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
and 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 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. The bright eyes are intent; the eager body quivers. Suddenly he begins to break away 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...
The following Pets have crossed the Rainbow Bridge. They may be gone but they will never be forgotten.
BELLEAU
Belleau accidently died on 04/13/08- She didn't wake up from being spayed
memorial written by foster mom will be posted soon.........
Belleau is the proud, new-mom of 9 puppies! She has an amazing personality. She adores people and lives for her daily walks. Belleau is full-grown and weighs around 35 lbs. She and her babies were rescued from a gas station in MS. They have all recovered from a bad case of sarcoptic mange and are up-to-date on vaccinations. The puppies are now 9-10 weeks old. They will all be spayed and neutered as soon as they are in their forever homes.
Nigel was adopted by a lady when he was a kitten. Due to family
difficulties she had to return him to us. He is a little shy, but soon
warms up to you and is very loving. He gets along with other cats and dogs.
Nigel is a 2 year old male.
Nigel died suddenly and unexpectedly in foster care. He will be dearly missed by his foster mom....
Barbara Snodgras
BUCK HELMS
Buck is about 40 - 45 lbs. He is up-to-date on shots, neutered, but heartworm positive. We are in need of a foster home for Buck before we put him through treatment. His owner was in a bad car wreck and is unable to take two of his four dogs back. Buck has a great temperament and desperately needs a new home as he is currently in boarding.
Buck got out of boarding into a great foster home where unfortunately he jumped an 8ft wooden fence and was killed by a car. He will be missed by all of here at GAPR.
Photo by Renee Scott Photography
KERNEL in hospital after surgery..... Kernel (July4th)
Photo by Renee Scott Photography
On Wednesday June 26th, this adorable pup decided it would be fun to eat a sponge. This turned out to be a near fatal mistake because when his owners found out he would die without a $300.00 surgery to remove the sponge, they chose a far cheaper procedure.........euthansia. The vet contacted us and so on Thursday, June 27th Kernel became a GAPR rescue & underwent "Sponge Removal" surgery and is now recovering nicely & expected to make a full recovery! Now he just needs a new family who won't throw him away so easily and oh yeah..... one more thing...How about some donations to help us pay for his life-saving surgery......... He would already like to thank Sarah Dinstuhl of Memphis, TN who immediately opened her wallet and wrote a check the moment she heard about his situation.
Turns out Kernal had a congenital defect that couldn't be fixed. He will be missed.
In Memory of
Maverick
Roberts
10/26/2002
– 06/07/2007
Maverick may not have been born October 26, 2002,
but that is the day his life began.
That is the day that Rhonda Roberts,
all decked out in her finery, showed up at
our Fedex Libertyland Family Day adoption
event.
She had seen Maverick on the website
and was drawn to him because he reminded her
of her beloved companion, Nugget, who had
passed away after 18 and a half years.
She showed up that fall day and
plopped down on the floor by his cage and
sat the rest of the afternoon. She
wanted to take him home with her, but knew
she traveled a lot with her job. But as we were packing up at the end of the day, with tears
in her eyes, she decided to give her a
husband a call and ask his opinion.
And as most husbands do, he said no.
So, Rhonda filled out the paperwork,
wrote us a check, piled him into her little
convertible sports car, and away they went.
Now, at this time Maverick was a
young, gorgeous white lab puppy with
absolutely no manners.
He was buck wild. I had rescued him as he was being surrendered at Memphis
Animal Shelter because he “wouldn’t do
what his owners wanted him to do”.
As Rhonda drove away, we all looked
at each other and said, “We will be
getting that dog back.” Rhonda enrolled Mav in obedience school and took him
religiously.
They would show up at adoption events
from time to time to show us what he had
learned.
And just like most children, he would
not mind anything she said.
Now, you have to picture this –
Maverick had collars and leashes to match
Rhonda’s outfits.
They were a sight to see!
And as they would leave, we would
still look at each other and say, “We will
be getting that dog back.”
But we never did. I think the first year there were a lot of trials and
tribulations.
The Roberts didn’t have a fence, so
he kept running off.
I think he destroyed a lot household
goods.
But Rhonda always had a smile on her
face when she was giving me an account of
his latest antics.
He had his picture in catalogues and
in the newspaper.
She taught him all kinds of tricks.
He rang a bell at the door when he
wanted to go out to potty. He went out and brought the paper in each morning.
Through the years he was a beloved
friend and companion.
Friday of last week Maverick became
ill with Autoimmune Hemolytic Anemia.
After a week of fighting for his
life, this beloved companion who had been
such a wonderful friend to Rhonda passed
away at noon on June 7, 2007.
He was taken home and buried next to
Nugget.
They built him a casket and put his
favorite things inside, along with a picture
of his playmate Delilah.
Maverick had five of the most
wonderful years in the loving home of the
Roberts family.
And what he gave in return was an
unconditional love and treasured memories
that will last forever.
Rhonda & Maverick 2002
DOLLY
Note from family
Our family adopted Dolly from Bartlett Animal Shelter at
the “Gimme Shelter” event in 2002 because she reminded us of our first dog
Rebel. Her previous owner had
dropped her off at a vet’s office and never came back for her. Dolly
was a great family dog and will be greatly missed. It helps us to know she is in
a better place across the
Photo by Renee Scott Photography
Valentino was found as a kitten outside of a local vet clinic in 2003. He tested positive for feline aids so he went to live with a foster family who currently had an aids positive cat who needed a friend. The two of them lived happily until at the age of 3 Valentino died of an aids related complication. He will never be forgotten.
Calypso
Homas
Calyspo was stricken very young by the FIP virus. He was a very playful, affectionate little guy who brought much joy into the life of his foster mom. He will never be forgotten.
Soldier Homas
Soldier, you
gave us so much joy for the last couple of months. You were the most gentle, loving soul. You fought so hard to make it through the heartworm
treatment, but I guess your little body just couldn’t fight anymore.
I know you are in a better place where there is no more pain, but you
will be missed so much here. Take care little guy. We
love you so much! Debbie, Joe and
Megan
-
RUSTY
http://rainbowsbridge.com/residents/RUSTY066/Resident.htmSent: Monday, October 31, 2005 1:10 PM
Subject: Rusty
JOE'S JOURNEY
It is sometimes unbelievable that no matter how hard we try, no matter how many people get involved... we lose the battle... this dog "Joe" touched the hearts of many before he slipped away--- Even with loving arms... holding on tight...
Please read the email below we received from a shelter volunteer desperate to save Joe.
Hello-
> My name is Amy and I am with the Bartlett Animal Shelter
> I left a message about this but was just going to write
> to tell you more of the situation in which we need help greatly.
> I am sorry to bother ya'll, I know ya'll have enough stuff from the
> public alone. We have a resident at our shelter named Joe assume
> he is a Australian Shepherd, Husky Mix. We have had for months now...
> We don't know what Joe's former life was like, but he seems really
> bonded with human attention. In the process of working 1 on 1 with
> him, many employees got their hearts stolen. It's upsetting because
> we are not a no-kill shelter and we do have to look in the best interest
> of the dog and how long dogs can stay. I wanted to try a rescue
> or a foster home or anything possible so he will not have to be euth.
> I am stuck in not knowing who else to contact... Do you know of
> anything or anyone who could help us!? He is great with other dogs
and he
> was previously in a kennel with a female and did fine with her. We
have
> never tried with another male... He is great with humans and is
kennel
> trained... he will gladly enter the kennel /crate if that means he
will
> get to come up into the office or get away from the noise of the
other dogs.
> He is very unique with his one blue and one brown eye. He is
estimated
> 2-4 yrs. If we can find him a home we will find him a transport.
Also, when
> he leaves he will be current on all vacc., hw check (if he's pos. we
will
> treat him no chrg.) and he is currently neutered. I appreciate you
> taking the time out to read this...
> Again, I am sorry to bother ya'll but any help will be appreciated!
> I am sending you pics... Amy
HELP!!!! 6/7/05 IS JOE'S LAST DAY!! He is scheduled to die......!! He needs a miracle!!!
update.... Joe got into a foster home on 6/7.... Whew...!! God Bless Crystol.
Now he needs a forever home!!
Memorial from Crystol his foster mom
Joe touched my heart as soon as I saw his sweet beautiful face. He was such a good boy, very loving and playful. You could see the love he had to give in his eyes. To see Joe run was to see beauty and power in action. Joe fit in as soon as I brought him home. Everyone that saw Joe was drawn in by his plight. Never having a loving family, but desperately wanting to experience that bond of a family. Well thanks be to the heavens...when Chris Hamilton saw his picture and read his story. He fell in love. His wife Janice contacted me very excited, wanting to adopt Joe. They made plans to drive all the way from Canada to pick him up. As soon as they saw Joe, they were immediately bonded to him. Joe could have never ever hoped for a better mom and dad. They spoiled him rotten. They had brought treats and toys and his wn bed in the back of the SUV to take him to his forever home. They even let him sleep on the bed with them. And that is saying a lot considering his size. Janice said she felt safe with Joe there while Chris was at work. He adapted quickly to his forever mom, dad and 5 yearold human sister. We all did everything we could for Joe. If love could cure all, he would have lived a long Happy life. Thankfully, he did get to experience what it is like to love and be loved before he passed. I know Joe will be on the other side of the rainbow, waiting to reunite with his family!
Memorial from forever family
|
My name is Jenny Hamilton and I live in Ontario Canada. I
would like to share a story with you about one of your
adoptions. My brother Chris and his wife Janice have been
looking for a dog for a very long time. The didn't want to
settle for just any dog and were hunting for the
"special" dog to join their family. While looking on
the Internet one day they discovered your website. Browsing
the dogs available, the stumbled on a very sad story about a
dog named Joe. Joe was a husky mix set to be put down. One of
your staff wrote a plea for a forever home for Joe. My
brother came to me about Joe and together we filled out an
application. Not expecting any reply, my brother began to give
up hope, only to receive a call from Joe's foster owner
Crystal. After many talks with Joe's "mom," my
brother decided to make the trip from Ontario to Memphis to
adopt Joe. On September 2, 2005 my husband and I, and my
brother and his wife loaded up our SUV and set off for
Memphis. We met Joe and his family on September 3rd and he was
everything we imagined. The bond was instant and Joe was
family for us. We left the following morning and encountered
nothing but vehicle trouble. The radiator blew 45 minutes from
the Canadian border in Michigan and we were forced to spend an
additional night stateside. When we finally arrived home at
8:00pm on September 5, 2005, it seemed like Joe was always a
part of our lives. We introduced him to our children (my 4yr
old niece Kaitlyn and my 12yr old son Jesse). Joe was an
amazing dog. He just fit. But it wasn't meant to be. On
September 11, 2005, Joe woke my brother at 5:30am howling. He
was bleeding and my brother rushed him to a 24 hour vet. 15
minutes later, Joe passed away, due to a parasite. We were all
devastated. Although Joe was with us for only 8 days, none of
us would have traded those 8 days for anything. I like to
think that those last 8 day of his life, were Joe's happiest
days.
PLEASE KEEP YOUR PET ON HEARTWORM PREVENTION!! |
BELINDA
June 7, 1993 - May 7, 2005Belinda came to our family from the Midsouth Greyhound rescue in W. Memphis. She was the first dog our family had, and I guess you might say the beginning of Guardian Angel Pet Rescue. Belinda raced for 4 years and due to an injury was retired. She came into our home with no knowledge of steps, glass doors and any other type of pet other than her own kind, that is Greyhounds. Very quickly she became a bed hog and couch potato. The back yard was for racing 3 times around it about 2 times a week, after that she rested where ever she wanted. Belinda was also a therapy dog at the Wesley Manor Nursing home. She seemed to enjoy the loving from the residences and also finding all the little morsels of food on the floor. She is very much missed by her 5 human family members and her adopted Greyhound sister Chloe. She died of cancer, which is not uncommon among greyhounds.
FRANKIE
Died 6/01/05 during heartworm treatment
Hi! My name was Frankie. A good Samaritan found me and took me in. They think I was about 3 years old and a dachshund/beagle mix. I was about 9 inches tall at the shoulder and weighed around 15 pounds. I was very sweet and loved to curl up next to my foster family. I also enjoyed playing with the other foster dogs. I was housebroken and crate-trained, up-to-date on all of my shots and had already been neutered. I was heartworm positive & died because of it. I really wish someone had kept me on monthly heartworm preventative so I could have ended up on the success story page instead of this one.
Fostered
& dearly missed by the Williams Family
ATHENS "Squeaky" LOCKHART
8/24/04 - 3/17/05
This little guy was one of Jodee's babies that was left in the vacant apartment. He was extremely sweet & affectionate. He loved to be held on his back like a baby and have his belly rubbed. He got along with other cats and loved everyone he met. He was not shy and was lucky enough to have found a forever family with Charlie, Candace and "Gracie". Unfortunately, on St. Patrick's day 2005 his parents came home from dinner to find him in severe respiratory distress. They immediately rushed him to the vet, but it was too late and he passed away in the car before he got there. Turns out he was born with a defect or "hole" in his respiratory system that became too severe to live with, and there was no way to know this little guy had this problem until it was too late. He is desperately missed by Charlie, Candace, Gracie and his GAPR foster mom Dana. We will never forget our little "Squeaky" boy.
HANK
Hank had made great strides in his move from hitchhiking along I-40.to becoming a family pet. In his second week of heartworm treatment, he became very nauseated. He passed away due to the severe dehydration.
LANCELOT HOMAS
Basenji/Border collie mix.........rescued from Southaven, MS shelter
PEARLIE MAE
Pealie Mae passed away during her heart worm treatment.
Pearlie Mae and her puppies and a 2 other labs were abandoned in a locked backyard for a week or more. A policeman found them and called us. He got permission to break the lock and get them out. The two males went to Bartlett Animal Control. A good Samaritan donated a week of boarding for her and her pups.Pearlie Mae is the sweetest dog of any that I have ever met. She is such a good momma that when she was given her first bowl of soft food.. and the pups went for it... she moved away and let them eat. She will be beautiful when she recovers…her head is lovely. She is small, likely from stunted growth, about 2-3 (young), and very wasted. It has been much longer than a week since she has had adequate nourishment. The other two adults in the home looked much better per Jenny (vet tech) so they must have eaten most of the available food as Pearlie is SOO submissive. Ultra submissive. OF COURSE, this may change a bit as she gets healthier and feels better. Donations needed!
Ozzie
Ozzie died (after being adopted by a wonderful family) during surgery to be neutered. We were all completely shocked by this and have to say that this is the first time this has ever happened to any of our rescued pets. It hurts doubly bad when the pet belongs to a child. Autopsy says he suffered a blood clot to his heart. He will be forever missed by his GAPR foster family- The Bridges.... But he will be missed most of all by his forever kid.. Chris
Hershey
Hershey was one of Pearlie Mae's pups left to starve in his owners back yard. He contracted Parvo and passed away despite the efforts of the guardian angels that tried to save him. He is missed by everyone whose lives he touched during his brief stay here on earth.
BRADLEY HOMAS
Segram St. Thomas Segram spent a weekend with former GAPR rescue Spike
Segram held on for so long but
it just wasn't meant to be. He was such a sweet baby! When he was
feeling well he was very playful and outgoing. Every person (human and
dog) that came in contact with him could feel how special Segram was. He
touched the lives of many of us and we miss him very much. His entire
litter has passed away. What a shame his first family didn't care enough
to provide proper care before abandoning them.
BAILEY JANE ST.THOMAS
"Bailey Jane was with me for too short a time, she was a very sweet, outgoing girl. We at the St. Thomas house miss her very much."
Bailey Jane is the sister to Cindy Werne (below). & There is only one pup left out of her whole litter that we rescued from euthanasia after their owners dumped them in Hernando, MS. (update- the last pup has died- see Segram above) The pups were all sick, infected with every type of parasite imaginable. They received excellent veterinary care but despite all the love a foster mom could give she still lost her battle for life.
(No photo available)
This adorable little girl was not even with us long enough to have her picture taken. She came to us from Hernando, MS. She one of five Beagle/Border Collie puppies that were dumped by their irresponsible owner - much too young to be taken from the mother. The babies were afflicted with every parasite imaginable. Cindy was fostered by the teenage daughter of one of our foster families. Shannon spent many hours rocking little Cindy and taking care of her. She was loved very much in those days she spent with her. Shannon had planned on adopting her if she survived. After 10 days of fighting for her life, Cindy was the third of the litter to be taken from us. She was rushed to the emergency hospital where she was given blood and oxygen. The blood for Cindy was taken from Tucker, a cute little guy who had been hit by a car. Animal Emergency had put him together again and he had since been awaiting a forever home. He was headed to the Memphis Kill Shelter on Monday morning and all this happened on the Sunday evening prior his departure. Cindy did not make it, but because of Cindy, Tucker has found his forever home as a member of the Werne-Bridges family.
Carter was rescued from MAS after his family dumped him there to be euthanized. We adopted him in order to save his life, but turns out he had a previous back injury that prevented him from having normal bowl movements. He then developed a larger hernia down there that caused him excruciating continual pain and our vets decided that this new problem, combined with his back injury made his quality of life very poor and so he was humanely euthanized in the arms of his foster mom.
SAM (Memphis Animal Shelter photo) 3 wks later- deathly ill in the arms of his foster mom
We rescued Sam and put him in a foster home where he was dearly loved and cared for until the day he died of distemper. Distemper is a tough battle for a non-vaccinated puppy coming out of the Memphis Animal Shelter to win. At least Sam left this world knowing what it was like to be loved and cared for.
|
NOELLE
Noelle was so depressed and starved when she was taken out of the
|
Becca
This sweet Sheltie Mix was rescued from the Memphis Animal Shelter in April 2004. She was found crouched in the back of her cage afraid to make eye contact with anyone. She was covered with ticks, malnourished, and had milk for puppies but no puppies in sight. We were told that she was picked up wandering the streets of Memphis and when her owner was contacted they said they did not want her. We adopted her immediately and promised her a better life. She was found to have heartworms and we made arrangements for her treatment. She began to respond to our love and she would wag her tail when we walked in the room. She ever so slowly began to let us pet and love her. When she got a bath you could see how happy she was. Sadly, before her heartworm treatment could begin she began showing the signs of distemper. She was admitted to the animal hospital and spent 2 days in intensive care. When it was evident that she was suffering, we gave the word for her to be put to sleep. She died 3 weeks to the day that she was rescued. Obviously, her owner never had her vaccinated and she contracted distemper at the MAS. It was because of Becca that we decided to be foster parents with Guardian Angel. She made us want to help other dogs in her same plight. Becca was such a special girl to us and we know that even though she had experienced neglect, she knew in the last 3 weeks of her life that she was loved. We will always remember our Becca.
~Fostered by Ken and Sallie Hall~
Kaylee
Kaylee was adopted by a loving family - they only got to love her for 2 weeks. An autopsy revealed her spay that was done 2-years prior to her adoption was performed incorrectly. Instead of her ovaries being tied off, her intestines were tied off.
A Note from her Mommy: If Kaylee had to leave this earth, I'm glad I got to be her Mom for the short while I was given. She was glad to be with us too, we could tell she was glad when she looked at us and we didn't yell for her jumping on the couch, and when we went to bed she actually got to choose who SHE wanted to sleep in bed with. I don't think she had ever been given toys before, because she didn't know what to think about SheDaisey when she wagged a toy infront of her to play tug-o-war with her. And she had just gotten comfortable playing chase around the couch with SheDaisey, Daisey had finallly gotten the "sister" she had always wanted. Having 4 daughters I know the bond that sisters have and Daisey and Kaylee had that bond. Last night Candi had picked up Kaylee's collar and her tags "clanged" and Daisey went running into the room looking for her sister. Candi and I had to hug Daisey and cry again. Please help us to stop that Vet from doing this to another baby. Kaylee is an AKC registered, spayed, 3-year old petite black Cocker Spaniel. Kaylee is up-to-date on all her shots and on heartworm prevention. Kaylee's elderly owner passed away and Kaylee needs a new loving home. Kaylee is housebroken and crate trained. Kaylee is used to living with an elderly person, but since in foster care has been in a home with a young child and seems to do fine. Kaylee would probably do best as an only dog or with a small doggie friend (she has a small doggie friend in her foster home now). Please fill out an application if you can provide a loving home for Kaylee.
MISS KITTY
Miss Kitty was found outside of our vets office. She tested positive for Aids and lived 2 years in one of our foster homes before passing away. We will never forget this sweet girl.
~fostered by Jen & David Crews~
Scout
Scout was a 4 mo. old shep. mix that we rescued from MAS where he contracted distemper. He had multiple seizures on Mothers Day 2003 & was euthanized. He was a sweet puppy. I still miss him and think of him often. ~ Carol
Before surgery After surgery
CHI CHI
adopted!
We rescued the poor guy from death at the Memphis Animal Shelter on 11/20/03. His leg & hip were badly broken as you can see in the photo & he was unable to put any weight on it at all. We asked for donations and thanks to the generosity of the many animal lovers who visited our site, we got the money we needed to help him!!
Here is Chi Chi's update after the surgery. Chi Chi has gained a good bit of weight now and can run up and down the stairs!! Chi-Chi goes back to the doctor on 12/29/03 and hopefully Dr. Ledbury will be able to remove the external fixator (that's the weird clear tube-like thing )from his leg and hip at that time. Chi Chi is a major lap dog so we are looking for someone who has the time to baby him. His injury may never bother him again, but in case it does, we are looking to find him a family that can accept this possibility and are willing (& able) to provide whatever medical attention he may need in the future. All potential adopters will be able to speak to his vet.
Thanks for your generous donations everyone! You helped us save this precious, happy little guy!
Sadie Williams
Hi! My name was Sadie. I was saved by an angel from the Memphis Animal Shelter but I contracted a deadly disease there and died on March 21st. 2004. I was a dainty little girl who was only 5 months old. I had long legs & weighed about 14 pounds. My foster family knew I was sick, but kept hoping it was only a cold. Then my friend Spirit (below) died and that worried everyone a lot since we were in the shelter together at the exact same time & he had distemper. I did pretty well until the seizures hit. Then it was all over for me. I died of distemper. It wasn't fair. I did so well on crate training and was almost all the way housebroken. I was real good and didn't chew up anything but my dog toys since I was sprung from doggie jail. I got along with all of the dogs at my foster mom’s house (most of the time; sometimes I wanted all the attention). I’d would really have liked to grow up with my own family but I never had the chance because somebody somewhere didn't love me enough to keep me out of the disease infested shelter. Life is so unfair. Would you please promise to never forget me?
Please Click here to see more of Sadie's pictures.
~ Fostered by the Williams Family ~
Spirit
Spirit was the happiest little guy until distemper claimed his life on March 20th. He was a 5 month old male shepherd mix that Guardian Angel President Debbie Homas pulled out of the euthanasia room at the Memphis Animal Shelter. He loved everyone - constantly smiling. He was such a love bug - just wanted to be near you all the time. Too bad the world wasn't a kinder place for this pup. His luck ran out when he ended up at the Memphis Animal Shelter and contracted a fatal disease that no amount of love could cure. He left this world cradled in the arms of his foster mom who showered him with love for the 3 short weeks she had him.
~fostered by the Homas family~
BAILEY WILLIAMS
We adopted Bailey from the Memphis Animal Shelter and to her new foster family's dismay, she died the next day of Parvo. We only knew her for one day but none of us will ever forget her sweet little face.
~fostered by the Williams family~
RAVEN
Raven was a stray a good Samaritan picked up and then could not keep because she had mange. The mange was treated and she was adopted by an owner who loved her and gave her a wonderful home for nearly 2 yrs. Raven died in a freak accident one day at her home. Sadly, she choked to death after chewing up the rubber drain stopper from her owner's bath tub. She is dearly missed by him and everyone at GAPR.
Holly Mattix
This 3 month old Rotti/Chow mix puppy was rescued from MAS on 1/27/04.
Distemper took her life on 2/12/04.
Message from her foster mom:
Holly came into my home as a spur of the moment thing. I had gone to MAS to look at their kittens and Debbie asked me to check on the dogs that she had adopted the week before. The vet had been out for several days and thus there was a long waiting list for surgeries. The dog that Debbie felt to be in the greatest danger of getting sick was Holly because of her young age and obvious lack of vaccinations, being a stray and all. The minute I saw her, I thought she was the cutest "teddy bear" I'd ever seen. She was not thrilled at all about being held or carried and even got in the floor board of my truck and wouldn't move for the entire ride. She threw up in the floor several times and admittedly I was thinking what a mistake I'd made. We finally made it home and tried to get her to play with us as most puppies would do naturally. She huddled in the back of her crate and refused to come out at all- until no one was around. I suspected from the beginning that she hadn't had much human contact in her short lifetime but I could see it in her eyes that she really wanted to be right there with everyone else. Over the next few days, I made every effort to break down the walls that separated us and finally saw the fear and distrust dissipating. I found that she loved toys and treats. She had a favorite tennis ball and chew bone that kept getting lost during her solo play sessions. She started coming out of her crate( which she retreated to if anyone came around) if I showed her the toys or bounced the ball. She was still not sure about me but couldn't stand to see the ball bouncing and not chase it. After another day or two, she was like every other puppy. She ran up to me when she heard me coming or if I called her name. Her tail wagged excitedly when I talked to her. Seeing her waiting for me with her tail wagging and a look like " where have you been all day- I'm ready to play" made all the day's stresses disappear instantly. She stayed by my side at all times when she was out of her crate and had even learned to enjoy being held like a baby. She had finally achieved what I'd been hoping for her. She had learned what it was like to be loved and how to return that love tenfold. If only I had known that the joy I felt when I was with her was to end so suddenly, I would probably have done some things differently. I would have stayed with her day and night, given her all the doggie treats she could eat, and held her like the sweet baby that she was for as long as she would let me. It is so easy to get wrapped up in our daily lives and routines that often we don't think about what an impact certain things have on us- until it's too late. Holly , you have taught me to treat every moment like it's my last and always make sure to tell those special people- pets included- how much they mean to me. I don't know if you heard me that morning because you were pretty disoriented but I said "I love you and I'm sorry that we didn't have more time to together". I held you in my arms until the very end of your suffering. That was the hardest thing I've ever had to do. You are in my thoughts everyday-in fact, I'm crying now as I write this. You were my special "child" and I'll always love you. The kids miss you very much and hope you have lots of toys and friends to play with at the Rainbow Bridge. We wish you were here with us but know that you are in a great place now. Bye for now! Remember I love you.
Mom, Colin & Katelyn
SHEEBA CANFIELD
Sheeba was my first rescued dog. She was 4 weeks old
when I got her in
December of 1992, she has been the light of my life for 11 years. She will
always be "mommy's girl". Sheeba passed away of liver cancer at
11 years
old, December 2003. I see her everyday in the eyes of my other dogs. She
was
always teaching the younger dogs her good and bad traits, I loved her even
more for this. Sheeba will always be in my heart. I love you Sheeba.
Owners: Kyle & Carolyn Canfield of Memphis, TN
~*TOFFEE*~
Hi! My name is Toffee. I was a 2 yr old terrier mix. I was saved from the Memphis Animal Shelter when an angel called and got me out of “the room” just in time. Turns out I died anyway from distemper. :( Some things are just not meant to be. My first family let me get heartworms & then let me end up at the kill shelter. :( But I did have the chance to be loved by my foster family (Allison, Gene, Andrea & Christine Williams) for 6 weeks before I was humanely euthanized when my suffering became unbearable. I had some great times with them. I even got a fantastic gift box filled with toys & treats and everything a dog could wish for from the kids at Ellendale School for Christmas!! My foster family says I was very sweet and they will never forget me. They even chose a name for me that fit right in with their dogs Tuffy and Taffy. I will miss my foster family and all the Guardian Angels who tried to save me. But I am sad I never had the chance to find a forever family to love me. Goodbye world.
Truckstop Homas
This adorable pup (who was found abandoned at a truckstop) was stolen from us by a terrible disease known as canine distemper--
We love you Tee! You came along and
brightened our world for such a
short time. We will never forget you.
Love,
Mom, Megan and Corey
Spot and his mom Sheeba were abandoned when their human moved and left them. A neighbor was caring for them thinking the owner would return in a few days to pick up the dogs. But 2 months went by and the neighbor grew tired of caring for them and surrendered them to MAS . Spot was a great small dog who's former owner didn't care enough for him to protect him by giving him a simple vaccination & our shots came too late.
Friday Kilpatrick
Friday was loved from the moment I set
eyes on him. He was very unique and
had a goofy personality that made everyone smile and laugh. We miss
him
everyday and know that the short 3 weeks he had with us was the best time
in
his 5 months of life. Distemper claimed his life after he was
rescued from
MAS. He is missed by his foster brothers and sisters who he played
with
everyday. Mommy loves you little Buddy!!
~fostered by Dana Kilpatrick~
Rupert Homas
What can you say about a frail, gentle and very sweet
puppy who was only with us such a short time? The two months he spent in foster care,
he
was definitely loved. He slept in the bed with an 11-year-old girl
every night. He was by her side every moment she was home. He
lived to
see her walk through the door. He never was healthy from the time he
left the shelter, but he was a fighter. His little body just
couldn't
fight anymore after the second month. Having Rupert in our lives for
his short life was worth every moment.
~fostered by the Homas family~
WINSTON VAUGHN
& his foster dad
~Distemper claims yet another precious dog~
Hey Everybody, its Winston
Just wanted to drop Guardian Angel a quick note before I cross the Rainbow Bridge. Just wanted to say thank you to Susan for rescuing me from the apartment complex and Jill for getting me setup with my foster family. I’ve met some really great humans with Guardian Angel. Don’t worry, I’ll definitely put in a good word for all of you. Especially Lisa St. Thomas, who I’ll recommend to watch over us while we’re outside playing. I’ll recommend that Matt St. Thomas be in charge of giving out treats, he’s really qualified in that department. I’ll recommend my foster mom Petra to give baths, she’s really good at keeping us clean. Last, but not least, I’ll recommend my foster dad, Joe, to pick up the poop. He’s really good at keeping the yard clean, so we don’t step in anything. Please look after my best friend, Chewy, who’s on the website. I’m going to miss our long play sessions. He’s really a great guy, he’d definitely make some family very happy. Also, please look after my foster parents. They seemed so sad and cried a lot when it was time for me to go. Well, that’s about it, gotta go, God’s calling. I’m getting a tour and then it’s off to play in beautiful green pastures.
Love Winston
P.S. Please tell my foster mom that I heard her when she whispered “I love you” in my ear. I love her too!!
Yvette
She was saved from the
Memphis Animal Shelter only to die a few weeks later. But we have to
believe that those weeks were probably the best she had ever had.
She
spent five weeks with the foster mom who pulled her from the shelter.
She was such a sweet, gentle thing. All she wanted was to be petted
and
loved on. She was always thin and had a cough when she first came
home. But she got over that and we hoped that she would go on to
become
stronger and live a long life. She was taken home a week before she
died to be fostered by foster family who hoped to adopt her if she
became stronger and healthier. She spent another week being loved by
a
family including six grandchildren. She was very gentle and loving
with
the children. The foster mom said even though she had her such a
short
time, she was happy to have known such a sweet soul. The saddest
part
is that whoever had her before she ended up at the Memphis Animal Shelter
did not appreciate what a wonderful thing they had.
BAMBI & THUMPER (NOT PICTURED) PARTAIN
Bambi was 7 months old when she passed. She was fostered from the age of 3 weeks and bottle fed. She passed of FIV (aids) her brother Thumper passed at about 6 weeks old. They are both missed greatly by all the lives they touched.
JESSI WILLAMS
Jessi was found as a stray by a GAPR volunteer. She was diagnosed with cancer and lived out her days in a loving foster home before she was humanely euthanized after her suffering became evident.
~fostered by the Williams Family ~sponsored by the Vaughn family
Sammi Jo Czech
Sammi was the personal pet of Guardian Angel Pet Rescue Co-founder Dana Czech. Dana adopted Sammi as a kitten from the Eau Claire, WI animal shelter in 1984. Sammi lived for 18.5 happy and healthy years before succumbing to hyperthyroid disease. Her death has left a big hole in the hearts of the all the members of the Czech family.
TIMMIE VELEZ
Timmie was a young shepherd mix who was rescued from the streets by one of our "angels." He was heartworm positive and he died due to complications with the treatment. We are all just sick over this. He was an awesome dog that we will never forget.
Zander Colter
We adopted Zander from the Memphis Animal Shelter. He was very sick and died from a combination of a Herpes-like virus as well as FIP. We tried our best to save him but it we lost him anyway.
Angel Colter
Angel was adopted from
MAS by us when he was 3 months old. He was very tolerant of other cats and
got used to dogs pretty quickly. He was litter trained and very affectionate.
He was talkative
when he wanted attention but otherwise was very quiet and content.
He was a beautiful baby who would have given someone countless years of joy and warm
winter nights. His life was cut short by a terrible illness known as FIP
Polo Forgacz
~fostered by Sonia
EBONY WILLIAMS
died 2/13/03
Ebony was a gorgeous spaniel mix we rescued from the Memphis Animal Shelter. Sadly, she contracted distemper and was humanely euthanized.
ANIAS FORGACZ
We rescued Anais and her two siblings right before they were to be surrendered at the Memphis Animal Shelter. Sadly, she succumbed to Parvo after a brave struggle for life. She is deeply missed by her two siblings and all the Guardian Angels who's lives she touched. But most of all by her foster mom~ Sonia.
Farewell sweet girl-we will never forget you!
Sienna Arnold
Nov. 2002- Jan. 2003
We thought we had saved Sienna when we rescued her from the Memphis Animal Shelter. But we were wrong. She had contracted a deadly disease commonly known as distemper and died from it. She was a terrific, happy puppy who was dearly loved by her foster mom( Sonia) and then by her forever family the Arnold's. She is deeply missed by all she touched. Good bye sweet angel!!
Terra Colter
Nov. 2002 - Dec. 14th, 2002
We adopted Terra from the Memphis Shelter. She was soo tiny. Not even 1 lb yet. She died after a virus attacked her heart. She was a very sweet kitten who will be dearly missed by her foster mom Carole.
JESSIE GRANTHAM
We adopted Jesse from the Memphis Animal Shelter. She was only 8 months old when she died of distemper on Thanksgiving morning. She was loved dearly by her foster family and is terribly missed. After leaving the shelter, she enjoyed sleeping in bed with her foster mom and dad. She enjoyed playing with her foster kids and foster dogs. Her illness came out of the blue....5 wks after she left the shelter. She fought hard for 5 more. She even received a booster distemper vaccination 2 wks after leaving the shelter. We will never understand this HORRIBLE disease.
JACKSON SMITH
Jackson was adopted from the Memphis Animal Shelter by a loving family. He became ill with distemper and they nursed him back to health which lasted 4 wonderful weeks before a seizure took his life suddenly. During his 4 wks of being part of a family, he loved to go on daily walks. He played with his kids and his new cat. He enjoyed a few rides in the car and even learned to sit. But best of all, he finally became part of a family who loved him and comforted him after his traumatic experience of being dumped at the shelter. Not only was it traumatic. It ultimately killed him.
Heidi
Adopted 5/4/02!!!
Heidi was nearly 10 years when she was found as a stray by a good Samaritan. Nobody knew her days were numbered. She was potty trained, minded very well, got along with cats , fine with kids too. She required LOTS of attention. She played "roll the ball" for hours on end. Sadly, Heidi passed away August 2002 from cancer. She will be greatly missed by her new mom who had her only a few short months but loved her enough for an entire lifetime.
Buddy
Distemper claimed his life after we adopted him from the Memphis Shelter. He was only 1 year old.
Charlie
Distemper claimed his life after we adopted him from the Memphis Shelter and found a forever family to love him. He was only 1 yr old.
SASHA
(no photo available)
Sasha was an elderly toy poodle who was found stray and given to us at one of our adoption days. She was pregnant and heartworm positive. Sadly she died during the treatment that was supposed to save her life. Despite the neglect, she was the most loving dog and had even found a foster home where she was loved and pampered during her last days.
IVY
Ivy did not receive proper socialization as a puppy. She was returned to us 2 times for vicious behavior. Her vet deemed her a threat to children and animals. She was humanely euthanized.
Sweet Pea
Sweet Pea was rescued from the Memphis kill Shelter only to fall victim to a terrible infection that eventually claimed his life.
AULAIT
We adopted this Poodle from the Memphis Animal Shelter and got him into a rescue located in Nashville, TN. Sadly, he contracted Distemper while in the Memphis Shelter and despite the efforts of his Nashville Rescuers, his suffering lingered and he was humanely euthanized.
Too Too
We saved Too Too from euthanasia and then found her a forever family. It turns out forever was just a few short months. Sadly she was killed by a car. She was a terrific family dog and loved to chase squirrels. We are all saddened by this tragedy.