Stuart was a tiny Senior Chihuahua, weighing only 4 pounds, who was picked up as a stray by the Staten Island AC&C. He came to me on 9-17-05. Stuart was a very special little dog. His eyes were different sizes, and one may have been blind. He had a deformity to his lower jaw, as it appeared that half was missing, and he had no teeth. He had a deformed sternum which protruded outward in the center of his belly. He had an enlarged heart and a heart murmur. His hind legs were very weak making him appear to wobble while he walked. Despite Stuart's physical difficulties he did not appear to be in any pain. He wagged his tail when spoken to and gave a funny little grin.

I didn't know that I would only have a few short days with Stuart. He became very ill and his health quickly declined. It was thought that he had pneumonia, but a chest x-ray did not reveal any fluids in his lungs. Stuart's breathing was labored and he was refusing to eat. He was given oxygen which seemed to help. He was most likely suffering from a blood clot(s) in his lung(s). I brought Stuart home and snuggled him in a soft bed where he rested peacefully for the next day. Unfortunately during the middle of the next night on 9-22-05 Stuart had great difficulty breathing. I brought him to the emergency vet where he was euthanized to end his suffering.

Thanks Stuart for letting me share your life. I'll miss you.

Mr. Whipples was a senior Pomeranian who was picked up as a stray and ended up at the city pound, until we took him home on New Year's Eve 2005. His back legs had atrophied and he could barely walk. His coat was severely matted and his skin was irritated by fleas. He only had a few teeth in his mouth which were rotting. There is no way this little dog ran away. When we reviewed shelter records it appeared as if Mr. Whipples had also been in the shelter last year. We can't understand what kind of a person would abandon this wonderful little dog, who looked just like Winnie the Pooh.

Despite Mr. Whipples terrible ordeal, he remained the sweetest, most gentle and loving little dog. However, his pain, probably from severe arthritis, became more than he could bear.

Unfortunately there are times when we can't compensate for the years of neglect that an animal has had to endure. Sometimes euthanasia is the kindest service we can provide.

Special thanks to Lenora, Mr. Whipples' foster mom, who took wonderful care of him, and made sure that his last breath was taken in loving arms on 1-26-06.

We'll miss you Mr. Whipples. Rest in peace.

Jackson Brown was a senior Pekingese mix, who was abandoned in an apartment hallway, and ended up the the Brooklyn AC&C. In February 2005 Jack came to TTR. He was so frightened and upset at losing his caretaker, that he paced endlessly, searching for his owner and his home. Jack was inconsolable and could not be comforted. Euthanasia was considered to end his suffering. However, after being neutered, he slowly began to get used to his new surroundings and routine. Jack was the best dog. He never barked and thoroughly enjoyed lounging in the backyard or snuggling in his little bed. He had a touch of arthritis, but was otherwise happy and peaceful. Jack was briefly offered for adoption, but became very stressed with the process. It was quickly decided that Jack should spend the remainder of his days in retirement with TTR.

Jack had an enlarged heart which began to cause him to have a constant cough. Medication helped to relieve this. However, Jack also began to have seizures. They were very frightening and painful for him. In addition, he began to become more confused and disoriented, and sometimes would just sit and cry. It was very upsetting to see this sweet little boy's physical and mental health begin to deteriorate.

On 3-30-06 Jack was peacefully euthanized. I am so grateful to have had Jack in my life for this past year. He was a pleasure to have in my home, and he will be deeply missed.

Lexie was an adult Pomeranian who came to us in July 2005 from the Brooklyn AC&C. To read more about Lexie, please click here.

In November 2005 Lexie was placed into a wonderful home where she was loved every day until she suddenly became ill. During surgery to remove a tumor it was determined that she was suffering from cancer. On 6-12-06 Lexie passed away peacefully in her sleep.

Thanks Cori for giving our sweet little girl the best home she could have ever hoped for.

To read Cori's tribute to Lexie's passing over the Rainbow Bridge, please click here. Additional memorials can be found here and here.

Emeril was a senior Miniature Poodle who came to us in February 2006 from a shelter in New Jersey, who had asked for our help. Emeril had been left in a box on their doorstep in deplorable condition. He was cleaned up and sent to TTR for special care.

Emeril remained in a loving foster home for 6 months, where he received the very best care. He had probably suffered a stroke some time in the past and only had limited movement in one of his front legs. However, Emeril never let his disability get him down. He was always happy and cheerful. Unfortunately Emeril began to suffer from seizures of increasing severity. We could no longer allow this sweet little fellow to suffer, and with deep sadness Emeril was peacefully euthanized on 8-4-06.

Special thanks to Diane, Emeril's foster mom, who went beyond the call of duty and took exceptional care of this special dog.

We are grateful to have known you Emeril. Rest in peace.

Sophia was found as a stray, alone in a park in New York City, and picked up by the Manhattan AC&C. She was going to be euthanized until we rescued her on 10-29-05. Sophia was a senior dog, approximately 12 years old, and weighed about 6 pounds. She had eye and ear infections which were treated, but continued to have "dry eye" and needed a little eye cream everyday. She also suffered from paresis to her hind quarters. She had weakness in her hind legs, but could walk in a wobbley fashion on her own, although she couldn't move her tail. Sophia had a large hernia on her side. Our vet believed that Sophia must have suffered an injury a long time ago. As she was not in any pain, we decided not to risk her life with surgery. Sweet little senior Sophia retired with TTR.

During the last few months Sophia's mental state and the strength in her legs began to deteriorate. It was with great saddness that this gentle little spirit was peacefully euthanized on 9-6-06. Sweet dreams Sophia. I'll miss you.

Nicholas is a very young Maltese whom I was asked to take from the Manhattan shelter in December 2006. He was picked up as a stray the day prior and was in very poor shape. Sweet Nicholas had been starved and was emaciated, he was blind, he was matted, he had pressure sores, and he couldn't stand or walk. He was also grinding his teeth (which the vet later indicated was the result of a broken jaw that had healed). I cleaned him up, was able to get some high calorie supplement into his mouth, and let him rest in a soft warm bed. He was brought to the vet where he was placed on IV fluids. Unfortunately he did not respond. His veterinarian believed that he was probably suffering from Hydrocephalus, water on the brain. This beautiful little boy was beyond repair. I spent time with him at the vet. I had him wrapped warm and cozy in a blanket, and he seemed comforted and aware of my affection. I adopted Nicholas. He was euthanized and passed away very peacefully, knowing that he was loved and wanted, and had a home of his own.

Sleep in peace Nicholas, until we meet again.

Rocky is a senior Chihuahua who came to us in October 2006 from the Manhattan AC&C after his owner had died. Rocky had severe arthritis; he could stand, but couldn't walk. He also had a chronic cough, most likely from a collapsing trachea or an enlarged heart. He had a voracious appetite, although he needed a little help eating. Rocky spent most of his time resting in a laundry basket which kept him from constantly circling. His eyes were bright and alert, and he enjoyed being able to watch all of the other dogs run around. Rocky retired with TTR. In January 2007 Rocky's health deteriorated very quickly. His coughing became so severe that he could barely breath. He was given a sedative which enabled him to rest comfortably and he was peacefully euthanized.

It was a great gift to have been able to provide hospice care to this gentle fellow, and allow him to spend his remaining time in comfort. Rest in peace Rocky.

Milo was a senior Yorkshire Terrier, approximately 10 pounds, who was picked up as a stray and ended up in the Brooklyn Shelter. He was covered with fleas which irritated his skin so badly, that he lost a lot of his hair. What remained was terribly matted. This poor old fellow was weak and thin, and had severe arthritis, making it difficult for him to walk. Despite his physical discomfort, Milo was the sweetest little dog. His eyes were cloudy and his vision limited, but he looked on any act of kindness with immense gratitude.

In October 2006 we rescued Milo and he went to a foster home where he received enough love to make up for all of the neglect that he was forced to endure. He gradually became stronger and healthier. Milo's hair filled in and became soft and shiny. His walking improved significantly and he was able to get around without problem. He was happy and full of life, and actively sought attention and affection.

On 2-16-07 Milo passed away quite suddenly. Special thanks to Diane and Richard for opening up their hearts and giving this sweet boy a home and family to call his own. In honor of their relationship with Milo, Diane and Richard generously started The Milo Fund.

In the end of February 2007 I rescued George, a senior poodle, after he had been carelessly discarded into the shelter. However, this was probably the best thing that could have happened to him. I promised George that he would never suffer again.

George was emaciated, weighing only about 5 pounds. His teeth were rotting beyond repair. He was severely matted and filthy, but the shelter shaved off most of his hair. I gave George a bath and he was feeling so much better. George was kept as comfortable as possible. He quickly curled up on a warm lap, and was desperate to bond with someone. Unfortunately, the lifetime of neglect took a toll on his little body, from which he could not recover.

George passed away peacefully in his sleep on 3-3-07. It was very sad not to have been able to restore him to some quality of life. However, he spent his remaining time in a loving home and was not alone.

Rest in peace George. Your gentle presence is deeply missed.

It's hard to imagine this sweet little senior girl was picked up as a stray and ended up at the city pound, scheduled to be euthanized. When we rescued Chloe in September 2005 from the Manhattan AC&C she had a skin infection, her teeth were rotting, and her back legs were very weak. With antibiotics her skin healed and she had to have 13 teeth removed to make her mouth healthy. Chloe had difficulty getting around but always tried her best. She became the perfect little lap dog.

In January 2006 Chloe was adopted. Despite becoming blind and deaf, and barely able to walk, she was a loved and valued member of her family. On April 20, 2007 Chloe went to the Rainbow Bridge. Special thanks to Sandra and Steve for giving Chloe such a wonderful home and the very best care.

Rest in peace Chloe, we'll miss your special little spirit.

Hazel was a senior four pound Chihuahua who came to us in May 2007 from a shelter in Newburgh, NY. She was scheduled for euthanasia but when another rescue advised us of her plight, we quickly jumped to her aid. Hazel was blind and had no teeth, but I thought she was just perfect, and she was as sweet as could be. Hazel was placed into retirement care with TTR. In August 2007 Hazel became increasingly confused and malcontent. It appeared as if her old age was catching up with her. It was hoped that she enjoyed going on summer vacation with the family, after which she was peacefully euthanized.

While it is sad to have only had a brief time with Hazel, her life was a gift and I was grateful to have been able to help her pass on.

Herbie "the Love Bug" was a senior Shih Tzu who came to us in February 2007 from the Staten Island AC&C. He was briefly offered for adoption until he was diagnosed with kidney disease. Herbie's back legs were a little stiff from arthritis, but he shuffled along happily around the house. I was happy to have been able to provide this delightful old gent with hospice care.

In August 2007 Herbie's health began to deteriorate and he was frequently unable to walk at all. It was very sad to see Herbie's frustration with his limited mobility. After Herbie went on summer vacation with the family he was euthanized.

It is hoped that Herbie is now running fast and free through the clouds, no longer hindered by the frailty of a failing body.

Oscar "Meyer" is a senior doxi-huahua (our best guess is that he was a Dachshund/Chihuahua mix), who ended up in the Manhattan AC&C when his owner was hospitalized. In January 2005 Oscar came to us as a foster for Waggytail Rescue. However, during his veterinary check-up it was determined that Oscar had a liver tumor, and that his life expectancy was limited, probably three months at best. Oscar was a sweet and loving fellow, although sometimes a bit grouchy, and he remained with TTR for hospice care.

In September 2007 (over two and a half years since I got him) Oscar's liver began to fail. He was euthanized and passed peacefully. Oscar's short legs and stiff body prevented him from moving too quickly, and his shape made it difficult for him to climb stairs. It is hoped that in the next life Oscar will come back with the speed and agility of a Greyhound!

Oscar was unique and his special gift was to teach me patience. He will be missed.

Through my rescue work I have come to learn that gifts from Heaven come at unexpected moments, and can be gone in the blink of an eye, but make a memory that lasts a lifetime. Cassandra was a four pound Maltese mix that was discarded at the Manhattan AC&C in September 2007 because she was ill and could not walk. It was evident that she was a treasure which I gladly scooped up in a minute. Cassandra became my companion 24 hours a day, quietly (and secretly) snoozing under my desk at work, and never more than an arm's reach away during the next 7 days that I was blessed with her company. Despite the best veterinary care, and pending neurolgical evaluation to determine the source of her lameness, her tiny body simply gave out.

I will be forever grateful for the gift of her life. Rest in peace Cassandra.

Sam was a five pound adult Pomeranian who had been attacked by a cat and his eye was badly injured. For an unknown reason he ended up at the shelter. This was unbelievable to me as he was a perfect dog. Unfortunately, due to a lack of information about the cat, the Department of Health would not release Sam. Once the hold was off (October 2007), I quickly snatched up this little treasure.

Sam needed to be neutered and have an extensive dentistry, requiring nine teeth to be extracted. He recovered without problem. His left eye was beyond repair and the eye specialist recommended for it to be removed.

Sam was initially very shy around other dogs, but quickly became a member of the pack. His favorite activity was going for a walk. Although one of the smallest members, Sam enthusiastically did a one mile walk with the pack every night. He loved to lead the way, with his safety blinker glowing on his harness.

Sam was the most peaceful dog I have ever met. He always seemed to be smiling. There was a quiet calmness that always surrounded him, and his gentle nature drew people to him. It was evident to everyone who met him, how special he was. Sam was an absolute delight and I enjoyed every minute of his company.

On 11-14-07 Sam had his eye surgery. He got through the surgery, but his heart stopped during recovery. I rushed to the vet while they were still trying to revive him, and was able to hold him one last time. The sadness for the loss of this wonderful little fellow will stay with me for the remainder of my days. I am grateful for the time we had together, and for the way he touched my life and my heart.

In honor of this special fellow, "Sam's Stairway to Heaven" was created as a lasting remembrance for Sam, and all of the animals that have shared our homes and lives, and have since passed on.

Rest in peace Sam, you will be forever missed.

Theodore was a senior Pekingese who came to us in February 2008 from the Brooklyn AC&C. Theo had a grade 4 heart murmur and an enlarged heart, causing a mild, but chronic cough. He had the softest coat and enjoyed a good scratch under the chin, but was happiest when being left to roam the house in search of a quiet place to sleep. Due to Theo's fragile health he was placed into retirement care with TTR.

On 5-1-08 Theo went into heart failure. I was deeply saddened to have only had this sweet fellow for such a brief time, but grateful for the opportunity to have known him. Rest in peace Theo.

Pucci, formerly known as Suzi Q, was a senior Yorkshire Terrier who came to us in August 2006 as a special request from the Mayor's Alliance for NYC's Animals. In October 2006 she was adopted. This sweet little senior had some special needs and she was lovingly cared for until her passing on 7-2-08.

Thanks Jae for giving our girl a wonderful and loving home. Rest in peace Pucci, you will be missed.

Sally was a senior Chihuahua mix who came to us in November 2007 from the Manhattan AC&C. Sally didn't see too well or walk too well, but her disabilities never dampened her spirits. She was the perfect lap dog who loved to be held. Sally was adopted in January 2008.

Special thanks to Barbara and Orlando for giving this gentle and loving girl such wonderful care and for meeting her special needs. Sally was the "queen of the castle" until the very end when her health began to deteriorate, and on 8-25-08 she was peacefully euthanized. Rest in peace Sally, you will be missed.