RAINBOW BRIDGE

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.

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...

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Entries 8 - 27 of 28



Tazz had a good life
Tazz

Hello All,

I used to do the adoptions for United Yorkie Rescue, but stopped when I saw that old man Tazz did best as an only dog. He was my first rescue from United Yorkie Rescue. I tried and tried to find the right home but just never could. He was very old and only had two teeth left and a deformed jaw when I first got him as a rescue. The vet pulled those teeth and he was much happier.

Tazz lived as a batchelor with just me for just a few years. Last year my daugher and her two children, a Doberman and a minature Toy Fox Terrier moved in with me. Much to my surprise Tazz perked up with all the activity. He had really aged and I think that the activity this time was very good for him. He could always retreat to my room and be alone whenever he needed that.

Through the time I had him I did resuscitation, mouth to muzzle, on him a couple of times. Four times we raced to the vet with his old age problems and he miraculously bounced back. Finally though last year about this time, he looked at me and said in his doggie way " I'm not eating or drinking because it is time". He had become skin and bones and could not stand up because he was so weak. We visited the vet for the last time and she said he was the oldest dog (estimated 20 years) she has ever treated. Tazz had a soft spot with Dr. Whetstone too.

I have never had to be the one to put a friend down, but I knew in my heart it was time. So as I held Tazz, he gently went over the Rainbow Bridge. The hardest part was hearing what he was saying to me before the decision was made. I just didn't want to listen to his saying "it's time to say good-bye for now".

Tazz was never a peppy dog because he was just old when we first met. But he provided me with so much love and appreciation that I will always cherish him so very much.

I vowed to never have another that I just couldn't stand having a broken heart. Well, forget that. This past December, just two months after Tazz went over the Rainbow Bridge, Noel came to live at my house.

A group of us Realtors were having dinner last December. One of my Realtor friends mentioned that she had a client who left his little dog (she said it was a Yorkie) outside In all kinds of weather. Upon seeing this situation, the Realtor wisely asked the seller if he really had time for his dog and he admitted he did not. She then went on to say that she knew someone who might like her (me) and he agreed. I beat a hasty path to his house the next day to pick up Noel. The owner told me that his mother who had died the previous year had a full bred Yorkie that got out and Noel was the result. His widowed father asked him to take Noel and the owner did. He traveled and left Noel either outside in the backyard in all kinds of weather or in a tiny kennel in the dark garage. He had owned her one year and had never given her a name. Imagine! Since we met in December I called her Noel.

When I first met her she was skiddish and undernourished. Today she is socialized and has a shiney coat. She never has house trained very well, but no problem . . . she wears panties and is just fine. I even buy the liners (femine napkins that I cut in half) at the dollar store. Noel does not look much like a Yorkie to me, but I did google "Chorkie" and I think (and so does the vet) that she is part Chihuahua and park Yorkie. There maybe a bit of Carine in there too. I just love her to pieces and she travels well. We have taken two road trips with friends and their dogs. What fun!

If you could, since Tazz was a United Yorkie Rescue, could you please post his photo? I keep it on my laptop, but want the world to know that old dogs do learn new tricks. . . he magically came into my life and warmed my heart. That is a big trick!

Pat Morgan
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Jake

Jake and his loving family
Jake

It is with great sadness that we must report Jake has crossed the Rainbow Bridge. He was our first and longest Forever Ours pup and he is already missed. Jake had been a part of UYR for over 5 years and he leaves a hole that will never quite be filled.

Sincerely, Carl Sullenberger, Treasurer

A few words from Jake's Forever Ours foster mom, Catherine.

Our Jake took a turn for the worse recently but this time our little "Energizer Bunny" didn't bounce back. It was his time. The vet said he had probably experienced several strokes, we assisted his passing yesterday. Jake lived to be 20 1/2 years old! Yeah, he was blind, deaf, and a leaker, but still enjoyed life to the fullest ruling the pack of both pups and humans. Jake was my 20th foster dog, yet no other had literally forced his way into my heart the way this little man did. He was the most insistant little guy you could ever meet, HE had to be on my lap, HE had to be the one cuddled closest to me in bed, HE had to be first out or in the door. Jake's urinary problems required his to wear his belly bands so we've been diapering and medicating for the last 5 1/2 years. Jake was a loving, cuddling, demanding, alpha, "BABY" and I miss him terribly. I hurt so bad I can hardly stand it.

Catherine McCool-Texas

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Little angel, Halley
Halley

Rest in Peace Little one...You were so very loved!!

Halley was always our little Angel Girl. When we adopted her 3 yrs ago from UYR she was a quiet little dog who only barked to let us know she was ready for dinner, now! She would do her little dance which came to be known as "Dinner Dance". She loved to sleep on our warn water bed or in a sunspot on the carpet. Outdoors she loved to lay in the sun on a warm stepping stone with our other UYR, Jack.

Halley had become blind from cataracts. Her eye specialist was amazed how well she tolerated all the tests for her eyes. We were doing eye drops and ointments round the clock as she had an ulcer that had ruptured. It was finally almost healed after a couple months of care, when she developed fluid in her lungs and was into congestive heart failure and kidneys were also failing. After holding her most of the day, we decided it was time to help her onto the Rainbow Bridge. Pam held her in her arms as Dr. Nowak helped her journey to the bridge.

I must say though that Halley hated her allergy shots. She became a perpetual motion machine when I picked her up to give her the shot. But once it occured to me to warm the serum that had just come from the refrigerator she was calm about that too.

Halley was 15 + yrs old.
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Hope

Enjoying the shade
Hope

On Feb. 2, 2010, Dennis & I helped our Hope cross the Rainbow Bridge.

We found out 5 days before Christmas that Hope was in liver failure. She just bloated up one day, so I rushed her to our vet. He did blood work which showed that her protein levels were almost non-existent. She was having terrible diarrhea at that time, so maybe if we got that under control, she would get better. We got her bloating and diarrhea under control with meds, but it all happened again just 2 weeks later. By the last week of Jan., it was just becoming too much for her. The diarrhea was so unbelievably horrific...she never complained, and always tried to make it outside or to the potty pads. I cried for her every-time the diarrhea happened.

We finally had to stop being selfish and let her go. Dennis and I were, and still are so devastated from her passing. Hope was our needy little girl...she loved everyone that she met, but she was especially my girl - my third hip - my sweet, sweet cuddle bug. I am lost without her...the house is so empty without her here. I miss her funny whine every time she wanted something, which was almost all of the time...but that was Hope. I miss her always wanting to be petted...she would lay by me and nudge my hand so I would pet her head...every time I stopped, she would push her nose under my hand to pet her again - I LOVED that. I miss her big ears, her head tilt, her funny walk, her almost chopping your fingers off when you gave her a treat...but most of all, I miss the love she gave to us. To think that someone threw her out of a moving car, in the dead of winter, because she was useless to them just rips my heart apart.

Our little girl went by many names...we all called her Hope, but I would call her Hopie...Dennis called her Hopester...and my grandson Austin called her Hopers...she was also my "Hopeless in Sheboygan". She was "Our Precious Girl".

On Feb. 23rd, I brought Hope home... she was placed in a beautiful Treasure Chest...and that is what Hope always was...our treasure...we were and still are so blessed to have Hope in our lives...she was like no other...

Hope, Hopie, Hopester, Hopers...you will never leave our hearts.

Love you FOREVER!!!

Momma & Daddy

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Jake with Barb and Mike
Jake

Jacob 10/19/96-10/19/2009

We adopted Jacob in August of 2003 and drove to Davenport Iowa to get him. It was love at first site the day UYR emailed a picture of him to us. We knew right away we wanted him as part of our family. Jacob was one of a kind...a VERY unique dog. He made all different kinds of sounds for different things he wanted...it was like he was trying to talk. Jake had just one toy he loved which we called Mr. Bear. It was his buddy. He would tease Mike with him, trying to entice him to take it away. Mike would get on the floor, putting his head against Jake's and he could feel how strong that little 9lb dog was when he pushed back. Jake also loved to chase the garden hose. Mike would go in a circle with the hose and Jake would just try to bite the water. It was a riot. Jake was the greatest dog ever & brought us so much joy. He was our little man and his life ended too soon. We will miss him dearly as we loved him so very much.

Barb and Mike Berney
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PeeWee
PeeWee

Sad news

This afternoon our little Beau passed away in my arms with papa Mike by my side. He taught me more about forgiveness, trust and unconditional love than anyone I have ever encountered.

For those who may not know the story, Beau (formerly known as PeeWee) was a puppy mill breeding dog who spent 14 years or more in a small dirty cage, neglected, beaten and abused. When he became ill with a bladder stone so large it was pressing against the sides of his bladder walls, he was tossed out near oil wells in central California to die or be eaten by coyotes. Fortunately he was found by kind humans before his sad demise and taken in by the angels at United Yorkie Rescue in Bakersfield. They took care of his surgery and nursed him back to health. I just happened to be working in the area in August of 2007, heard his sad story, and the rest is history. I named him after an old Norse word, Bua, which means "strong will to live".

When we met he was, not surprisingly, very angry at humans. He didn't trust me or like to be touched by me. But gradually he would come and sit beside me on the floor and, after many tears, he eventually let me pet him without running away and glaring back at me like my touch had been painful to him. I think it was when we flew the red eye from LA to Sarasota in September of 2007 that we bonded. Half way through the flight I could feel he had awakened and was bucking in his little carrier. I scooped him up in a blanket and he slept the rest of the flight in my arms. When I met Mike at the airport and handed Beau over to him while I got my luggage, he said Beau intently watched my every step until I returned and held him back in my arms. From then on I was his mommy and he was my little boy. Where he had been so afraid of me in Bakersfield, he began to do a happy little jig every time I returned home, tail wagging a mile a minute, kicking his back legs up for me to pick him up. When the kisses came I knew that I was truly blessed. I could not believe it and I was grateful for each and every one. As his health continued to fail from the effects of old age, along with his hearing and eyesight, his trust in me grew and my heart overflowed toward him with love, admiration and gratitude. He was amazingly strong and brave for such a tiny little pup. Not a stranger to neglect and abuse myself, I knew he went through so much more hardship in his wee little life than I ever did. More than most humans could ever endure. But the fact that he was able to find it in his heart to forgive another human who he had previously only known as abusers, trust a human with his every care, and unconditionally loved a human with all of his heart is a true miracle to me and a lesson I can only hope to emulate.

I will never forget little Beau and I will never be able to thank him for the lessons he brought into my life. We buried him today along with a dog tag that read "I Rescued A Human". And he did. Something I never, ever would have thought possible when I brought the little fella home. He taught me more than anyone I had ever met, and for that I will be forever grateful.

Rest in peace, little Beau. And to everyone reading this, please help ban the horrendous animal abuse of puppy mills by not buying from pet shops that sell puppy mill puppies and by adopting one of the millions of homeless animals in America. Beau thanks you. And we thank you.

Sue and Mike

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Daley
Daley

My precious little Yorkie Daley died on August 27, 2009, of kidney failure

Daley was a godsend to me. I was so lonely after my Yorkie Casey died at age 17. I had hoped that Daley and I would have, at least, that much time together. Daley was incredibly INCREDIBLY! bright and smart. Twice he alerted me to problems our aged family dog Cosmo was having. Daley was not wild about walking. He loved to be taken for strolls in his Outward Hound stroller. I enjoyed those walks. He loved to burrow under the covers at night. And he liked bedtime. If I was late going to bed, Daley would pace to and from the front hall to let me know that it was time to go to bed! If I worked on a library project in the upstairs den, he loved to sit high on the sofa there so he could look out the window and still be near me.

He liked Publix Grated Sharp Cheese on his food. Heaven help me if I forgot to sprinkle it on there! (Alex Geis, his foster mom, alerted me to that!) Mary Bisnett, Pet Pals Sitting Service, always took care of my dogs for over a decade. She was very fond of and impressed with Daley and was deeply saddened when he died.

I hope that he was happy here. I think that he was and that he knew that he was loved, cared for, and safe here.

Dearest, clever little Daley, I hope that you are now with Buddy, Pup-pup, Strathpeffer, Casey, Jasmine, and your old friend Cosmo and all the dear canine friends I have had from my childhood. Please know how much I loved you and miss you. I know that before you came to UYR and me, you had some unknown and traumatic or sad times in your life, but you were too gutsy and intelligent a little dog to let it destroy your spirit, and I admired you tremendously for that.

Take care, and thank you for the happy times that I knew with you.

With love, Tricia H.
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Mandy
Mandy

Visit this link to see a tribute to Mandy
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Remy
Remy

Words can't express the grief I am feeling not having my Remy to hold. He was such a special boy, and my love.

Remy was surrendered to me by a breeder because he was born with a liver shunt. I was blessed to be his foster mom. At 4 1/2 months old Remy had his liver shunt surgery...the vet said Remy's liver was the worst he's seen, it was like a stone...so shriveled and hard. He didn't know if it would regenerate itself, only time would tell.

Remy was a fighter, he wanted to live and pulled through the surgery. His liver regenerated enough for him to enjoy life and find a loving Forever Family. I wasn't sure I wanted to let him go, but I did. At 10 months I adopted him to a loving family in California. I met his new mom Cheryl at the airport. I knew she would love Remy as much as I did...but watching them leave to catch their flight, I burst out crying and knew I made a huge mistake...I wanted Remy back!

My hope for having my Remy with me came true 4 days later. Remy wasn't getting along with her other yorkies...maybe it was his way of saying "I want to go home." God blessed me once again...Remy was coming home! I flew out to California 3 weeks later and brought him back to his family. As soon as I pulled onto our street, Remy knew where he was...he raced up the sidewalk calling for his brother and sisters...it was such a beautiful reunion. When Remy turned 1 year old, I adopted him. I was the happiest mom in the world!!

For almost a year Remy was doing well, but starting the 2 year he was having many problems. He had developed bladder stones twice and had to have surgery. He became paralyzed from a medication an emergency vet put him on because she said his legs were bad. What I much later found out was that his shunt clasp had opened up slightly and that he had developed smaller shunts that were inoperable. My heart broke when I heard this. He was put on medication to help with the ammonia...it worked for awhile...he got his fun personality back, but eventually it stopped working. He became more withdrawn, but aggressive at the same time. Remy would be laying peacefully by me, and then out of nowhere would bite me...as soon as he did, his eyes would go dead and his tongue would stick out of his mouth quivering, and his body would shake. For six months we watched Remy go through this...we didn't know if he was in pain during these episodes. After many many tests and talks with his vet and the clinics pet behaviorist, I made the hardest and saddest decision I've ever had to make...

April 9, 2009 I was with my Remy when he crossed the Rainbow Bridge. The pain of letting him go will never leave my heart...as soon as he passed, I wanted him back. I held him and looked into his eyes, and stroked his soft fur. My heart is breaking, and the days are so empty without Remy, but I thank the Lord for giving him to me to love, if only for a short time. My life will always be blessed because of Remy. I will forever see Remy playing hide and seek outside, and him lying in his special spot under this one evergreen by the deck. My life will never be the same... I Love You my precious boy, there will never be another you...your momma - Wendy

Remy, you will forever be in my heart, soul and mind.

March 29, 2006 - April 9, 2009
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Lenny

Lenny and Shannon
Lenny

Lenny

Lenny was a 10 y/o, 7# deaf little yorkie boy who touched so many peoples' lives. He was pulled by UYR from a high-kill South Florida shelter and spent 6 months in loving foster care before he was adopted by the most wonderful, patient, loyal FURever mom a pup could ever know.

Lenny was renamed 'Bear' - he didn't mind since he was deaf! He spent the rest of his life knowing love and how it felt to be treated like a little prince. A few short months after his adoption, it was learned that Bear had a brain tumor which ultimately took his life. Lenny Bear went to the Rainbow Bridge knowing immense love..... and that he was very, very special. He really had transformed in both appearance and personality from the day he was rescued. Most importantly, he had changed from a dog who did not like to be cuddled or touched into a total lovebug. Bear was a blessing and showed everyone he met that dogs with "disabilities" still deserve a chance.
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Alphie will be missed
Alphie

Alphie

Alf, the dog with many names, went over the bridge this morning. His foster dad and foster mother were at his side to help him cross. He is now in a warm place and has friends to play with. He has shed his old, crippled and abused body for a new young one that can play, see and hear. He can love again. There are no mean people in this place, and he is very grateful for that.

We want to thank all the kind people who helped with his care. He came to us in August of 2007. The poor guy had been abandoned in a local oil field. It was obvious the little guy had never been loved. We did everything we could to make him happy his last year on earth. It is the kind donors at UYR that make this type of rescue possible.

I look forward to seeing you at the bridge, little dude. I know you will recognize me, I hope to recognize you in your new body.

Farewell for now Alfredo Sauce. We'll see you again someday!

Foster dad, mom and the yorkie herd.
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Cayman stills run on the Rainbow Bridge
Cayman

Cayman

Cayman came into rescue as an owner surrender in March 2008, He was only 1 year old. He was a very loving sweet little guy. He brought alot of Joy to my home as his fostermom. Cayman found his wonderful forever home in March 08. He was very much loved and will be missed

RIP Little Angel
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Toby
Toby

Toby Nicholas Thomas

August 17, 1993 - January 19, 2008

It has been three weeks since our Toby went to Rainbow Bridge. Our journey with Toby started on June 28th 2003 when we took a trip to visit Toby at his foster mom's house in Rootstown Ohio. Louann invited us to visit after we filled out an adoption form.

Our trip was intended to see another fur baby named Nicholas. When we arrived Louann had informed us that Nicholas had been adopted but she had another beautiful baby named Toby. For us, it was love at first sight. However, we didn't have any choice. Toby chose us the second he met us.

Toby was 9 years old and beautiful. His birthday was coming up in August and was the same day as mine. At 10 years old, Toby was still going strong. We would come home to find that Toby wasn't content having two thirds of the house to roam while we were gone. Toby wanted the whole house and would jump the baby gate intended to keep him secure and we would find our little guy sleeping in our bed. We eventually adopted another little girl from Pat in Maryland. Toby and Tia were instant friends.

After we moved to Florida, Toby ended up with two more kids so then it was four. Toby, Tia, Jake and Keebler. What a handful. Each getting their own special love but all sharing Mom's lap and our bed.

Toby turned 14 this past August and his age was starting to show. Eventually, Toby slowed and his temper grew more sour but he always had a kiss for me and Mom.

Sadly, on January 17th, Toby started to have severe seizures so we rushed him to the Dr. Then the following day, Toby had a seizure which lasted 35 minutes. We again rushed him to the Dr who kept our baby overnight. On Toby's last day with us he was in so much pain just crying and howling.

We knew the time had come and that Toby was hurting to much. We took one last drive to the Dr who with loving care, allowed us to hold our baby while he went to sleep. Toby quickly went to sleep forever while we cried. I know we were crying due to our own selfishness but Toby was our first baby and we didn't want to let him go.

Toby was laid to rest near our front door with his head towards the door so he can always come in. Toby is now at the Rainbow bridge, playing and running with out pain just waiting for me and Mom to come get him. His brothers and Sister sometimes look for him and I just know they miss the little old man they loved so much.

Thank You UYR, Louann and Pat for all your help, words of encouragement and for allowing us to have shared our love with Toby.

Ernest and Vickie Thomas

Longwood, Florida
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Ozzie

Ozzie with his loving family
Ozzie

BARKING AT THE MOON:

Ozzie Muffin Bear aka Little Mann crossed the rainbow bridge yesterday at 2pm. He went peacefully and gracefully in his favorite rainbow sweater and little bed.

We adopted Ozz two years ago from Carrie in Spokane Washington. We drove up from Bend and back in one day to get our little mann. On our way home we snuck him in my coat to a pizza place. I was worried he would get to cold in the car so I wanted to bring him in with me. He didn't seem nervous or scared when we got him or on the journey home. He was always a brave boy. He told me it was time in many ways towards the end.

Carrie named him Ozzie because of the way he walked. He would stumble around due to arthritis and other conditions. He walked just like Ozzie Osbourne. He got to know his name and would respond to it. I loved the way he would side wind his way around the house, little nails making tap dancing noises on the hardwoods. It made a particular rhythm. He was always musically talented:) Then on Christmas eve Mark was driving him to Black Butte Ranch for the holiday with the family and the Ozzie song "Bark at the Moon" came on. Muffin bear sat up in his bag and sang along. We knew it was his way of saying it was time and that he loved us.

Prior to this he had been crying all day and night. Mark and I did everything to console him but nothing seemed to help. He only wanted to hid under our bed and cry. We would hold him and bathe him, brush him, feed him but he just cryed and wandered.

We loved the after bath dance, trips in the car to California or the Oregon Coast. We loved how he thought he was the size of a Great Dane and would chase and bark at peoples feet when he didn't recognize them or they came too close to his little bed. He loved scrambled eggs and would go crazy for a crushed up piece of popcorn. He didn't have teeth so when he would get grumpy and try to bite me when I clipped his nails I would just chuckle. 3 pounds of fierce furry fury! He was perfect in every way.

I can't thank the UYR enough for saving this little man and giving us two wonderful years together.

He is in a better place now where he doesn't hurt, popcorn falls from the sky like snow and every morning there is a bacon and egg breakfast waiting for him and of course Ozzie is always playing on the radio:)

With love and gratitude

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Mindy will be missed
Mindy

It is with much sadness that I must report that sweet FL Forever Ours Mindy went gently and quietly to the Rainbow Bridge on Saturday, December 15th. Her FO Mom Stephanie McQueen was so hoping that Mindy would be with her one more Christmas, but it wasn't meant to be..........below is what Stephanie wrote to someone asking about our FO program........I wanted to share it with all of you.....

I can not begin to tell you what a wonderful program (Forever Ours) this is. While many of our rescues happily go on to new forever homes, many come in who are un-adoptable or need special homes with more time because of physical handicaps. I had such a dog named Mindy. She came into my life all hunched over, from the Polk County pound, crippled, a scar on her back from a gasoline burn (used to treat fleas in backwards areas) with slight dementia and heartworm positive, and kept to herself because she was used to being ignored and neglected and forgotten.

Over two years, she became part of my family and, despite her blindness, would somehow find her way into the kitchen and trip me while i was standing over the stove, or make it to the door when i came home at night. she loved to walk around in circles in the back yard, and take a nap in the sun, and she loved my poodle Rhonda and would sleep next to her (even tho Rhonda didn't pay her much attention!)

Mindy required a lot of care & meds especially towards the end, but i had the time because I am single and have no children.

She had two good quality years with me, and then last Saturday died peacefully in my arms at the vet's office of old age. We gently euthanized her but she was already slipping away. She died knowing that she was loved and that she was precious. When I held her, she vocalized everytime i said her name. It is special little dogs like Mindy who so badly need our program as they cannot be adopted out because of their problems which require a little more time than many good people can afford to give .

thank you for making Mindy's extra two years possible. She finally learned what it was like to be treasured.

Stephanie McQueen, Mindy's Forever Ours Mom

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Bruno
Bruno

Came into rescue 12/2/06. Crossed the Bridge 9/30/07

Bruno was a very sick boy. When I first picked him up he could hardly breath from his teeth being so bad and he had Kennel cough. He barely weighed 9 pounds and should have been about 17. With the help of the UYR, and wonderful donations, we were able to make Bruno much better, On Tuesday 09/24/07 he became very sick again. So, I rushed him to the ER where we discovered that his body had stopped producing red blood cells, something that sometimes can be treated with steroids, which we tried. It was just his time. Bruno was a wonderful little guy who was so full of love. I will miss him sleeping next to me like a little a baby in my arms; he always had to have his head on my chest or shoulder and I would have a great view of his cute little face every morning. I will miss Bruno lots but I know he is feeling much better now. I want to thank UYR and everyone who donated to him and sent their love thru email. It really means a lot to me that he got to know what it feels like to be loved and have a good home.

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Simon
Simon

UYR Foster September 24, 2005 - September 2, 2007

It is with tremendous sadness to report that little Simon passed away on September 2, 2007. He was in the comfort of home, in his most favorite bed, surrounded by his four furry brothers and furry sister and his Forever Foster mom and dad.

I still remember the day the shelter called me and asked me to pick him up. I was in a state of shock at his condition when they brought him to me. He was nearly hairless and hardly even looked like a Yorkie. He really was a mess from head to toe. We never thought he'd live as long as he did, but then again, he was estimated to be 10 years old at that time. The vet determined he had kidney disease, mitral valve problems, and arthritis, among other problems. With medicines and TLC, we weren't able to reverse the problems, but make him comfortable and recognizable as a Yorkie in his final years.

When we moved to Missouri from Texas, I figured the trip would be hard on him. He did perfectly well, however, and did what he did best - sleep, nearly the entire trip (well, except for mandatory potty breaks). When we got to our new home, he was absolutely thrilled with his new yard and would take long adventures to check it out. Simon's had good days and bad days for nearly two years now, but over the last two weeks, it seemed his bad days were outweighing the good. He was comfortable, however, snuggling with his best buddy, Miles. The last two days, though, his appetite wasn't what it used to be and we knew his time was near.

Simon was one adorable little character. He never complained; except for if you weren't fast enough to put his food bowl down. Or when I'd take him for a walk and he wanted to go the other direction. He would literally hop a 180 degree turn and put his brakes on in protest. On his good days, he had a lot of spunk - I only wish I could have seen him as a youngster.

While it was terribly sad the condition he came to UYR in, I'm VERY thankful his final two years were lived as they all should live. I already miss little Simon and that little determined waddle of his that kept me chuckling each and every time.

Thank you UYR and all of the donors who have helped Simon live out his final two years with dignity!

Lisa, Danny, Joey and Max, Bubba, Miles, Tootsie and TJ

Hugs,

Lisa

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Molly is dearly missed.
Molly

Our sweet Molly-cule has completed her journey here with us. We just can't believe it. We help her to the bridge at 6:30 this evening. I can't tell you how much she has meant to us. We have loved her with all that we are.

Molly spent the weekend at the doc's...she had pretty much stopped eating late last week and seemed pretty week. Well, she was in the final stages of renal failure. After 3 days of IV fluids, there was no improvement and the doctor recommended that we end her suffering immediately. Well, Eric and I couldn't stand the thought of her final days being strapped to and IV bag in a cage (with very caring and loving people around...but in an unfamiliar place, nonetheless.) So, we brought her home, took the day off of work, smothered her with hugs, kisses and lots of sunshine.....and then found a wonderful vet who came to the house and eased Molly's suffering as she lay in her favorite spot...the king-sized thrown.

I tell you, this doctor and his service was wonderful. It was just what Molly deserved in her final moments. She brought so much to us in the short time we had her. I can never thank you enough for what you do-which allows so many others to love and be loved unconditionally.

Molly and I will be attached at the heart forever!

Maureen and Eric

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Brandy

Brandy at fireside
Brandy

Brandy

March 19, 1995 - March 31, 2007

Brandy was a two-time member of the United Yorkie Rescue "club". She initially came to UYR as an owner surrender in October 2005. She was adopted by an older lady, widowed, and was her loving companion for nine months, but her new forever Mom became very ill and unable to care for Brandy. Brandy was surrendered again to me for the second time in fall of 2006. Shortly after being surrendered, she started to drink excessively and urinate more frequently than usual - she was diagnosed with early stages of kidney failure. Several approaches to treatment were tried, but in January of 2007, with her blood values extremely high, we knew time would not be kind to this beautiful little lady. A prescribed diet which had to be syringe fed to her since she had stopped eating and daily subquetaneous fluids stablized her condition, and in February at her 30 day follow up checkup, there was encouraging results that the treatment was effective.

Brandy dominated her world, and that of those around her - she was a very independent and proud Yorkie. She loved her bed, her crate and her toys. Her favorite toy was a puppet of Mr. Moose from the Kaptain Kangeroo show. She gave him "hell" everyday and would drag him whereever anyone was to play with her and Mr. Moose. She would proudly sit at the top of the stairs going to the second floor as if she owned the place - so we let her think she did! When any family member would walk in the door, she would wail at the top of her lungs and do her own little circle dance of happiness - this would continue until she was acknowledged for her efforts of greetings! She liked to be walked alone, and she would decide which route and direction we would take, and heaven help you if you walked ahead of her - down her little butt would go until you moved behind her, then she would get up and proceed on the course she wanted to take!

Brandy got used to riding in the car with me (her foster mom), and she would sit proudly in the passenger seat, with her head up and the air blowing through her hair - she was my co-pilot, my companion, my best friend. She would talk to me at different times, and I always knew what she wanted - funny, I would listen to her and respond accordingly - but when I wanted something from her - she'd do what 'she' wanted! She never slept on the bed - she didn't like it, but was always by my side of the bed and would jump up on the side and talk in my ear when she wanted something - whether it was to go out or if she was hungry.

A few short weeks after Brandy's February vet visit, Brandy started to falter, and by the last week in March it was evident we could borrow no more time. Brandy told me in many ways, it was time to go - on one walk she tried to hide under our boat in the yard, covered for the winter, and the next morning she tried to hide under the deck - somethings she never would do.. she had her own room and she went into her room as I watched her crawl in and out of her beloved bed, her crate, and into her toy box where she sniffed and licked and nudged each toy - then she lay between all these items and looked at me - she had said her goodbyes. During our final ride to the vets, as I cried she snuggled close to me and tried to comfort me - we both knew it was time for her to find peace at the Rainbow bridge.

Brandy had an impact on me like no other pet ever has - I was blessed with her for such a short time, but that time I will never forget. She was, and still is very much loved - and will never be forgotten. Run fast and free my angel Brandy!

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Ginger before tender loving care from foster mom

Ginger as a Forever Ours
Ginger

03/21/07: Little Ginger made her journey into my home on St. Patricks Day, 2006. She had been picked up as a stray, and brought into a local police department animal unit. With no identifying tags, and no owner to claim her, the police department called UYR, and I gladly drove down to pick up this precious little senior pup. She was estimated at 13 or 14 years old at the time, was blind, a bit senile and didn't get around too quickly. We took her in and provided her with a new home that loved her, until she could find her new forever family. However, with only 2 adoption applications submitted for her, and with her advanced age, I requested that she be designated a Forever Ours pup, where she could just stay put in a home she was now familiar and comfortable with, and live out the remainder of her life with me and my family. The UYR Board agreed it was absolutely the best thing for her. Ginger was a very easy-going and sweet little dog who liked to sleep most of the day and loved to eat; she never bothered any of the other animals in the home . She got excited whenever I came home and would get up from her bed to do a little dance, jumping and turning in all directions until she figured out where the excitement was. She dearly loved to eat, and I could also get her riled up like that around dinner time. While officially her name was Ginger, we called her Bumpie or Bumpers, since being blind and a bit senile, she frequently found her way around after bumping into things. This past Sunday, she started crying and becoming distressed. She progressively got worse over a very short period of time, and when I realized she could no longer walk, I packed her into my car and drove to the emergency vet. The vet felt she might have had a stroke and had lost permanent use of her legs. She was still in pain, and we all felt the most humane thing to do was to gently and quickly help her to the Rainbow Bridge, and not allow her to suffer needlessly. Ginger took her final journey out of my life 1 year and 1 day after she made her initial journey into it. She left a tiny paw print on my heart and she will always be fondly remembered as my little "Bumpie Bump."

Written by Ginger's loving forever foster mom Kari.
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