In Memory

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In Memory

In Memory, 2007-2008

In Memory, early years

Light A Candle in memory of your best old friend. Share your memories with us. Your candle remains lit for 48 hours. Visit this site as often as you wish. Old Dogs, Great Friends!

"Accept this pain with grace, for . . .

you have saved a life well worth living."

--Helen Friedman, Paws to Think, Spring 2004

TUCKER, our distinguished artist, crossed the Rainbow Bridge recently. Please look for his memorial page on this site soon. His artist's reception was March 7, 2010. We miss you, TucKer. You showed the world what an old dog can do.

PEE-CES OF ART: ARTIST'S RECEPTION

March 7, 2010, from 12-6 PM

Bela Dubby Art Gallery & Beer Cafe, 13321 Madison Avenue, Lakewood, OH

Don't miss this unusual event. A collection of rare "pee-ces of art" by Tucker, an elderly German Shepherd rescued in February 2008 by the Sanctuary from a life of misery on a chain. The permanent foster dog of Jim Lasher and Kara Vlach-Lasher, Tucker has found the love and security he lacked in his former life. Shortly after coming to the Sanctuary, Tucker was diagnosed with spinal mylopathy, a degenerative disease that does not allow him to lift his leg. Not one to be burdened by adversity, Tucker found expression and creativity in his disability.

"NumberOneSon," pictured on the right, shows the artist reflecting on his creation. Tucker's works are rich and varied: autumn leaves, snow, slate, and concrete provide his canvas. If you love dogs and art, you don't want to miss this event.

Tucker's creations have been featured in the Cleveland Plain Dealer, the New York Post, the Puerto Rico Daily Sun, and Tampa Bay News Talk! Purchase Your Tickets Early - Limited Availability; Tickets: $30 each / two for $50 in advance of show. Enjoy gourmet hors d'oeuvres and a cash bar of beer, wine and coffee delights. Gallery show runs March 1 - March 31, 2010 at Bela Dubby Art Gallery. Proceeds benefit The Sanctuary for Senior Dogs and the Cleveland Animal Protective League.

Mandy, 10-year-old Beagle, is very sweet, friendly, and energetic. She loves to go for walks, and she loves people and other dogs. She is quiet and well-behaved and will make a wonderful companion for the right person. If you are looking for a best friend, look no farther. Mandy is healthy with the exception of her protein levels, which are slowly improving. She will be spayed as soon as the levels resolve. If you are interested in Mandy, either as a foster or as a permanent addition to your household, please contact the Sanctuary.

Update: Mandy has been diagnosed with a serious kidney disease, so she will remain in her foster home for life. You can sponsor Mandy and help with her ongoing medical care.

Mandy crossed the Bridge in July 2010 after her kidney disease worsened suddenly. She is missed by her hospice foster family.

September, an 8-10 year-old terrier mix, came to us recently in a state of terrible neglect and health. She has had several tumors removed and is currently recovering from a serious bout of kennel cough. Happily, however, we just learned that her biopsy was benign and that she will make a full recovery. She is a sweet old soul looking for love and companionship. September has a sense of humor and is described by her temporary foster care giver as a "real character." We are looking for an immediate foster home or permanent home for September. She spent over a week at Gateway Animal Clinic on IV's and is now beginning to mend. She is curious and playful, and she enjoys being part of a loving household. September is spayed, heartworm negative, and current on vaccinations.

September crossed the bridge after a brief battle with multiple health problems. She is missed by her fostercaregivers and by everyone who knew her.

Cato, a sweet, loveable 9-year-old Rottweiler, was surrendered to a rural shelter in NE Ohio. When he came to the Sanctuary, he was painfully thin, near starvation. Cato's physical and blood work revealed a healthy dog with a touch of arthritis in his hips who simply needed to gain weight. He is friendly and affectionate, knows his basic commands, and happily gives his paw when asked. In his six months with the Sanctuary, he has gained over 30 pounds and is sleek and happy. Because of Cato's perfect temperament, he has become the Sanctuary's newest therapy dog, passing his Delta Society therapy dog test with his Handler Jolene on July 18, 2009. Congratulations to Jolene and Cato!

Cato developed heart disease and crossed the Bridge just as his work as a therapy dog was getting started. Rest in peace, Cato. Many people love you and miss you.

Vinnie, Sanctuary Visiting Dog in training, is an energetic, loving little fellow who came to the Sanctuary in 2006 in a state of serious neglect, matted and dirty with very bad teeth and in need of neutering. Just two short months later, he had been successfully neutered and had his teeth cleaned; he was on the road to becoming a happy and well-adjusted dog. Friendly to the other dogs in his foster home, Vinnie loves to explore the fenced back yard; he also loves to run as fast as he can and jump into the nearest lap for some old-fashioned cuddling. No one agrees on his breed mix; Doxie, Poodle, Cocker, Terrier have all been suggested; most recently a local Dachshund rescue group suggested with some certainty that he is a Dachshund/Poodle mix. At approximately 12 years old and weighing about 16 pounds, Vinnie is healthy with the exception of a heart murmur that does not currently require treatment, nor does it interfere with his daily activities. He has been with the Sanctuary for well over a year because he is not reliably house trained, so the Sanctuary decided to share his winning personality with others as our new spokesdog and visiting dog. Vinnie is preparing for the Delta Society test, but in the meantime, he visits A New Day Adult Care Center as a visiting dog in training, covered under the Sanctuary's existing insurance. Drop by on most Saturday afternoons to meet Vinnie and get a dose of old-fashioned cuddling as only Vinnie knows best.

Update: Vinnie has developed mild kidney disease and asthma, but his heart condition, after worsening earlier this year, seems to be holding steady. He still visits the Adoption & Education Center on Saturdays and A New Day Adult Care Center although not as frequently. He is being treated with various medications and therapies. His kidney disease has responded to diet. And we are hopeful that he will continue to enjoy his time with us. Sadly, Vinnie crossed the Rainbow Bridge on October 13, 2009, leaving a hole in the heart of everyone who loved this little ambassador of good will. Rest in Peace, Vinnie. You touched many lives and brought joy to many.

Thelma, a 10+-year-old Black Lab mix, was a favorite of shelter staff in a rural Ohio facility, but she had been there too long, and they desperately needed the space for other dogs. Thelma arrived at the Sanctuary heartworm positive and arthritic, but happy and very people friendly. She also has scar tissue in her right eye, apparently from an old injury; her vision in this eye is limited. She has been treated for heartworm and will be spayed in mid July. In the meantime, she needs a special foster home without too many stairs and without small animals since she was not too fond of the small dogs in her first foster home. She will be boarded until a foster without small animals can take her in. Please help Thelma; she is loving and sweet, but very slow because of arthritis in her hips. She would love to curl up with you and spend leisurely evenings just basking in your love.

Thelma crossed the bridge from hemolytic anemia after a short time in a loving foster home where she enjoyed rolling in the tall grass and pretending to chase the deer in the backyard.

DaVinci, an 8-year-old Schnauzer mix, was found on the streets of Cleveland looking like the picture on the right, in a state of severe neglect, covered with ticks and filth and incredibly matted fur. After a shave down, a bath, and some much needed medical care and TLC, the handsome dog pictured on the left emerged. Throughout his ordeal at animal control and at the veterinary clinic, DaVinci was friendly and tolerant. He enjoys the company of other friendly dogs, coming to life when he sees them. He also enjoys playful interaction with people as well, prancing and strutting when he is happy. His foster care giver reports that he is an easy dog and will make a fine companion to the people lucky enough to adopt him and welcome him into their home. If you would like to show DaVinci what it means to be loved unconditionally, please contact the Sanctuary. He will repay you tenfold.

Sadly, DaVinci, whowas renamed Riley, developed cancer and crossed the bridge in September 2009 after a short ime in a loving foster home. We wish you could have stayed longer, Riley.

Scooby, a 15-year-old Chihuahua/Terrier mix, was picked up as a stray on the streets of Cleveland. He must have had a difficult life because he has scars on his face that look as if they may have been caused by cigarette burns or some other trauma, but he is a tough little survivor who loves to run and play with the big dogs at the dog park. Other dogs are his buddies, but Scooby does not like cats or other small animals and definitely cannot be trusted with them. A little dog with a big personality, Scooby was overlooked for adoption for so long that he will now stay in his foster home where he enjoys a large, secure yard to play in and the company of several small dog friends.

Scooby developed a heart condition that required constant monitoring and crossed the Bridge on July 2, 2009, after his heart condition worsened dramatically. Thanks to his foster care giver, Scooby enjoyed the final years of his life surrounded by love, comfort, and the company of friends. Godspeed, little Scooby.

Mae, a 10+-year-old Boxer, entered our program on May 2009. She was heartworm positive and had clearly endured a rather rough life. We were hopeful that she would have many years of love and comfort to enjoy, but sadly Mae was diagnosed with a very advanced and aggressive form of cancer; she crossed the Bridge just weeks after she came to us. Godspeed, Mae. We wish you could have stayed longer.

Annie Brown, a 10-year-old Poodle/Bichon mix, is a loving, sweet-natured girl who came to the Sanctuary in January 2008 in a serious state of neglect and poor health. She was spayed and had a number of benign mammary tumors removed. Friendly to everyone she meets, Annie Brown is the perfect lap dog, enjoying cuddling and snuggling. She also likes to play the clown, crawling on her belly and rolling on her back. Annie Brown is a popular dog, but when she had a serious application to adopt her, she developed back problems and glaucoma that did not respond to medication. She had her left eye removed in early February 2008. The pressure in her remaining eye had begun to climb, but it is responding well to medication. Her eye will need to be monitored carefully for possible spikes in pressure. Annie Brown passed the Delta Society test in September and will begin her work as a therapy dog shortly. She, too, works at the Sanctuary's Adoption & Education Center the last Saturday of the month, so drop on by to meet Annie Brown.

Update: Sadly, Annie Brown crossed the Bridge after a brief battle with an aggressive form of cancer. Godspeed, little Annie. You have left many here who miss you and wish you could have stayed with us longer.

Turtle, 12-year-old Doxie with neurological issues and a heart murmur, but a great appetite. Medical update in a couple days. Update: Turtle was diagnosed with a serious brain disease and crossed the big bridge. Godspeed, Turtle. We wish you could have stayed longer.

Savannah, a 13-14 year old Doberman/Lab mix, was picked up by the City of Cleveland as an abandoned stray dog. She is a very affectionate, attentive, bright girl. If you have a treat in your hand, she never takes her eyes off of you until the treat is safely in her mouth. She enjoys car rides and has perfect car manners, sitting attentively in her seat and watching the scenery. She seems to like other dogs once she meets them, but she guards her toys, food, and water in their presence. Savannah developed emotional issues and insecurities apparently from being abandoned. After great difficulty, she adjusted to her foster home where she remained for two years until she crossed the bridge from age-related complications.

Moe, a beautiful, gray-faced old Chocolate Lab, came to the Sanctuary after being found wandering the streets of Cleveland. His vet check revealed that he was positive for heartworm disease, so he was being treated; Moe was otherwise healthy and was expected to make a full recovery. He was a laid back, friendly old fellow who was everyone's best friend and returned love tenfold. Sadly, Moe passed away in his sleep when he apparently suffered an embolism related to his treatment for heartworm disease. Rest in peace, Moe.

Hogan, a 10-year-old Basset/Schnauzer mix, came to us painfully thin with terrible teeth.. He was surrendered to an area shelter when his longtime caregiver died, leaving him and his Poodle friend without a home. His friend was quickly adopted, but poor Hogan remained at the shelter overlooked because of his age. He has recently been neutered and had a complete dental. He is ready for the next step in his adventure, a wonderful, loving home of his own. Hogan is a remarkable, gentle soul with bushy eyebrows that make him look mildly surprised most of the time. If you would like to help Hogan forget the sorrow of losing his home and his caregiver, please contact the Sanctuary. Hogan will quickly become your very best friend. Hogan crossed the Rainbow bridge in January 2009 after a brief illness. His sweet spirit is greatly missed.

Sporty, an 8-year-old Bernese Mountain Dog mix, was found stray on the streets of Cleveland. A lovely girl, friendly and just happy to be around you, Sporty is overweight at almost 90 pounds, and hypothyroid but otherwise healthy. She is being treated by a daily inexpensive medication that will restore the balance to her thyroid and, along with a good diet and regular, gentle exercise, will also restore her figure. She is very aware of the people around her and always tries to please. In her excitement to meet new people, she runs as fast as she possibly can, which is, in itself, a comical sight. Sporty has a delightful personality; she will cheer you, amuse you, and be your best friend. Sporty crossed the Bridge from acute liver failure in February 2008. Godspeed, Sporty. Play with the angels.

Webster, a handsome, sweet Poodle, came to the Sanctuary from a central Ohio county where he faced certain death. Webster's health was always delicate, and he had some emotional scars from his past life. But he quickly forgot all of that in his foster home where he stayed for several years until he passed away in early 2008 from lymphoma. Rest in peace, little Webster. Enjoy the happiness and health that is now yours.

Those who live in our hearts never really die.

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