IN LOVING MEMORY OF ALL THOSE LOST,
BUT WHO LIVE ON IN OUR HEARTS FOREVER
This page is dedicated to all the pets that clients, friends, family and I have lost over the years. Some lived long lives, while others were taken too soon. Some we only had for a short time, while others we raised from a young age and had for years. Either way, I wanted them to be remembered in more than just memories. My hope is that this page will bring a smile to the face of those who have lost a pet, realizing that their beloved family member will never be forgotten. No matter how many years they may have lived, it is never enough for us. Every time you leave, even for a second, don't forget to tell your pet you love them.
TRIXIE 10/13/89-4/2/2002
My first dog was Trixie, a female Shetland Sheepdog. She was my best friend growing up. Trixie never met an enemy, person or animal. She had the sweetest soul, and is completely responsible for my love of Shelties. I constantly smile, and occasionally cry at the memories we shared over her 13 1/2 years. Trixie took care of me as a child, teaching me responsibility, consoling me at times, and entertaining me for hours. In her "golden years" I returned the favor to the best of my capability. Unfortunately her health started declining mid 2001. In 2002 I made one of the hardest decisions one can ever make, and my precious girl was put to rest. I will always hold Trixie close to my heart.
OLD DOG IN A LOCKET
Old dog in a locket
That lies next to my heart I will always love you As I did right from the start You were right beside me Through the darkest of my days It was your kind and gentle nature That made me want to stay Now I hold you in my arms Your breath still warm against my hand Our hearts still beat together And I wonder if you understand Through the hours that I held you Before the light did leave your soul I knew a way to keep you Forever in my hold I snipped the hair from around your eyes So I would always see The beauty that surrounds me Even in times of need |
I snipped the hair from around your ears So I would always hear Music in the distance To quiet any fears I snipped the hair from across your back To bring me strength in time of need And the power of your essence Would always be with me I snipped the hair from around your heart That beat in time with mine So I would know that love would find me At some distant time And so, your life slipped out of mine On a quiet spring like day But I knew that a part of you Old dog in a locket That lays next to my heart I will always love you Even though we had to part Author Unknown |
TIER 5/17/03-3/12/05
Tier came from the same place as Odin and Trinity. Unfortunately, she was a unhealthy cat from 2 weeks of age. From an upper respiratory infection at 2 weeks, to a corneal ulcer at 3 weeks, to her mother getting sick and being unable to nurse at 4 weeks. At 5 weeks old, she wasn't thriving. She hadn't been properly weaned, and wasn't adjusting to kitten food. She came home with me at 5.5 weeks, and was fed with a syringe until able to take solid food. Tier's eye remained an issue on and off for the rest of her life. I kept her as happy as possible, but she would still get grumpy when not feeling well. Though I would never recommend having 3 kittens at the same time, the memories of Tier and the other kittens playing together will stay with me forever.
WINKLES 1/30/87-11/2/06
Oh Winky-cat, Winky cat... She was my first cat. I got her from a boarding kennel I used to work for when she was 14 years old. Her owner was an elderly women who could no longer care for her. She came to board until she could be taken to a no-kill rescue. She wasn't friendly, and stayed in one corner of her cage, but I took a liking to this old, grumpy girl. One day we noticed a good sized sore on her rear, and called the owner's son, who worked at a vet clinic. We were informed the no-kill shelter fell through, and she would be taken to the humane society. This old, grumpy, now shaved, cat with a big, ugly sore on her rear didn't have much of a chance there. She healed at the kennel, while I tried to convince my parents we needed a cat. So I just brought her home for the "weekend" one day and she never left! My parents decided to keep her when I moved out. That's when Winkles became my dad's cat! The man who never liked a cat, loved her. She would walk up to the couch, where dad would be, and meow. If he said "Oh, come on", she would be on his lap in a flash. If he said "Not now", she would turn around, and go lay down. I will never forget how she would sit on my lap, knead my stomach, and stair with these huge, green, frowning eyes, as if to say, "if you move, you will regret it". The picture of her does her no justice. She was my beautiful first kitty.
KRINKLES 1991-2007
Krinkles was a cute little torbie (tortie x tabby), poly-dactyl, girl that was relinquished to the vet clinic I worked for in 2007. She came home with me, and got along fine for a little while. No issues with the other cats. Due to some arthritis, she wasn't able to get over the baby gate I have up to the "cat room", but she seemed so content sleeping the day away on her chair. She was very sweet, but only a short time after bringing her home, her arthritis prevented her from getting in even the lowest of litter boxes and on her favorite chair. She also became incontinent. I;m so glad she had a wonderful, cozy, warm last few months with me.
DAKOTA 2000-2011
Dakota was a friend's Doberman, that was somewhat of a rescue. He had to stay at a kennel we both worked for while his owners were working on their house. Unfortunately, after an extended stay at a kennel, some dogs just aren't the same. Once taken home by his owners, it was discovered he was a different dog, one that did not fit into his owners' lives anymore. My friend, who had lost her Dobie not long before had really taken to him, and just like that, it was settled, he was her dog. Dakota did have some issues, but my friend absolutely loved him. In 2011, a tumor was found on Dakota. Due to the rate of it's growth, the vet assumed it was cancerous. Through neurotic, Dakota was a handsome boy that will be remembered.
DUNKAN 6/10/00- 7/21/11
Dunkan was another rescue from the vet clinic I worked for. He came in to be euthanized due to "severe" arthritis, and who's owners were unwilling to try any medication. Needless to say Dunkan came home with me that evening. After losing 6# easily over a couple weeks, it was apparent he didn't need any pain medications. Dunkan's problems weren't his weight or arthritis, but internal demons. The poor dog was so under socialized, and had such a hard time dealing with daily life, even after 8 months of work. He had the sweetest little doxie face you could ever imagine. He was laid to rest in a wooded area on a friend's property, where he would forever get the quite he deserved and desired.
PEYTON 11/9/09-10/26/11
Peyton was a handsome, sweet, "grinning" Borzoi that was taken from a friend way too soon. He was her first show and competition dog, and very accomplished for his young age. He loved running, whether lure coursing or at the forest preserve with his siblings. Peyton got along well with all other animals, and loved people. I will never forget Peyton staying at my house as a pup and playing is this 5# Chihuahua I was fostering. He was so in love! Just shy of his second birthday, he was in a freak accident, and did not make it. I've never lost a dog in that type of situation, and can only imagine the pain in his owner's heart. Below is a poem I wrote in honor of Peyton's memory.
EVERYWHERE
Life cut short, to your dismay, Such a horrible surprise. When your vision is blurred with tears, Just remember my gleaming eyes! Now walk out to the forest, Look up from the trail, high in the sky… That is not a hawk above, It is me, now I fly! When my brothers take to the field, It is not a deer they see… But instead their competition, Running in first, is me! Stop down by the river, To rest or just to think… And when the water ripples for no reason, That is me, getting a drink! Look up to the sky, Through the fall leaves thinning… The sunlight warming your soul, It is me again, grinning! The air is crisp this time of year, And as you begin to sigh… The shiver that runs up your spine, That is my paw on your thigh! |
As darkness starts to fall,
And you begin to weep… Know that I miss you too, But instead think of my joyous leap! Night has now consumed the day. You think of too few years… Those are not stars that speckle the sky, Those are all my tears. My tears are that of happiness, Because God gave me to the best! So strong and kind, you gave me everything! In those memories I will forever rest. While sitting in the evening, Think not of my life as done… For you should be so very proud, Because my final race I won! Do not dwell on our short time. I know how much you care. God called me back when He saw fit. And now I am everywhere! In Memory of FC Silkenswift the Star Quarterback SC, CGC “Peyton” 11/09/2009 – 10/26/2011 Forever running and grinning in the hearts of all he met. Kelli Brost 2011 |
VELCRO 4/15/04-11/16/11
Velcro (aka Skitty-Boots) was somewhat of a rescue from a stable I used to work for. While cleaning an occupied stall, I found this tiny black and white fluff ball in the corner, that wasn't more than 3-4 weeks old. As I looked around, I found her nest up in the loft, and placed the kitten back with her brother. After several attempts of putting her back, all of which failed, I packed her up and took her. With my work schedule at the time I needed help caring for this little girl, and jokingly told my mom the kitten was her Mother's Day present. Mom wasn't thrilled, but helped, and within 48 hours, that kitten wasn't leaving! Velcro was an entertaining, feisty kitten, but definitely missed out on some important "mommy/ sibling" time. She grew up to be a one person cat. Though her life was short, the memory of her big, yellow eyes will always warm our hearts.
PENELOPE 1999-2012
Penelope was a borzoi rescued by the owner of Lotus, Tess and the other sight hounds in 2010. She was an old lady when rescued, and missing most of her hair, which earned her the nick name "money-butt" by me. With some TLC and groceries, she was looking like a normal dog in no time. Pen was an agreeable girl, though sometimes standoffish. She was blessed with a wonderful 18 months in a warm, caring home before being put down in the comfort of her own home.
SOYA 1991-2012
Soya was also from the "house of sight hounds". He was a very sweet kitty, that only started showing his age well into his late teens. Soya was always ecstatic when "canned food time" came around. In early 2012, Soya's health issues really caught up with him, and became unmanageable. This sweet old man is definitely missed.
TOBY 1995-4/27/2012
Toby was a friend's dog that I had known for about 10 years. She was a very sweet girl, that loved everyone, especially if they had food! She had a deformed front leg, affectionately known as her "dinosaur foot". During her prime, she was obsessed with her laser pointer, loved rolling in the smelliest thing she could find, and again, anything edible! Due to her "weight issues" Toby was also affectionately known as Baby Beached Whale. Toby lived a long, happy life, but started deteriorating in early 2012. She was put to rest a couple months later, and is missed dearly.
Nikita 2000-4/28/2012
Nikki was a Jack Russell Terrier, and the sweetest little girl! She was full of life and got along with everyone. Her parents loved her with all their heart. Nikki only stayed with me once, but she left a big impression. Nikki was on borrowed time though. She had a tumor pressing her heart and lungs. She went down hill very quickly, and her owners made the decision to put her to rest. Her parents and her sister, Molly miss her everyday. She was a remarkable little dog!