Rainbow Bridge Memorial Page

Losing a pet is very difficult. It is akin to losing a part of your family. We have lost many dogs in rescue, dogs that we worked so hard to save. Some deaths have been tragic, others due to age or disease and some because they just weren't given a good chance in life. Please help us remember them here. They have all touched our hearts and we hope to see them again someday at the Rainbow Bridge. For Pet loss and grief support, please visit the following websites for help:

Just this side of Heaven is a place called Rainbow Bridge.
When an animal dies that has been especially close to someone here, that pet goes to Rainbow Bridge.
There are meadows and hills for all of our special friends so they can run and play together.
There is plenty of food, water and sunshine and our friends are warm and comfortable.
All the animals who had been ill and old are restored to health and vigor; those who were hurt or maimed are made whole and strong again, just as we remember them in our dreams of days and times gone by.
The animals are happy and content, except for one small thing: they each miss someone very special, someone who was left behind.
They all run and play together, but the day comes when one suddenly stops and looks into the distance.
His bright eyes are intent; his eager body begins to quiver.
Suddenly, he breaks from the group, flying over the green grass, faster and faster.
You have been spotted, and when you and your special friend finally meet, you cling together in joyous reunion, never to be parted again.
The happy kisses rain upon your face; your hands again caress the beloved head, and you look once more into those trusting eyes, so long gone from your life, but never absent from your heart.
Then you cross the Rainbow Bridge together...

*Author Unknown

"DARCY"

Died from Distemper virus

"SABRINA"

Died from Distemper virus

"ANGEL"

Died from Distemper virus

"DUNCAN"

Died from Distemper virus

"GIZMO"

Died from Distemper virus

"AESOP"

Died from Distemper virus

"TRAEH"

Died from Distemper virus

"CARLY"

Died from Distemper virus

"KELLER"

Died from Distemper virus

"PJ"

Died from Distemper virus

"CLAY"

Died from Distemper virus

"BUSTER"

Died from Distemper virus

"BLUE DOG"

Died of Colon Cancer

"DUSTY"

Died of Bloat

"DELLA"

Adopted from New Hope Cattle Dogs. Beloved pet of Shannon Stevens

Died of Secondary Gangrene Infection

"LAUREL"

Humanely Euthanized for Behavioral

"BLACKIE or BARON"

Humanely euthanized because of Pseudomonas infection and Enlarged Liver

"BANDIT"

Beloved Pet of Carole Wright

Died at the age of 16

"ROBIN" (aka GABE)

Adopted from New Hope Cattle Dogs. Beloved pet of Carlos Ferron

Died from injuries from being hit by a car

"DINGO"

Adopted from New Hope Cattle Dogs. Beloved pet of Lynne Smiley

She was humanely euthanized to relieve her sufferings from complications of Diabetes.

"GIDGET"

Adopted from New Hope Cattle Dogs. Went missing in November 2004, never found and she is deaf, so she is feared dead

"LIL"

Went missing in Tucson in October 2004, never found- feared dead

"JACK (aka Chip)"

Adopted from New Hope Cattle Dogs. Beloved Pet of Lisa and Joel

Lost his battle to Parvo on 5/7/05 even though he was fully vaccinated

"CHANCE"

Died while whelping puppies.
All her puppies died as well.
May they rest in peace!

"JACKO"

Humanely euthanized for aggression issues

"JAKE"

Beloved pet of Lynne Smiley

Humanely euthanized to relieve his suffering from liver failure

"HONEY"

Humanely euthanized for aggression issues

"JIB (aka ROMEO)"

Adopted from New Hope Cattle Dogs. Beloved pet of Kevin Illige & Pam Lambert

Died suddenly at age 3 from a massive heart attack

Coming soon! Living w/ a Deaf Dog-Jib's story

"Rosa"

Adopted from New Hope Cattle Dogs. Beloved pet of Phill & Gretchen Eschle

Died suddenly at age 11 months from a heart attack; Rosa's heart was much bigger than it should have been and much harder than normal.

"Champagne"

Beloved pet of John, Marie, Maylee & Nichole Dallafior

Epitaph: Champagne you were a faithful and loyal companion who loved us with all your heart and we LOVED you with all of our hearts too. You brought so much joy into our lives! We can still see the way you looked at us with so much love. It's heartbreaking not to see you when we come home. You are missed every moment of the day! We know you are no longer in pain and that you have a new body. We can picture you running on the streets of gold and the beautiful gardens in Heaven, remember not to dig. You will never be forgotten for you are embedded into our hearts forever. The Lord will take good care of you until we meet again. We LOVE you girl!

Click on Image to enlargen Photo

"KIMMER"

Beloved pet of Shirley Macey

Kimmer, born July 2, 1991, went over the rainbow bridge June 28, 2006. There never will be a more loyal companion with the ability to load a 2000 lb Bull in a two horse trailer all by herself, she was not only loyal but brave, you will be in my heart forever. Mom

"CJ"

Died of a broken heart.

"8 State Hurricane Kate "

Beloved pet of Jenny Pavlovic

Kate was a Hurricane Katrina dog. Jenny took her into her home and loved her like her own.

"Little Red Dog"

Beloved pet of Shirley Macey

"Travis"

Adopted from New Hope Cattle Dogs. Travis was Cody's best friend, died Thursday 1/25/07 during the night of an unknown cause, he will be missed beyond belief by our entire family.

"Cabo"

Adopted from New Hope Cattle Dogs by Lin Kassha, trained as a service dog, "heart" dog to Lin, rescued and loved by Shannon Stevens. Died from Tick Fever.

"Hope"

Abandoned in a dumpster, Rescued by Carole Wright, Died of Distemper 6/5/07

"Mia"

Abandoned in a dumpster, Rescued by Carole Wright, Died of Distemper 6/5/07

"Jessie"

Abandoned in a dumpster, Rescued by Carole Wright, Died of Distemper 6/6/07

"Marlee"

Beloved pet and Service Dog of Mary Pat Mills, Died of Bone Cancer in May 2007. Go to heaven and be free of pain my friend!

"Aiden"

Adopted from New Hope Cattle Dogs. Beloved pet of Jim and Gillian Lahti, died of Brain Cancer in 2007

"Jesse"

Adopted from New Hope Cattle Dogs. Beloved pet of Jim and Gillian Lahti, died of Cancer in 2007

"Matilda"

Matilda, born in my arms November 25, 1994 crossed over the Rainbow Bridge July 18, 2007 in my arms assisted by Dr. Bruner. Matilda was my constant companion and was a true and loyal friend to the end. AKC Champion 1995, Agility Champion 1996 and Herding Dog Certified 1997, I will always love you and have you in my heart forever, love Shirley Mom.

King of the Gods call name "Oden"

1/24/03 to 8/30/07
died from high-grade (large-cell) Lymphosarcoma
Beloved pet of Shannon Stevens and Mike Renneman

Oden was loved very much. We have ACDs but always had to have our 'token' big dog. He was a big lug at 120 lbs. He wasn't all that intelligent, but a love none-the-less. We always joked with his breeder that he was born with half a brain. He thought he was a lap dog and never knew he was big because he would leap into your lap like a 10 lb puppy looking for a belly rub. He was always happy to eat. He loved ice cubes, but only if they were soaked in something first. They were especially tempting if you wanted to eat them your self. He would sit and give you the sad puppy-dog look and drool until you sucumbed.

The ball was his other favorite, although it took him several years to catch it when you threw it at him and not let it bounce off his head. He was that cartoon Rottweiler on 'Over The Hedge' that bounced around saying "Play! Play! Play!" He was always happy. His drool would drip in strings to the ground and make your belly curl, but he couldn't help it. He loved to play in the sprinkler or with the hose.

Cian and him would curl up on the floor at night to sleep. It was so cute to see them spoon. We will miss you dear friend. Thank you for the short time you spent with us. I am glad you are at peace and not suffering anymore. Please run and play with Della, Saban and Sadie. We will see you again.

Love,
Mom, Dad, Tsavo, Chelli, Terra and Cian

"Zelda"

Beloved pet of Lynne London
Today beautiful little Zelda passed over the Rainbow Bridge. I was blessed by knowing her and I thank Mom Shirley for introducing her to me. I am missing her terribly. She was 12 1/2 when I started fostering her, and shortly thereafter I knew I had to give her a Forever Home, and I adpoted her. She learned how to ride in the truck and go to the farm, but her favorite thing was lying at the front door, on her fuzzy bed that Mom Shirley gave her when she came to live with me. She will be missed , till I am with her again , next time forever--- Lynne

"Lucy"

Beloved pet of Aerron Smith
Lucy was hit by a car January 2008
Rest in peace sweet girl.

"Gracie"

Had to be euthanized for behavioral reasons. We love you girl. Sorry we couldn't help you.

"Zero"

Zero passed on January 26th, 2008 from an intestinal infection and debilitating diabetes. Up until the last couple of days Zero gave us his all so much so that we couldn’t tell there was a problem until it was too late. Zero was over 11 years old when he passed; we rescued him from the pound when he was 7 months old. He had been abused by his previous owners. From the day we got him he added so much to our family. There wasn’t a day that went by that he didn’t make us laugh at loud. Zero was a “hands-on” interactive dog in every way. Zero also took his job of protecting our home and property very seriously. We loved him so much and he gave us back the love we needed 100 fold. The void in our home is painful. Zero is greatly missed by all that met him; he was a character. Zero leaves behind with the tenderest of memories his rescue family, Victoria, Philip, Lilly and Zero’s dog, Jet, a Shih Tzu.

"Stefanie Lynn Mills-Maddux and Dakota"

New Hope Cattle Dogs lost a great volunteer this last weekend. I just wanted to share with you all what happened and honor Stefanie and her family. One of our volunteers, Stefanie Maddux, was killed in a car accident Friday night on the 101.

Stefanie became a Volunteer for NHCD in November 07. She had a great passion for ACDs. Her passion and excitement about helping us was so wonderful to see. She had previously volunteered with Sun Valley Animal Shelter. All my volunteers that met her loved her and were so excited to be working with her. She did home checks and wanted to help any way she could.

She had her two dogs in the car with her when the accident occurred. Her 2 year old female Cattle Dog, Dakota, was killed along with Stefanie. Her other older male terrier, Tank, ran off but was found alive scared and bruised and is back safe and sound with Stefanie's family. Her father contacted me on Monday to let me know of this tragedy and told me that they had Dakota cremated and she will be buried with her mom this Saturday in Phoenix. Stefanie was only 20 years old and so vibrant and full of life. This is such a tragedy. She had such enthusiasm for rescue and Cattle Dogs in general and we are so very saddened that her life was cut so short, but also blessed to have known her for the short time we were allowed.

I am so humbled and deeply touched that her family, during this time of sadness and heart break, have thought of New Hope Cattle Dogs and rescue in general. They have asked anyone wanting to send flowers to the service to instead make a donation to our cause and/or to Sun Valley. Their strength and fortitude during this time is amazing. I just wanted to share this story with you and honor Stefanie and Dakota's memory.

Here is the website to the Obituary: http://www.crystalrosefuneralhome.com/index.cfm You can also sign a guest book for the family. Please keep them in your thoughts and prayers.

"Carmen"

Had to be euthanized for behavioral reasons. We love you girl. Sorry we couldn't help you.

"Mel"

Our wonder boy was so special. I know everyone says that about their dog but Mel was just a little extra special in so many ways. Mel was scared and unsure of life. I guess he thought maybe we would be the next to abandoned him. Boy was he wrong and boy did he learn that life was good and fun! He loved all his babies (soft squeekie toys); although he didn't know what they even were when he first was given one. That changed and he became the "baby" King. I'm certian he had more than 50 but his favorite was the red fluffy bone shape. He gave us so much love. He really found peace and came to so enjoy life. He needed a quiet and stable home filled with love and he found it. We were so lucky to know and love Mel.

Well as you can probably tell from this letter sad news is coming...Mel passed away on Thursday, February 26th, 2009 due to a turmor on his spleen. We buried him here at home and we will never quite be the same without him. He was our boy! and we miss him so. Thank you for letting us love and nurture him in his senior years. He was the best!

- Beloved pet adopted from NHCD of Dee and Candis Toth

"Jolie"

There are no words that can express the sorrow in our home tonite. Our precious little Jolie is now the free spirit she should have been here on earth. She no longer cares about the illness that stole her body from her.

Light a candle for her and remember the light that she was...we will miss her gentle soul....

- Rescued by Amazing Aussies - Jim and Deanna

"Holly"

My dear, sweet, sweet Holly. Adopted from New Hope Cattle Dogs in 2002, she brought such wonder, happiness and love to my family. She left us way too soon but I am so glad she is now pain free and playing at the Bridge with Jake and Dingo. I love you girl! -- Lynne Smiley

"Bandit"

"Gator"

Though Gator and I were not together for very long, know that you, Gator, were a great companion. You filled my home, your forever home, with lots of love, laughter, and life. I miss you my golden angel boy.

Thanks to all of you at New Hope for introducing Gator into my life. I really enjoyed his antics of which there were many. I especially enjoyed his companionship.

--Audrey

In Loving Memory

Gus

10/25/99 – 11/27/09

Last Friday it came time to say good bye to our best boy ever, Gus. He came to us a little over 10 years ago as a playful, joyful pup. It didn’t take us long to realize what a character we had and how smart he was. There was never a dull moment with him around. He was always so eager to please and anything we taught him came so easy for him.

As most of you know, I did agility with him and freestyle dancing and we taught him many tricks. A few years ago he started showing signs of slowing down and he was too young for it to be age related. He started laying down a lot and also seemed to be developing a slightly different walk so we started seeing doctors and specialists’ trying to figure out what was wrong. He was eventually diagnosed with a diffused neuromuscular disorder. They said it was a genetic disorder and there were no known cures, there was nothing we could do but to try and keep him comfortable with drugs and limited exercise.

As many of us know, the bond between an animal and human is sometimes incredible. I had a talk with him a few months back and told him I knew I was going to be selfish and that he was going to have to give me a sign when he was ready to leave me. That happened Thanksgiving night. Although we knew it was inevitable, we weren’t ready for it so soon. His life was about giving happiness to all of us and right up until the last moment he had a tail wag and a wet tongue to offer, the time had come for us to give him the relief from the pain and discomfort he never showed us he was in.

We will always be so thankful for having Gus in our life, he brought us so much joy and happiness and we will never ever forget him.

He was a once in a lifetime dog.

Rest well my friend, until we meet again. - Bill and Jayne

"Callie"

I just thought I would let you know that our beloved Callie passed away on
Wednesday. We are devastated. Callie had cancer.
We had surgery in January to remove tumors and within a couple months that
cancer reappeared with a vengeance. Callie was such a wonderful dog. She
loved her family and took fantastic care of the other animals and our
children.

Jason & CJ

RESCUE AT RAINBOW BRIDGE

Unlike most of the sun filled days at the Rainbow Bridge, this particular day dawned cold and gray, damp as a swamp and as dismal as any day could be imagined. All of the recent arrivals had no idea what to think as they had never ever experienced a day like this before. But the animals who been waiting for their beloved people, knew exactly what was going on and started to gather at the pathway leading to The Bridge to watch.

It was not long before an elderly animal came into view, his head hung low, so very low, and his tail dragging. The other animals, the ones who had been there for a while, knew what his story was right away, for they had seen this happen far, far, too often. He approached slowly, very slowly, and was obviously in great emotional pain, but with no sign of injury or illness.

Unlike all of the other animals waiting at The Bridge, this animal had not been restored to youth and made healthy and vigorous again. As he walked toward The Bridge, he watched all of the other animals watching him. He knew he was out of place here and the sooner he could cross over, the happier he would be. But, alas, it was not to be. As he approached The Bridge, his way was barred by the appearance of an Angel who sadly apologized to him, and then told him that he would not be able to pass. Only those animals who were with their people could pass over to the Rainbow Bridge.

With no place else to turn to, the elderly animal turned towards the fields before The Bridge and saw a group of other animals like himself, also elderly and infirm. They were not playing, but rather simply lying on the green grass, forlornly staring out at the pathway leading to The Bridge. And so, he took his place among them, watching the pathway and waited.

One of the newest arrivals at The Bridge did not understand what he had just witnessed and asked one of the animals that had been there for a while to explain it to him.

"You see, that poor animal over there, with the others, they are rescues. He was turned in to rescue just as you see him now, an older animal with his fur graying and his eyes clouding. Sadly, he never made it out of rescue and passed on with only the love of his rescuer to comfort him as he left his earthly existence. Because he had no family to give his love to, he has no one to escort him across The Bridge."

The first animal thought about this for a minute and then asked, "So what will happen now?" As he was about to receive his answer, suddenly, the clouds parted swiftly, and the gloom lifted with a mighty wind. Approaching The Bridge could be seen a single person and among the older animals, a whole group was suddenly bathed in a golden light and they were all once again, young and healthy, just as they were in the prime of their life.

"Watch, and see," said the second animal. A second group of animals from those also waiting came to the pathway and bowed their heads ever so low as the person neared closer. As each bowed head, the person offered a pat on their head or scratch behind the ears.

One by one, the newly restored animals fell into line and followed him towards The Bridge. And then, one by one, they all crossed The Bridge together.

"What just happened?" asked the first animal.

"That was a rescuer. The animals you saw bowing to the rescuer in respect were those who found new homes because of all their work. They will all cross over to The Bridge, when their new families arrive. Those you saw restored were those who never found homes. When a rescuer arrives they are allowed to perform one, final act of rescue. They are allowed to escort all those poor animals that they could not place on earth across The Rainbow Bridge.

"I think I like rescuer's," said the first animal, "So does GOD, "was the reply from the second animal, "so does God."

Author Unknown

A Little Dog Angel

High up in the courts of heaven today
a little dog angel waits;
with the other angels he will not play,
but he sits alone at the gates.
"For I know my master will come" says he,
"and when he comes he will call for me."

The other angels pass him by
As they hurry toward the throne,
And he watches them with a wistful eye
as he sits at the gates alone.
"But I know if I just wait patiently
that someday my master will call for me."

And his master, down on earth below,
as he sits in his easy chair,
forgets sometimes, and whispers low
to the dog who is not there.
And the little dog angel cocks his ears
and dreams that his master's voice he hears.

And when at last his master waits
outside in the dark and cold,
for the hand of death to open the door,
that leads to those courts of gold,
he will hear a sound through the gathering dark,
a little dog angel's bark.

Noah M. Holland

I Stood by Your Bed

I stood by your bed last night, I came to have a peep.
I could see that you were crying, You found it hard to sleep.

I whined to you softly as you brushed away a tear,
"It's me, I haven't left you, I'm well, I'm fine, I'm here."

I was close to you at breakfast, I watched you pour the tea,
You were thinking of the many times your hands reached out to me.

I was with you at the shops today, Your arms were getting sore.
I longed to take your parcels, I wish I could do more.

I was with you at my grave today, You tend it with such care.
I want to reassure you that I'm not lying there.

I walked with you towards the house, as you fumbled for your key.
I gently put my paw on you, I smiled and said "it's me."

You looked so very tired, and sank into a chair.
I tried so hard to let you know that I was standing there.

It's possible for me to be so near you everyday.
To say to you with certainty, "I never went away."

You sat there very quietly, then smiled, I think you knew ...
In the stillness of that evening, I was very close to you.

The day is almost over... I smile and watch you yawning
and say "goodnight, God bless, I'll see you in the morning."

And when the time is right for you to cross the brief divide,
I'll rush across to greet you and we'll stand, side by side.

I have so many things to show you, there is so much for you to see.
Be patient, live your journey out ... then come home to be with me.

Author unknown



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