Hope
Hope was rescued from a puppy mill. She developed a cough and stopped eating. When she was x-rayed, we discovered she had advanced lung cancer. Unfortunately, we had to send Hope to the Rainbow Bridge on 7/14/00. Hope enjoyed five weeks of love and devotion with her foster parents, Pat and Denny. We all grew to love this brave little dog, who is now in a loving place where there is no suffering. Pat and Denny requested Hope's ashes -- she now has her forever home in the hearts of her foster parents.

Teddie
Teddie was a tricolor female about 11 or 12 years old. She had been used in a puppy mill operation for many years, and was then discarded to run on the streets. She was picked up by a shelter and made her way to Sheltie Rescue through Sally Davenport. Tracy Buck fostered Teddie. Teddie accepted bathing and brushing and toenail clipping without a wimper. Even through it was obvious it was all foreign to her; even when she was in pain due to arthritis and bad teeth, she was a brave little soul. After several weeks of work, Teddie would venture out of her crate and creep into the living room for a treat of popcorn. After spending another five weeks in an obedience class, Teddie still would not make eye contact or interact with people. Teddie's health declined rapidly from so many years of neglect, and infections ravished her little body. Unfortunately, Tracy had to make the tough decision to have Teddie euthanized to make room for another more adoptable dog. Teddie was very much loved the last weeks of her life. During that time, she reveled in the warmth of a house, good food to eat, and a fluffy bed to lie on. "Teddie, play well my friend, now free of pain and the misery that was your life. You were loved." -- Tracy Buck

Thumbelina
Thumbelena Johnson 06/05/06 ~ 07/04/07 Thumbelena Dance….. Here you come, all 3 lbs., running like the wind through the grass. Your ears are laid back as your back legs nearly pass your front ones. Sheltie figure 8's and twirls. What a happy tiny Sheltie girl you are. Who would know that the Rainbow Bridge has been calling you since you were five months old? This day in June, you had your very first birthday. What a Happy Day. All these months of 3 to 5 meds twice a day and bi-monthly blood tests have postponed your meeting with those who have gone before you. How long can the meds and that one tiny deformed kidney keep you running and playing? Let's not ask. Let me enjoy seeing your happiness, love of life and the adoring looks from those big, dark eyes. You lay here in my lap, looking up as to ask why are you crying? Let's go out in the sun and play our day away. Thumbelena was diagnosed with renal failure December 14, 2006 and given only short weeks to live. We lost her on July 4th. Thanks to months of VERY special veterinary care she experienced a happy, loving life outside the puppymill. Thank you Animal Kingdom and Tomahawk Veterinary Hospitals. ~~ Barbra (LL Dog Rescue) & Thumbelina's parents.

Cassie
In memory of Cassie 2004-2007 It seems as though the hurting never stops. We really miss Cassie. She was such a special little girl. Thanks to all of you at Second Chance Sheltie Rescue for letting us keep her. She was definitely Paula's heart dog. We didn't know much about her past, but hoped we made a difference while she was with us. She never heard the words we spoke to her but I know she felt them in her heart. Cassie looks down from the Rainbow Bridge, listens & waits for our arrival. "In time we will meet again at the Bridge". Thanks, Michael & Paula Bare Side note on Cassie: Cassie came into SCSR with mammory cancer. She was successfully operated on, but we had not idea how much time she had left to live. Most people do not want a dog like Cassie, but Michael & Paula did. So Tiny Miss Cassie traveled to Indiana to live in the Bare's Den where she was loved and cared for until it was time for her to leave. God has a special place in Heaven for people like Michael and Paula ~ Janice

Cassie
CELEBRATING MY BELOVED CASSIE ‘Cedar Ridge Drift Into Dreams’- “Cassie” February 20, 1992 — November 2, 2007 My beloved companion Cassie drifted into her final dream surrounded by her pack and the thoughts and prayers of so many who love us. She had been in decline since 3/07. She died peacefully with the compassionate help of our vet Dr. Tate, who not only made her passing peaceful and dignified, but who lovingly dug her a beautiful grave in the shelter of my gardens. As the moon rose, she was laid to rest with tears and love. As we came back into my home, Rabbi Randy was singing the “Hashkevenu” blessing on my answering machine. I know this song helped her pass from this world to the next with joy and love The morning of Cassie’s death, she went for her final wheelbarrow ride. Riding in the wheelbarrow was something our friend and healer Marijke had suggested, and it was truly Cassie’s best medicine in her final months. She loved going fast! But this morning, she let me know it no longer helped her. One look from her and I knew she was ready to leave me. Her breathing had become labored due to the tumors in her sinuses. She was beginning to have tremors as the tumors invaded her brain stem. It was both a blessing and a great challenge to know when it was time for Cassie’s life to end, and also a great privilege to mindfully and lovingly carry this out on her behalf. Cassie lived a full and rich life, as only she could do! In this world and in the next, she radiates a love and joy and happiness that shimmers silver light. After a very successful career in the show ring, she retired to motherhood!! She gave birth to 2 puppies, Micah and Josie, now both 10 years old. They live in our area and continue Cassie’s legacy of ability, love, bright spirit and loyalty. It was then that I met Cassie through Tracy Buck, Micah’s “mom”. I loved her at once and adopted her. Cassie earned her Good Citizenship certification, and served as a companion dog, visiting children in hospitals and the elderly in nursing homes. Wherever we went, Cassie drew people to her and opened their hearts in her own quiet, gentle way. Two weeks before her death, she befriended our neighbor’s foster son, who was badly abused in his prior family. Though he didn’t speak much to people, he adored Cassie. She licked his cheek and let him pet her. He helped push her in the wheelbarrow and she would turn to him with a smile on her face. And he smiled back at her. His foster parents said it was the only time they ever saw him smile. Cassie changed the world one person at a time. Cassie’s impact on me is beyond words. She will always be friend, comfort, teacher and guide. She is all about love and joy, and she gave both freely and without bounds. At her passing, Dr. Tate said her physical heart was strong and perfect, though the rest of her body was so ill. Cassie’s death leaves a huge hole in my heart and my life. After cooking for her, carrying her everywhere, cleaning up for her, etc all these months, I’m a bit lost. I’m grateful for Smokey and Lexi, who also helped Cassie so much in her life and in her passing. We are all finding our way through our grief. I am grateful to report that Lexi’s advanced cancer has stabilized. I feel Cassie’s spirit, so light and silvery, merging with my beloved first Sheltie, Orion (of blessed memory). Ori’s energy was always huge and golden. Silver and gold, sun and moon. They are a whole universe, complete. My deepest thanks to each of you for your help, emails, phone calls, cards, prayers, advice and love. You helped Cassie and you helped me help her die with love, dignity, peace and blessing. May Cassie’s life and memory continue to be a blessing, now and always. Much Love, Harriet