Memorials

Tributes made in honor of the humans and animals we have loved and lost. If you would also like to make a donation in memory of, please visit our donations page. It is not necessary to make a donation to post your tribute.

Birdie

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

Banshee Mae

November 1993 – March 1, 2012

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

Codee

June 1, 2006 – April 26, 2010

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

Maggie

Adopted: October 4, 2000 – Passed away: August 21, 2011

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.

Judy, Jiggs and Rags

Jiggs

Adopted: October 4, 2000 – Passed away: November 29, 2011

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.

Judy and Rags

Henny

March 6, 2010 – August 9, 2011

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

Casis

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

Nick

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

Misha Radford

Adopted: 1998 – Passed away: June 22, 2010

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

Casey

Adopted: November, 2009 – Passed away: January 10, 2011

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

Riga

Adopted: March, 1994 – Passed away: December 26, 2009

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

Cooper

Adopted: January 24, 2001 – Passed away: December 7, 2010

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 …………

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

Love,

Sue, Steve, Keebler & Crockett

Hamlet

Adopted: May 5, 2010 – Passed away: July 15, 2010

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.

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

Love, Sue

Dobbie

2010

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 (C.A.R.E. foster mom)

Sasha

January 1, 2000 – September 14, 2009

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.

Heidi

1992 – 2009

A donation was made to CARE 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.

Lisa Golden

Peanut

August 1995 – June 2009

Peanut, constant companion and best friend of Pegi Allen

Rosie

May 1, 2000 – June 6, 2009

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.

Cleo

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

Daniel and his dog Jr.

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.