Hounds at the Rainbow Bridge

The ANGELS

When we started rescuing medical needs beagles and other breeds from overcrowded and understaffed shelters, we witnessed the incredible amount of abuse and neglect that is rampant in this country. So many of these sweet dogs were denied even basic veterinary care, quality food, clean water and adequate shelter. Many of these dogs came to us at the very end of their lives. In some cases, with proper medical care, supplements, food, and lots of love, we could give these dogs more quality time and extend their lives in meaningful ways. In other cases, no amount of veterinary intervention could help, and we had to hold them tight as we helped them cross the Rainbow Bridge. But regardless of whether the dogs were in our care for hours, days, weeks or years, we loved them all and gave them everything they needed. Every “Angel” here has touched our lives and has a permanent place in our hearts. 

In Loving Memory of Daisy Mae

With a face so fine it melted everyone’s hearts, Daisy Mae was the sweetest of senior survivors. Believed to have been a 12-year-old, possible puppy mill mama when she arrived, she knew only hardship and cruelty, with a body that told the “tail” and an indomitable spirit that took your breath away. She was deaf, with severe dental disease, with tumors on her eyelids and mammary glands, a significant heart murmur, a significantly enlarged heart, a leaky mitral valve, and congestive heart failure; she also had a mass on her bladder wall, but thankfully, not the gene for bladder cancer. She lived and thrived for 4 years here, on medications that helped with all of her medical issues.

Soaking up love and attention like a sponge, she had an impish sparkle in her eyes and astounded us daily with her impeccable manners, unbridled enthusiasm, and remarkable kindness. She especially enjoyed car rides, and, not surprisingly, she was the perfect passenger, sitting snugly on her caretaker’s lap. And although she was so small that she could barely see out the window, she rested her head on our arms as we drove through the country.

Daisy Mae outlived everyone's expectations in every way. She was the beginning of a new era here at The Sanctuary as the first Beagle to arrive as a lifetime resident. Because of Daisy Mae, many more special needs Beagles and other breeds came to live out their lives in comfort, surrounded by much love and receiving all the medical care that they needed. 

Daisy's passing left a huge hole in our hearts, but her spirit will always be with us. Because of her, we have been able to save many more. She's looking over all of us now and urging us to continue in our mission.

Buttons

Buttons was a mixed breed hunting dog who was severely abused in his past life and was never able to fully overcome the physical and mental effects of that abuse. We did everything we could to bring him peace and in the end, his symptoms became unbearable for him. We miss him dearly and wish that his abusers could know just how badly their actions toward him were.

Roscoe

​Roscoe, a senior greyhound mix, came to us with a spindle cell sarcoma on his right elbow that was malignant. He also had cataracts and was completely blind in his right eye and losing vision quickly in his left. His back was plagued with spondylosis, an age related wearing of the discs in his back. He developed a heart murmur, high blood pressure, and was in the early stages of kidney disease. Roscoe was a trooper through all of the chemotherapy, immunotherapy, and other treatments he was receiving from both our regular vet and a board certified internal medicine and oncology specialist. He took his twice daily handful of pills and supplements without complaint. But, Roscoe’s old body was failing, he was in pain and his tumor was overtaking his leg. It was time to let him fly free. Roscoe touched many hearts and he is dearly missed.

​Andy Panda

​Andy Panda was only with us for a little over 7 months, but he had a huge impact on us. He was our first greyhound mix, the first we were able to pull from a county shelter, the first to help us learn about laser therapy and other types of treatments for the chronically ill. He taught us much about hospice care. We never really knew how old he was but we knew he was very old. We never knew anything about his background, where he was born, whether he ever took part in the field trials in the rural areas of Ohio, or whether he was ever loved in his former life. But, we were so fortunate that he spent his last days with us.

Jenny

Jenny was another victim – of bad backyard breeding, of abuse, of indifference. She tried so hard to find comfort, but her body was always on red alert. Although she bonded with her female caretaker, she saw all others - both human and canine – as threats to her very existence. As she got older, neurological problems plagued her and she could no longer go on. She passed in the arms of the only human she trusted. We hold her near and dear to our hearts, forever.

Horton

With arms open wide, we welcomed sweet Horton into our Sanctuary. But upon visiting the vet, we were devastated to discover that he had blinding cataracts, a loud heart murmur, significant arthritis, along with inoperable, untreatable and terminal bladder cancer that had grown steadily and stealthily inside him for more than a year. He NEVER received the proper care. Sadly, his pain was too great and his time had come to journey across Rainbow Bridge.

Horton did not die alone and his remains will be cherished by those who loved him. His memory will live on in the hearts of his hospice caretakers and he will never be dumped or neglected or mistreated again. He was only with us for 3 short weeks, but his life mattered. 

Matilda

Matilda came to us in a fragile state and we knew that her time left was limited. Disappointed by so many humans in her earlier life, her legacy turned out to be one of community, of caring and of kindness. So many people from all over the country came together to save her. In these troubling times, where hate and violence have reached epidemic levels, it took a little 18 pound, blind, deaf and wobbly senior beagle to bring a sense of purpose and love to those of us who care. Matilda’s time left was too short, but the effect on her saviors was profound.

Ozzy

Oh, Ozzy, how we had hoped that we could have given you more time. If only your previous owners would have helped you. If only the cancer wasn’t so advanced and so aggressive. You were a trouper through it all and we will never forget your sweet nature. You were a role model for us humans and taught us how to endure. We will honor your memory by helping more cancer Beagles like you.

Otis

Otis, our 11-pound King of Bounce, image of perseverance in the worst of odds, lover of life (and food), and symbol of what the core of our hospice program stands for, crossed the Rainbow Bridge. Outliving everyone’s expectations by 1 ½ years, Otis’s body finally wore out. He lost his inimitable ability to bounce back from disease and his disfigured body could no longer do his happy dance bounce. He told us that it was his time to die and peacefully and quietly accepted our help in crossing over, surrounded by those who loved him. The tears are flowing, and our hearts are heavy but Otis sent us sign that he’s where he needs to be now and he will always be a part of us.

Norman

We knew that Norman was already on borrowed time when he arrived with aggressive mast cell cancer and that we would do everything we could to help him have the highest quality of life possible for as long as possible. At first, we thought he’d be okay for a long while. His brightness, energy, and love touched our hearts and souls. But when the tumors returned so quickly after his second surgery, we knew that his remaining time was short. It broke our hearts to watch the tumors grow and grow and grow, knowing that this disease would kill him soon. Yet Norman never flinched, never let on that he was dying of cancer, until a new hound came to us in grave need. Somehow, at that point, Norman knew that he could now leave us and that our hearts would start to heal as we cared for the new boy. There will never be another Norman, yet we see him still in everything we do at The Sanctuary. He is gone, but never forgotten, and always in our hearts and souls.

Aurora

Darling Aurora, your time with us was too short as your aggressive cancer was ravishing your old, tired body. But you taught us how to savor every moment of life and you showed us how animals can give unconditional love. Thank you for those lessons. Thank you for your love. Your spirit lives on and you will be in our hearts forever.

Radar

After a life of horrendous abuse and neglect, Radar spent his last year and a half here, where he knew love and kindness. He would light up and wiggle his broken body every time we told him that he was "A Fine Pooch!" We will always remember Radar and will continue to tell him that he's "A Fine Pooch!"

Albert

We still cry for you, Albert.  We cry for all the dogs that have been dumped and abandoned like you.  The dogs that wonder why their humans never came for them.  The dogs that are hurting from neglect, abuse and indifference.  What a sad world we now live in.

Thank you, Albert, for sharing the last hours of your life with us, for touching our hearts and souls.  Although we are filled with grief and hurt and sadness, you helped to remind us of the joy that comes from connecting with another living being.  You taught us to persevere through the pain and to look ahead rather than dwell on the past. 

Lacey

Thank you, Lacey, for bringing us the joy of your music, the warmth of your heart and the deep connection to your soul. Thank you for being a part of our lives and for helping us to sing again. We miss you every minute of every day.

Petey

We often called him "Pistol Petey" as he had a knack for making his mark on our lives, everyday. He came to us deaf, but never passed up an opportunity to make his voice heard and he lived his life his way. Petey also loved to sleep and he was a deep, deep sleeper. Being a Beagle, he also loved to eat, until the very end. Rest in peace, Petey.

Diamond

For the first 13 years of your life, humans tried hard to dim your sparkle but you survived the most horrific conditions imaginable.  We were so honored to be able to care for you until you lost your battle with cancer.  Your sparkle will always shine brightly in our hearts.  Thank you, Diamond, for being a part of our lives. ​

Maya

Oh, Maya, humans failed you in so many ways. Your body was riddled with cancer, and when you arrived, it was too late for surgery, too late for chemotherapy, too late to save you. We tried so hard to keep you comfortable, but after a few days, we knew that the only thing left to give you was a peaceful passing. You will always be a part of us, always.

Sydney

Sydney, we knew you were special the moment that we saw you. Every time we picked you up, you melted in our arms and warmed our hearts. Your gentle nature gave us hope that we could overcome our hurt the way you did. You never let the scars of your previous abuse get in the way of love. You continued on despite your diminishing senses and you never passed up a good meal. But when the rare embolism punctured your lung suddenly and you struggled to breathe, we knew that we had to help you cross the Rainbow Bridge. We miss you terribly. Please watch over us and continue to give us strength to get through these trying times. Please continue to help us find the good in this world. Thank you for your life. Thank you for your love.

Lilly Red

Nothing hurt more than trying every medical treatment available to help you, Lilly Red, and realizing that there was no cure, no way to make you feel better. You were a trouper through it all and never stopped wagging your tail until the very end. We will remember the joy you brought us every day you were with us. Please look over us as we endure the tough times ahead.

Elwood

Elwood your small but mighty presence touched our lives and brought joy to our hearts. We were honored to have been able to care for you through your many health issues. We will never forget your bay, your spark and your love.

Mabel

Life smacked you at every turn, sweet Mabel, but your tail never stopped wagging and you never turned down a chance to snuggle with your human caretakers. Through extreme neglect, heartworm treatments, surgeries for ghastly hernias and rotting teeth and aggressive cancer which consumed your little body with lightening speed, you never complained, never turned down a treat or a meal and never refused to be the sweetest little beagle ever. You taught us to persevere, to savor the moment and to continue our work with the sickest and oldest animals in need. Thank you, Mabel, for being part of our lives. 

Marigold

We miss you immensely, sweet Marigold. You had such a presence in our lives and in our hearts. You were the matriarch of the other hounds, the supervisor of your humans, and the voice of passion and unconditional love. Your constant companionship touched our souls and enhanced our lives. You taught us to be better humans. We will remember your lessons and love forever. 

Willie

Dear Darling Willie, you were our weathered and wise, bow-legged cowboy who never let your deformities get in the way of living. You were quite old when you came to us over 4 years ago, but with the help of traditional and holistic veterinary medicine, love, and your incredible determination, you thrived. At 17, your body wore out, and we had to help you cross the Rainbow Bridge. We will remember the lessons that you taught us and will feel your spirit forever. Thank you for touching the lives of everyone that you met. Run fast and free now, Willie. We will always love you.

Ellie Mae

Life has never been fair to you, sweet Ellie Mae. You struggled with the skeletons in your closet and with your neurological issues, and we tried so hard to help you. But when we couldn’t keep you comfortable and you couldn’t bear the pain, we had to help you cross the Rainbow Bridge. We cry buckets of tears for you, and we miss you terribly. You will always have a place in our hearts. Sleep peacefully now, sweetheart. 

Mouse

Dear Mouse, you were tortured and neglected beyond belief, but when you came to us, finally free of your abuser, we vowed to let you live out the remainder of your life on your terms. We understood why you never trusted humans, and we gave you a comfortable space to eat and sleep and dream. Knowing that your medical problems were insurmountable and that no amount of medications would make you better, our greatest hope was realized when you passed at home, in your sleep, peacefully. We will always keep you close to our hearts, and we want you to know that we love you more than you could imagine. 

Barney

Dearest Barney,  How can we begin to explain how much you meant to us and how your passing ripped our hearts to shreds From the moment you put your paw on our legs, to the moment that you crossed over the Rainbow Bridge in our arms just a mere 30 hours later, our spirits intertwined and we felt that we had known you for a lifetime.

We can only guess at the neglect you experienced. How long had you been infected with heartworm without getting treatment How long were sick and coughing How many months were your kidneys failing, your blood anemic, your platelets disintegrating, your lungs heavy with fluid Heartworm affected every system in your body and ultimately killed you. If only you were given preventatives. If only we had gotten you sooner.

Thirty hours was much too short. We couldn't save you. The only things we could give you in your last 30 hours were safety, warmth, and our unrelenting love. And, as you were slipping away, we held you tight until you were gone. We pray that it was a good, peaceful death and we cry everyday that we couldn't give you a comfortable life.

Mikey

Mikey, you were caught in the middle and saw the absolute worst of humanity. Evil and violence threatened not only you, but those that tried to rescue you. We whisked you away in secret, to protect you and those being threatened because of you. Although we had to keep you hidden from the public eye, you were very much part of our lives. We gave you all the love and medical care that you needed and as you passed, we held you tight in our arms. You will always be a part of us and will always be a reminder that we need to continue in our mission to save the old souls from malevolence, ignorance and hatred.

Sadie

We miss your quiet presence, sweet Sadie. While your body was old and your senses were diminished, we knew that you were aware of our love. We watched over you as you slept, deeply and undisturbed for hours and felt your calmness. Your spirit touched our lives and warmed our hearts. Now that you have crossed the Rainbow Bridge, we hold you close, forever.