Memorial Page

This page is dedicated to the dogs who have come into our program and for one reason or another have gone to the Rainbows Bridge. 

Adoptive families of BlueGrass Boxer Rescue who have lost their babies can also have their loved ones posted on this page.

  Please send photo and anything else you would like to have posted to Sandie@bluegrassboxerrescue.org.  Dedications are welcome.

Rainbow Bridge (Animated)

http://www.indigo.org/rainbowbridge_ver2.html

The Bridge for Rescuers

Unlike most days at Rainbow Bridge, this day dawned cold and gray, damp
as a swamp and as dismal as could be imagined. All of the recent arrivals
had no idea what to think, as they had never experienced a day like this
before.   But the animals who had 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 wasn't long before an elderly animal came into view, head hung low
and 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
too often.

He approached slowly, 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, as he approached
The Bridge, his way was barred by the appearance of an Angel who
apologized,but told him that he would not be able to pass. Only those animals who were with their people could pass over 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 weren't 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 waiting.

One of the newest arrivals at The Bridge didn't 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 was a rescue. He was turned in to rescue
just as you see him now, an older animal with his fur graying and his eyes
clouding.  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, the clouds
suddenly parted and the gloom lifted.  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 young and healthy again,
just as they were in the prime of life.

"Watch, and see" said the second animal. A second group of animals from
those waiting came to the pathway and bowed low as the person neared.
At each bowed head, the human offered a pat on the head or a scratch
behind the ears. The newly restored animals fell into line and followed the
person towards The Bridge. They all crossed The Bridge together.

"What happened?"

"That was a rescuer. The animals you saw bowing in respect were those
who found new homes because of his work. They will cross 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 those poor animals that they
couldn't place on earth across The Rainbow Bridge."

Author Unknown

Saying Goodbye

I had to say good-bye today

To the dearest friend I've known
And no one understands like me
Why my heart feels so alone
By my side to comfort me
When I wasn't at my best
You even loved me when I'd shout
Stop being such a pest

I won't forget the games we played
Or your favorite place to sleep
The hardest part will be coming home
And you not there at my feet
Everyday that precious face
Filled my world with gentle love
Now you're with the
Angels up above

(Still) it's so hard to say good-bye
Like my shadow I could
Count on you to be there
So don't mind the tears that I cry
It may take a little while to
Remember you and smile
It's the selfish part of me that wants
You right here back with me
Yes right here by my side
It's so hard to say good -bye

There will be days I know,
As I learn to let go
The rain in my heart'll feel like a river
Then like a soft gentle wind,
From the warmth of a friend
Instead of tears
I'll remember you and smile

Author Unknown

New arrivals at the Rainbows Bridge

Ashby

 

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Ashby joined the other babies waiting at the bridge 7-2-08.  She was taken from us way to soon and was an absolutely wonderful girl and never gave any kind of problems.  She will be sorely missed and we only wish she could have gotten a new family before her passing.

Sheba

I would like to thank you for giving us such a joy for the past three years, but it pains me to write to you.  Sheba has moved on to a better place.  She passed last Wednesday March 19th.  We miss her so much.... She had became one of our children to me and my husband and a sister to our children.  Believe it or not even friends with four cats or should I say a mom to those felines.  When looking through my photos I found the one of her that I saved in my emails that you had sent to me when I inquired about her...and I said that you should be included in her tribute..I know that you loved her very much also.  I wish that there was a magic button that I could push to make it all just go away but the sad truth is this is life.  Maybe somtime in the future near or far we could find this happiness again and I hope that you could help.
Thank you
Chrystal and Tony Sosh and family 

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sheba21.jpgHello, I am known as Sheba. I was turned into a kill shelter by a large puppymiller, as you can guess I was only used for breeding purposes. I am approximately 5-7 years old, we are just not sure. I get along great with the other dogs here in my foster home and am very loving and gentle. I also get along very well with children, but I do not get along with those other furry things called kitties. I am housetrained and have wonderful manners. My foster mom does not need to crate me when they leave to go somewhere, I am a very good girl, I would love a home where I can be spoiled just a little and someone who would love to cuddle with me.

Adopted

Lenny

Yesterday at about 1:00 I had to let Lenny go.  His liver was barely functioning, and his heart was having problems.  The vet thought he was just beginning to suffer some, even though he looked great.  He was not moving around much, but he seemed alert.  It was very quick and peaceful, but difficult for me.  I miss him.
Lenny is buried in our small pet plot under some red buds in our house yard.  He was a tough little guy, with his own special traits.  I know he had all the things he needed and wanted in his last few months, and I am confident he enjoyed them.  He was special to me, I think he knows that.  Thanks again for Lenny, he is one of those un-forgetable things in my life.
Reid 

Lenny07 - Special Needs - Adopted

																																				Hi Lisa, Just wanted to let you know that Lenny continues to do well.  Heseems to really enjoy snffing around on the farm.  However, he doesskip his chores once in a while.  He has become my shadow, Freida saidhe stratched at the floor by the door while I was gone doing errandstoday.  I had to  use the newer truck that does not accommodate fivevery well.He stays on the farm very well, and as you know barks until he is letback in.  Several days last week the dogs and I cut trees off thefence along the river, obtaining fire wood while cleaning up stormdamage.  This area is a new part of the farm for him, but one day heaparrently had enough and went to the house on his own.  He alsoenjoys the heat in front of the wood stove.  He is becoming moreplayful, lunging and twisting as boxers do.Lenny picked up eating out of a spoon real quick, something all myboxers do.  It is very helpful at medicine time.  He will eat justabout anytime he has somethng in front of him, and he cleans up allthe dry food that gets spilled all over the family room floor from theboxer mouths.I am happy that I took the crazy risk of being Lenny's dad.  I saw theweb picture, it is a good one.Hang in there,Reid																											
									

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This is me and my new dad.

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12-20-07 Update:

Lenny is really coming alive!.. He is gaining weight and acting like a young man again.  He loves to play with people and dogs.  His stamina has greatly improved and he has a great time running and playing with the young dogs.  He is always bouncing around wanting to play.  Lenny is also doing better with his potty training and will continue to improve.

Lenny is one of our very special boys who just came into the rescue program. 

Lenny (aka Grandpa) is a senior fawn boy of 12+ years.  He was found roaming in the Lexington area and it is evident he lived a hard life.  Lenny has scares on his legs, healed traumas to his head and pelvis, and many of his teeth are wore down to the gum.  After a trip to the vet we learned Lenny has arthritis in his joints and is heartworm positive.  Due to his age, the vet advised us not to treat the heartworms.  Lenny will begin aspirin therapy to help with the stiffness of the arthritis.  Now the good stuff about Lenny, and there are lots of good things to say about him.  His hard life has not affected his personality or temperament.  He is great with kids and all dogs large and small.  Despite his decreased stamina from the heartworms and the stiffness in his joints, he loves to play boxer style.  He will fetch toys, play with kids and other dogs.  He can't wrestle and romp non-stop like your average boxer, but he still gives it a try.  He always approaches you with a wagging tail.  Lenny would do good in a home with other dogs or as an only pet.  He just wants to be loved and be by your side.  He is crate trained and will be working on potty training.  Please consider giving Lenny the only thing he has ever wanted, a loving home with plenty to eat and a comfortable place to sleep!!!   Lenny deserves to live his last months in a warm, happy, comfortable home.

Adoption Donation: NONE - looking for the perfect home that Lenny could live his life in comfort and be loved and cared for as he should be.

Mia Joins the Rainbows Bridge

3-7-08 Update:  Mia was rushed to the vets a couple nights ago and had emergency surgery performed.  She had ate her dog bed and swallowed her bedding which caused an obstruction.  The vet took over 8" of intestine out and we were hoping that she would have a full recovery.  Our vet did everything possible to help save Mia but infection got the best of her.  Today Mia decided to join the others waiting at the bridge that never got a family of there own.  Please say a prayer for our little girl that had suffered so much in this life until she joined us.  Good bye Mia.

Update from Foster Mom 6-9-07: Mia is 2-3 years old.  Had a hard life in a puppy mill before we got her.  Was in a very debilitated state, malnourished, with parasites, skin infections at her pressure points on her legs and kennel cough.  And a bad case of human male fear.  Good food, antibiotics and my husband feeding her and playing with her has let her know she can trust males now.  She is shy when she first meets people stranger anxiety I think, but warms up quickly.  While she is here at our house we even forget she is  shy because she has regained her confidence in this environment.  She would be a great dog only dog for adults or a family with older children.

    She was placed with a family with a teen and two 3 year olds and a four year old.  She did well with their cat and all of them but the three year old who liked to grab and generally irritate her, she then started growling at him.  We and the family had some safety concerns since the mother could not watch the 3 year old all of the time and we decided another placement would suit the family and Mia both better.  Glenda

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The picture was taken by cell phone and not the best quality.  Better shots will be posted later.  Mia is fully housetrained and crate trained.  She is approximately 1-1.5 years old and is just beautiful now.  She is ready for her new family to come along.

Deceased

Parker-Special Needs

11-12-07

Parker joined the other babies waiting at the bridge today.  He let us know that he was ready and just couldn't make it any longer.  He had started not being able to move at all and just wanted to lay in one spot the last several days.  Even his cart didn't excite him in the last few days as it once did when he would rush to the door for his walk.  He was getting very weak in his front and woke up in the middle of the night not being able to catch his breath and progressively got worse.  The look he bestowed spoke volumes.  Our vet confirmed it would be best to let him go in peace and with dignity.

Good Bye Our Beloved Parker, You taught us MUCH.

 

10-31-07

Parker and his new cart - Published in the Courier-Journal Neighborhood Section.  Click to see story and more pics: http://www.courier-journal.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20071031/ZONE08/710310522

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10-3-07:  Parker's doggy cart is in shipment!!  What a difference this will make for him.  Thank you Boxer Orange Co. Animal Rescue for his new cart.  We cannot wait to get him fitted.

9-10-07 Update:  Thanks to your generous donations we now have $262.00 towards Parker's cart.  Thank you!

Parker's New Harness to help him get around until his cart can be bought.

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8-27-07 Update:  Parker has DM (Degenerative Myopathy).  Both of his back legs and hips have degenerated to a point that he is in need of a dog cart to be mobile.  Dog carts are very expensive and he will have to be measured and the cart made just for him.  Our vet is helping raise the funds to get him a cart, can you help Parker remain mobile?  Donations are tax deductible.  Donations can be sent to:

Derby City Animal Hospital

4210 Poplar Level Road

Louisville, KY 40213

Please be sure to put a note on check for BlueGrass Boxer Rescue - Parker's Cart.

 

 

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Parker is new to the rescue program.  He is a beautiful flashy brindle boy of 6-7 years old.  He has natural ears and a docked tail and is extremely gentle, loving, has wonderful manners, fully housetrained, walks great on lead.  He is one awesome guy.  He gets along well with other dogs, and we will be cat testing him very shortly.  He loves children and is exceptionally gentle around them.  He is an exceptional car rider.  He seems to be displaying some arthritis in his back hip and will sort of drag one leg for a little bit, the shelter lady said he was walking fine when they brought him in but laying on the cold concrete for a couple weeks may have aggrevated the arthritis.  We will most likely get him put on arthritis meds if he doesn't show improvement in the next few days.  There is not a better, well behaved boxer boy out there than Mr. Parker.

Adoption Donation: None.  Parker will be adopted to the right home that will be able to care for him. 

Lola

11-6-07

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Lola joined the others today at Rainbows Bridge.  She was dearly loved by her foster mom who spent alot of time and energy taking her back and forth to the vet, picking up medications and comforting her during and after all the seizures Lola was experiencing.  Lola loved her foster mom best and loved playing frisbee with her.  It was determined by the vet that Lola had a brain tumor that had grown very large and was putting a lot of pressure on the brain.  She passed away in Lisa's loving arms.

Good bye Sweet Lola.

Snowflake

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Snowflake was picked up by animal control after being hit by a car.  We had her taken to our vet for xrays to see how extensive the injuries were and to have them fixed if possible.  We did find out she was deaf, and her injuries were to extensive to repair.  She had a broken back, both back legs and pelvis were broken.  She received love for a short period of time and went to the Rainbows Bridge to be free of pain and once again whole.

Audrey

Loved by Anita!

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Audrey was a very small boston terrier who was adopted from rescue at the age of 12 by Anita.  She was a puppymill breeder dog and never seen the outside of a crate until she came into rescue.  She passed away 9-13-07 at the ripe old age of 21.  She welcomed over 50+ boxers into her home and never had problems with any.  She loved to tap dance and never met a stranger. She was very partial to the large boxer boys, she had a thing for the boys. She was the best dog any home could want, the best companion, the best dog for any boxer foster home.  She will be dearly missed by us and all the dogs that shared her home.

God speed Audrey our love.

Olive-Special Needs-Adopted

7-13-07 Olive went to Rainbows Bridge.

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Olive has a rather sad story for an older lady.  We were contacted by a lady that said she has found a boxer girl that had an injured leg.  She had tried finding the owner and finally found someone who knew something about the dog.  The owner just moved off and left poor old Olive there to fend for herself.  She had been running loose for a couple weeks and the neighbors would not feed her. Thank goodness this lady cared enough to try and help Olive.  We picked her up and she is indeed old, over 10 yrs possibly 11-12.  She has seen the vet and is healthy other than being way to thin, but does have an old injury to her back leg that she carries.  She does have arthritis in her feet and has a little problem getting up and down, we have her on pain meds.  The meds are the best that the vet can do at this point because of her age.  She is a very well mannered lady and only wants a little attention from you.  She is having a problem getting along with the other dogs now, we are unsure if her pain level has increased or she has just become more settled in her foster home and just doesn't want anything to do with the other dogs.  She is very thankful to be in a house again with a dog bed to lay on. 

There will be no adoption donation for Olive - we are currently seeking a home that can let her live whatever time she has remaining in comfort with some Tender Loving Care.  A home that can offer her a nice cozy warm bed to lay on and rest her weary head, a home where she can get some gentle rubbing and attention, a home that can give her plenty to eat to build her strength back up.

 

Tyson  Carrier 6-5-07

From the moment we met you, we knew you belonged with us.  You've left your big paw prints on our hearts.

Lost without your shadow behind me.

Good bye, beautiful boy.  The Carriers

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Tyson passed away quietly in his sleep apparently from a heart condition.  His family misses him terribly for he was their perfect new family member. 

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TYSON02.jpgUPDATE FROM FOSTER MOM:

Tyson is settling in well.  As soon as we got home, Tyson and Nellie went in the backyard  to potty and poop.  One at a time I introduced Tyson to my little dogs....went really well.  Nellie decided she wanted to be a little dominant once Tyson was on her turf...I think they about have everything worked out.  Tyson did well in his crate while we went to eat dinner.  Before we left, I gave him a scoop of food and when we got home I gave him two more.  My kids love him and he likes playing with them and licking their faces.  They enjoy playing with his tail.
Nellie and Tyson are wrestling right now.  Nellie is going to be so tired tonight, having a big dog for her to play with is going to be great for her.  My husband...I think he likes Tyson better than Nellie.
Lisa

Tyson is 1 of the 4 owner surrenders that was being turned into the shelter. He has been kept outside on a chain and will shortly be learning what it is like to be an inside dog, being part of a family, and getting the love and attention he so deserves. He is 6 months old with natural ears and his natural tail. We are sure he is not housetrained or crate trained due to his previous circumstances but will soon be learning. We are beginning his vetting and he will be looking for a new home shortly. We would like to find a home that is familiar with housetraining and willing to take him through obedience classes since we are sure he will need them. He may need some patience on gaining good manners.

Adopted

Coco 5-16-07

Coco was able to spend several days with her new family until she passed away in her sleep.  She was able to have her own family and home again before departing for the Rainbows Bridge.  Thank you Gerri Hornback and family for giving such a wonderful older gal a chance to be called family.

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UPDATE:  Coco had surgery 3-13-07 and is doing extremely well.  She did have 7 teeth pulled and isn't having a problem eating.  Will post more as she recovers.  This is one sweetheart of a lady who still loves to play and romp.

Coco6.JPGCoco is an 11 year old dark flashy brindle lady. She is very sweet and loveable and only wants to please you. She is fully housetrained, loves being by your side and gives good little kisses. She was owner surrendered to a high kill shelter after spending her life with her previous owner for 11 years. She gave her entire life and love only to be discarded when she should be pampered and loved the most. She seems perfectly healthy from what we have been able to gather and is trying to make the best of her new situation. She gets along well with other dogs, cats are unknow. She just wants love and to be hugged. Please consider a senior dog, they will shower you with everything they have left, they are normally housetrained, have wonderful manners, won't tear your house up, won't bounce off the walls from lack of exercise. They will however, want to be with you, lay down at your feet or beside you on the couch, lay their head in your lap and look up at you with love and let out a deep sigh of happiness. What more can a person or dog want or need.

Adoption Donation: There will not be an adoption donation for Coco.  We are looking for the perfect home where she can spend whatever time she has left in love, tenderness and happiness.  At her age she needs to be pampered and very well cared for.  Of course donations are accepted to pay for vetting that has been done.

Andy

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1-18-05:  Andy loved playing boxer style with the other dogs at his foster home.  The foster mom had a very hard time trying to curtail his play until his scheduled surgery date for the bi-lateral femoral reduction.  While playing with the other fur kids he injured his hip and was in extreme pain.  He was rushed to the emergency vet in Louisville, KY and after Xrays it was apparent that he had spinal damage.  Andy was released from his pain and entered the Rainbows Bridge to await our arrival.  He was very much loved by all of us.  Rest in Peace Sweet One.

Ray Charles - aka Charlie

Special Needs

4-28-05  Today Charlie was released to join the others at Rainbows Bridge.  He started having uncontrolable seizure clusters that even the meds and sedation at the clinic could not control and left him totally lifeless.   Rest in Peace Charlie Bugs.

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Sampson

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Good bye dear Sampson.  May you rest in peace with pleasant thoughts of your family who loves you dearly.   

9-28-05


Angel

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10-3-05  Angel left her loving mom to join the others waiting at the Rainbows Bridge.  She was much loved and adored by Lori and her 4 boxer brothers.  Angel came into rescue as a very senior lady and spent 11 wonderful months with Lori and her gang.  She is sadly missed by all who ever had contact with her.  Good bye our love.

Thor

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Thor1.1.jpg11-9-05  Thor would have celebrated his 2nd aniversary with his new family on 11-22-05.  He was dearly loved and is sadly missed by the Pekar family.  Thor did not have a very good life until he came into the rescue program as a very senior male and was given everything he could have dreamed of with the Pekar's.  He joins the other boxers waiting for his family to meet him at the Rainbow's Bridge.

 

Xavier

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Xavier came into rescue heartworm positive.  We were getting him ready to start his treatment program.  When taken to our vet for check-up and new heartworm test prior to treatment, he was showing very visible signs of the heartworm and how extensive it has effected his heart.  He was well past the treatable range and would not have survived the treatment.  We helped Xavier cross the rainbow bridge to stop his suffering and ease his pain.  Please say a prayer for this boy who never made it into a loving home and should never have come down with heartworm, or been left untreated for so long.  He was the sweetest boy anyone could have asked for and got along great with everything and everyone.  Good-Bye Sweet One.

Cassidy

Newest and certainly the youngest to join the others waiting at the Rainbow Bridge.

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Picture taken at animal control.

A family brought this little sweetheart to the animal shelter, they had only had her about a month and she became lame in the one leg with cast on and the vet said it was sprained and casted it.  They had spent all their money on the vet bill for her care.  Two days later she could not get up to walk (Saturday night) and they did not have money to take back to vet, her joints were so swollen she could not get up at all.  The family had gotten her a month before from a very abusive neighbor who kicked and beat her all the time.  Cassidy's new family really loved her but thought the shelter would have a vet on call to take care of the dogs at the shelter and wanted to get her in so she could receive some help.  The shelter lady called us to see if we had room for her.  Said she was about 4 months old and she didn't want to take her into the shelter if possible. One of our volunteers went to pick her up at the shelter and sent me a pic on my phone to make sure we were pulling.  How could we not?  She was taken straight to emergency vet for full blood work up and Xrays.  She was in such bad shape and had to be carried.  We would have done whatever it took to save her as long as she could have a decent life. Found out 3 days later that she may not be able to walk again from the vet, he said she was 6 months and only weighed 19.5 lbs and that the infection had stunted her growth, she was the smallest boxer he had ever seen.  The infection ran through her whole system (vet said she had the infection for quite some time) and the 3 oral antibiotics and one IV antibiotic were not being effective and she was showing no signs of improvement.  Her pain and condition were getting much worse and with the vets recommendation we made the decision to let her rest at the Rainbow Bridge.  This was so heartbreaking, Cassidy was such a sweet, gentle, tiny little thing that did not deserve this ending.  Rest in peace and pain free little one.