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Tyson "T-Bone"

My little T boy was suddenly taken from us on March 28, 2012. He was 12 years old, but had the personality and spirit of of a 5 year old. He was the kindest soul I ever knew--even a bit of a pushover!
I frequently had to scare others away from his food so he could actually eat it--otherwise, he would stand there and watch his food disappear. He loved catching birds and mice and leaving us "surprises" on our doorstep. He had many pals around the neighborhood and was always willing to accept a meal if someone happened to offer! He was very good at pretending to be starving and neglected just to get a snack!
I have had Tyson since he was a 6 wk old kitten and we have been through several new cities and homes together. He always showered me with unconditional love and affection and I cannot imagine not seeing his adorable face everyday. I find myself looking out on the deck waiting for him to begin pawing at the door and am repeatedly saddened when it doesn't happen. This is the toughest loss I have experienced thus far in my life. I can't believe he is gone.
All I can hope is that Tyson is somewhere better making new friends and infecting others with his kind heart and soul. I will never forget you, T, rest in peace and I love you always.  

posted 03/30/12

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Nikko
October 18, 1998 – February 21, 2012

When I visited the breeder to see her new puppies, I never had any intention of getting one.  But in the middle of the melee, you chose me.  You were this sweet little ball of fur and you absolutely captured my heart that day.  There was something about you that, to this day, I can’t explain, and I knew that you were meant to be mine.  I believe you shared every ounce of yourself with our family, every single day.  You were always there when I needed to hold you on my lap and snuggle; there were countless times that I needed to smile and you would do something zany and crazy to make me laugh.  Even in your last days, you still mustered the strength to give a kiss or two.  Despite the moves and the changes in our life, you were the constant unconditional love in my life.  I am lost without you right now, my heart is broken, and I miss you more than words could ever say.  I will remember you always and even now, despite how much it hurts to say goodbye to you, I smile when I think of you.  My life has been changed because you were in it and while I can’t fill the void that you have left in my heart, I know that I am better for having had you in my life.  You were my best friend for over 13 years and I thank you, from the bottom of my heart, for everything that you were to me and our family.  We will miss you.  Tell “Z” we said hi, and we’ll see you again someday.  I love you and I miss you so very, very much. 
xoxoxoxo
posted 02/22/12

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Lucky
Lucky passed on 1/10/12 at AL Auburn University from a brain tumor. She was a major part of my life, my best friend and constant companion although we only had 3 wonderful years together. I saved her life after she got hit by a car and left to die. She was forever grateful but not as much as I was for the unconditional love she has shown me over the years. I miss her terribly, my heart is heavy and lonely at the moment, my house feels empty without her…but it gives me comfort that she doesn’t have pain anymore and has crossed that Rainbow Bridge where I will meet her again one day. My sister actually just had sent me that poem from  Germany to comfort me, a very reassuring poem. My heart is with everyone who has lost such a beloved friend. Animals truly are pure love!!!
-Christiane
Posted 1/16/12

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Sheeba - "Sheebanator"
10/1/1997 - 11/19/2011



My husband met Sheeba at a shelter in Sacramento, CA while he was volunteering there to work through grief from the loss of his previous dog. Sheeba's attentive eyes, intense play, and gentle nature created a connection that healed his heart and started a whole new companionship. He quickly changed her name from "Fatso" to "Sheeba". Her "always on the alert" nature and fearlessness in any situation earned her the nickname "Sheebanator.  I met Sheeba seven years ago when I met my husband, and she stole my heart before he did but was happy to share it with her dad. Twelve years, a marriage, a cross country relocation, and so many special moments later, Sheeba suddenly went from her playful, attentive, alert self to a panting, confused, dazed dog that seemed like a just shell of our Sheeba. A day later, we learned that she had a glioma (inoperable tumor) in her forebrain that was responsible for her symptoms. A dose of medication to bring down any swelling would tell us if we could buy any more time with her, and it did not work. Two days later, realizing that the 'real' Sheeba was mostly gone already, and learning that her life would only get worse with seizures, pain, and more confusion, we made the heartbreaking decision to say our goodbyes to her before she suffered further.

Nothing can fill the empty space at our feet, on our walks, on our porch, in the yard, in the car, at the door when we leave and come home...and so many other places. There is no escaping the void left behind because if we were home, Sheeba was by our side. Such a complete and unconditional companionship was taken from us in such a short time, so unexpectedly. Aside from some arthritis, she was a healthy, active, playful dog. We are struggling with the reality of it weeks later, still expecting her sweet face to greet us each time we wake up or return home, and feeling like - surely - she should be waking up from her nap any time now.  

They say that loves ones are never truly lost as long as they live on in our memories.  Well, Sheeba, our incredible Sheebanator...that means you are by our side as long as we live. You're here with every crackle of a package you thought would be for you, every shake of the keys you hoped meant a car ride, every game day you 'suited up for' with us, every grocery trip that included a treat for you, every snowfall that you would so happily 'romp around' in, every barbeque you had to taste test, every neighborhood bark that you would answer, every glance at our 'tug of war' spots around the house, every Halloween that you would have spent greeting the visitors that came 'just for you', every sunny day that lights your favorite corner of the porch, every glass of wine that you - the eternal California doggie - would need one tasting of.  We can't reach down and pet you, but we can feel you here in all of the sweet memories we're holding so dear.  We miss you more than words can say, Sheebanator, and we'll never stop loving you. 

Love,
"Mom & Dad" 
Posted 12/10/11