By Rosemary Hurley
Used with the Artist's Permission
January 20th, 2005 was the saddest day of my life. It was the day I was hoping to find out what it was that was making you so sick. I just wanted it to be one thing that we could treat with some medicine or a procedure to make you to be well again so you could come back home and be with us and continue bringing joy to our lives on a daily basis. I had a bad feeling that the tests weren’t going to give us the results we hoped so desperately for and you had your goodbyes with the rest of our family. I got the results right after lunchtime and the news was what I had feared the most. There was nothing we could do to make you better and we couldn’t let you suffer anymore. My sister and I came to you so we could share our last moments together here on earth. She said her goodbyes and left the two of us alone for a little while. I talked to you and held you in my arms and told you just how much you meant to me and how much I loved you. You kissed my face for the first time in days. I thanked you for allowing me to be a part of your much too short life. You were only 10 years old.
I just want to tell you again that during the time we shared together here on earth, you were without question my best friend. Not a day has gone by that I haven’t missed coming home and seeing you or hearing your bark to let me know that you knew that I was home nor do I believe a day will go by that I won’t have that feeling. You were such a blessing in our home and especially in my life. I’ll never stop missing you and I’ll never stop loving you. Thank you for the joy that you brought into my life and the lives of those around us. I’ll see you again at Rainbow Bridge.
Love,
Mike
~~~
1991 - 2005
The old dog rests his head on my chest,
His ailing heart thump-thumping in time with mine,
Warming ourselves in the meager winter sunlight
We've had a long run, he and I,
My Velco Shadow always by me,
Even when we were miles apart!
The final journey has come for us,
I cradled his worn-out body,
As tears cascade when he passes on
My heart is broken, as he goes today,
His last run with me small comfort,
In face of the ache his absences leaves.
I know my boy waits across the Bridge,
safe and secure in his new home,
with that goofy grin on his face.
Please, dear God, look after my boy,
Let him know I'll be there, not to worry,
that we'll play again in our dreams.
In Memory of Mr. Chance
1991 - 2005
~~~~~~~~
Chance left this world without any struggle. As he died, the sun set on a scarlet wave of fluffy clouds that were borrowed from his difficult to tame coat. My old boy sighed once as relief entered his body, and then the angels came for him.
Please remember my boy in your prayers. ~~ Dwain
~~~
1993 - 2007
Poppa, it hurts so bad when I walk - my muscles tremble and sometimes I can't get up. It hurts so bad when I breathe,especially after I chase Reiley around his crate. It hurts so bad to eat because my tummy doesn't want any more food. It hurts so bad when I walk into dark corners and bump my nose because I can't see. But Poppa, the greatest hurt isn't any of these. It hurts so bad in my heart to see you crying when its time to go. It hurts so bad to hear your heart break when I took my last nap in your arms.
It feels good to have moved on and over the Bridge. It feels good to have the soft grass under my feet, with the sun on my back, and not having the shakes. It feels good for my belly to be full again, and not have to urk up everything I ate. It feels good to be able to go to the bathroom without losing my dignity.
It feels good to be in the presence of the big doG, and to have all my old furiends around me. And it feels good to know that some day, you'll be here with me.
Poppa, I know it hurts so bad when you love so much.
Fancy
Thank you to all of Fancy's Angels who sent donations so this unwanted girl, abandoned at a Springfield shelter due to mammary cancer, was able to live out her life in permanent foster care with Second Chance Sheltie Rescue. And a big thank you to Dwain Springer who cared for her , loved her, and held her in his arms as she left this world.
~~~
2004 ~ 2006
Harley was rescued from the Springfield, MO area when he was three years old. He was almost totally abandoned after his owner committed suicide. He was left in the yard for almost a year. The neighbors threw food to him, and he drank water out of puddles. When someone bought the property they called the local humane society to come get the dog. They in turn called Second Chance Sheltie Rescue, and he was transported to St. Louis. Harley was destined to have me adopt him, since he came into rescue the very day that my Sheltie, Gracie died in June of 2004. I gave a lot of thought to changing his name, but decided not to because I had so much fun telling people that I had a Harley. He was an oversized Sheltie, with a very mellow, laid back personality. He was friendly with everyone – people and dogs. He loved to roll around in the grass and lounge on the couch. His big fear was a camera. As soon as he saw one, he would leave the room. Perhaps it reminded him of lightening which also scared him. Maybe he was rich and famous at one time and had to contend with the paparazzi. Harley had some arthritis, but in September of 2006, he had more and more trouble walking. X-rays showed some very unusual shadows on all four legs. The x-rays were sent off for further diagnosis, and it was later determined that he had bone cancer, which from onset to end stage is only several weeks. Over the weekend, Harley was in extreme pain. Janice brought over some additional pain medication to try to make him more comfortable. It was awful to see him in such pain, and I made the decision as to what would be best for him. Janice went with us to Dr. Dunaway’s office. As I held him in my arms, Harley crossed over the Rainbow Bridge. Words can’t describe how much Harley is missed. However, it is comforting to know that after all he had gone through, the last two years of his life were full of loving care.
Submitted in honor of Harley by Rose Mary Green
June 24, 1998 ~ May 22, 2007
Theresa & Pat Corcoran
06/05/06 ~ 07/04/07
Thumbelena Dance…..
Here you come, all 3 lbs., running like the wind through the grass. Your ears are laid back as your back legs nearly pass your front ones. Sheltie figure 8's and twirls. What a happy tiny Sheltie girl you are. Who would know that the Rainbow Bridge has been calling you since you were five months old? This day in June, you had your very first birthday. What a Happy Day. All these months of 3 to 5 meds twice a day and bi-monthly blood tests have postponed your meeting with those who have gone before you. How long can the meds and that one tiny deformed kidney keep you running and playing? Let's not ask. Let me enjoy seeing your happiness, love of life and the adoring looks from those big, dark eyes. You lay here in my lap, looking up as to ask why are you crying? Let's go out in the sun and play our day away.
Thumbelena was diagnosed with renal failure December 14, 2006 and given only short weeks to live. We lost her on July 4th. Thanks to months of VERY special veterinary care she experienced a happy, loving life outside the puppymill. Thank you Animal Kingdom and Tomahawk Veterinary Hospitals. ~~ Barbra (LL Dog Rescue) & Thumbelina's parents.
2004-2007
It seems as though the hurting never stops. We really miss Cassie. She was such a special little girl. Thanks to all of you at Second Chance Sheltie Rescue for letting us keep her. She was definitely Paula's heart dog. We didn't know much about her past, but hoped we made a difference while she was with us. She never heard the words we spoke to her but I know she felt them in her heart. Cassie looks down from the Rainbow Bridge, listens & waits for our arrival. "In time we will meet again at the Bridge". Thanks, Michael & Paula Bare
Side note on Cassie: Cassie came into SCSR with mammory cancer. She was successfully operated on, but we had not idea how much time she had left to live. Most people do not want a dog like Cassie, but Michael & Paula did. So Tiny Miss Cassie traveled to Indiana to live in the Bare's Den where she was loved and cared for until it was time for her to leave. God has a special place in Heaven for people like Michael and Paula ~ Janice
‘Cedar Ridge Drift Into Dreams’- “Cassie”
February 20, 1992 – November 2, 2007
My beloved companion Cassie drifted into her final dream surrounded by her pack and the thoughts and prayers of so many who love us. She had been in decline since 3/07. She died peacefully with the compassionate help of our vet Dr. Tate, who not only made her passing peaceful and dignified, but who lovingly dug her a beautiful grave in the shelter of my gardens. As the moon rose, she was laid to rest with tears and love.
As we came back into my home, Rabbi Randy was singing the “Hashkevenu” blessing on my answering machine. I know this song helped her pass from this world to the next with joy and love
The morning of Cassie’s death, she went for her final wheelbarrow ride. Riding in the wheelbarrow was something our friend and healer Marijke had suggested, and it was truly Cassie’s best medicine in her final months. She loved going fast! But this morning, she let me know it no longer helped her. One look from her and I knew she was ready to leave me. Her breathing had become labored due to the tumors in her sinuses. She was beginning to have tremors as the tumors invaded her brain stem. It was both a blessing and a great challenge to know when it was time for Cassie’s life to end, and also a great privilege to mindfully and lovingly carry this out on her behalf.
Cassie lived a full and rich life, as only she could do! In this world and in the next, she radiates a love and joy and happiness that shimmers silver light. After a very successful career in the show ring, she retired to motherhood!! She gave birth to 2 puppies, Micah and Josie, now both 10 years old. They live in our area and continue Cassie’s legacy of ability, love, bright spirit and loyalty. It was then that I met Cassie through Tracy Buck, Micah’s “mom”. I loved her at once and adopted her.
Cassie earned her Good Citizenship certification, and served as a companion dog, visiting children in hospitals and the elderly in nursing homes. Wherever we went, Cassie drew people to her and opened their hearts in her own quiet, gentle way.
Two weeks before her death, she befriended our neighbor’s foster son, who was badly abused in his prior family. Though he didn’t speak much to people, he adored Cassie. She licked his cheek and let him pet her. He helped push her in the wheelbarrow and she would turn to him with a smile on her face. And he smiled back at her. His foster parents said it was the only time they ever saw him smile. Cassie changed the world one person at a time.
Cassie’s impact on me is beyond words. She will always be friend, comfort, teacher and guide. She is all about love and joy, and she gave both freely and without bounds. At her passing, Dr. Tate said her physical heart was strong and perfect, though the rest of her body was so ill.
Cassie’s death leaves a huge hole in my heart and my life. After cooking for her, carrying her everywhere, cleaning up for her, etc all these months, I’m a bit lost. I’m grateful for Smokey and Lexi, who also helped Cassie so much in her life and in her passing. We are all finding our way through our grief. I am grateful to report that Lexi’s advanced cancer has stabilized.
I feel Cassie’s spirit, so light and silvery, merging with my beloved first Sheltie, Orion (of blessed memory). Ori’s energy was always huge and golden. Silver and gold, sun and moon. They are a whole universe, complete.
My deepest thanks to each of you for your help, emails, phone calls, cards, prayers, advice and love. You helped Cassie and you helped me help her die with love, dignity, peace and blessing.
May Cassie’s life and memory continue to be a blessing, now and always.
Much Love,
Harriet
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| NEWSLETTER!!! ~~ Updated 01/03/08 | ||||||||||
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Graphics and clip art used throughout our website courtesy of the following talented artists:
Clan Duncan Shelties Sheltie Freak Tribute to Dog Fuzzy Faces Sandy's Graphics Holiday Graphics |
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| © 2004 Second Chance Sheltie Rescue, Inc. The Second Chance Sheltie Rescue name and logo are copyright protected property of Second Chance Sheltie Rescue, Inc, a 501(c)3 Not-For-Profit organization. As such, copying or use of the logo and/or name are strictly prohibited without express permission of the SCSR Board of Directors or Elected Officers. The domain name and website content are the sole property of the administrator. The SCSR is not liable for content accuracy, except wherein submission of information is provided by the SCSR. |
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| NEWSLETTER!!! ~~ Updated 01/03/08 | ||||||||||
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|
Graphics and clip art used throughout our website courtesy of the following talented artists:
Clan Duncan Shelties Sheltie Freak Tribute to Dog Fuzzy Faces Sandy's Graphics Holiday Graphics |
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| © 2004 Second Chance Sheltie Rescue, Inc. The Second Chance Sheltie Rescue name and logo are copyright protected property of Second Chance Sheltie Rescue, Inc, a 501(c)3 Not-For-Profit organization. As such, copying or use of the logo and/or name are strictly prohibited without express permission of the SCSR Board of Directors or Elected Officers. The domain name and website content are the sole property of the administrator. The SCSR is not liable for content accuracy, except wherein submission of information is provided by the SCSR. |
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