Annie (2000 - Oct. 16th, 2016) I have long been dreading the day I'd have to write those words, and even as I type them it feels as though I'm in a dream. I keep expecting, any moment now, to wake up to the tap-tap-tap of her feet against the floor of my bedroom or maybe to her still asleep atop her full-size beanbag chair. Instead, every time I wake up, it's to silence. Every time I look over to her bed I find it empty. And perhaps that's the best word for how I feel. Empty. Anyone who's ever met me knows how totally Annie encompassed my heart. For the past three years, my life has revolved around her. I rarely left the house for more than a few hours at a time- otherwise I brought her with me. In any given conversation, chances are I brought her up at least once. I even chose my college because it was the one place that would allow me to have her in the dorms. And, chances are, if you met Annie, you'd understand my devotion completely. [Read More] |
Walter (2000 - July 28th, 2016) Walter was with us for an unfortunately short amount of time, but during it he enjoyed the best of the best- the best foster mom, the best foster sister (a little puppy who liked to bring him her toys), and the best fatty pieces of porkchop. We would like to say a big thank you to Courtney (who told us about him), to Barb (who loved and cared for him), and to the vets at Divine Feline/The Feline Fix (who ran his bloodwork on a Saturday, even though he wasn't a cat). |
Lucky (2002 - July 1st, 2016) "I am truly grateful for the time we were able to spend with him. Although we had ups and downs health-wise (as expected considering his age), overall he had a wonderful time with us. I know he knew he was loved and he was truly happy for his short time with us. Obviously this is a sad and emotional time, but I feel comforted that we were able to provide him a loving home. He will be greatly missed and fondly remembered." - Lucky's Fospice Mom |
Bailey (2002 - January 28th, 2016)
Bailey came to us from our friends at Longmont Humane Society who were determined to find Bailey a place to live out the rest of her days, no matter how few they may have been. Luckily, despite liver cancer and arthritic joints, Bailey was with us for several month. Between eating, sleeping, and keeping all the other dogs in line (particularly when it seemed playtime, amongst a group of all senior dogs, was getting "rowdy"), Bailey lived a happy, luxurious life. Tricia, Bailey fospice mom (and fospice mom to Burgundy, another herding breed who enjoyed the same role as Bailey as "fun police"), had this to say: "We sent the world's most beautiful cattle dog to The Bridge last Monday. Her name was Bailey. When my mom fell in August and broke her hip,Bailey was the first one to her and when the paramedics finally arrived,Bailey wouldn't leave her side. I had to physically pick her up and put her outside with the other babies. She was fierce in her loyalty, the fun police of the group and a magnificent soul. I know she's with my mom at the Bridge now, and has met my dad. I love you Bailey Banks... DONT BITE BURGUNDY!!!" |
Keyser Söze the Rat (2012 - April 17th, 2015) Söze and Gremlin were the best of friends, and I cannot help but think that Gremlin was destined to arrive at CKSDR when he did. Söze was a single rat, and I always worried that he was a little lonely despite being out and about and getting to cuddle often. And then Gremlin came along. I moved down to the couch to take care of him while he was struggling to recover from surgery, and I brought Söze with me so that he wouldn't be all alone upstairs. Söze instantly gravitated to Gremlin, and spent the next few weeks cuddled against him underneath the blankets. I have never seen him happier than when he was with Gremlin- whether they were just cuddling or Söze was stealing some of Gremlin's dinner. Söze would groom Gremlin's face after meals, and would worry over him on particularly rough days. Söze began to show signs of illness just as Gremlin recovered. Then, it was Gremlin's turn to take care of Söze, and it was a job he readily accepted. He kept Söze warm at night, made sure he didn't fall off the couch during seizures, and kept him calm and happy as his symptoms worsened. And then, he was there to make sure Söze peacefully crossed over the bridge. |
Buddy (2000 - March 2nd, 2015)
Buddy was truly an amazing dog, and we feel so lucky to have known him for as long as we did. Whether he was carrying a kitten on his back, cuddling with his mom during those rare cold nights, wagging his tail while stuck in a corner during the brief time he spent in a "cone of shame", or napping on the grass, he brought a smile to everyone's face. So thank you to LHS, who refused to give up on Buddy, and thank you to Buddy's sanctuary mom for loving him totally and unconditionally. I think it is most fitting to end this with a few words from Buddy's sanctuary mom. "My sweet, magnificent lion dog, Buddy, went safely and sadly to the Bridge tonite. He was 15 when he came into my life over a year ago, during a time when I was very sick. His previous life was very hard and by all means, he should have been grouchy. He was the epitome of a fearless lion with the heart of an angel. He gave only joy and left me a much better person for having known him. Good fortune and safe passage oh Chow of my heart..my Sweet Mufassa . I know my dad is rubbing your ears as we speak. To my loves already there, ill be there soon. Love each other and no barking or fighting. ...and stay away from the cockatoos....they bite hard." |
Bella (2000 - May 17th, 2014) Bella was a very, very special girl. We got her in November of 2012 from Longmont Humane Society, where she had been surrendered by her owner when he lost his home. The vets there gave her a cancer diagnosis, and estimated she had 1-2 weeks left, but everyone agreed that she deserved to spend those last few weeks in a home where she could be loved and cherished until it was her time. So, she came to us, and we're so glad she did, because she quickly surpassed the 2 week estimate, and continued on playing with her tennis ball, sleeping on comfy beds, and going on long walks for another 17 months despite being in the advanced stages of liver cancer. She gave and received kisses, ate homemade chicken and rice, and made lots of friends! Bella truly represents what we are all about, for we strongly believe no senior (or any animal, for that matter) should have to die alone, without a home and someone to love them. We were so lucky, and are so grateful, that Bella graced us with her happy smile and beautiful gray face for as long as she did, and we all miss her every day. |
Pepper (1997 - September 16th, 2013) Pepper passed over the rainbow bridge on the morning of September 16th in the arms of one of our most dedicated volunteers. Pepper was a very sweet girl who loved, above all, being held. She would fall asleep in anyone's arms, always with her tongue hanging out. Sadly, Pepper came to us with her quality of life already severely compromised with advanced paralysis and dementia. These two factors made her unable to eat or drink unassisted, and otherwise function. We made the decision to let her pass over the rainbow bridge in the arms of those who loved her so she would no longer have to suffer. |
Burgundy (2000 - September 7th, 2013) Dearest Friends and Family, it was my privilege and honor to have this gorgeous soul in my life for what seemed like forever. So, it is with great sadness and a heavy heart that I report my sweet Burgundy, aka Berry, aka Strawberry Raspberry Burgundy, has gone to the Bridge today. Sophiane, the loveliest soul on the planet, came into our lives asking for a foster home for an Australian Shepherd with bladder cancer that was 13 years old, who had been dumped at a shelter, fostered in 2 different homes that had sadness of their own, and was not expected to live a month. She trotted into our home as if she had been there since birth, sniffed around, found the food and the dog door, deemed it livable but wanting as only Berry could do, and settled in for the best 6 months of my life. Thank you, Sophiane and Cayleb's Kindred Senior Dog Rescue, Animal Healthcare Specialists, Longmont Humane Society, and the Universe, for putting us all together. She is playing with my Dad, and the rest of the pack...healthy, restored and watching over us all till we meet again. I love you, Berry. -Burgundy's Foster Mom |
Duke (2000 - June 19th, 2013) "Duke has become a valued member of my dog family. It is with great sadness that I share with you today that Duke will be laid to rest. He truly made his last weeks his best, from tail wagging and chasing toads, to offering me protection during a water balloon fight. His breathing has become labored and the pain medication isn't enough anymore, I am so very grateful that I am able to offer him a peaceful painless goodbye. He will be waiting for me one day at the rainbow bridge. Thank you to everyone who helped make his last weeks his best." -Duke's Foster Mom |