Sissy
Sissy was a good old gal. She was left at a rental house when the occupants moved. She loved to run and play. She thought cans were toys so your coke can was never safe around her! She suffered with hip displacia but never became grumpy, only slower. Over time, she developed a large tumor. It attached to a major artery in her neck. We were warned that it was the type of tumor that sometimes comes back. We had it removed anyway thinking perhaps the tumor wouldn't comeback. Unfortunately, the tumor came back with a vengence. It grew under her tongue and into her teeth. Even with surgery the outcome would not be good. By this time, Sissy's cataracts had gotten worse, she had difficulty moving because of the hip displacia and arthritis. She had some quality of life since her first surgery but now we were faced with yet another critical situation. We decided to help Sissy cross over the Rainbow Bridge where she can run, play, see and be pain free. Her head was cradled as the vet gave her the shot. She looked up with those wonderful brown eyes as if to say "thank you" then she sighed and her eyes closed. She was on her final journey. She will be missed by her sanctuary friends and family.

Herman-Sept 2008
Herman died in his sleep. He came to us 12 years ago with Holly, a black lab. Holly died a couple of years ago. Stomach cancer was the probable cause according to the vet. Herman was no puppy 12 years ago. We thought he was 5 or 6 at the time. His owner had adopted him from the SPCA. He even had the ear tattoo. His owner died at Moffit. His wife requested both animals live together and not be put up for adoption. They were very close. On Hollys last trip to the vet, I took Herman with me. Holly was in a kennel waiting test results. Herman saw Holly and tried to get into the kennel with her. He seemed to know she would not be coming home with us. We both stood by while Holly was euthanized because of the tremendous pain with little hope for relief or recovery. While Herman was able to say goodby to his gal, he was never the same. His hearing failed and his eyesight dimmed. His joints stiffened. The only thing that didn't change was the rapid pace of his hair growth! The photo is one just prior to a haircut. I just wish we had gotten a good one afterwards. His big brown eyes and button nose were a sight to behold. Herman was just as considerate in death as he was in life. If you had to send an old friend over the rainbow bridge, its best they go peacefully in sleep. That is just what Herman did. He will be missed for a long time to come.