This page features tributes to dogs we have worked with who are no longer with us. Sadly there are those occasions when a dog loses its life due to a pre-existing condition, illness or accident, and this is our way of remembering them.
In your heart, you probably realise that in time the sadness you are feeling will fade.
For now, just know that it's all right to hurt...
I hurt with you.
It's all right to cry...
I share your tears.
It is only through crying that you learn what it's really like to laugh...
Only after feeling sadness can you really experience joy.
So allow yourself to feel what comes natural...
But know that someday life will be better...
It will be easier to smile.
-Renee Duvall
Arthur
Arthur was an elderly gent who won many hearts despite being in rescue only briefly.
Tia was moved from the pound to Warrington Animal Welfare in February 2006. She was a beautiful, if rather overweight Rottie girl, with a wonderful temperament and a love of people.
Tia very quickly drew attention from people who met her. She would lean against their legs as if to say "well, give me hugs then" or she’d roll on her back and wait for belly rubs. She had the softest nature and was a firm favourite with everyone at the WAW kennels. During her time in rescue Tia proved herself to be very good with children, especially at washing their faces. She was a little dominant with other dogs, but did enjoy their company. Unbelievably though, by the end of March Tia was still waiting for her forever home.
On 30th March we learned that Tia was not well. Her eyes were sore and weepy, and despite drops were not improving. It was then noticed that her forehead was swollen. Tia was taken back to the vet for further investigations, where it was discovered that Tia had a brain tumour, and the decision was made to let her go. She was put to sleep on Thursday 30th March 2006 being cuddled by WAW’s Chairperson. Although Tia never found her forever home, she was adored in the kennels by staff and volunteers alike. There cannot be a more fitting tribute than these words from one of WAW’s dedicated volunteers:
Despite being in considerable pain and confusion…"Tia has continued to show her true colours - a gentle, loving, patient girlie - the sweetest nature, the most cuddly, worthy, fat-bottom girl ever to grace the planet...
Tia was a lovely girl, very special to all of us. She was a gentle, sweet natured girl. Everyone who met Tia fell in love with her. She loved everyone, and was great with children. She was a big fat lazy girl who wanted nothing more than cuddles and cream cakes from life.
Sadly, Tia never found her forever home, but she has found a loving forever home in the hearts of all of us who met her."
Dudley
Dudley found himself in the pound in May 2006.
Many people assumed that as an elderly, overweight, disabled dog, this would sadly be the end of the line for this boy.
Dudley however didn't think so and the vet agreed with him, and despite his disabilities, his spark for life kept him going and he was found a place at Tailends in Devon.
Tailends gave Dudley the retirement he deserved with gentle walks and interesting things to sniff and friends to play with for almost a year.
On April 2nd 2007 it became clear that Dudley was ready to go, and he was put to sleep having known love and happiness.
You can read more details about Dudley on his own page by clicking on his picture.
Twiggy
Twiggy arrived at the pound in August 2006 starving, painfully thin and bewildered. The immediate concern was for her welfare, and she was carefully monitored by the girls at the kennels having been checked for any signs of mange, fleas or other immediate problems. In the first few days Twiggy was too weak even to leave her bed to open her bowels, and her kennel had to be regularly cleaned, and bedding changed.
As her 7 days neared an end, the decision was made that Twiggy was too frail at this stage to move to rescue, and needed to be in a fostering situation. Lindsey, our most experienced foster carer offered her a foster home, and arrangements were made to move Twiggy there, to allow her time to build her strength and to be fully assessed.
It was soon discovered that Twiggy would never be well enough to be rehomed, and would remain a lifetime foster dog with Lindsey and her family where her comfort, happiness and security was ensured until such time that a decision had to be made to let her go.
Twiggy passed away on the morning of 16th May 2007. She died peacefully at home, having had the most loved and cared for 9 months a dog could wish for.
You can read more details about Twiggy's amazing journey on her own page by clicking on her picture.
Smithers
Smithers arrived at the pound in April 2007. A little old gentleman of over 11 years of age, with short stumpy legs, grey hair and a bewildered expression he won hearts immediately.
We were incredibly fortunate to be offered a space for Smithers at Tailends, and despite the long journey to Devon he travelled well. Smithers' confusion however was obvious and a trip to the vet for a health check discovered some upsetting news. The quote below comes from Angela at Tailends and is reproduced with her permission:
Smithers..."was examined by my vet yesterday and found to have a very serious heart complaint. His teeth are in a very poor condition and he has a tumour near the base of his tail, which is not of immediate concern in view of his other problems. Smithers has been circling to the left and also I have observed him pressing his head into the wall. These are indications that he has brain damage. Poor little Smithers has been so unlucky to have so many problems - just when we are there to help him. He is deaf and has cataracts on both eyes though does have some sight. He has been enjoying his meals and going for long rambles around the garden followed by deep sleeps in his cosy bed. There is little treatment we can give to this poor boy except to ensure that he is loved and cared for during his final days. We will take it a day at a time. He would probably not survive an anaesthetic to deal with his teeth and remove the tumour, but he is not in pain and seems bright and cheerful. He may only have a short time here but will be cared for until the time comes for him to leave."
Smithers remained in the care of Tailends until 18th May 2007 when he was helped on his way. You can read about Smithers on the Tailends website by clicking on his photo.
Sasha
German Shepherd, female, a little over 8 years old. She was signed over to the pound by her owners due to a seperation, but they reported that she had become extremely thin since their other dog died as she had been pining.
A rescue space was found for her, and arrangements were made for her transport.
Sasha's kind volunteer driver collected her from the pound as planned but was concerned as she was struggling to walk on her back legs. She was a gem in the car, beautifully behaved but very quiet and sad looking. Stopping for the required health check at the vet's on route Sasha's driver was informed that Sasha had a massive tumour that was inoperable. After discussion between RDR and the receiving rescue the decision was made to leave Sasha with the vet, where she was helped peacefully on her way.
For Sasha's thread on our forum please click here.
Also Remembered...
There are also those dogs who left us before we had time to learn their story. Although they were with us just a short while, their impact on our lives was just as great and they will always be remembered.
Name unknown Died January 2006
Just too mentally scarred to learn to trust again.
CORBY
Just too mentally scarred to learn to trust again.
Our thanks to the receiving rescue for giving him an opportunity, and for treating him with love and care.
BRIT Died 11.7.2006
Such a sweet girl, sorely missed.
BARRY Died 2.12.2006
Your fate was taken out of our hands.
We are sorry we were not able to help you.
For Barry's thread on our forum please click here.
HOLLY Died December 2006
Just too young and frail to fight.
We thank Paul at Royston Animal Welfare for all you tried to do for Holly. We know she left surrounded by love and care.
For Holly's thread on our forum please click here.
HUGHIE Died 24.12.2006
Another baby just not strong enough.
Our thanks to Vanessa of Lancaster Animal Care for everything you did for Hughie, and for treating him with love and tenderness.
RASCAL Died 13.2.2007
A wonderful lad, dearly missed.
Our thanks to Karen of Heathlands Animal Sanctuary who strived so hard to help Rascal over his illness, and who feels his loss with us.
VICTOR
Never found his forever home but died from illness with dignity and surrounded by love.
Our thanks to Bath Cats and Dogs Home for their dedication and for making Victor's last weeks happy ones.
NIKKITA
Just too mentally scarred to learn to trust again.
Our thanks to the receiving rescue for giving her an opportunity, and for treating her with love and care.
ALF Died 27.2.2007
Just too mentally scarred to learn to trust again.
Our thanks to the receiving rescue for giving him an opportunity, and for treating him with love and care.
PIPSQUEAK Died 26.3.2007
A cheeky fellow who will be dearly missed.
Thank you to Keely and her colleagues for their loving care and attention.
For Pipsqueak's thread on our forum please click here.
SASKIA Died 31.3.2007
Gently put to sleep after developing Bloat.
Our thanks to Leicester Animal Aid for the prompt medical care given to Saskia, and the love she was shown.
For Saskia's thread on our forum please click here.
PYE Died 1.4.2007
A youngster who had recently found his new home. PTS due to an old racing injury that led to paralysis.
Our thoughts are with his owners, and our thanks to Greyhound Gap for finding him such a wonderful home.
DILLON Died 4.4.2007
Dillon was a big softie, who was much loved at Appledown Rescue.
Sadly he developed Anal Furunculosis, a painful and debilitating disease with little hope for cure. It was decided to let Dillon go peacefully. We would like to thank Julie and the team for the care and concern shown to Dillon.
CHIEF Died 24.5.2007
Just too mentally scarred to learn to trust again.
Our thanks to the girls at the "pound" for treating him with love and care.
For Chief's thread on our forum please click here.
CHARLIE Died 29.5.2007
Just too mentally scarred to learn to trust again.
Our thanks to the receiving rescue for giving him an opportunity, and for treating him with love and care.
PEPSI Died 1.6.2007
Pepsi was only a baby, who was much loved in his foster home and by all at Four Paws Rescue.
Unfortunately he died due to a tragic accident in his foster home. We would like to thank Kirsty, Jo and the team for everything that they did for Pepsi. Sadly, it was not meant to be.
For Pepsi's thread on our forum please click here.
TALLULAH Died 3.6.2007
A lovely sweet girl who left us too soon.
Our thanks to Irene who did what she could for Tallulah and who feels her loss with us.
BASIL Died 7.6.2007
A gorgeous young boy who left us too soon.
Our thanks to the girls at the "pound" for treating him with love and care.
XENA Died 8.6.2007
Just too mentally scarred to learn to trust again.
Our thanks to the receiving rescue for giving her an opportunity, and for treating her with love and care.
For Xena's thread on our forum please click here.
NIALL Died 26.6.2007
A big gentle giant who left us so suddenly and too soon.
Our thanks to Claire and Gary who did what they could for Niall and to the many people who feel his loss with us. He touched a lot of hearts along the way.
For Niall's thread on our forum please click here.
SHREK Died 29.6.2007
Just too mentally scarred to learn to trust again.
Our thanks to the girls at the "pound" for treating him with love and care.
For Shrek's thread on our forum please click here.
JORDAN Died 4.7.2007
The pain, heartache and rejection that she had faced was just too much for her.
Our thanks and thoughts go to Beryl who gave her so much love and was heartbroken by her sudden passing.
For Jordan's thread on our forum please click here.
ROXY Died 12.7.2007
She went through such heartache and pain in her final days until the decision was made to let her go and be free from the pain.
Our thanks and thoughts go to Keely and her team who gave her so much love and were heartbroken at having to let her go.
For Roxy's thread on our forum please click here.
LYON Died 26.8.2007
Our only comfort is that you didn't suffer too much little man and knew love at the end.
Our thanks and thoughts go to Keely and her team who did everything that they could for little Lyon.
For Lyon's thread on our forum please click here.
UMA Died 27.9.2007
Too mentally scarred, we take no comfort in what you went through, so sorry babe.
For Uma's thread on our forum please click here.
LUCKY Died 10.10.2007
Too mentally scarred, we are so sorry that you were abandoned by your owner at a time when you needed comfort and love.
For Lucky's thread on our forum please click here.
JANE Died 15.10.2007
Jane aka Jade was a sweetie, who was much loved at Lurcher Link.
Sadly she was elderly and became very ill showing signs of pain and discomfort. The light had gone out of her eyes and it became her time to go. She was allowed to slip away peacefully. We would like to thank Kaye for the love and care that Jade received in her final months.
For Jade's thread on our forum please click here.
RAMONE Died 11.11.2007
Ramone was such a lovely cute boy, who unfortuately died of acute kidney failure. Nobody could have done anything more to save him. Thank you to everybody involved in moving Ramone to rescue and also to Julie and her team for everything that they did for him. We are so sorry that he left us so soon.
For Ramones's thread on our forum please click here.
MAX Died 13.11.2007
A beautiful boy who never found his forever home. Over the course of a week poor Max went off his back legs and a decision was made to let him go with dignity. He was surrounded by the love of Di at LAC who was heartbroken at having to let him go.
Our thanks and thoughts go out to Di for being there for him at the end.
For Maxs' thread on our forum please click here.
ZEUS Died 25.11.2007
Zeus was such a gentle dog. He wasn't in the best of conditions when he arrived with us, elderly and he had a few untreated lumps and bumps and a bad skin infection. Unfortunately Zeus didnt make it. Nobody could have done anything more to save him. We would like to thank all the people that transported Zeus to rescue and all the staff at Telford for their love and concern that they showed Zeus and for giving him a chance.
For Zeus's thread on our forum please click here.
RONNIE Died 04.12.2007
Ronnie AKA Armstrong was such a gentle giant. He was in a bad condtion when he arrived at the 'pound' with a large testicular tumour. Ronnie was offered a safe haven by the wonderful Angela at Tailends but unfortunately it wasn't meant to be. Special thanks to Angela who gave this boy security and love in his final days. Ronnie we will never forget you.
For Ronnie's thread on our forum please click here.
WILLIS Died 12.12.2007
Willis was a gorgeous friendly boy, who was moved to the safety of rescue. He soon won the love of everyone at the rescue but unfortunately he became ill and after a few days in the vets the decision was made to let him go. He was too ill and wouldn't have recovered. Thank you to Keely and everyone at Leicester Animal Aid for all the love and support given to Willis.
For Willis's thread on our forum please click here.
WILLIAM Died 13.12.2007
William was a bewildered but friendly boy, who was moved to emergency boarding to save him from being put to sleep. Unfortunately on the day he was due to move to rescue he was found dead in his kennel with no signs of any illness. Poor, poor boy, we are so sorry that you died alone we didn't get the chance to help you find happiness. Thank you to Irene and the girls for all the love and attention they give to William in his final days. You will be sadly missed!
For Williams's thread on our forum please click here.
JILL Died December 2007
Jill was a scared Collie girl who after her 7 days in the "pound" was moved to Wiccaweys Border Collie Rescue. Upon arrival at rescue she was a different dog, all waggy and kissy, she knew she was in safe hands! Unfortunately it was later discovered that Jill had many cancerous lumps and the decision was made to put her to sleep so that she didnt suffer. Thank you to all involved in moving Jill, and to Wiccaweys for the love and attention she recieved whilst in their care.
For Jill's thread on our forum please click here.
NOLA Died 22.12.2007
Nola was a cute little poopie, who arrived at the "pound" via the dog warden. She had been kept by the "finder" for 6 days and so could move to rescue asap. She was quite weak, and when a rescue space was immediately secured for her we were very pleased and hoped that she would pick up! Unfortunately, despite Donna and the staff at the rescue doing everything that they could for little Nola, she became to weak to fight anymore. We are all so sorry lille girl that we were too late to help you.
For Nola's thread on our forum please click here.
DUDLEY Died 30.12.2007
Dudley was a striking looking Collie boy with lovely pointy ears. He was also a very scared boy who flinched with simple hand movements. He was offered a rescue space in Bedford and was then very lucky and found his special forever home in February where he received lots of love and TLC. Unfortunately he developed Leukaemia and died. We are so thankful that he was rescued and overcame his fears in his forver home. He will be sadly missed and never forgotten. Thank you to everyone who was there from beginning to end for this lovely boy.
For Dudley's thread on our forum please click here.
RUTH Died January 2008
Just too mentally scarred to learn to trust again.
Our thanks to the receiving rescue for giving her an opportunity, and for treating her with love and care.
For Ruth's thread on our forum please click here.
LEONA Died 2.1.2008
Leona (renamed Molly) went to her new home just before Christmas 2007 and she had settled in well. On New Years day Molly started having fits and she was taken to the vets. After many tests it was decided to put her to sleep. The vets didn’t think it was epilepsy as the fits were too frequent and that she had a neurological problem. The family are devastated as they had only had her a short while but she was very much loved. We are so thankful that she had found some love and happiness in her forever home before she died. Thank you to everyone who was there from beginning to end for this lovely girl.
For Leona's thread on our forum please click here.
TED Died 15.1.2008
Poor Ted had been terribly abused and neglected which is believed to have left him permanently brain damaged. He had been given sanctuary at Tailends and was in the loving care of Angela who said "He had a little joy and a lot of love after a life of sadness and neglect..... just before 3pm on Tuesday 15th January little Ted closed his eyes and fell asleep forever." RIP Ted.. gone but not forgotten. You captured our hearts.
Our sincere thanks go to Angela for her relentless compassion and many thanks also to Ronnie Callegari who was instrumental in getting Ted to safety.
For Teds' thread on our forum please click here.
DALLAS Died 22.1.2008
Just too mentally scarred to learn to trust again.
Our thanks to the Rescue for giving her an opportunity, and for treating her with love, care and respect.
For Dallas' thread on our forum please click here.
WINNIE Died 6.2.2008
Poor Winnie was picked up by the dog warden and was in a terrible condition with a massively swollen belly. She was taken to our vets where she was sedated and x-rayed. Unfortunately her swollen belly was caused by fluid due to heart failure and the decision was taken to let her go whilst still asleep. R.I.P. sweet Winnie, no more suffering now baby girl.
For Winnies thread on our forum please click here.
PHOEBE Died 8.2.2008
Little Phoebe was taken to rescue and was lucky to find a new loving home shortly after. Unfortunately she showed signs of being unwell towards the end of her journey to her new home and was taken straight to the vets. Despite the very best efforts of all she was just too small and too weak to fight and sadly she passed away. Thank you to everyone who was there for the little darling. R.I.P. little Phoebe, you certainly won't be forgotten little one.
For Phoebe's thread on our forum please click here.
SHELLEY Died 18.2.2008
Shelley was lucky and was offered a rescue space. At the rescue she was a very happy and bouncy girl, loved by all. Unfortunately to the shock of everybody looking after her she unexpectedly passed away. As Shelley had had no outward signs of illness and died suddenly, tests were carried out which all came back as clear so a post mortem was carried out and she was found to have died of toxaemia. Thank you to everyone who was there for the little darling. R.I.P. Shelley, you certainly won't be forgotten little one.
For Shelley's thread on our forum please click here.
TIGER Died 25.4.2008
Tiger was a very scared boy who showed signs of fear aggression on entry to the 'pound' and we all thought that he would calm down as many come in very scared. Sadly he wasnt claimed and on his eigth day we were due to take him to be neutered and vaccinated ready to go to boarding the next day. Unfortunately he bit one of the kennel staff twice and the decision for his future was taken from our hands. Sorry Tiger we tried our best, no more fear now big man! Thank you to everyone who tried to help him. R.I.P. Tiger, you certainly won't be forgotten.
For Tiger's thread on our forum please click here.
POOH Died 11.5.2008
Pooh was a gorgeous Staffie Cross boy, thought to be approx 10 years old. He had been with us for a few months and was living in a foster home but it became clear that there was something wrong with Pooh and after many many tears we knew that the best thing to do was to let him go and be at peace.
We did everything we possibly could for Pooh and my only tiny little bit of happiness from all this comes knowing that Pooh was finally loved and he left us having known and felt love and happiness Thank you to everybody who helped him. R.I.P. Pooh, you certainly won't be forgotten.
For Pooh's thread on our forum please click here.