Companion Animal Rescue Effort: Memorials

My husband and I adopted a puppy from your organization on June 12, 1999. Patrick (originally called Spencer) was 12 weeks old and an Irish Wolfhound mix. He was a wonderful pet and we loved him tremendously, but he declined over the past six months and we euthanized him this morning. I am convinced he had a long and happy life with us, and he brought us unlimited joy. He was born Feb.24, 1999, so was 14 years and nearly 3 months old.

He was fostered by Chris Smythe, and if she is still part of your organization, you might want to let her know. She did a fabulous job with his early socialization and training, and we’d like to express our thanks.

Miriam Palm

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Ally came to CARE as skin and bones from the Humane Society. Eventually we figured out that her pancreas wasn't generating the enzyme necessary to digest food and a few months later it failed further making her diabetic. She got crushed tablets to supply the enzyme and insulin shots and kept going like the little champ she was.

She was a little character. When she wanted some lap time, I would hear "Uh" ... "Uh" from down on the floor. Usually she would be standing there with the toy o'day in her mouth, waiting to come up for a nap. When she was cold, she'd paw me until I covered her.

At CARE she loved to visit and was especially good at spotting the donut box - then using her squinty superpowers to make someone give her a taste. Since she didn't properly digest her food, she could have all she wanted! One day I was leaving CARE and put her in the car, with the door open since it was warm, and went back inside for something. Some minutes later we heard an odd noise.... It was Ally scratching at the glass front door. She had decided she had waited long enough and come to get me. Very funny little dog!

After two years of fostering her, and not much interest from adopters because of her special needs and age, I decided that no one would ever properly understand her "uh" and adopted her myself. She was an outstanding little dog and I loved her very much.

I'm sure she is now on a soft pillow somewhere in the sun, watching and commenting on the action, with her very own pink donut box which is always full of her favorites. Love you, Big Al!

JoAnn and other CARE fosters

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We loved Cleo. She was a great companion for our golden retriever, Jack, for 13 years. She was depressed when Jack died two years ago. She survived 3 episodes of cancer over the past 5 years. She was such a love. I often thought we should have named her scout as she loved to go ahead on our walks to see what was coming only to circle back to us to "show us the way".

She loved running with Matt during her early years. She loved Carmel beach with all the sand and ocean as long as we didn't separate ourselves from one another. It was so important to her to keep the "pack" together! This picture was taken at the Heritage Rose Garden in front of the "pink'a'boo" rose (which my grandchildren adopted in my honor). She enjoyed walking along the Guadalupe River walk!

We really miss her, but find comfort in the knowledge that she is not in pain. I still imagine her sitting under my feet when I sit at the computer. She crawled under the desk the minute I would sit here to work...

Pat Cox and Matt Holsinger

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Our Kacy

We were blessed to receive the wonderful gift of Kacy from C.A.R.E and Sue McGinness. After 13 great years our beloved Kacy has made her way to the Rainbow Bridge where she has met up with her beautiful and faithful sister Kaylyn and her devoted Grandma Ida where all three await us. Kacy was truly the happiest dog in the world. She is sorely missed each and every day. We want to thank C.A.R.E. and Sue for allowing and trusting us with Kacy. We were so very lucky and honored that we could be part of her life.

Love Doris & Kathy

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Reeses came to us as a young guinea pig when our daughter was between apartments and needed a spot to hold her for the weekend. I was fine with that. Reeses had been rescued from a Santa Barbara shelter and given as a gift to our daughter. Reeses was supposed to be a male. I took her to Dr. Welsh for a nail trim and exam and saw the twinkle in Dr. Welsh’s eye when she said she had some news for me. Reeses was actually a little girl! Well, Reeses became a permanent pet in our home. I upgraded her living quarters and she became our greeter for visitors at the front door. The CARE foster dogs and pups also got to meet her and were evaluated as to their prey drive. Occasionally, little Reeses was removed from the “greeting area” and put in a back bedroom for her safety from more prey-driven fosters, but spent most of her time greeting all visitors – canine and human - when they entered our home. We all miss our squeaker girl. I still can’t cut up veggies for a salad without saving a carrot or lettuce piece for her. I have way too much time in the morning before work because I don’t have to laugh at her happy dance before her breakfast treat and cage cleaning. What a surprise it was for us to have a sweet little piggie become such a huge part of the family. Little girl, we miss you so much! Thank you for blessing us with your happy dance and sweet personality. You are missed every day, little peanut butter butt.

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Honoring Jolie for all she has meant to our friends, Greg and Jim. She brought them much happiness and is sorely missed.

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A giant thanks to CARE's "Guardian Angel Kelly" for her very generous gift to CARE in memory of her beloved grandmother, Vonnie. Her generosity is so much appreciated and will help so many animals. We love you Kelly!

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Our dear sweet Teddi was found abandoned on some rocks on Trinidad beach. No one knows how she got up there, or if someone put her there, but she would have surely died if she hadn't been found by kind passers-by. They took Teddi to the local vet in McKinleyville who knew of the perfect couple for Teddi since they had recently lost their dog. That couple was my folks. Teddi joined their family in 1998 as a cute little bundle of joy. Not knowing her origins, people thought she wouldn't get very big. Teddi continued to grow. The little almost black bundle of energy grew into a long legged grey bundle of energy.......and love. Teddi came to find her way to live with us, and our doggie Kelly, in early 1999. My father's cancer was unstoppable and my mom was no longer able to care for Teddi. Teddi had grown into a medium sized, but incredibly strong dog.

Our daily, sometimes hourly, mantra when Teddi arrived was "Good thing Grandma loves you." Teddi was a high spirited, higher energy, and most definitely opinionated doggy. She knew what she wanted, how she wanted it, and what she did not like. She took the house by storm. She and Kelly, though they came to love one another, definitely had a challenging beginning.

Teddi loved her walks, or jogs if she could talk us into it. She loved to play ball and was the fastest dog we had ever seen. My husband could kick her tennis ball with all his might and she would always catch it before it reached the fence. Neither could you get a ball past her. Teddi hated being brushed to put it mildly. With the two dogs they always looked like Lady and the Tramp. Kelly always pretty and lady-like and Teddi, a rumpled mess leaving havoc in her wake. We used to joke that she was part terrier, part velcro, and part Tasmanian devil. She couldn't walk outside without a dozen leaves sticking to her fur. We always laughed how the house always had that outdoor look.

Teddi would defend her family ferociously. She took on a much larger dog one time when we were walking that came at me. With no thought for herself she stood her ground to a dog that towered over her. Thankfully we both made it out relatively unscathed. As gruff and grumpy as Teddi could be she was the most loving dog there was. She loved life and wasn't afraid to show it. When given large steak bones she would take hers outside and enjoy it for hours. When cold she would nuzzle my hand to wake me up so I could lift up the comforter for her to snuggle under - right between my husband and I where it was the warmest. She had her favorite blankie that had to be on the bed for her to sleep and she was always touching it if not using it for a pillow. Many nights after she had rumpled up the blankets and she finally settled down you could hear her "I am content" sigh. The deepest, truest, most relaxing sigh I have ever heard. I sure do miss it at night.

Sadly the beginning of this year out of the blue our Teddi had her first seizure. Other than a minor back injury she had always been a healthy dog. We were so scared as we rushed her to the vet. Most likely a brain tumor. Medication seemed to work miracles but only for a short time. The seizures began again 4 weeks later.......then two weeks later.......then every day. The increases in medicine weren't working and we could see Teddi's health, balance, and energy deteriorating a bit more each day. Our sweet doggie, who could fly like the wind, who loved to run, who loved life so much now had a hard time walking around the house. Sometimes she would get confused, lost in the house she had known all her life.

On April 29th after another stronger seizure we said goodbye to our beloved Teddi. Our house is so quiet, too quiet. No crazy barking fits, no sweet dream sighs .......no pitter patter of paws across the floor. But we are comforted to know she is with her sister, Kelly Belly and they are playing and running pain-free again.

Rebecca

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We adopted Kelly on September 8, 1998. We walked into CARE's adoption center and then it happened. I walked by Kelly's cage and it was love at first sight. She looked so sad, so scared and sooo sweet. We took her out of her cage and she never went back. We learned she was named Kelly because she was found as a stray in Kelly Park. We brought her home to surprise my daughter, Stephanie. Steph was gone for the weekend and we couldn't wait to see her face light up when she saw Kelly.

Kelly settled in to her new home life though she was very shy and skittish for a while. It was weeks before we heard her bark. We discovered her little personality traits and wondered where they came from. She was scared of spoons all her life. As much of a beggar dog she was she would not eat anything offered on a spoon or with a spoon in the bowl. She was a professional beggar and especially had her daddy wrapped around her paw. For most of her life she begged by sitting up and balancing with her tail. She would tap your leg with her paw if she felt she was being ignored.

Kelly loved her walks. She loved "popping" puffy dandelions. She would run up to them and bite at the cottony tops scattering them everywhere. She also loved playing with magnolia tree seed pods. She would pick them up by the stem end and carry them like a little cigar. After a block or two she would drop it and then walk a few feet. She would run back and pick it up, carry it for a while and repeat, over and over again along our walk.

We would always have to walk by the "lizard fence" which was a long sun-soaked stretch of chain link fence covered with a think growth of ivy. All the little neighborhood lizards hung out here. Kelly knew when we were approaching the fence. She would slow down and almost tippy toe along the ivy, slowly walking, listening, looking like the big hunter stalking her prey. "Shhhh......I'm hunting lizards" or "Here lizard, lizard, lizard" is what we would always say with a smile. Kelly would sneak up on any sunning lizards and dash after them if they dared to move. Thankfully all the little lizards were able to escape her supreme hunting skills.

Most of all Kelly Belly loved her family. She protected our house, warmed our hearts, comforted us when we were sad, and brought us such joy every day. She was our angel, our sweet soul, our dear sweet Kelly Belly.

Rebecca

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I adopted Venus (aka Venie Benie) from CARE in San Jose in March of 2002. She was a somewhat shy and hesitant little girl at the time. It is hard to believe more than 10 years have gone by. I can barely even imagine my life without Venus in it. Venus grew into a wonderful, sweet, hilarious and loyal dog...all 110 pounds of her. She loved walks, her stuffed toys and definitely her meals.

Venus was responsible for a friend of mine getting over her fear of dogs and adopting a rescue dog of her own. She really made her mark on the world.

We had to say goodbye to Venus yesterday.

Right now, our hearts feel broke, but they also feel so much richer for having Venus. Venus had many fans, including her companion dog Mars, who is also feeling the loss.

Thank you CARE for letting me have Venus: The best girl dog in the world. We are having that statement engraved on her memory box.

Robin and John

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Birdie was a loving companion of Barbara Norris for over 15 years. The Bird will be sadly missed.

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After 18+ yrs of life and 17 years with me, our wonderful dog-daughter, Banshee, passed away March 1, 2012. She was a gift in my life that I cherished every day, for that I have eternal gratitude. She was my Affinity business partner for years, walking and socializing so many dogs, she had such great purpose in this world and left it here a better place. Thank you C.A.R.E. for rescuing her from a deplorable home and giving her a 2nd chance at life, your efforts are so appreciated.

Charlotte T. Pearce

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It is with the heaviest hearts that we inform you about the loss of precious tiny Codee. One year ago, my tiny angel passed away tragically undergoing a medical procedure. Our hearts continue to break every day.  Codee was a teenee bundle of daily joy to my life, and came so very far in learning to finally trust. Every single day that I had her was a pleasure, how we loved to see that tiny face. Her blanket still sits at our bed. Many have tried to comfort, and some share statements that do not help and make it even harder. The fact is we never know how long we have our fur-angels with us, and what circumstance their beautiful spirits will choose to leave. As I blew into her lifeless, tiny face to assist her journey as I said goodbye, I found comfort knowing that she showed us often how happy she was here and that we gave her the absolute best life. My love for Codee is eternal.

Debra & Mark Goodman / San Jose, CA

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Maggie, having to say goodbye to you this morning was extremely difficult and so very sad but we both knew it was time to let you go so you could rest in peace. From the first moment I saw you I knew you would bring so much joy to our lives and I’m so grateful to C.A.R.E. for letting you and your brother Jiggs move into our home. You loved us unconditionally and spread that love all around our family, friends and everybody else you came in contact with. You were a very special ‘little lady’ and I will always carry your memories in my heart. Until we meet again

– Love, Judy, Jiggs and Rags

Well, here we go again. I just got back from Pets Friend Vet clinic - I had to have Jiggs put down. He has been slowing down a lot the last few weeks and yesterday he threw up a lot of slimy bile but seemed OK when I went to bed. This morning when I got up he had thrown up three times in the kitchen and once by the front door, he seemed very confused and he was holding his head at an angle so I think he might have had a stroke. Even though we know these days are inevitable, it never does get any easier. You will be missed, little guy, but I know how much you missed your sister Maggie so at least the two of you are together again. God Bless both of you.

– Love, Judy and Rags

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I was very blessed to have been your foster mom even if it was just for a short while. Your candle burned out long before it should have. I take comfort in knowing that your spirit is at Rainbow Bridge free from all the demons that haunt you. I will always remember you and your story will be passed on to others in your memory. You will always be loved and missed.

- Kathy

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Casis. It's almost impossible to say her name and not smile.

Recently, we had to say goodbye to our beloved Casis. She has been by our side for 13+ years and has always been a trooper. We've logged hundreds of miles together on foot, skis, and snowshoe. She loved the mountains, she loved the beach, she loved children and most of all she loved life.  She was always up for an adventure and always made us laugh. She was as unique as they come.

Sadly though, her hips just weren't up for the challenge any more. The last few days had been hard on her. We struggled with our decision, but in the end we had to do what was right for her.

She passed peacefully with Kristin and I in the room with her. We feel blessed to have been able to spend so much time with her.

Goodbye, Casis. We will miss you. Thank you for all that you have given us. You were truly a gift.

-Steve Kaylor

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Nick was a handsome, stately, and generous companion of 16 years who loved his humans.

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When we adopted him, we discovered that he had severe separation anxiety, and we hired a trainer to work with us. We never made any progress on limiting that, and we finally decided that he would be with one or both of us at any given time. throughout his life. We loved him that much.

We were lucky to be able to manage that. Phil had him at work with him every day, all day, and on any errands Misha rode shotgun in Phil’s truck. I was retired and kept him in the house with me whenever it was too hot for him at the “un-airconditioned” shop. He went on daily 45-minute walks at 6:15 a.m. and at 6:00 p.m. He also played daily at Lincoln Glen Park.

Misha had a great life. He loved going to the beach (a Samoyed at the beach?!). It was a sniffer’s paradise for any breed of dog. All that kelp washed up on the shore was extremely interesting.  And he loved chasing the birds. The water and sand on his feet, not so much. But we dealt with that mess, more our problem than his.

He also visited our favorite vacation place, the North Coast Redwoods, on several occasions. We were ”bad people,” and took him (on the leash) on several Redwood trails where dogs weren’t allowed. I have some lovely photos of him, with his gleaming white fur, in the middle of the ferns and the trees of the Redwood forest. He never peed or pooped there, (if he pooped, we picked it up), so I’m hoping he didn’t disturb the wildlife much.

Misha didn’t play well with other dogs. I chalk that up to a lack of early socialization before we adopted him. But he was unfailingly gentle and loving with every human person he ever met, especially small children.  I was amazed at how many parents would let their toddlers come up to him and pet him, without asking, and I  kept him on a very tight leash when kids wanted to touch him, but he was always sweet and loving with children.

He had a “girlfriend” named Zoe. She is a beautiful young Husky. Every time she saw Misha at the park, she let out a long wolf howl. Then she would run to him and lick his face and dance around him. Her owner said she never did that with any other dog. It looked like she was greeting a long-lost friend, although we’re not sure exactly what dog behavior means.  

So, thanks, again, for taking such good care of our boy over the years. We miss him desperately, but know he’s in a good place and that we’ll heal in time.

Blessings to you in the work you do, 

Suzanne and Phil Radford

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When I first saw Casey on CARE's website, I fell in love him right away ... when I spoke to Kathy Vossler, she stated that many were interested in Casey but when they found out he was old and had heart problems, they walked away. How sad for them! If you are a dog lover, you know that when they get older, they need a lot of care. That's where the love really comes in. Pet care can be very expensive, and it can be hard, but that's when they really need your love and caring. (Unconditional love).

Casey was a real sweet heart, an old fart with an attitude, but very loyal and loving. Every day, he would lay beside my office chair while I worked, followed me every where I went, enjoyed running on 2.5 acres of fenced in land with his siblings [Pepper (Bichon), Baily (Poodle), and Princess (Cocker)], and claimed his space on the couch as his own. I can't tell you how much joy he brought to me in the short 18 months that I had him. But I know that he was treated better in those months than he had been in his whole life. I miss his presence and company already........

If you have the room in your heart, and space in your home - do your part, save and love an animal that needs you.

Sam Mills

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My dog's name is Riga (her CARE name was Sally), and I adopted her from you in March, 1994. She died December 26, 2009. Thanks for allowing me to adopt this wonderful dog who brought joy (and consternation) to our home. We miss our wonderful friend.

Thanks for all that you do for the animals.

Sherry Frahm

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It is with such a heavy heart and incredible sadness that we said goodbye today. We were not able to watch you suffer any longer. It’s only because we loved you so very much that we could let you go. You were the perfect dog and beloved companion and you have left a huge hole in our hearts & our home. You were loved by everyone. I’ve never known that one big yeller dog could have such a fan club. You never met a stranger. How blessed we were to have you as part of our lives as well as the lives of many a foster dog, friends, family & neighbors.

Woo Woo Woo …..COOP DOG!

We will love you forever and hold you in our hearts until we meet again …………

Love, Sue, Steve, Keebler & Crockett

Thanks to Gayla Cerulli, Linda English, David Wasserman & Chris Hamilton, Joan Taylor, and Patti Raso for their generous donations in memory of Cooper.

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Little Hamlet crossed over the rainbow bridge on July 15th after losing his fight against the parvo virus. He was only two months old. He and eight littermates were turned into the shelter and unfortunately were exposed to parvo while they were there. When we pulled them from the shelter, we had no idea of what was to come. Parvo is a deadly, highly-contagious virus that attacks puppies and unvaccinated animals. Despite all of the efforts of the vets and emergency staff, seven of the nine puppies have been affected and three have died.

Hamlet ..... may your little soul rest in peace. How very sad that you never got to have a lifelong family of your own. My heart is heavy with sadness in having lost you, but there is some comfort knowing that you are no longer suffering. I know that you were greeted with open paws by some very special canine family friends that have passed before you. Love, Sue

Thanks to Suzy & Gerald Freeny, Joan Taylor, Linda English, Christie Wieland, and Patti Raso for their generous donations towards the care of these puppies.

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Foster mom Suzanne: Dobbins was rescued from a horrible situation as a young pup.  He was traumatized from his experience and entered my home as a very frightened little guy.  He spent about a month recovering his health and spirit before being placed with a family who came to love him as much as I did.  I was very saddened to receive the following:

Dear Suzanne, it is with great sadness that I write to tell you about the loss of our wonderful dog, Dobbie.  4 years ago you fostered Dobbie (Dobbins) after he was found in a dumpster off I-5.  Dobbie was a very sweet dog, initially very tentative about new things and people after his horrible first 4 months of life, but I'm happy to say he had a wonderful 4 years of life after that.  He became much more relaxed and enjoyed his walks, people, and life. Dobbie was a very much loved member of our family.  He was recognized as a very special dog by all those he came into contact with.  We thank you so much for being there for him in his time of need and offering us the opportunity to know this wonderful animal.

Sincerely, Jim, Claire, Drew, and Cori

Rest in peace, little Dobbie.

Suzanne (CARE foster mom)

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In honor of the sweetest little dog that ever touched my life :-)
Sasha Petrola
I love you Sasha Bear!
Mommy

I used to carry her like a mother would an infant, and in front of the mirror, I would ask, "Who's the most beautiful little baby girl in the world? Sasha Bear! Who loves mommy? Sasha Bear! Who loves Sashi? Mommy!" She was really beautiful inside and out. Two nights before she went away, I carried her in front of the bathroom mirror and asked her the same old questions. What touched me deeply was that she leaned and rested her head on my chest, then looked up at me as if to tell me she knows, she understands and that she loves me too.

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A donation was made to CARE by Lisa Golden in honor of Heidi.

Heidi was completely devoted to me, and I to her. The love you get from a pet is just different from any other kind of love; there is nothing like it. I miss her so very much.

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Peanut, constant companion and best friend of Pegi Allen

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This donation to CARE is in memory of my best buddy, Rosie; she was a gift and worth far more to me than I could ever give back. We had only 9 years together; it wasn't nearly enough.

Despite some tough times with Rosie's various health issues, together we did a long list of active "dog stuff" and had all the "Mom and Me" adventures that I could come up with. She traveled in the passenger seat of the motorhome and we played ball in countless rivers and lakes all over the country.

Rosie brought me so much joy and laughter over those 9 years, and her passing has left a very large hole in my life. As time goes on, I hope to be able to at least partly fill the emptiness with memories of the good times we had and the places we went, near and far. And, wherever her spirit is now, I hope there's a river and a ball there, too.

Joan T.

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The employees of MRI made a donation to CARE in honor of Cleo, beloved companion of Elisha H.

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A donation was made to CARE by Christine Smythe in loving memory of her son Daniel and his dog Jr., who have rejoined each other on the other side.

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