Dear FurryFriends,

Thank you for your kind words, it is so very hard..
Yesterday I could hardly say the words "Jewels is gone" let alone form a sentence.
For a moment my world had stopped, I'm better today God gives me strength and comfort.

Jewels was my life, like a child to me and this last year I rotated around her. (ok.. the last 14 3/4 years)

I ran Mike to the airport on Monday while Jewels slept she ate a very small breakfast But at least she was eating this was a good sign.

While she just didn't seem 100% I figured she would be herself as the day went on. Things weren't normal he wanted me to stay by her side and so I pulled the topper off the bed put it in the living room and spent the entire day on the floor with her. She was happy she slept a lot. I hardly left her side. She only went out twice to potty. As night approached She seemed weaker. I slept on the floor with her as I didn't want to move her and couldn't bear to leave her side. In the morning she was wide eyed but not at all comfortable, she couldn't walk and didn't pee, she refused water.

I called the vet and asked if she could come to the house to check on her. She arrived at 11:35 and told me Jewels heart was slowing down and her body would shut down in a few days or sooner. This of course meant I had to keep my promise to her. I sang to her the biscuit song, and she licked my nose but only once. This song normally brought on a face washing. I could tell it took a lot of effort just to kiss me. Her time come, she needed to leave she was saying good bye. I called the vet back in the house and said it was time.

Her death was peaceful. A shot was given to make her sleep (little Poo snores) then when she was sleeping the vet gave the shot that stopped her heart. I thought my heart had stopped too.

Marsha (I'm staying in her guest house and she has been so great through this) has this red wagon that I pulled Jewels and Skippy (her dog) around the yard with. Jewels Loved when it was her turn for a ride. She smiled and knew I enjoyed it. I had planned to get her down to Venice to have our photo done in a studio (Old type photos) for the back cover of the upcoming book. I knew it would be too hard for her to walk the whole way so the wagon made sense. The rides had a purpose.

Anyhow... I had asked Marsha to pull the red wagon to the door so that when it came time to remove Jewels I wouldn't have to carry her to the street. After about 10 minutes alone with My baby I open the door and there set the wagon. It was beautiful. A white satin sheet lay covered with rose petals. and a huge bouquet of Roses to cover her beautiful body with. She looked like an angel honest it was lovely... what a wonderful gesture of kindness. Fitting only for a Queen. She was THE QUEEN.

I pulled the wagon to the street which is a long ways from the guest house. 3 different neighbors were outside or pulling out of the driveway and they all stopped what they were doing and walked over to pay their respects. Everyone loved our Jewels. I couldn't speak. They lifted her limp body from the wagon into the van. One single rose petal fell from the sheet. I picked it up and then I opened the sheet to give just her nose a last good bye kiss... She smell unbelievably beautiful. The Roses mixed with she sweet scent will linger in my mind forever. (the petal sits on my desk)

The hard thing is Mike had meeting all day Tuesday (He's working out of town about 8 hours from the house). He knew Poo wasn't feeling well but Like I said we thought she would pull through. I didn't call him because I knew it would be hard for him to finish up the day. I knew he would understand I had to make an executive decision and that I did it for Poo. So many times I had said I would not let her suffer and I knew if I waited for him to get off work or until he could fly home she would have been in great pain. I had to keep my promise.

Finally he called. His first words were "how is Jewels feeling? Better?" My silence said what words couldn't. Then we cried. He said I'll be home as soon as I can get a flight. I told him I was ok... He is in the worst part of the project and leaving really would jeopardize his job with this company as no one can fill in and be up to speed. I convinced him I was going to be ok for a couple days without him. He will fly in tonight. I know he feels bad he wasn't there but he understood I did what was right for Jewels. I would have moved heaven and earth to protect that little girl. I'm sad he didn't get to say good bye. I did ask Marsha to take a photo of the Queen of Angels so if he wanted he could see how lovely she was even in death. I haven't seen the photos yet but I will when we are ready.

Anyhow while all of this was happening Susan, Marsha daughter took Miss Laurie (Gus' daughter) so she wouldn't be traumatized. She is still grieving the loss of her owner death due to cancer. She arrived last Tuesday (we thought she was coming Aug 1st) and if she had arrived like she should have she would have already been re homed. (I have to still explain to the people who were to get her) So Jewels left my life, and here sits Gus' daughter who needs us... we need her too. She acts/looks so much like Gus, it's like she belongs here. Like a gift from God. She is laying under my desk as I type this sad message. I have pulled myself together and I'm going to be Ok... I will be myself again this kind of loss is so hard to get through. But Jewels had a great life and I have to regrets. I always put her first..

Miss Laurie goes to vet today for an examine and vaccination. My neighbor is going to drive me so I don't have to fight traffic and most likely the vet will ask about Jewels (she isn't the one who put her to sleep) and it will be hard to drive home if I'm crying.

Thank you for being there.

With Love,

Jillian

Jewels on Saturday before she got sick...
Look how happy she was.

Brigitte Bardot is who I named you after. The dedication she had to making the lives of animals better and her love for them was endless. The beauty you both possess obvious.

I had hope that your passion for life, your beauty and her name would somehow protect you from the harsh world you had come to us so afraid of. You came to us so scared and fragile. With kind words and gentle touches you grew to trust and love us. We loved you and spoiled you as much as we could trying so hard to make our shelter a better place than whatever you had in the past. All we could do was not enough and you grew listless and pale in your kennel. You stopped eating and sat shivering and curled in a ball. You were ready to give up after so little time not trusting things would get better. We could not stand to see you like this and would not give up. You had stolen the hearts of all of us with your silly grunts and your whipping tail. You would spend hours everyday up in the office greeting everyone that came in with those piercing eyes. Yet, no one took you home. We filled Kong's full of treats, scattered toys galore and tucked you in each night when we could not be there to comfort you. This was no longer enough. What you needed was a home but there was none. You now enjoyed life too much and could not stand to be locked away at the end of the day. Once again life had become unfair to you. Then, she came along, we were so grateful! You were confused and unsure but you kissed us all and went on your way. She took you in to her already full home to foster you. She brought you back to life! We received regular reports, photos and you even came to visit us, how wonderful you looked again. You were happy there but could be happier still and she knew this. Your forever home was finally found and we were thrilled to hear that you were doing better than ever. With your broken past behind you and those you trusted and loved all around you you had trust once again in life. Tragically you were taken away during these happiest days in your new home. So many of us saddened beyond belief. We can surely take comfort knowing you finally knew you were loved. For the first time in your short life you were loved. For now and forever you always will be.

Your were found in the kennel, just weeks old with your mother and five other brothers and sisters. What a happy day it must have been when you were rescued. You were taken to a wonderful home with a big yard, lots of playmates and most importantly the Chesser’s gave you an endless amount of love.

Upon arrival with me you become sick…. As I visited with you each day I fell in love with you more and more. Oh how you loved your daily ear rubs. Each day I would visit, it hurt me so bad to see you, I cried every time inside and out. I knew you were in so much pain.

If only things could have been different for you Baby Blue…….. If only I could have held you; one last time, kissed you on your sweet face; one last time. You were not supposed to go over the Bridge, you were so young, so sweet, so innocent. You fought to make it into this world, and fought like hell to stay, your little body just not fight any more.

You are now safe, not in anymore pain, you will always be loved. You touched so many hearts the short time you were here, you will never be forgotten.

Baby blue was the color of your eyes
Baby blue like the Colorado skies
Like a breath of spring you came and left
And I still don't know why so
Here's to you and whoever holds my Baby Blue tonight

Good night and good-bye, Baby Blue.
With Love Always-

Jayme, Robb, V, and Rob

 

You wondered into you lives a broken little girl with a spirit that was bigger then I have ever seen. You were in such pain and yet you were able to give kisses to anyone who needed one. You had that light in your eyes that let me know that I could not pass you up, then all you needed was a name and then you became Simone.

You were humpty dumpty and we put you back together again. Nothing slowed you down you were out to conqour the world and you did. You were and still are the poster child for the APBT breed. You touched so many lives and you alone changed the minds of many. You were what made me continue doing what I do because I knew there were more out there like you that needed me.

As time went on I knew I wouldnt have you for much longer but I never knew it would be this soon. Your spirit had just outlived your body and you were ready to be eternaly young and free of pain. I had to make the decsion to let you go and it is by the far the hardest one yet. You were so young, but in so much pain, that I had to give you some relief.

So you go on and chase that vaccum cleaner and get those cats and chew one your bone but wait for me, because Simi, I will be looking for you to give me those pittie kisses when we meet again.

SammyGirl, a 90 pound Pitbull mix, was adopted from the Humane Society at 3 1/2 years old , we brought her home and my two small sons and her bonded immediately.

She was naturally loving and eager to please and play with them and teach them the love of a loyal companion. She never had a bad day and never showed any agression even when the boys would roll and play on her.

She got along with all dogs and cats and any that were lucky enough to meet her. We were blessed to have her in our lives until she was 15 years old.

Sadly she became ill with cancer in her late years and couldnt eat or drink or walk on her own and not wanting her to suffer we as a family decided it would be best for her to go to the Rainbow Bridge.We brought her home after the vet laid her rest and we buried her in front of a large old oak tree where her spirit will live on at home.

She will be missed by all of us, there will never be another as gentle and sweet as our big girl Sammy. We
miss you girl.

Love,

Jennifer and Family

What a sweet little girl, abandoned by her family, she didn't let this get her down. Always quick to make friends and with such a wise face, Bailey was waiting for her ship to come in.

So many had noticed her, so many were trying hard to help her. We almost made it Bailey, we almost pulled through! We're so sorry it happened like this, we can only hope that you understand and are watching down over us now, giving us the strength to save the next one.

You deserved so much more than this world gave you, little girl. You're safe now. Please know that none of us will ever forget you.

 

Onyx came to us for help and gave us nothing but love

Sadly the love we gave back was not enough. He touched so many people and will always be
remembered by the staff and volunteers who's laps he curled up on.

Good night, my 'Little Monkey'.

Please rest in peace until we meet again.

In Loving Memory of
SANDY a.k.a. SWEET PEA
Late Summer, 2002- January 23rd, 2003

I still remember that day we picked you from the others….your face stood out with a trace, a trace full of energy and love that will forever stay. You changed our life like no one would ever know. You made us so happy and made our home glow. Glow with love, laughter and energy no other dog could replace if you only knew how hard it was to see you go……..

Our home is so sad without you and so quiet too. But I still feel your sprit and I know that Daddy does too. Please forgive us Sandy but I hope you understand that we hate to see you sick and oh so sad.

You didn't know what was going on and that's what hurts the most…….but I promise you it was out of love because you deserve to be in heaven and call that your new home. You're a great dog and deserve the best I think it was your time to go and have a good rest.

There are so many things that we will miss, your smell, your cute face and your personality too we would call you SWEET PEA Sandy because we thought it was cute. You were always so happy and so energetic too... it's hard to understand why it had to happen to you.

I hope your not mad at us! And hope you understand that we were not mad at you………..we just couldn't see you sad. It was making us hurt to see you that way please understand Sandy that it just had to end this way.

Please stay with us in spirit don't ever go away…..please send us little messages from heaven to brighten up our days.