She was soon adopted by her forever family -- Maggie, Hannah, Stephanie & JT. Claire died from complications of Valley Fever on August 17, 2008. She was taken from her family much too soon, but we take comfort in the fact that she lived the last years of her life doing what she loved best -- loving and protecting her family.
Bear (formerly George) came to our rescue in early June of 2007 from the Westside Shelter From Diane who picked him up at the shelter, to Pat the Dog Lady who gave him a temporary place to go, to Betty who offered him a foster home until he ultimately found his forever home with Jane, Bear touched us all. Good bye, Bear-Bear. We'll miss you.
TINSEL ... R.I.P.	BABY Baby was rescued by Sara out of the Tucson shelter in August of 2006. She was earmarked to come to Phoenix in search of her forever home, but Sara couldn't bear to part with her. On February 16, 2009, Sara helped Baby on her journey to Rainbow Bridge.
WOOZLE While probably not a German Shepherd of any color, Woozle was in good company...our condolences to her mom, Dorothy, and the remaining members of her pack--Rascal, Conner & Harley
MAXIMILIAN Maxx (formerly Elvis) came to us via the Arizona Humane Society in October 2008. Grossly overweight with edema in his rear legs, his future looked pretty bleak...that is until Arlene came into his life. She took Maxx on as her project, vowing to get him into shape and healthy--and she did. Maxx lost a lot of weight and the swelling almost disappeared. His future finally had turned around, until early May 2009, when Max wound up in the emergency clinic with what was finally diagnosed as a bleeding ulcer (xrays also revealed that Maxx had been SHOT--his body was riddled with buckshot). He was given 36 hours at most. But, Maxx rallied and was able to go on a family outing the following weekend to Potato Lake. According to Arlene, during the outing he was happy and full of energy and everyone thought that the worst was behind him. However, it was not to be. On May 12th, Maxx woke up and decided he had had enough. He passed quietly. "I didn't have him very long but he was loved like no other dog. I will miss him so much. Aspen and I are better for having met him. He will be forever etched in our memories and thoughts. Thanks for giving us the opportunity to spend some time with him. He was a gentle giant. Arlene Maxx on his last family outing
EUTHANIZED AT THE SHELTER Beth Beth was found in the Harbor Animal Care & Control Shelter in western Los Angeles. We agreed to take her and had transport in place when we were informed that Beth had been euthanized. We're not sure what happened as a rescue's name was on her and the shelter KNEW we had committed to taking her. According to a Coastal GS Rescue volunteer, who was helping us get Beth out of Harbor AC&C, her death was "basically an error...someone did not input [into the computer] that we were picking up. They had us as an interest but that was it. They euthed her when closed on Monday. We had just been there on Saturday...so sad. They said she stopped responding to flagyl and had very bad bloody diarrhea." So, a combination of events prevented Beth from coming to Phoenix in search of her forever home. We don't know that we could have helped her, but we feel cheated that we were not given the opportunity to try.

These wonderful dogs will never be forgotten -- some were forgotten by their owners, but never by us. We were proud to have had the opportunity to show you the love you all so richly deserved. In memory of Anna, Zane, Vincent, Apache, Alex, Bailey, Musket, Lilly, Yuma, Gamble, Kristi, Candy, Shane, King, Winston, Cheyenne, Lucy, Tinsel, Baby and Woozle, we remind you to HUG YOUR FOUR FOOTED FAMILY MEMBER(s), VACCINATE and:
	PLEASE SPAY OR NEUTER YOUR PET!!!
"People who let their dogs and cats have litters in order to show their children the 'miracle of birth' should come witness the 'miracle of death' performed in the back rooms of animal shelters all over the country."

 

Unlike most days at Rainbow Bridge, this day dawned cold and gray, damp as a swamp and as dismal as could be imagined. All of the recent arrivals had no idea what to think, as they had never experienced a day like this before. But the animals who had been waiting for their beloved people knew exactly what was going on and started to gather at the pathway leading to The Bridge to watch. It wasn't long before an elderly animal came into view, head hung low and tail dragging. The other animals, the ones who had been there for a while, knew what his story was right away, for they had seen this happen far too often. He approached slowly, obviously in great emotional pain, but with no sign of injury or illness. Unlike all of the other animals waiting at The Bridge, this animal had not been restored to youth and made healthy and vigorous again. As he walked toward The Bridge, he watched all of the other animals watching him. He knew he was out of place here and the sooner he could cross over, the happier he would be. But, alas, as he approached The Bridge, his way was barred by the appearance of an Angel who apologized, but told him that he would not be able to pass. Only those animals who were with their people could pass over Rainbow Bridge. With no place else to turn to, the elderly animal turned towards the fields before The Bridge and saw a group of other animals like himself, also elderly and infirm. They weren't playing, but rather simply lying on the green grass, forlornly staring out at the pathway leading to The Bridge. And so, he took his place among them, watching the pathway and waiting. One of the newest arrivals at The Bridge didn't understand what he had just witnessed and asked one of the animals that had been there for awhile to explain it to him. "You see, that poor animal was a rescue. He was turned in to rescue just as you see him now, an older animal with his fur graying and his eyes clouding. He never made it out of rescue and passed on with only the love of his rescuer to comfort him as he left his earthly existence. Because he had no family to give his love to, he has no one to escort him across The Bridge." The first animal thought about this for a minute and then asked, "So what will happen now?" As he was about to receive his answer, the clouds suddenly parted and the gloom lifted. Approaching The Bridge could be seen a single person, and among the older animals, a whole group was suddenly bathed in a golden light and they were all young and healthy again, just as they were in the prime of life. "Watch, and see," said the second animal. A second group of animals from those waiting came to the pathway and bowed low as the person neared. At each bowed head, the person offered a pat on the head or a scratch behind the ears. The newly restored animals fell into line and followed her towards The Bridge. They all crossed The Bridge together. "What happened?" "That was a rescuer. The animals you saw bowing in respect were those who found new homes because of her work. They will cross when their new families arrive. Those you saw restored were those who never found homes. When a rescuer arrives, they are allowed to perform one, final act of rescue. They are allowed to escort those poor animals that they couldn't place on earth across The Rainbow Bridge." "I think I like rescuers", said the first animal. "So does GOD", was the reply.


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