Gus has been living in a foster home in a great mountain community.  He was loved, spoiled and given anything he needed.  He was a senior who had been dumped and left to fend for himself after he gave all of the best years of his life to someone.  He was ornery, cantankerous, and would argue at the drop of a paw but we loved him anyway.  In his last days he couldn't make it up and down the stairs in the house or from the deck and we knew it was time.  It seemed he was tired of carrying his old bones around and was having a hard time keeping up his tough guy reputation.  Pattie his foster mom helped him make the trip to the bridge and she said he went very willingly.  He is now a young boy running and playing with all of the others who went before, free of his old body and the pain.  We love you Gus.

The story of Jax explains in many ways why I am taking a break from rescue for a while.  I placed Jax in a home two years ago and I can only hope for most of that time he was well treated and loved.  I received a phone call from Boxer lover in the part of the state where he was placed saying he was in need.  The adoptive family had fallen on hard times and could not afford his care any more and he needed medical attention, unfortunately they hadn't seen fit to call me.    I drove there that night and brought him back.  At first the diagnosis was a mystery.  After many tests it was found that he had lymphoma.    I decided to make him as comfortable as possible until it was time to ease him of his pain.   Three weeks later it was apparent it was time.  I left my own dogs at my business and brought Jax home with me for his last night.  I had prayed for help in making my decision.  That night was the longest of my life.  His labored breathing, inability to have normal bowl movements and general discomfort all told me it was time.  I took him the next morning and cradled that big head of his in my arms crying the whole time while the doctor sent him to the bridge.  This big lovable guy was only 6 years old.  One day I will be seeing him again, healthy and whole again, playing at the bridge.  I love you big boy.

Duke who arrived with his friend a white female was here for a while longer than her.  After being brought back from two homes, both of which screened well, but weren't meant for him.  His last home with Laura was perfect.  A former groomer and great with dogs she dealt with his problems as they came along never returning him.  Then when she noticed a slight persistent cough she took him to the vet and that dreaded word came up, Cancer.  When it came time she gave him the relief he needed from the pain and discomfort that he was experiencing, holding him in her arms with her husband nearby and Duke lying on his favorite pillow.  The big "marshmallow man", has gone to the bridge.