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| Hope Rescues' "In Memory" Page |
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| The Rainbow Bridge |
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.
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....
Author unknown...
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....
Author unknown...
Lisa, one of Hope Rescues' volunteers and a very dear
friend lost her cat "Chester"of 17 years... Bless
Chester on his way to the "Rainbow Bridge"
I had Chester for 17 joyful years. His last year wasn’t so
joyful, as he battled hyperthyroidism and a possible
mass on his liver. I did all I could for him as he went
from 19 pounds down to 4.4 on his last day. His
memory will forever be in my heart and I miss him
dearly.....one day my hope is that we will meet again.
friend lost her cat "Chester"of 17 years... Bless
Chester on his way to the "Rainbow Bridge"
I had Chester for 17 joyful years. His last year wasn’t so
joyful, as he battled hyperthyroidism and a possible
mass on his liver. I did all I could for him as he went
from 19 pounds down to 4.4 on his last day. His
memory will forever be in my heart and I miss him
dearly.....one day my hope is that we will meet again.
Shelby - Passed away from a respiratory
infection shortly after she arrived. She was never
given the chance to find her "Forever Home".
"Bless her on her way to the Rainbow Bridge".
infection shortly after she arrived. She was never
given the chance to find her "Forever Home".
"Bless her on her way to the Rainbow Bridge".
| Lacey Jane's Brothers and Sisters. Click here to read their story |
Maggie May Spiker. Born 1991. Our Maggie May went to the
rainbow bridge on August 8,2006 to wait for us.
She was a member of the dance for treat team at dinner time.
She was President of the meet and greet at the front door to
welcome all our guests. She will be sadly missed by all who
knew her. She is survived by her fellow four legged family
members TommyGirl, CK, Dexter, Kelly, Buster, and Lacey Jane.
She will be laid to rest at the LaBest Cemetery at 4933 Indian
Hills Road.
rainbow bridge on August 8,2006 to wait for us.
She was a member of the dance for treat team at dinner time.
She was President of the meet and greet at the front door to
welcome all our guests. She will be sadly missed by all who
knew her. She is survived by her fellow four legged family
members TommyGirl, CK, Dexter, Kelly, Buster, and Lacey Jane.
She will be laid to rest at the LaBest Cemetery at 4933 Indian
Hills Road.
Our friend Ann desperately wanted
to save these babies but it was not
to be. The entire litter of eight
puppies passed away from K-9
Herpes.
Light a candle to help them find
their way to the rainbow bridge.
to save these babies but it was not
to be. The entire litter of eight
puppies passed away from K-9
Herpes.
Light a candle to help them find
their way to the rainbow bridge.
| 5 sweet puppies. Born December 19, 2005 with ecoli poisoning from the waters of Katrina. Bless you all. Rest in peace little angels until we come to carry you across that bridge... |
Boxer Zeffert went to the rainbow bridge to wait
for his beloved family on November 18,2006.
He was Ann's walking partner.
Bob's buddy.
And Sarah's best friend from childhood.
Boxer will be missed by everyone who ever met
him.
for his beloved family on November 18,2006.
He was Ann's walking partner.
Bob's buddy.
And Sarah's best friend from childhood.
Boxer will be missed by everyone who ever met
him.
12/19/2005
| 5 Precious Angels |
Rosebud was a throw away dog, a dog with no chance
to start with because of her breed. She was listed as
a pit mix which meant she could not be adopted out of
animal control. She went straight to the back room,
the room where the dogs that are next to die go, the
room next to the gas chamber.
When we walked in that room and saw her and her
sister wagging their tails and coming up to the gate to
greet us they touched out hearts. We begged animal
control to allow us to rescue them and give them a
chance. They agreed to do so even though allowing
them to leave alive was not their policy. Rosebud was
sweet and kind to people, even though she had not
been treated that way herself. She was gentle and
loving and looked up to us for help.
to start with because of her breed. She was listed as
a pit mix which meant she could not be adopted out of
animal control. She went straight to the back room,
the room where the dogs that are next to die go, the
room next to the gas chamber.
When we walked in that room and saw her and her
sister wagging their tails and coming up to the gate to
greet us they touched out hearts. We begged animal
control to allow us to rescue them and give them a
chance. They agreed to do so even though allowing
them to leave alive was not their policy. Rosebud was
sweet and kind to people, even though she had not
been treated that way herself. She was gentle and
loving and looked up to us for help.
Petey was rescued from the gas chamber by Ann Gardner, a
dear friend of Hope Rescues and countless animals hoping for
a second chance.
This big beautiful boy never had the chance to find his "forever
home", but he was cared for very much and his smile will live on
through the sun that shines in the springtime and the stars that
shine in a summers night.
Thank you Petey for that smile...
dear friend of Hope Rescues and countless animals hoping for
a second chance.
This big beautiful boy never had the chance to find his "forever
home", but he was cared for very much and his smile will live on
through the sun that shines in the springtime and the stars that
shine in a summers night.
Thank you Petey for that smile...
This is Sampson, and though you may have never met
him, please try to never forget him. He was a gentle soul
who once had a family and kids to play with each day.
But his family could no longer care for him so they took
him to Animal Control. How hard that must have been for
him.
Sampson was only a year old and had so much love to
give. But a new home never came and he left this world
lonely and confused.
Please remember Sampson always, for he symbolizes
the reasons why we are here. For every pet we rescue
we know that somewhere others perish.
Make you way to the Rainbow Bridge Sampson and
when we come, we will help you cross. Never to be alone
again.
And though we never met you.... We do Love You.
him, please try to never forget him. He was a gentle soul
who once had a family and kids to play with each day.
But his family could no longer care for him so they took
him to Animal Control. How hard that must have been for
him.
Sampson was only a year old and had so much love to
give. But a new home never came and he left this world
lonely and confused.
Please remember Sampson always, for he symbolizes
the reasons why we are here. For every pet we rescue
we know that somewhere others perish.
Make you way to the Rainbow Bridge Sampson and
when we come, we will help you cross. Never to be alone
again.
And though we never met you.... We do Love You.
Sonny was rescued with his sister Cher from Mount
Vernon animal control. Sonny had a wonderful home
waiting for him and his sister.
However this furry little teddy bear did not get the
chance to go home for he passed 2/23/2007 at our
vet's office.
Though he was with us only a few days we loved him,
and hoped very much to give him a better life.
But that was not to be...
Today it rained here and it started as he passed
perhaps it was the angels crying with us.
Vernon animal control. Sonny had a wonderful home
waiting for him and his sister.
However this furry little teddy bear did not get the
chance to go home for he passed 2/23/2007 at our
vet's office.
Though he was with us only a few days we loved him,
and hoped very much to give him a better life.
But that was not to be...
Today it rained here and it started as he passed
perhaps it was the angels crying with us.
| Sonny |
Peter Pan was born on January 1,2007 and for the first
eight weeks of his life he lived in our home with his
brother and sisters. We played with his feet, his ears,
and rubbed his belly. He gave us lots of puppy kisses in
return. He was sensitive and sweet,and we loved him
very much.
He was a gift, a living breathing gift and we wanted the
very best for him and his siblings.
On March 2, 2007 we called his new family to check on
him. We were told that he hadn't eaten in two days.
Two days? If you have a puppy please heed this
warning, if your puppy misses even one meal get him to
the vet.
Peter was rushed to us so that we could take him to the
vet. He was behind the eight ball to begin with having
not eaten for two days.
Tuesday March 6, 2007 at 1:37pm our Peter Pan
Passed away.
Believe us when we say that there are no words that can
express our sorrow at the loss of this little man.
He deserved more than 10 weeks and a day to live...
He was a gift, a living breathing gift.
We will miss you Peter Pan,
Kim,Jackie, and Kendra. Abby,Lilo,Stitch,Ariel,
Minnie,Daisy,Cinderella and Mulan
eight weeks of his life he lived in our home with his
brother and sisters. We played with his feet, his ears,
and rubbed his belly. He gave us lots of puppy kisses in
return. He was sensitive and sweet,and we loved him
very much.
He was a gift, a living breathing gift and we wanted the
very best for him and his siblings.
On March 2, 2007 we called his new family to check on
him. We were told that he hadn't eaten in two days.
Two days? If you have a puppy please heed this
warning, if your puppy misses even one meal get him to
the vet.
Peter was rushed to us so that we could take him to the
vet. He was behind the eight ball to begin with having
not eaten for two days.
Tuesday March 6, 2007 at 1:37pm our Peter Pan
Passed away.
Believe us when we say that there are no words that can
express our sorrow at the loss of this little man.
He deserved more than 10 weeks and a day to live...
He was a gift, a living breathing gift.
We will miss you Peter Pan,
Kim,Jackie, and Kendra. Abby,Lilo,Stitch,Ariel,
Minnie,Daisy,Cinderella and Mulan
| In memory of our "Peter Pan" |
| Peter Pan was cremated and brought home to Hope Rescues. We never want him to be alone. |
| Shelby |
On September 4, 2006 one of our homeless pets,
Mackenzie, lost her battle with heart worms. She was
rescued in January 2006 in St. Bernard Parish in LA.
When she arrived at Hope Rescues she was given a full
checkup and as many of the pets abandoned there, she did
test positive for heart worms, a gallop in her heart beat,
and a murmur. She was immediately started on therapy but
unlike dogs.. There is no real treatment for felines. She
was doing very well on her therapy, she would greet
anyone who came into the Kitty Room and had a
thunderous purr but the battle was too much.
Mackenzie, you will be greatly missed. Your rescue mate
Manhattan still looks for you while he waits for his “Forever
Home”. She will be laid to rest at the LaBest Cemetery at
4933 Indian Hills Road next to Maggie May.
Mackenzie, lost her battle with heart worms. She was
rescued in January 2006 in St. Bernard Parish in LA.
When she arrived at Hope Rescues she was given a full
checkup and as many of the pets abandoned there, she did
test positive for heart worms, a gallop in her heart beat,
and a murmur. She was immediately started on therapy but
unlike dogs.. There is no real treatment for felines. She
was doing very well on her therapy, she would greet
anyone who came into the Kitty Room and had a
thunderous purr but the battle was too much.
Mackenzie, you will be greatly missed. Your rescue mate
Manhattan still looks for you while he waits for his “Forever
Home”. She will be laid to rest at the LaBest Cemetery at
4933 Indian Hills Road next to Maggie May.
| Mackenzie |
| Our Little Maggie May |
| Boxer |
| Rosebud |
| Sampson |
| Petey |
| Our "friend" Poppy has gone to the rainbow bridge. |
Poppy and her sister Polly were rescued from Mount
Vernon Animal Control where they were scheduled for
death. The King family met Poppy at Petco and soon
made her a family member.
On Easter Sunday while Poppy was out for her walk she
was attached by a loose dog. Her family did all they could
to get her to safety but the big dog proved more powerful
than they. She was rushed to the Animal Emergency
Center where it was discovered that she would not be able
to survive her injuries.
She passed away shortly thereafter. We grieve for her
and for the King Family.
Please light a candle to help Poppy find her way to the
rainbow bridge.
People who allow their pets to roam free should be
punished for the damage their pet does while running free.
Poppy was a happy, playful girl, who only wanted to be
loved.
Goodbye babygirl,
Polly, The king family, and Hope Rescues.
Vernon Animal Control where they were scheduled for
death. The King family met Poppy at Petco and soon
made her a family member.
On Easter Sunday while Poppy was out for her walk she
was attached by a loose dog. Her family did all they could
to get her to safety but the big dog proved more powerful
than they. She was rushed to the Animal Emergency
Center where it was discovered that she would not be able
to survive her injuries.
She passed away shortly thereafter. We grieve for her
and for the King Family.
Please light a candle to help Poppy find her way to the
rainbow bridge.
People who allow their pets to roam free should be
punished for the damage their pet does while running free.
Poppy was a happy, playful girl, who only wanted to be
loved.
Goodbye babygirl,
Polly, The king family, and Hope Rescues.
Gonzo went to the Rainbow Bridge on July 31, 2006.
On December 31, 2005, he was diagnosed w/
congestive heart failure. By treating him w/ Lasix and
visiting our vet often, we enjoyed 7 more wonderful
months with our boy. Gonzo was 14 yrs old. When we
rescued him, Gonzo was laying upside down in a turn
lane with blood
coming out his nose. We took him to the Animal
Emergency Clinic here in Springfield, IL. They did
x-rays and everything was OK and gave us an antibiotic
for him and would not charge us because we were such
good samaritans. Gonzo was so sweet, we didn't have
the heart to give him away and he has touched the heart
of so many people. The same night we found him, we
were on our way back from choosing which yellow lab
puppy we wanted in Dawson, IL. So, we ended up w/ 2
dogs in September 1995.
Our yellow lab, Cassey (12 yr old), was so lonely w/o
Gonzo, as well as ourselves, we decided to start
looking for another dog. We found Hope Rescue's
sight...we have adopted 2 dogs from them, Tootsi in
August 2006, and Cinnamon in November 2006. The
dogs are wonderful. I can't THANK Hope Rescues
enough for all they do every day to save an animals life
and for allowing us the opportunity to adopt 2 of their
dogs.
On December 31, 2005, he was diagnosed w/
congestive heart failure. By treating him w/ Lasix and
visiting our vet often, we enjoyed 7 more wonderful
months with our boy. Gonzo was 14 yrs old. When we
rescued him, Gonzo was laying upside down in a turn
lane with blood
coming out his nose. We took him to the Animal
Emergency Clinic here in Springfield, IL. They did
x-rays and everything was OK and gave us an antibiotic
for him and would not charge us because we were such
good samaritans. Gonzo was so sweet, we didn't have
the heart to give him away and he has touched the heart
of so many people. The same night we found him, we
were on our way back from choosing which yellow lab
puppy we wanted in Dawson, IL. So, we ended up w/ 2
dogs in September 1995.
Our yellow lab, Cassey (12 yr old), was so lonely w/o
Gonzo, as well as ourselves, we decided to start
looking for another dog. We found Hope Rescue's
sight...we have adopted 2 dogs from them, Tootsi in
August 2006, and Cinnamon in November 2006. The
dogs are wonderful. I can't THANK Hope Rescues
enough for all they do every day to save an animals life
and for allowing us the opportunity to adopt 2 of their
dogs.
Gonzo
Today we lost a good friend
Casanova came to us on November 17th, 2005 as
Junkyard.
He was heartworm positive, 7 years old, and huge.
This was no junkyard dog though, this was just a large
teddy bear. We gave him a new name, dressed him up all
the time and he never complained once. He donated blood
to save other dogs while he waited for his chance at a
home. It must have been hard on him to watch all the young
dogs get adopted while he sat perfectly well behaved in his
kennel. His time did finally come when Jerry Ellis, a retired
gentleman came looking for a mellow dog to hang out with.
Casanova came to us on November 17th, 2005 as
Junkyard.
He was heartworm positive, 7 years old, and huge.
This was no junkyard dog though, this was just a large
teddy bear. We gave him a new name, dressed him up all
the time and he never complained once. He donated blood
to save other dogs while he waited for his chance at a
home. It must have been hard on him to watch all the young
dogs get adopted while he sat perfectly well behaved in his
kennel. His time did finally come when Jerry Ellis, a retired
gentleman came looking for a mellow dog to hang out with.
| Casanova |
| Chester |
Indian legend says: "When a human dies there is a bridge they must cross to enter
into Heaven. At the head of that bridge waits every animal that human
encountered during their lifetime. The animals, based on what they know of this
person, decides which humans may cross the bridge...and which are turned away."
into Heaven. At the head of that bridge waits every animal that human
encountered during their lifetime. The animals, based on what they know of this
person, decides which humans may cross the bridge...and which are turned away."
| Grace Kelly 11/10/2007 - 11/30/2007 |
| Woody Allen 11/10/2007 - 1-8-2008 |
Before you were born your mommy was left,
By a cold blooded fool with no heart in his chest.
In animal control your took your first breath,
The first sound you heard was of misery and death.
We remember the day we saw you there,
With no one to hold you, no one to care.
When we picked you up you screamed in fear,
Is this your last day? Is your death near?
You looked quite surprised as we carried you out,
Wagging your tails, and looking all about.
We tucked you in to your new little place,
We bid you goodnight, then kissed your face.
The next day we woke, to find you in pain,
With every breath we felt you strain.
That cold room where your life had begun,
Had rattled your chest and filled your lungs.
To the doctor you were all rushed,
Our hearts racing, our hopes crushed.
10 little souls, on the verge of rescue,
10 little souls, what do we do?
For 20 days, and 19 nights,
We stayed the course, fighting the fight.
For one little soul a second chance ended there,
But a will to live still filled the air.
So onward we pushed doing our best,
Little did we know this was the smaller of tests.
9 little souls were spared and kept,
Still for the one our hearts they wept.
In no time at all they all had their chance,
To find love, live, and dance.
Tragedy was yet to come,
And one by one it all came undone.
The grim reaper came to visit one day,
Our 9 little souls he hoped to take away.
To be continued....
Hope Rescues
By a cold blooded fool with no heart in his chest.
In animal control your took your first breath,
The first sound you heard was of misery and death.
We remember the day we saw you there,
With no one to hold you, no one to care.
When we picked you up you screamed in fear,
Is this your last day? Is your death near?
You looked quite surprised as we carried you out,
Wagging your tails, and looking all about.
We tucked you in to your new little place,
We bid you goodnight, then kissed your face.
The next day we woke, to find you in pain,
With every breath we felt you strain.
That cold room where your life had begun,
Had rattled your chest and filled your lungs.
To the doctor you were all rushed,
Our hearts racing, our hopes crushed.
10 little souls, on the verge of rescue,
10 little souls, what do we do?
For 20 days, and 19 nights,
We stayed the course, fighting the fight.
For one little soul a second chance ended there,
But a will to live still filled the air.
So onward we pushed doing our best,
Little did we know this was the smaller of tests.
9 little souls were spared and kept,
Still for the one our hearts they wept.
In no time at all they all had their chance,
To find love, live, and dance.
Tragedy was yet to come,
And one by one it all came undone.
The grim reaper came to visit one day,
Our 9 little souls he hoped to take away.
To be continued....
Hope Rescues
| Nine little souls |
We miss that crazy little girl so much. We loved her madly. She was an undeniably odd dog that
made people fall in love with her BECAUSE of her considerable quirkiness rather than despite it.
She was such a tickle... such an odd-bird... so unabashedly "Cass", that she simply left you no
other choice but to fall head over heels in love with her and celebrate her for exactly who she was.
Cass adored my son Austin, and the feeling was mutual. He was the first person she bonded with
when she came here. I think she found him less threatening than adults. He loves to cuddle with
the animals, and Cass loved to be hugged and spooned and kissed all over the face. That girl
was always up for a full-on love fest, and Austin was always ready to serve one up. He misses her
a lot too.
I learned more from that dog than I have from a lot of the people in my life. And she didn't just
teach me about dogs, she taught me about so much more. On one of her last nights, I was lying
with her and talking with her about how much she taught me. At the time, I told her that I guessed
the last thing she had left to teach me was always the hardest thing of all...knowing when to let go.
I was wrong. It wasn't the last or the hardest thing. The hardest, I'm finding, is learning how to let
go. I'm finding that it wasn’t the last thing she had to teach me either. The more I contemplate “all
that was Cass”, I’m realizing that if I'll pay attention, she’ll continue to teach me lessons for a long
time to come.
Hunter grabbed my heart the first time I saw him, but I wasn't able to sponsor until now. If ya don't
mind, I'd like to have him either sponsored by Austin Rees, or In Honor of Cass. She truly was a
dandy.
Thanks everso,
Kath
made people fall in love with her BECAUSE of her considerable quirkiness rather than despite it.
She was such a tickle... such an odd-bird... so unabashedly "Cass", that she simply left you no
other choice but to fall head over heels in love with her and celebrate her for exactly who she was.
Cass adored my son Austin, and the feeling was mutual. He was the first person she bonded with
when she came here. I think she found him less threatening than adults. He loves to cuddle with
the animals, and Cass loved to be hugged and spooned and kissed all over the face. That girl
was always up for a full-on love fest, and Austin was always ready to serve one up. He misses her
a lot too.
I learned more from that dog than I have from a lot of the people in my life. And she didn't just
teach me about dogs, she taught me about so much more. On one of her last nights, I was lying
with her and talking with her about how much she taught me. At the time, I told her that I guessed
the last thing she had left to teach me was always the hardest thing of all...knowing when to let go.
I was wrong. It wasn't the last or the hardest thing. The hardest, I'm finding, is learning how to let
go. I'm finding that it wasn’t the last thing she had to teach me either. The more I contemplate “all
that was Cass”, I’m realizing that if I'll pay attention, she’ll continue to teach me lessons for a long
time to come.
Hunter grabbed my heart the first time I saw him, but I wasn't able to sponsor until now. If ya don't
mind, I'd like to have him either sponsored by Austin Rees, or In Honor of Cass. She truly was a
dandy.
Thanks everso,
Kath
Cass was only 6 years old when cancer claimed her too soon. I try to find solace in the life she led
once she joined our family. She was 2 years old when she was pulled from the pound. She'd been
dumped there because she was too timid to hunt coyotes. It seems that some hunters think of
dogs strictly as equipment, rather like a shotgun shell. If it's a dud, toss it. Until you know it's worth
to you, keep it stored in it's box. To be sure, Cass had very little socialization. I suspect she knew
very little, if any, love in her first two years. When we'd had her a year, I told myself that she'd known
love for at least a third of her life. After 2 years, I celebrated that at least she'd known it for half.
When 3 years had come and gone, I found comfort in realizing she'd known love for longer than she
hadn't. By the 4th year, I hoped that she didn't remember what it was like to live without it.
once she joined our family. She was 2 years old when she was pulled from the pound. She'd been
dumped there because she was too timid to hunt coyotes. It seems that some hunters think of
dogs strictly as equipment, rather like a shotgun shell. If it's a dud, toss it. Until you know it's worth
to you, keep it stored in it's box. To be sure, Cass had very little socialization. I suspect she knew
very little, if any, love in her first two years. When we'd had her a year, I told myself that she'd known
love for at least a third of her life. After 2 years, I celebrated that at least she'd known it for half.
When 3 years had come and gone, I found comfort in realizing she'd known love for longer than she
hadn't. By the 4th year, I hoped that she didn't remember what it was like to live without it.
Farewell Cass....
| Chevy Chase 11/10/2007 - 1-11-2008 |
Cass
Our Beloved TommyGirl
Marie Spiker
Marie Spiker
Born October 10, 1998 to Golden Mercedes and Sir
Randolph. At eight weeks old she came to live with
Jackie and her name would be TommyGirl, for she was a
tomboy at heart, yet a stunningly beautiful girl to look at.
For nine wonderful years Tommy played with her tennis
balls, of which she must have had thousands over her
lifetime. Even as she became less mobile from arthritis
she would always try to temp you to throw that ball
anyway. Those sweet brown eyes were hard to resist.
On the days when things were bad, she would come lay
her head on your shoulder to console you. On the days
when things were good she would run around begging
for a car ride to nowhere, just a ride anywhere would be
great for her.
On her last day we gave her both, her favorite ball, and a
last car ride. She smiled the entire drive.
She passed away in our arms on March 27,2008 at 4:12
pm. She left this world with her tennis ball right next to
her, for that was how it should be.
Though we have several pets, our home suddenly feels
empty. We put all her tennis balls away for now, though I
often pull one out to sniff myself so that I can smell her
one more time.
Our decision to not allow her to suffer just because we
were not ready to let her go was the hardest we have
ever made. It took everything from us emotionally just to
face the truth that she was dying.
Hemangiosarcoma (cancer of the blood vessels) took
her life.
More than words Tommy, we love you more than words.
Randolph. At eight weeks old she came to live with
Jackie and her name would be TommyGirl, for she was a
tomboy at heart, yet a stunningly beautiful girl to look at.
For nine wonderful years Tommy played with her tennis
balls, of which she must have had thousands over her
lifetime. Even as she became less mobile from arthritis
she would always try to temp you to throw that ball
anyway. Those sweet brown eyes were hard to resist.
On the days when things were bad, she would come lay
her head on your shoulder to console you. On the days
when things were good she would run around begging
for a car ride to nowhere, just a ride anywhere would be
great for her.
On her last day we gave her both, her favorite ball, and a
last car ride. She smiled the entire drive.
She passed away in our arms on March 27,2008 at 4:12
pm. She left this world with her tennis ball right next to
her, for that was how it should be.
Though we have several pets, our home suddenly feels
empty. We put all her tennis balls away for now, though I
often pull one out to sniff myself so that I can smell her
one more time.
Our decision to not allow her to suffer just because we
were not ready to let her go was the hardest we have
ever made. It took everything from us emotionally just to
face the truth that she was dying.
Hemangiosarcoma (cancer of the blood vessels) took
her life.
More than words Tommy, we love you more than words.
Born 10-10-1998
Parted this world 3-27-2008 4:12 pm
Parted this world 3-27-2008 4:12 pm
| From a Jack to a King Our Hawkeye passed away 5/09/2008 |
Some of you may remember our"Hawkeye", an older
man left to die at animal control.
He was worn out, tired, and had given up hope when we
arrived to save him.
Hawkeye was 12 years old when he was rescued, he
was already in the death room at animal control for they
had written him off.
But our Volunteers Steve and Sarah, decided he should
have a home in his twilight and that is what they gave to
him, and he responded with smiles, playtime, and even
enjoyed his bath time.
Hawkeye was finally loved the way he should have been
his whole life, and for once he was happy and safe.
He left this world today at 13 and we will never forget his
face, nor his sad eyes when we first met him.
We will also never forget some of his pictures in his new
home, for they showed a truly happy dog who had found
his forever family.
Thank you Sarah and Steve for loving our Hawkeye. For
enduring the inevitable with his age.
Our hearts break with yours today.
Jackie, Kim, Kendra, and everyone at Hope Rescues
man left to die at animal control.
He was worn out, tired, and had given up hope when we
arrived to save him.
Hawkeye was 12 years old when he was rescued, he
was already in the death room at animal control for they
had written him off.
But our Volunteers Steve and Sarah, decided he should
have a home in his twilight and that is what they gave to
him, and he responded with smiles, playtime, and even
enjoyed his bath time.
Hawkeye was finally loved the way he should have been
his whole life, and for once he was happy and safe.
He left this world today at 13 and we will never forget his
face, nor his sad eyes when we first met him.
We will also never forget some of his pictures in his new
home, for they showed a truly happy dog who had found
his forever family.
Thank you Sarah and Steve for loving our Hawkeye. For
enduring the inevitable with his age.
Our hearts break with yours today.
Jackie, Kim, Kendra, and everyone at Hope Rescues
| Sasha Kurilla |
| Beloved companion of Sue and Bob Kurilla |
| 11/4/06 – 5/10/08 |
Sasha became a member of our family on
December 28th, 2006. She immediately won
the hearts of every member of the family,
including her “big brother” Juneau. Although
Sasha was the younger sibling, within days she
showed what she was made of and began to
rule the whole house, including mom and dad.
Sasha was always full of energy, zipping from
one end of the house to the other, trying to
keep everyone under control.
December 28th, 2006. She immediately won
the hearts of every member of the family,
including her “big brother” Juneau. Although
Sasha was the younger sibling, within days she
showed what she was made of and began to
rule the whole house, including mom and dad.
Sasha was always full of energy, zipping from
one end of the house to the other, trying to
keep everyone under control.
During outside time, Sasha had a spot on the hill in the front yard where she could keep watch
over the comings and goings of all the neighbors, and she let us know when anything was amiss. In
December 2007 Sasha was voted Cutest Pet in a contest at Lincoln Middle School. She was also
very smart and quickly learned to sit, to dance, and at night time to go to bed. Sasha loved having
visitors, and usually rewarded an unwary guest with kisses and tinkles, earning her the nickname
of Sprinkle Toes.
In mid April, 2008, we began to notice something was not quite right with Sasha. She became very
lethargic and most days had to be coaxed into getting out of bed, she had vomiting and diarrhea,
she urinated in her bed, and she would often fall. We also noticed that she had a head tilt. After
three rounds of antibiotics and a myriad of blood and urine analyses, a spinal tap indicated that
Sasha had encephalitis. A tentative treatment plan that included months of chemotherapy was
discussed, but the odds of recovery were not in our favor.
Sasha left our world on May 10, 2008, and took a piece of our hearts with her.
over the comings and goings of all the neighbors, and she let us know when anything was amiss. In
December 2007 Sasha was voted Cutest Pet in a contest at Lincoln Middle School. She was also
very smart and quickly learned to sit, to dance, and at night time to go to bed. Sasha loved having
visitors, and usually rewarded an unwary guest with kisses and tinkles, earning her the nickname
of Sprinkle Toes.
In mid April, 2008, we began to notice something was not quite right with Sasha. She became very
lethargic and most days had to be coaxed into getting out of bed, she had vomiting and diarrhea,
she urinated in her bed, and she would often fall. We also noticed that she had a head tilt. After
three rounds of antibiotics and a myriad of blood and urine analyses, a spinal tap indicated that
Sasha had encephalitis. A tentative treatment plan that included months of chemotherapy was
discussed, but the odds of recovery were not in our favor.
Sasha left our world on May 10, 2008, and took a piece of our hearts with her.
| Rosie O'Donnell 11/10/2007 - 1-5-2008 |
| Fred Astaire 11/10/2007 - 1-7-2008 |
| Marilyn Monroe 11/10/2007 - 1-10-2008 |
| Desi Arnez 11/10/2007 - 1-8-2008 |
They were a perfect match.
Today, Jerry's heart and ours was broken. Casanova passed away in his own backyard from a
massive heart attack. He was a gentle giant, with a big old heart of gold.
Goodbye Cass, you have left paw prints on our hearts.
xxoo
Today, Jerry's heart and ours was broken. Casanova passed away in his own backyard from a
massive heart attack. He was a gentle giant, with a big old heart of gold.
Goodbye Cass, you have left paw prints on our hearts.
xxoo
The vaccination she got when we rescued her was probably the first one she had ever had in her
four months of life. It came about three months too late.
She passed on January 19, 2007 and on that day our hearts broke.
We are mad, hurt, and disappointed with the way she had been treated. Ignorance, and
irresponsibility cost this angel her life.
Rosebud was a throw away dog......
four months of life. It came about three months too late.
She passed on January 19, 2007 and on that day our hearts broke.
We are mad, hurt, and disappointed with the way she had been treated. Ignorance, and
irresponsibility cost this angel her life.
Rosebud was a throw away dog......
| Hope Rescues Angels |
These beautiful babies all had wonderful homes to grow old in, but that was not to be.
Losing them all one by one, has changed our view on the rules we have had in place for our
puppies.
The most important lesson you can take from a complete tragedy as this is to do all in your
power to prevent it in the future.
Parvo took their young lives away. Parvo broke the hearts of their loving families. Parvo broke
the heart of Hope Rescues too.
Rest in peace angels.
We will love you forever....
Losing them all one by one, has changed our view on the rules we have had in place for our
puppies.
The most important lesson you can take from a complete tragedy as this is to do all in your
power to prevent it in the future.
Parvo took their young lives away. Parvo broke the hearts of their loving families. Parvo broke
the heart of Hope Rescues too.
Rest in peace angels.
We will love you forever....
| Izzy and Mattie Boggess |
| Maggie May Denton |
| Mia Ponkauski |
| Callie Puppy, Puppy Paul |
We will never
forget you.
forget you.
| Moses Yeager |
| Adopted by Sara & Chuck Yeager 12-14-2006 Passed July 27,2008 |
| July 2008 |
| Moe and Santa |
| Moe loved Tigerman |
| Patches |
Our Patches was a sweetheart, who loved
everyone, smiled for all, and really liked hats!
We estimate his age to have been 16 when he
passed away. He lived out his days in our rescue,
and left this world in our arms. To say he was like
one of our own would not do him justice, he was an
angel her to teach us about love, tenderness, and
compassion.
Good-bye Patches you will always be in our hearts.
We love you!
everyone, smiled for all, and really liked hats!
We estimate his age to have been 16 when he
passed away. He lived out his days in our rescue,
and left this world in our arms. To say he was like
one of our own would not do him justice, he was an
angel her to teach us about love, tenderness, and
compassion.
Good-bye Patches you will always be in our hearts.
We love you!
| Patches in the Edwardsville Halloween parade. 2007 |
| Rescued from Ohio Gas Chamber 10-2005 Passed 9-26-2008 |
Tommy's Video...Click Here
Eastwood and Wayne
rescued from Barnhart Missouri
rescued from Barnhart Missouri
| Losing the guessing game... |
Sometimes rescue can be a hard, hard thing.
Who do you save? Who is too sick to save? Those are
questions we have to ask ourselves every time we rescue.
The only pets we have ever turned our backs on even when
we have room are the one's that try to bite us and the one's
who appear to have something that could harm the others in
our care.
Yet, there are times when you just don't know for sure
until it happens.
Sometimes, we have taken a friendly dog, only to find out
they are NOT so friendly, but have waited to bite us until
after rescue. Other times we have picked up what looks
like a healthy dog only to find them sick within 24 hours of
rescue.
This time we did not get to see the dogs before rescue in
person, we saw their pictures on the web and chose to
save their lives. Upon meeting the transport driver we knew
Wayne and Eastwood were very sick, and they were rushed
to the vet. They seemed to get better, they were in
quarantine for ten days, then started to play and the cough
was going away. For about two weeks...Suddenly a puppy
died, why? NOT parvo, test was negative. Then another,
and we had to find out what was going on.
Eastwood and Wayne got worse, and had to be taken back
to the hospital. The second puppy was sent for an autopsy.
The autopsy came back, Distemper...Extremely deadly,
who brought it in? Eastwood and Wayne. We unknowingly
exposed our babies to something that could kill them.
Eastwood and Wayne were fighting it the entire time and
spreading it like wildfire through the puppies. There is no
true test on a live dog, and when they appeared to get
better distemper was ruled out. Until they got sick again.
They would die too, someday, but their immune system is
more developed so they could appear to have survived this
only to relapse again two months from now and the enitre
time be spreading the virus.
What do we do? How do we stop it? What other life at our
rescue would we be willing to risk to continue this attempt at
rescue with the beagles ? We looked at every face we
have, every face we love so very much, and thought of
Eastwood and Wayne. However much we cared for them,
there was only one answer, for we could not risk the life of
even one more pet for them, we just couldn't.
On 3-3-2009 the Board of Hope Rescues voted to not allow
the beagles to come back, we voted for the first time ever
to euthanize over treating to save the rescue, to save the
lives of the rest of the puppies in our care.
We cannot tell you how hard this was, we will never forget
these beagle boys, for we loved them, we truly did.
Hope has nine remaining puppies, four of who have
symptoms, we will treat and pray for them, and hope this
nightmare ends soon.
Bless you Wayne and Eastwood.
Good bye, sweet babies...
Who do you save? Who is too sick to save? Those are
questions we have to ask ourselves every time we rescue.
The only pets we have ever turned our backs on even when
we have room are the one's that try to bite us and the one's
who appear to have something that could harm the others in
our care.
Yet, there are times when you just don't know for sure
until it happens.
Sometimes, we have taken a friendly dog, only to find out
they are NOT so friendly, but have waited to bite us until
after rescue. Other times we have picked up what looks
like a healthy dog only to find them sick within 24 hours of
rescue.
This time we did not get to see the dogs before rescue in
person, we saw their pictures on the web and chose to
save their lives. Upon meeting the transport driver we knew
Wayne and Eastwood were very sick, and they were rushed
to the vet. They seemed to get better, they were in
quarantine for ten days, then started to play and the cough
was going away. For about two weeks...Suddenly a puppy
died, why? NOT parvo, test was negative. Then another,
and we had to find out what was going on.
Eastwood and Wayne got worse, and had to be taken back
to the hospital. The second puppy was sent for an autopsy.
The autopsy came back, Distemper...Extremely deadly,
who brought it in? Eastwood and Wayne. We unknowingly
exposed our babies to something that could kill them.
Eastwood and Wayne were fighting it the entire time and
spreading it like wildfire through the puppies. There is no
true test on a live dog, and when they appeared to get
better distemper was ruled out. Until they got sick again.
They would die too, someday, but their immune system is
more developed so they could appear to have survived this
only to relapse again two months from now and the enitre
time be spreading the virus.
What do we do? How do we stop it? What other life at our
rescue would we be willing to risk to continue this attempt at
rescue with the beagles ? We looked at every face we
have, every face we love so very much, and thought of
Eastwood and Wayne. However much we cared for them,
there was only one answer, for we could not risk the life of
even one more pet for them, we just couldn't.
On 3-3-2009 the Board of Hope Rescues voted to not allow
the beagles to come back, we voted for the first time ever
to euthanize over treating to save the rescue, to save the
lives of the rest of the puppies in our care.
We cannot tell you how hard this was, we will never forget
these beagle boys, for we loved them, we truly did.
Hope has nine remaining puppies, four of who have
symptoms, we will treat and pray for them, and hope this
nightmare ends soon.
Bless you Wayne and Eastwood.
Good bye, sweet babies...
Kelly lived a long life with our family. Nearly two
years ago she was diagnosed with Congestive
Heart failure and only given six months or so to live.
Because she and Kendra were so close we
rescued a puppy beagle to help Kendra with the
grief process after the passing of Kelly.
However, Kelly would have none of that, and
actually seemed to defy the odds and come back
to life for a time. So instead of one hyper howling
beagle we suddenly had two.
Kelly had seizures, Was incontinent and did not
even know most of the time that she was pooing as
she walked. Eventually she had to live at the kennel
because she could not hold it any longer in the
home while we were out. We spend most of our
time there anyway, so we could watch over her.
On the morning of February 27th, 2009 Kelly could
not get up any longer, her spry outlook was
obviously gone, and we knew it was time to let her
go.
She went peacefully at the vet’s office later that
day. Kendra was still at school and we decided it
would be best to let her know after she got home.
Kelly was Kendra’s Best friend, and Kendra Kelly’s.
We hope that Kelly finds Tommygirl and the two of
them get to run and play as they did in life.
years ago she was diagnosed with Congestive
Heart failure and only given six months or so to live.
Because she and Kendra were so close we
rescued a puppy beagle to help Kendra with the
grief process after the passing of Kelly.
However, Kelly would have none of that, and
actually seemed to defy the odds and come back
to life for a time. So instead of one hyper howling
beagle we suddenly had two.
Kelly had seizures, Was incontinent and did not
even know most of the time that she was pooing as
she walked. Eventually she had to live at the kennel
because she could not hold it any longer in the
home while we were out. We spend most of our
time there anyway, so we could watch over her.
On the morning of February 27th, 2009 Kelly could
not get up any longer, her spry outlook was
obviously gone, and we knew it was time to let her
go.
She went peacefully at the vet’s office later that
day. Kendra was still at school and we decided it
would be best to let her know after she got home.
Kelly was Kendra’s Best friend, and Kendra Kelly’s.
We hope that Kelly finds Tommygirl and the two of
them get to run and play as they did in life.
Kelly Marie Lee
Passed February 27,2009
at 17 years old
Passed February 27,2009
at 17 years old
| Jenny Lynn Murray This Beautiful Gentle Giant befriended dogs, cats, and humans alike. |
Tricia Murray who lives in Texas, lost her beloved
German Shepherd mix girl, Jenny Lynn Murray.
Tricia's sisters Barb and Sue made a donation to
Hope Rescues in Jenny Lynn's memory to help a
homeless pet in need get the care they deserve.
Jenny will be missed, and will always be loved. She
left her sweet paw prints on the hearts of all who met
her.
German Shepherd mix girl, Jenny Lynn Murray.
Tricia's sisters Barb and Sue made a donation to
Hope Rescues in Jenny Lynn's memory to help a
homeless pet in need get the care they deserve.
Jenny will be missed, and will always be loved. She
left her sweet paw prints on the hearts of all who met
her.
Dear Callie Mae 1996-2009
Your fight with kidney disease has been a long one. I
am happy to have been the Mom of the sweetest kitties
even though you were having a difficult time in life with
loss of sight and all the other challenges you faced. I
miss your purrs. I miss your meows that sounded like
Mama. I miss you just for you. I pray that you and
Jenny Lynn will be at the Rainbow Bridge when I get to
heaven. I know that you loved me because you were
always here with me. When I couldn’t be at home, you
found my clothes and slept on them until I arrived
home. You couldn’t stand to be without me and now I
can’t stand to have you gone from my life. I love you
very much. I miss you and Jenny Lynn very much. I
know that you are with Jenny Lynn right now snuggling
the way you two did here in this life.
Love Mom
Your fight with kidney disease has been a long one. I
am happy to have been the Mom of the sweetest kitties
even though you were having a difficult time in life with
loss of sight and all the other challenges you faced. I
miss your purrs. I miss your meows that sounded like
Mama. I miss you just for you. I pray that you and
Jenny Lynn will be at the Rainbow Bridge when I get to
heaven. I know that you loved me because you were
always here with me. When I couldn’t be at home, you
found my clothes and slept on them until I arrived
home. You couldn’t stand to be without me and now I
can’t stand to have you gone from my life. I love you
very much. I miss you and Jenny Lynn very much. I
know that you are with Jenny Lynn right now snuggling
the way you two did here in this life.
Love Mom
| Callie Mae Murray |
Dear Jenny Lynn - 1996-2009
Your sister Callie Mae is now with you. I miss you very much too. It was only three
months after losing you that your sister Callie Mae is now gone from my sight too.
Please let us all meet at the Rainbow Bridge. You were my gentle giant always with
me. You hardly barked, but loved to snuggle with Callie Mae. You always had a wet
kiss and a cold wet nose when you saw me. I miss your kisses and your cold wet
nose. I wish you were here because I love you and miss you dearly. Love Mom.
Your sister Callie Mae is now with you. I miss you very much too. It was only three
months after losing you that your sister Callie Mae is now gone from my sight too.
Please let us all meet at the Rainbow Bridge. You were my gentle giant always with
me. You hardly barked, but loved to snuggle with Callie Mae. You always had a wet
kiss and a cold wet nose when you saw me. I miss your kisses and your cold wet
nose. I wish you were here because I love you and miss you dearly. Love Mom.
| Sloopy Girl Murray |
Dear Sloopy Girl,
You were the one that always had a funny way of sitting
and laying down. I called you my "Funny Sit" and "Funny
Lay' because you always made me laugh with that goofy
look on your face. I also called you my "Goofy Girl".
The last few months you were in pain, but you still
followed me around the house, still liked to show off, and
still made me smile. You were very devoted to all of us
here.
I miss you and will always love you and keep you in my
heart.
I prayed for the longest time that you would be with me
for at least another couple of years, but you were in such
pain and you wanted to go home to the heavens and to
our Creator. You are now pain free and with your sisters
who had gone before you.
I love you.
Love Mom
You were the one that always had a funny way of sitting
and laying down. I called you my "Funny Sit" and "Funny
Lay' because you always made me laugh with that goofy
look on your face. I also called you my "Goofy Girl".
The last few months you were in pain, but you still
followed me around the house, still liked to show off, and
still made me smile. You were very devoted to all of us
here.
I miss you and will always love you and keep you in my
heart.
I prayed for the longest time that you would be with me
for at least another couple of years, but you were in such
pain and you wanted to go home to the heavens and to
our Creator. You are now pain free and with your sisters
who had gone before you.
I love you.
Love Mom
| 5-12-1996 - 11-15-2009 |
| Bentley 12-14-2009 |
Bentley was rescued 3-28-2009 from Barnhardt MIssouri animal
control on his last day of life there. He was loved by all of us at
Hope Rescues. He was adopted to a nice woman and her children
where we thought he would find happiness and love.
control on his last day of life there. He was loved by all of us at
Hope Rescues. He was adopted to a nice woman and her children
where we thought he would find happiness and love.
Bentley was a wonderful dog with a
personality to beat the band. A big
flirt, and most of all, a friend to anyone
who ever met him.
Good bye Bentley.
You deserved to live a long happy life.
xxoo
personality to beat the band. A big
flirt, and most of all, a friend to anyone
who ever met him.
Good bye Bentley.
You deserved to live a long happy life.
xxoo
These pictures were taken at Club
Paws where Bentley stayed until he
found his new home.
Paws where Bentley stayed until he
found his new home.