In Memory of Daisy

Our Daisy crossed over the Rainbow Bridge last evening at the ripe old age of 16. She was always a petite lady, but her weight had dropped to 10 pounds, has extreme difficulty getting her back legs to work, and the coup de gras...she stopped eating. We were fortunate to have had her in our lives for six years and were with her at the end to ease her crossing.

Daisy was the first dog I ever transported for CSAC. Valerie called me at work soon after becoming a volunteer and asked if I could pick up two dogs who were just rescued from the Montgomery Animal Shelter. They had been dropped off at the Pasadena PetSmart for baths and grooming, so I would have to pick them up there and transport to Tail End Kennel. I didn't even have carriers yet, but agreed to pick them up. Daisy laid on the back seat. From the time I got them settled to the time we made it out of the shopping center, Daisy was sound asleep. In fact, she slept so soundly for so long, I was afraid she had died. I could just hear myself telling Valerie the first dog I handled for CSAC died while I had her. Luckily, she woke up when my vehicle reached the kennel.

Beth and I agreed to foster Daisy and took her to several White Flint adoption shows, where she barked and growled at any person who came within five feet of her. Needless to say, she wasn't adopted from the show. But she was a completely different dog in our home. Warm, funny and prone to lay on any pillow she could find; hence her nickname "Princess of the Pillows". Kate, our college freshman, asked if she was eligible to adopt Daisy...and as the say, "the rest is history."

Daisy had been "thrown away" twice before CSAC rescued her. We like to think the last six years of her life were a happy, safe time for her. She certainly taught us a lot about love. We will miss her, but our other six won't let us brood too long.

In Memory of David

David died Sunday morning of kidney failure. He died as he lived, with courage and on his own terms. We only had him 18 months, but we were truly blessed for every minute of those 18 months.

For those of you who never got to meet David, I feel truly sorry for you. He lived for 12 years in a tiny wire crate in a puppymill, and was rescued by Linda Koser along with the other "American Idols." He had to have an eye removed when he came into rescue (it had been injured and never tended to--I hate to think of the pain he was in all of that time). David was not in very good shape, and Linda told me she was worried about him. Bob and I agreed to foster him, thinking we could help this poor little soul. Stupid, stupid us--that little dog taught us more about love and courage and perseverance and just being cool than we ever thought possible.

David was our ambassador of goodwill--he would always greet new fosters when they came in as if to say 'this isn't such a bad place, you'll be ok.' He'd show them the water bowl and the beds, and would often lie down next to them when they first arrived. When Linda was dying, he stayed by her until she passed and then he howled when her spirit was gone. God knows I howled when his spirit departed.

He is at peace now, out of pain. He died on his own, and he lies next to Charlie in the ever expanding doggie memorial garden. Thanks, CSAC, for giving us such a precious gift. There is nothing quite like these older PM dogs--and I had the best one of all.

Nancy

In Memory of Spunky

In Memory of Lydia

Six years ago I received a phone call from Valerie asking me if I would consider fostering a 2 year old female that could not go to a kennel because of a suspected heart problem. She was still in the vet's office, but she pleaded with me to take a look. I was still reeling from the recent loss of LadyBug and my I didn't know if I could bring another into our home.

But . . . I went to the vet's hospital to meet Lydia - what a precious little girl - she was petite and spunky and loving. She wasn't ready to be released and when I left she started to whimper . . . of course . .. that did it . .. I told the vet hospital that I would be back to get her when she was ready to be released.

And so began life with Lydia - she was so full of life - everything was an adventure - she loved our other dogs - they loved her - she loved to romp and play and snuggle and give kisses.

We made an appointment for a cardiology work-up. We had no idea at that juncture how bad her heart was. She had a genetic birth defect - the duct to one of the heart's ventricles never closed and blood was constantly seeping into that chamber. One of her chambers was so enlarged that the doctor said it was the size of a labrador's. The prognosis was poor. The doctor said - maybe 6 weeks . . . . However . . . he prescribed multiple medicines - even a new one that we could only get from Canada . . . and our 6 weeks with this darling girl turned into 6 years.

A month ago, she was having trouble breathing - we knew that the time had come . . .we took her to the vet - she stayed there 4 days - and then we took her back to the cardiologist where her medicine was re-adjusted - she was in congestive heart failure. We knew now that she was really on borrowed time - we were told to have her avoid stress - to avoid excess exertion - we carried her so that she didn't have to walk the steps - we gave her all of her favorite foods.

For the past two days, her appetite dimished - she wasn't her spunky self - of course we never thought that there would be a day without Lydia.

Last night, Leslie carried Lydia downstairs to go outside and then he carried her back upstairs. She died in his arms, surrounded by the love we had for her.

She was such a gentle spirit - a wonderful little girl - hopefully she is with all of the other Goldstein clan romping and playing across the Rainbow Bridge.

Barbara

Oscar's Happy Ending

The Taylors adopted Mollie from us 3 years ago when she was a tiny puppy (and my foster!).  They decided they wanted to add to their family and chose Oscar.  They came and met him with Mollie and she and Oscar decided it was love at first sight.  Here is what they had to say:

"We are so happy with him.....he did awesome on the 3 hour drive home. Mollie has a little bit of an attitude with him but is okay with him, he follows her around like a little shadow. Thanks for helping us to give him a forever home.  If you ever need someone in the lower Delmarva area to do a home visit for the rescue please let me know." 

Rondo's Happy Ending

"We LOVE Rondo!!! He is quite the cool little man - very calm, great with the kids and the neighbor's kids. He's still not quite sure what to think about Cash and his energy level but I suspect he will warm up to him soon enough. Cash just wants to play with all of the time. Rondo is so worn out that he's laying in bed between us snoring up a storm right now. Thanks for telling us about him - we love him all ready!!!! All of our friends and my mother in law think he's wonderful!!"

The Armstrongs

Blitzen's Happy Ending

Hi Christine and Linda - just a quick update...he is doing great.  Lots of puppy energy.  He's not timid at all.  We've introduced him to people and other dogs and he gets along well with everyone. We said "hello" to a few small children, but from a distance, and he didn't bark and wagged his tail.  I think the "food aggression" was him jumping at people when they have food in their hands (or coffee cups) ...just needs to learn some manners.  He's fine with his own dish and we can pet him while he's eating.  Anyway, I could go on and on...he's just so adorable.

Christine - thanks so much for suggesting him. 

In Memory of Rush

Our 17-1/2 year old Rush crossed over the Rainbow Bridge in the middle of November 2009. A couple of weeks before, chest x-rays show several massive tumors in his lungs, so we knew his time with us was drawing to a close. When he stopped eating, kept falling over when he tried to walk, and wet himself while lying on the kitchen floor, we knew it was time to say good-bye. Beth and I were with him when he left his earthly body behind. He went so peacefully, just falling asleep as we petted and talked to him. Even through our sadness, we knew we were so blessed to have known and loved this special boy.
 
Rush was such a “perfect gentleman”. And he never acted like a senior citizen, running with our pack, even up and down the stairs multiple times a day. I have heard it said that older dogs are too much trouble to foster or adopt, but I couldn’t disagree more. They are already house trained, are rarely territorial, and have left the “chew everything in sight” phase behind. Rush was accepted by our pack within minutes of first stepping through the door. He was not a picky eater and faithfully did his business in the yard. He was just the best dog, of any age, one could want. His year and a half with us provided laughter, love, and memories we will cherish forever.
Thank you CSAC for rescuing Rush and allowing him to love and frolic his way into our lives and hearts!

In Memory of Buffy

In Memory of Digger

We're so sorry to say that Joe and Anne Pugh, who adopted Digger in September 2009, have had to say goodbye to him. Digger had liver cancer, discovered just a couple of days before his passing. Joe and Anne had to make the difficult decision to let Digger cross over Rainbow Bridge. Even though they had Digger for only 6 mos, they report that he was the best dog they ever had - and they have had several senior dogs. Digger quickly became, at 14yrs old, an integral member of the family and went everywhere with them - the bank, store, even down to their beach house. He also attended meetings where people were grieving over the loss of a pet. Digger's presence made them feel better.

Everyone who met him loved him. He was glued to Joe and Anne, a true Velcro Cocker! He was their little gentlemen. They said he added so much to their lives. Anne was going to see about having Digger get certified as a therapy dog. That's how sweet he was. The only regret that they have is that he wasn't in their lives longer. Even though their time with Digger was short he had touched their hearts deeply and is going to be sorely missed.

In Memory of Sweetie

It is with heavy hearts that we say goodbye to Sweetie. She passed away while under anesthesia to get spayed. She was about to go to her new forever home, but it was just not meant to be. We can only take comfort in the fact that she was loved, fed, warm, and well cared from the time that we rescued her to the time that she crossed the Rainbow Bridge.

As you can see from her photo above, she always had a smile on her face and she lived up to her name!

Please join us in extending our condolences to the family who had planned to adopt her. They are brokenhearted, but they are going to take Sweetie’s ashes to keep in a place of honor. They are still going to adopt an older dog from us. Isn’t that a wonderful family? While we can say “if only Sweetie had had some time with them,” but we’re sure she will be looking down from her place at the Bridge waiting to be joined with the family that would have loved her so.

In Memory of Hershey

HERSHEY, YOU WILL BE MISSED.
 
WE KNOW YOU ARE THERE WAITING FOR YOUR FAMILY TO COME SEE YOU AGAIN.

In Memory of Sage

On Monday night, 12/13/10, we lost a very special member of our family, Sage, pictured to the left here with her sister Maeve.

She came to us thankfully thru CSAC at the age of 11 yrs. in 2006.

She had a bad seizure Monday morning after breakfast. And it did not stop. Our vet took her in and watched her all day. After numerous drips of valium to calm her down each time the drug wore off she still convulsed. He thinks it was all neurological and inner ear related.
I sat with her in the crate at the vet’s office for what I thought was forever.
Early that evening I made the hard decision to end her suffering.

Sage was 15 years young, active as a 2 year old; feisty as any pup you could ever know. For all of her 16lbs. no baby gate could keep her from going where she wanted to go. No door was closed to her. I pity St. Francis when she shows up at the gate, for she will let herself in!

Sage had a very hard life. First her mom passed at 81 yrs. She was passed to her mom’s friend who at the last moment decided she could not keep her. Then she was rescued by CSAC and came to us via Linda Koser.

She had ear ablation, went blind and deaf from it, had colitis, a cleft palate, mammary tumors, paw fungus, diverticulitis, allergies to many foods, cysts everywhere, eye infections, you name it she had it.

But even as the oldest in our pack she was the most active. She “knew” when I came home. She was the first one at the door while the others were still sleeping. How she knew we do not know. But she did.

She loved lying on the couch with her sister Maeve, new brother Shadow and her Daddy. She always needed a little boost up to the couch. She never liked those stupid stairs. And every night I carried her up to bed and down in the morning. She slept right next to me in her little bed with her nightlight on.

She let everyone know highly verbally “IT IS DINNER TIME”. For such a small pup she was our biggest eater. And the loudest! Kibble, vegetables, soupies it did not matter. It is dinner time. Let’s eat! NOW!

Our home will now be too quiet. We will miss our little SAGE.

Godspeed to our little Sage!

Len & Jeannette Pursell
Her sisters Maeve and Honey
Brothers Shadow and kitty Binky
Solebury, PA

Toebe's Happy Ending

The adjustment period for us hasn't been that difficult. We've had to make a few small changes to the house (e.g. securing bathroom garbage cans), but nothing that can't be done. The people in our home have taken Toebe in and he's just part of the family now. The only one with a couple issues has been our older dog, Dixie. She had been the only dog for 9 years, so learning to share her space and her people with someone new has been a little bit of a challenge. 95% of the time, the two get along just fine, but there are kerfuffles between them about every two weeks and they seem to center around me...who has possession of me. There is barking and growling, but never any biting. Also seems to be a dominance thing too. When it happens, they are immediately separated until things cool down (just a couple minutes), then they're fine again.

As far as Toebe's health, he's come a long way since we brought him home. He's been to the vet here twice to check his thyroid levels, and getting that stable has been the key. His patchy hair is now growing in thick and full, and his scaly skin is almost normal. In fact, he's about due for his first haircut...never thought he'd look shaggy, but he does. He's a champ about taking medicine and having his ears cleaned. The next thing I'll be introducing to him is his very own toothbrush!! Oh, and they get a 30 minute walk every morning through our neighborhood.

The one thing we had to figure out was how to take care of Toebe while our family went on vacation. We already had a 10-day trip planned when we adopted him, and I initially made reservations with our vet to kennel him while we were gone. But, as he got stronger and more attached to our family it became clear that the kennel wasn't going to be the right option for him. We ended up letting him stay at the house with Dixie and our dog sitter. It seemed to work great for Toebe...his schedule stayed the same, the environment stayed the same; the thing we were most concerned about was that, since Toebe had spent so much time in kennels before we got him, he would think we were dumping him off again if he stayed with the vet...that's the last thing we want him to believe.

So, overall, the adoption is a huge success for us. Toebe is an adorable, love bug who will be with us for the rest of his life. I'm really glad we were able to find him and add him to our family.

Kathy

Eli's Happy Ending

Hi All-  This is Eli (Rocky) that we rescued in May of 2012. Sadly he suddenly lost vision in his remaining eye earlier this summer due to a retinal issue. He's doing fairly well (as are his humans) adapting to his new "challenge ".

This picture was taken at our lake where he enjoys visiting every chance he gets. He tries to climb into my husband's Suburban as we're packing it up, but its a bit too high for him given his current situation. (The fact that he's 9ish years old)

I won't say that having a special needs dog is easy all the time, but watching my kids and their friends (teenagers) show such compassion for Eli is truly heart warming. He's taught all of us that we don't have to be perfect to be lovable.  Fortunately his 2 fur buddies take it in stride that they get "nudged" around once in a while as Eli's maneuvering around.

We love Eli to pieces!!  He still manages to be my Velcro furry friend that's blobs himself down wherever I happen to land. Somethings will never change!!


Laura

In Memory of CJ (Cassidy Jack) - 9/26/2011

Cj Cassidy Jack held on for over a month and a half and made it to his 12 birthday. September 9th he showed improvement but then took a turn for the worse.

We miss you

Polly's Happy Ending


After we had Bo for about a year then we started to help foster and of course Polly, a puppy mill dog, came along. I was understanding of needs and patience and told my husband it was up to him.if wanted to try to foster one.  We met Polly and needless to say my husband said that she gave him a kiss when deciding about fostering.  We took her home and within a week was told someone was interested in her and that if wanted to adopt her had to let them know.  Well you know the end of this story. When we met her she was a big fur ball and now she is totally different. I taught her to walk on leash in six months and she is now with her brother  Bo.  Enclosed two pictures show the difference .. The first picture is when we first brought her home. and the picture with pink leash is after hair cut and she looks like a younger and happy dog....

Bo's Happy Ending

Bo was first from Cocker Spaniel Adoption Center and went through many foster homes and ended up with Hope Program for last chance.  Well, we met Bo about two years ago this October and we were not sure if we wanted another dog because we had just lost our beloved CJ in September 2011. We still don’t know what caused him to become sick even after many tests. Because of his age we did not want to put him through any more and a biopsy at age 12.  Well, we met Bo for the first time and  it just clicked.  Within the time frame of being here he went from hanging out with  Linda to following me and making himself at home.  

Well the story ends like most... He's home... 

Thanks for the two programs for all they do and we have been able to foster a few, like Buddy, Megan and Duke and they all have forever homes..YEA.
 

Bruce and Tammy Varner

You may remember Angel, who came to us from a shelter and already had cancer when we got her. She has lost the battle with cancer, but these last few months surely proved she won the war. She went from unloved and dumped by people who didn't care for her to loved and pampered by her foster mommy in her final months. Below is a poem and a beautiful eulogy from foster mom Candi. Our hearts go out to you, Candi. We know how much pain you are feeling right now. There truly are angels among us.

By the time you read this, I will have reached my destination - over the rainbow. It was my time to fly and be free on the cancer that was taking over my physical being. Now I am free, leaping over the clouds, barking of my blessed eternal life. I will miss my foster mom and my foster canine family who became more than a foster home - they all became MY family, MY home and I love them all so dearly. My foster mom held me as she helped me cross over the bridge filled with much love so my Angel wings could soar high from the love I was given. Grieve not for me as I will watch over you all. Blessed be those who have touched my life, - CSAC for giving me a new lease on life and taking me under their wings of love, my foster mom for loving me so - and all of you - who do what you do for my canine friends - I hope in honor of my life - you will continue to assist those others who are in need - for it is you that speak for us! Bless you all, I will watch over you all, and watch out for diving butterflies - as it just may be me!


This poem below was written by my foster mom last night, August 12th - as she knew it would be soon - we spoke words unspoken and all was said....

Love, Angel


Fly Me Over The Rainbow

I know my time is drawing near
That's alright, I know no fear
Of what lies beyond the rainbow

I'm blessed you know as I know love
As sure as the air beneath wings of a dove
The way to the rainbow I will know

My life has meaning, a life worth living
I have angels like you with hearts that are giving
From above I will watch over you - below

Think not of sadness when I must go
Think all good thoughts so I can glow
In the bask of His light that He will show.

Continue your work here in this life
Continue your work thru all the strife
Thru your hearts, Angels will proceed to grow

You came to me in my time of need
Others are out there, please do heed
The cry of those who are burdened with woes

My wings will come to fly me above
Soaring high, wings beating solely from love
Flying me over the rainbow...........

In Memory of Beau


We want to thank you for helping us to adopt Beau, a beautiful cocker spaniel, in 2002.  He was a very special part of our lives and it was with great sadness yesterday that we had to have him put to sleep.  It was time as he was almost 16 and the medications that he needed were no longer working.

Once our hearts have mended a bit, we will be reaching out later this fall to adopt another cocker spaniel.....but we will need a little time.  Beau will never be forgotten nor will the joy and happiness that he brought into our lives.

But I want to thank you for helping us to find such a special "boy" and that we will be in touch in a bit hoping to adopt another cocker spaniel.

Gary and Fran, Hudson, NH

Cocker Spaniel Plant Hangers

I discovered someone that will make us plant hangers with the Cocker Spaniel design from our business card.  They can make all kinds of animals, flowers, birds etc....  The hangers are made out of metal and are powder coated black.  I will be taking orders for them to see what kind of interest there is for them.  A portion of the sales will be donated to CSAC.  The sizes vary for the different styles that he makes, but the Cocker Spaniel is approx.  10" high X 12" long.  The cost will be $15.00 each.  Shipping will be extra from me to you.  I am not sure how long it will be to get them made because this is a side job/hobby for the man that makes them.  I am trying to get better prices by buying in a larger quantity in hopes to make more $$$ for CSAC.  If I get a good response from everyone, I will also order some extra to sell at events.

These will also make some adorable Christmas Gifts!!!!!

Lisa

Princess Wobbie's Happy Ending

This is from Princess Wobbie (formerly Mindy), she was one of my puppy mill fosters.  She came to me scared of everything.  It took weeks to get her to do stairs.  She would only go outside if she ran past you with one of my dogs.  Sounds like she is finally adjusting to her new life.  She was adopted by a wonderful couple in Baltimore and has a feline brother, Milo, who showed her how to use the "doggie" door.


It has almost been a year since I came to live with these humans and I find
that it is nice here.  I stayed in my crate at night for about 8 months.  During
the day I was getting use to the "big house".  I found the kitchen right away
(thats where the food is).  I spent most of my time in the family room where my
crate was.  I felt safe there.  Gradually I joined the people in the dining room
(thats where their food is).  Then I realized it was nice to sit with the people
in the den, and then the living room.  I even followed Milo upstairs to the
bedroom (to see if there was food up there-LOL!).  As you can see I pretty much
have the run of the place.  The crate has been retired to the shed and I sleep
on mom's Mexican blanket (she really bought it for me).  We are still working on
my bathroom habits.  I'm 100% during the day but I don't like going out in the
dark at night.The cats out there can be mean.  I only like my yard when my
parents are with me and taking a walk around the neighborhood can be scary.  I
feel more relaxed if I can see what is going on in front of me and mom talks to
me along the way.  I even let mom give me loveies now and that man person is
growing on me.  He is very patient.  I have a new vet,  Dr. "Peanut butter". 
She knew right away how to win me over.  I have bad cocker ears but Dr. Peanut
butter knows just what to do.  These people must love me.  They even gave me a
"pet" name, Princess Woobie.  I like being a princess!!  I think I'll stay here. 
Say hi to Patch and all the other dogs. 

Have a Great Summer,
Princess Wobbie, a.k.a Mindy 

 
 

Chester's Happy Ending

This is Chester, formerly JoJo. We heard from his Mom and Dad and he is doing great! Here is an update they sent us.

Jojo, now Chester is doing well.  We truly love and adore him and he us.  Our other cocker Mollie accepted him at once as did our cat, Wolfie. Chester and Wolfie even like to play together.  Chester has lots of energy and loves to go for walks and fetch balls.  I will send you a photo and video from my phone.  We took him to the vet for a checkup and he is in perfect health.  He was so eager to meet the doctor that he slipped out of the exam room with the vet tech.  Everyone there was charmed by his joyful spirit.

  


Thank you so much for checking in and all you and the other volunteers do for CSAC!
Cathy