?? – 9.18.2000

He left us as he came into our lives, with quiet dignity.

Safe Journey Old Friend.

Dakota was our first Siberian Husky, our sweet painted face Husky with a striking “lightning bolt” on the top of her head. She had one brown and one blue eye. We rescued her from an abusive situation with a 7 year old boy, who hit her with a hockey stick. We brought her home, and the next day, had a stockade fence installed. When the fence was finished, we let her loose in the yard; she ran, ran and ran. I built her a dog house and she would love to run fast into it, we would be so surprised that she didn’t hit her head on the back of it! Having a nice big yard, I decided to build a picnic table for us to entertain my kids but she took it over and proudly sat on top for hours. She dug one specific hole right under the largest tree in the yard and would curl up for hours in the shade, until her very own pool came then she would gingerly walk in it and drink from it. That is how she met Zacky – who we rescued from the New Haven Shelter just 2 days before being put down. He bounded into the yard, saw her pool and promptly stomped his way in with her. Dakota, being a pedigree brat or Queen, just looked at him with disdain but never barked or yelped. One look from Dakota and you knew what she was thinking.

She loved bonies and would guard them for hours only then yelping at Zacky or Sailor if they came near them! At 4 PM every day for the past 2 years, she would come out of the bedroom – her safe haven and “nose” or WOO you for her bonies… Her appetizer before dinner. Dinner was a calm experience with Dakota, unlike Zacky who pranced between people, she laid under the table always knowing she would get people food eventually. She was refined and had manners.

Dakota was with us when we moved to St. Maarten. Once the huskies did escape and off she went – always in the lead – we heard that she ran into one of the villas down the road whose door was open, got a drink of water and continued on. We know because the French lady whose house they decided to visit told us the one with the 2 eyes came in and then dashed off. Luckily a kind couple corralled them and called us and we got them back, however, in that climate it was quite a bit away from home.

Each dog and of course, each husky has its own personality. Dakota was a loner pretty much and at times aloof, but her gentle eyes and that gorgeous face could do you in.

Each night, I would lay down with her and do “moonies”, say goodnight and give her a kiss. “Moonies”, and she knew the word, was to rub the white area above her eyes. It calmed her and she loved it.

We knew since July she was failing and we believe the loss of Zacky – even if they didn’t interact so much in the last years, made her grieve in her own way. Her legs and backend gave out in the end and she went peacefully on November 22, just 4 months after our nutty and loveable Zacky. Our original two huskies can never be replaced in our hearts and we are so grateful they came to us – we had 10 wonderful years. There will be other Siberians, but Dakota and Zacky will always be cherished in our hearts.

From dad… She is now with her Zacky, running free North of Rainbow Bridge, run like the wind my girl, daddy will be with you and Zacky someday.

Crystal entered our lives so briefly but she has touched our hearts for eternity. She will always have a forever home with us. Crystal is sadly missed.

God Bless.

Foster Parents Diana & Andy

FROM FRIEND TO FRIEND

You’re giving me a special gift,
So sorrowfully endowed,
And through these last few cherished days,
Your courage makes me proud.
But really, love is knowing
When your best friend is in pain,
And understanding earthly acts
Will only be in vain.
So looking deep into your eyes,
Beyond, into your soul,
I see in you the magic, that will
Once more make me whole.
The strength that you possess,
Is why I look to you today,
To do this thing that must be done,
For it’s the only way.
That strength is why I’ve followed you,
And chose you as my friend,
And why I’ve loved you all these years…
My partner ’til the end.
Please, understand just what this gift,
You’re giving, means to me,
It gives me back the strength I’ve lost,
And all my dignity.
You take a stand on my behalf,
For that is what friends do.
And know that what you do is right,
For I believe it too.
So one last time, I breathe your scent,
And through your hand I feel,
The courage that’s within you,
To now grant me this appeal.
Cut the leash that holds me here,
Dear friend, and let me run,
Once more a strong and steady dog,
My pain and struggle done.
And don’t despair my passing,
For I won’t be far away,
Forever here, within your heart,
And memory I’ll stay.
I’ll be there watching over you,
Your ever faithful friend,
And in your memories I’ll run,
…a young dog once again.

By Karen Clouston

?? – 7.13.2000

So many people cared, our brave little one

You’re free now pretty girl, we love and miss you.

Our beloved Christie has journeyed North of the Rainbow Bridge to join our other fur-angels.

Christie came into rescue as a senior and recently found her forever home with Paulette in Allentown, PA. Christie was so happy and it was truly a Happy Tail.

Thank you Paulette for giving Christie an incredible gift her final days. She left us knowing she belonged and was loved.

Christie, dance among the stars sweet girl. Wear your silver harness proudly, you have earned it.

God Speed Sweet Girl

Know that you were loved by Many

Visit the Blind Dog Rescue Alliance site to read Carly’s In Memory

A special thank you to Karen, Eric and our friends at Blind Dog Rescue Alliance for everything that they do.

It is with great sadness we come to hear this. From a life of neglect…to an army of helpers. He passed on knowing that he was loved.

While we will never know the entire story of Brandi’s life, we do know that she was found living in horrible conditions. Having lost her sister, she clung to life while she kept watch over her sister’s body. She must have been so scared and confused.

On August 18, 2006, an angel was smiling on Brandi because that was the day she was brought to Kathy as she joined the MaPaw family. Kathy was told it could be only weeks or months that Brandi would be with her. This frail senior had already proven that she was a fighter, but she needed someone to love her the way she so greatly deserved. Kathy was determined to give her all of the love and attention she had missed out on for the past 16 years.

Almost every day Brandi went to work with Kathy where she had a special bed and got lots of attention from all of the office visitors. At lunchtime, Kathy stopped what she was doing to take Brandi for her favorite ~ a cheeseburger from Wendy’s.

Without even knowing it, Brandi became the perfect example of why we at MaPaw do what we do. Not only that ~ she proved that a lot of TLC from someone who genuinely cares can go a long, long way. Against all odds, she saw her 18th birthday.

It is with a very heavy heart, that we at MaPaw say goodbye to a dear member of our family. Our hearts are breaking and we are filled with grief as we mourn Brandi’s passing.

Godspeed, darling Brandi. You are free of the pain that held you back. You can once again lie by your sister’s side. Many are waiting to greet you North of the Rainbow Bridge. You are deeply missed and will forever be in our hearts.

Brandi brought out the best in everyone ~ so many people loved her and wanted to help her. We were so lucky to be the ones to share our life with her. Thank you to everyone that cared for this special girl.

Thank you for your thoughts and prayers.

Run and play, free of pain, sweet Brandi.
We miss you and you will always be in our hearts.

Our gentle giant.

He’s joined his Natasha now and is happy again.

Aspen, a handsome BIG boy, quietly began his final journey to the Bridge. He died at home, curled up in his sleep.

Actually “quiet” was never Aspen’s style. He came in about ten years ago ~ a larger than life husky youngster. It took a special home and a special adopter and Aspen turned into an exceptional dog.

God Speed Aspen.

On behalf of Jim R.