Remembering

Please enjoy the music as you read through their stories by clicking the images below

The beginning… Sam, Rusty, Mickey, Mazie, and Bubba Dog, all came into my life as younger dogs, before KARF. We shared many years together; they were my family. As they all began to grow old, I became increasingly aware of the special needs of senior dogs and how much they still had to offer, how much their lives still mattered, yet how little value they held for others. It was in their growing old that I found my life’s work. I adopted Sam from our local shelter as a puppy. My Mom and I picked him out together. We shared the next 12 years together and made many wonderful memories. He died the same week as my Mom and the same day I received the Bell Award for my volunteer work in the animal community. I accepted it in his honor. Goodbye, my old friend. I will always hold close my memories of you.

With love~
Your friend, Angie

Rusty lived his life at the end of a chain until he was rescued by The Shamrock Foundation. I took him in as a foster and the rest is history, as they say. We were fast friends and I loved him from the start. He had gone through something in his life but I would never know just what. For the first 6 months he would have nightmares, waking me every night with loud, frantic screams. I could only try and make him feel safe. Over time, the nightmares became less and less until they finally went away. We shared the next 8 years together. Despite treatment, he eventually died from cancer. I miss everything about him. I miss seeing his sweet face and his big brown eyes, always waiting for me to go to bed so he could. He was always sure to let me know when it was bedtime by making trips back and forth to the bedroom, standing and staring at me until I would go to bed with him. We were always together. He loved going for walks in the woods with his friends. After he died, I named the trail we always walked on after him. It is now “Rusty’s Trail” and has been shared by many KARF dogs. I can’t think of a better way to remember him.

Goodbye, my sweet boy.
With love~
Your friend, Angie

I adopted Mickey when he was a puppy and had him his entire life, 13 years. We had lots of fun together over those years and I have many cherished memories of our life together. I will always miss him. Goodbye, my Fuzzball With love~ Your friend, Angie

Mazie was found on a country road by a friend after being hit by a car. I took her in and nursed her back to health. She had an injured disc and it took many months for her to recover but she was eventually as good as new. We spent 15 years together and I will always carry her in my heart. Goodbye, my Lou Lou With love~ Your friend, Angie

Bubba Dog was abandoned by his owner and I took him in. He was huge and his personality was just as big. Wherever we went, he was the center of attention, as he should have been. What fun it was having him in my life. We shared 3 years together. He eventually died from cancer. I miss our special trips to the park, just him and me, sitting under the shade tree next to the creek on warm summer days. Goodbye, my big boy. With love~ Your friend, Angie

I adopted Franklin and Isabelle, a breeding pair of mini Dachshunds, after they had been rescued from a very miserable puppy mill existence by KARF. They joined WIlma, another mini Dachshund rescue who was already part of the household. Three or four teeth between the two of them they were a bit of a handful even though I had dealt with several rescues in the past. I was to discover that what they eventually returned to me in the way of their love and trust was in direct proportion to how much they had suffered in the past. Franklin in particular took a year to make his way from almost unable to be touched to the household greeter, bestowing affection to whomever came in the front door. It was a remarkable turnaround. I miss them both, their lives with me were certainly shorter than I would have wished for but I feel privileged to have been able to provide them with the shelter and love they were so badly deprived of in the first part of their lives. I was so proud of how they adjusted and were able to become loved (and house trained!). The curious little pack has all passed away at this point, I do miss them all but was very lucky to have them in my life. Not nearly as lucky as Franklin and Isabelle were to be rescued from a terrible existence. So all three of us have much to be grateful to KARF for. Ghandi observed that one could judge a society by the way it treats its animals. By this yardstick we fall woefully short but we an individuals have an opportunity to do what we can, the rewards are enormous. ~Jeff

Remembering Lambchop Tribute Lamby To our precious little blessing, who was released from our arms, and his pain on Monday, May 25th 2009. We miss you so very much and are reminded of you every day. You suffered greatly at the hands of puppy mill owners for 14 years. But through Angie and her rescue, God guided you to us. You where in such a sad, fearful state when you first came to your forever home, but for the next 5 years we were all taught lessons of God's gentle love and the true meaning of trust and all your fears were replaced by love. We look toward that wonderful day when we will be together, and with joy we will hold your tender little body in our arms, feel the softness of your fur, gaze into your gentle eyes and feel the warmth of your loving heart again. You have been so sadly missed, and little Lamb know that you are so greatly loved forever. ~Wendy and Larry

To our sweet Sunny. You were our little mother hen from the day we brought you home from Angie's rescue. We were going to foster you but that idea was out the window quickly and you joined our family. Your mothering was like no other. Mothering the other little dogs and mothering your little stuffed toys, especially the ones that looked like you. We miss you so much. I still have your favorite little toy lion on my bed, chewed and missing its little pieces. I hold it sweetly to my heart knowing it meant so much to you. It was so hard to let you go but I know you are mothering all the little ones coming over the bridge, and that you will be waiting for us too and our hearts will join again. I miss your sweet soft lovingness. ~ Wendy and Larry

To Bea, that notice be taken of your life. I will remember the ready adulation you granted me, greater than I deserved. I will remember the gift of your "dogness", as a special way of living. I will remember the gift of your sharing with me the final year of your life. I will remember seeing in your eyes, the gift of your trust in me when things went so wrong. I will remember. I will take notice. ~ Lynn

Mason was an elderly dog when left behind by his 'person' who moved away. It is unknown how long he was left alone. Perhaps a neighbor called because his name was apparently made known to the animal control officer who picked him up. Once at the shelter, he was placed in a kennel with other larger dogs who treated him badly. I adopted him from KARF and changed his named to Mason in a failed attempt to remove the vestiges of his old life. Unfortunately, I could not remove the damage done to his body from years of neglect. Although many put effort into making his life better, heartworm disease, for which KARF provided treatment, had permanently damaged his heart. He also suffered from an enlarged prostate because he had never been neutered. Most of his teeth had to be pulled. He did have good days. He loved his treats and had a soft, warm bed. I hope he knew he was loved. In the end, the best I could give him was relief from his life of suffering. ~ Katie

Jenny was picked up as a stray and ended up at a local shelter in rural KY. She had a lame rear leg due to an old, untreated injury. The Woodstock Foundation took Jenny from the shelter and asked if KARF could keep her temporarily. Little did I know, she would steal my heart from the beginning and we would share the next 9 years together. Instead of having her lame leg amputated, I had it fixed, allowing her to run and play the way all dogs deserve. Her favorite things were watching bunnies hop around the yard each evening, waiting for just the right moment to chase after them, and going for long walks in the woods with her best friends, Emily and Beanie. Despite treatment, she eventually died from cancer. For Jenny~ Spring is finally here and I am without you to share it...I see bunnies in the yard at sunset, your favorite time of day, and think of you. Each time I walk in the woods you are with me. Goodbye, my sweet Jenny. With love~ Your friend, Angie

Some years ago, I attended a dog auction to help a friend transport dogs to their rescue. I had no intention of leaving with a dog myself. Throughout the day, I watched as the breeder put his "goods" on display, as if they were simply inanimate objects. At some point during the day they brought out a table full of Min Pins. One by one, they were purchased. However, one remained on the table. A tiny senior girl with a deformed leg, no teeth, so obese she could barely walk, and a hernia the size of a softball. Despite the repeated calls of the auctioneer.... $10, $10, $10, $10, who will give me $10.....no one found her to be worthy of $10. I can't find the words to explain what I felt, seeing that beautiful animal on display and regarded as garbage....worthless. I bid the $10 and she was mine. I struck gold that day. I would name her Pearl. She was in especially bad shape but over time, I fixed her up as best I could, given the damage done to her tiny body during her years as a breeding dog. "You cost me $10 but are worth a million", is what I always said to her. I reminded her again as I said goodbye. With love~ Your friend, Angie

Abbey was a puppy mill survivor. She spent the first eight years of her life confined to a cage, pushing out puppies to help support the breeder who imprisoned her. In exchange for helping pay the bills, she was robbed of her freedom, the sunshine on her face, the grass at her feet, and the bond which she worked so hard to form with her babies, her sole possessions. They too would be taken from her time and time again. She also suffered from a missing rear foot, forcing her to walk on the bone of her leg, a mouth full of rotting teeth, a liver which barely functioned, tumors on every breast, drug resistant intestinal bacteria, and a seizure disorder which would eventually end her life. It took more than a year of continual care and significant vet bills to get her relatively healthy but she was finally able to enjoy a life filled with the love and appreciation she had long deserved. Despite all she had gone through during her years as a puppy mill dog, she retained the ability to forgive. I will always remember her shy smile. Goodbye, my sweet Abbey. With love~ Your friend, Angie

Lilly was discarded at the local pound by her family. She was to be adopted but the family was informed that she had an ear infection so they decided they no longer wanted her. KARF was asked to help and so we did. Within a few days, it was discovered that she had an advanced stage of cancer. I was told she had about 3 months to live. More than anything, I wanted to give her a chance to know love and to be valued. So, we began treatment for her cancer. She defied all odds and lived a wonderful life for the next two years. Her favorite thing to do was play with tennis balls. For Lilly~ You filled my heart with unconditional love and brightened my days. You have been one of the good fortunes of my life and I will never forget you. I still long for the sound of your tennis balls bouncing on the floor, urging me to play. Your eyes....how I miss them. Goodbye, my sunshine. With love~ Your friend, Angie

Georgia was picked up as a stray and ended up at our local pound. KARF was asked to help and so we did. She was very sick at the time with kennel cough, badly infected eyes and ears and she also had numerous breast tumors. We treated her infections, removed the tumors, which were benign, and we shared the next two and a half years together. Despite treatment, she eventually died from cancer. For Georgie~ My lovable, funny, silly, happy, unique little girl. I miss you every day and will always think of you and smile. What fun it was having you around. Goodbye, my sweet Belle. With love~ Your friend, Angie

Chuckie was discarded at our local pound by his family. KARF was asked to help and so we did. He had severe dental disease and was missing part of his lower jaw. We treated his infection and all his teeth had to be removed. He also had significant arthritis in his neck, which we also treated. We shared the next two years together. He eventually died unexpectedly from an autoimmune problem. For Chuckie~ You weighed just 5 pounds but your presence was larger than life. I'm sorry I could not get to you in time and I miss you every day. How I wish we could have had more time together. Goodbye, my little boy. With love~ Your friend, Angie

Billy was discarded at our local pound by his family at 13 years of age. KARF was asked to help and so we did. He suffered from arthritis and neurological problems, causing him to walk mostly with his front legs while only using his rear legs for balance. He had clearly walked that way for some time because he had adapted well and got around quite well. He also had no teeth and had to be hand fed. We shared the next two and a half years together. He was sweet, gentle and quiet, never asking for a thing. Goodbye, my little lamb. With love~ Your friend, Angie

Benford was picked up as a stray and ended up at our local pound. KARF was asked to help and so we did. He suffered from arthritis and neurological problems, causing his back legs to not move quite right, but he adapted well to this and followed me wherever I went, running in his funny little way. We treated his kennel cough and had to have many of his teeth removed. He eventually developed a collapsing trachea. Despite treatment, he was unable to survive it. I will always cherish the year we had together. Goodbye, my sweet Benford. With love~ Your friend, Angie

Danny was turned in as a stray at our local pound. In addition to being a senior dog, it was discovered that he had a severe heart murmur and could not be placed for adoption. KARF was asked to help and so we did. We took to the vet and found that he had a grade 5 heart murmur, a very enlarged heart, congestive heart failure and extremely high liver enzymes. Over the next several months, we treated all his ailments. His liver recovered and his heart condition was made stable with numerous medications. He finally felt good, was happy, and enjoying life. His heart condition required constant management to deal with its progression over the next two years and it eventually ended his life. Danny was quiet, sweet and a fighter. He hung in there with me despite all the odds against him. His favorite thing to do was lay under our maple tree with his best friend Ernie. Goodbye, my sweet Daniel. With love~ Your friend, Angie

Beatle came to KARF after her owner became ill with cancer. He asked me in advance if we would care for her once he was gone, and we agreed. He eventually had to be moved into a nursing home and I learned she had been alone in the home for two weeks, with a family member feeding her each day. I went right away and brought her home with me. We became fast friends, as is so easy to do with Beagles. We made a trip to the nursing home to visit her Dad before he died, letting him know that she was safe. We spent the next four years together. She too eventually died of cancer. She must have been the world’s greatest Beagle. I sure do miss her. Goodbye, my sweet Beatle Bug. With love~ Your friend, Angie

Sara was a puppy mill survivor. She came to us at 9 years of age. While years of breeding had certainly taken its toll on her body, most the damage had been done to her mind and spirit. I took almost a year before she would allow me to pet her without cowering flat on the ground. We spent the next 8 years together but I was never fully able to gain her trust. She allowed me to show her affection but she was always tentative and afraid. I provided her with all the things she needed to be safe and physically healthy. I only wish I could have done more to heal her spirit. I hope she knew that she was loved. Goodbye, my sweet Sara. May your mind now be at peace. With love~ Your friend, Angie

Ben spent the first 11 years of his life in a puppy mill. An old man, suffering from arthritis and other health problems, he made his way to us. Never having experienced love or affection, I was surprisedBen in_feeding_box by his gentle, loving nature. He simply wanted love and so he was showered in it for the next 5 years of his life. I treated his arthritis and dealt with two types of cancer. He eventually developed megaesophagus and required a special method of feeding. Since he weighed 75 pounds, I had to figure out a way to manage this. Through trial and error, a wonderful friend and I made a device which allowed him to be fed properly. He was so patient and willing to do whatever was asked of him. He had no clue why he had to go inside a “box” to eat every day, but because I asked him to, he did it without protest. We managed his condition this way for more than a year but it would eventually end his life. His favorite thing to do was be wherever I was. I loved him more than I can say. How lucky I was to share the last years of his life with him. Goodbye, my big bear. With love~ Your friend, Angie

I found Sweetie standing next to the side of the road one cold winter night. I opened the car door and he jumped in as if he had been waiting for me to pick him up. He sat straight up in the front seat, like a perfect gentleman, watching out the front window as we drove home. I was short on foster space so I asked my Mom if she would foster him for me temporarily. The rest is history, as they say. They became fast friends. He was her constant companion for the next 2 years and he was by her side when she died. I then continued caring for him. He eventually developed laryngeal paralysis, which we successfully treated with surgery. However it is a progressive neurological disease and caused him to eventually lose use of his back legs. His favorite thing to do was sit in the back yard and watch the birds. What an honor It was, caring for my Mom's treasured friend. Goodbye, Sweetie.

Howard was found as a stray and he came to us a broken dog. He seemed as if he thought he didn\\u2019t even deserve to be alive. Over the next year I worked to fix his physical problems and worked to help him feel safe and worthy. He was beginning to come around but died just a year later from cancer. I wish we had had more time together. Watching him run through the snow was a beautiful image, one I will always hold close. With Love~ Your friend, Angie

After a long history of neglect, a kind animal control officer in rural KY convinced the owner to surrender him to their shelter. KARF was asked to help and so we did. Nicky had an endless list of problems. Mange,  heartworm disease, eye and ear infections, untreated broken bones from being hit by numerous cars, causing arthritis as a result, and old gun shot wounds. To say he had been through the ringer would be an understatement. I drove 3 hours to the shelter to get him. He was a physical mess and I could see I had my hands full but I loved him the moment I met him and knew I could turn his life around. We treated the heartworm disease, mange, infections and managed his arthritis. He became a brand new dog, running and playing as if he were young again. He loved his toys and you never saw him without one in his mouth. It was an amazing transition to witness. We spent the next 3 years together. Despite treatment, he died from a bone disease. He was one of the best dogs I have ever had. He was like having the sun inside my home. I will never forget him. Goodbye, my Big Head With Love~ Your friend, Angie

Sally was found sitting in the middle of an interstate by a friend. She was able to rescue her and I took her in. She was untrusting and standoffish in the beginning but over time she eventually came around and became my friend. We spent 10 years together. She eventually lost use of her hind legs and used a cart to help her get around. She later died from a stroke. She is missed. Goodbye, my Sally. With love~ Your friend, Angie

Olivia was discarded at a shelter in eastern KY by her family at the age of 13. KARF was asked to help and so we did. When I picked her up I was not sure she was going to make it. She was a tiny, frail little girl. She was lethargic, malnourished, and had a mouth full of rotting teeth which had caused open wounds on her face. We treated all her ailments, removed her rotten teeth, and eventually got her healthy enough to feel good and enjoy her life for the next year. She eventually developed glaucoma and had to have an eye removed. She later developed severe dementia and was euthanized to relieve her suffering. She was as sweet as they come. I miss holding her little body and kissing her face. I wish we had had more time together. Goodbye, my little girl. With love~ Your friend, Angie

I found Betsy one morning wandering around the park, dazed and confused. I had no idea what could be wrong with her so I took her straight to my vet. It was discovered that she was in severe heart failure and her brain was not receiving enough oxygen. We were able to stabilize her heart condition and her confusion eventually went away. We shared the next year together until she eventually died as a result of her heart disease. She was a sweet and quite little girl. Goodbye, Betsy With love~ Your friend, Angie

Oscar was left chained to a front porch as his owners moved away. KARF took him in. He was great with people but not other dogs, which made him a challenge. But, we managed through it and spent 7 years together. He eventually died of kidney disease. He is missed. Goodbye, Oscar. Your friend, Angie

Grobin was picked up as a stray and ended up at our local pound. KARF was asked to help and so we did. He needed emergency care for glaucoma, which required removal of his eye. He adjusted well but also had a chronic autoimmune problem which we managed over the next two years. In the end, he could not survive it. He was leery of people at first but soon progressed to seeking out love and affection. I can still picture him in the yellow Sponge Bob sweater he wore when he was cold, and the way he smiled when he was excited. He was loved and is greatly missed. Goodbye, my Grobin. With love~ Your friend, Angie

Sophie was very ill when she was discarded by her family at our local pound. KARF was asked to help and so we did. She was in liver failure when I took her from the shelter and required hospitalization. After a few days she began to come around and feel better, though she needed continued treatment for some time to come. Over the next several months, she felt better and better as time went on. She was eventually healthy and happy. We shared the next 3 years together. She eventually died from cancer. It came on quickly and aggressively and nothing could be done to help. She was loved, happy and enjoyed the last years of her life. I miss finding her lying in front of the door, always waiting for me. Goodbye, my Sophie. With love~ Your friend, Angie

Allie was a puppy mill survivor. After she made her way to KARF I tried to make up for the years of neglect she had suffered. She soon came to enjoy love and attention and became such a playful little girl, even in her senior years, always racing me through the house. I will never forget the day I found her soaking wet after having jumped in a small fish pond so she could get a fish. She was my funny little girl. We shared 3 years together and I will always remember her. Goodbye, my Allie. With love~ Your friend, Angie

In 2010 KARF was called to help with an old and very sick Cocker Spaniel who was discarded by her family at our local shelter. She had severe eye and ear infections, a mouth full of rotten teeth, kennel cough, she was so obese she could barely walk and was so lethargic I had trouble even getting her to stand. I took her to the vet right away and we got started on getting her healthy and happy. I named her Honey. Over time, we cleared up all her infections, addressed a low thyroid problem, started her on a diet and had her 23 rotten teeth removed. She eventually made her way to her wonderful new family, Kathy and Mike, (WI Cocker Rescue) and enjoyed almost 3 years with them. Kathy did such an amazing job with Honey and got her down from her original weight of 40 pounds to just over 20. She eventually developed complications from Cushing's disease and they kindly said goodbye to relieve her suffering. Honey was as sweet as they come and I was lucky to have shared a part of my life with her. Goodbye, sweet girl. With love~ Your friend, Angie

Although KARF is a rescue for senior dogs, I have also helped several senior cats throughout my life. They, of course, are just as deserving of a second chance. I would like to pay tribute to one of them. Her name is Fluffy. Seven years ago, I received an email late one evening about an 18 year old cat who had been abandoned in a local hotel room. She had been there for a week and the hotel's owner was taking her to our local shelter the next day unless someone could come and get her. I drove to the hotel at midnight that night and searched the hotel room where I eventually found her hiding in the back corner of a cabinet. She was terrified to say the least. I was able to get her into a carrier and we left the hotel together. She was safe. The next day I was able to gather more information on the situation. As it turns out, she and her owner had been living in the hotel for some time. He had to travel to a nearby state and was only to be gone for the day. While he was away he became very ill and had to be hospitalized, leaving Fluffy alone in the hotel room. He turned out to be terminally ill and was to be admitted to a local Hospice for care. He then contacted a friend and asked if she could find someone to help Fluffy. It was her email I received that night. I was able to get his contact information and called him a few days later. I introduced myself and told him I had his friend Fluffy and that she was safe. He began to cry and thanked me for helping her. He had had Fluffy her entire life and she was his only family. I reassured him that I would love her and care for her for the rest of her life and that he could take her off his list of worries. He was grateful. I received an email from his friend two days later informing me that he had died. His name was Michael. I honored my promise to him and have cared for Fluffy for the past 7 years. Together, we made it through kidney disease, heart disease and cancer, which would eventually end her life. Despite my very best efforts to make it not so, I knew the time had come to show mercy. She slept with me every night so we spent the night together, as we always did. I hope she could feel all the love I tried to fit into our last hours together. We said goodbye yesterday. She was 25 years old. Goodbye, my dear friend. I will spend many nights reaching to feel your soft fur. With love~ Your friend, Angie

Mary was discarded at our local shelter by her family at the age of 10. KARF was asked to help and so we did. I cleaned her up and treated all her medical problems, which included a cancerous breast tumor. I soon found out that Mary was a biter, making her unadoptable. When I took her from the shelter I committed to help her so it was my obligation to see it through. Based on the condition she was in, I could not at all blame her for holding a grudge against humans. She attempted to bite me every day of the 4 years we spent together, but I loved her dearly in spite of it. She became acutely ill from a tumor in her liver and nothing could be done to help. She weighed just 5 pounds but held a huge presence in my home. I will miss her. Goodbye, my little poodle. With love~ Your friend, Angie

As a volunteer for Hospice, I often receive calls about animals who have been left behind after the death of their owner. This is how I crossed paths with Rock, 10 years ago. His Dad had died and the family did not want him. Since I had no room at the time, I asked for a few days to try and find a place for him and they agreed. The following day they took him to our local shelter. Since I had committed myself to helping him, down to the shelter I went to get him out. I thought surely someone would eventually come along who could help. Despite many pleas, help never came. So, he became part of my family. Though his previous family said he was good with other dogs, it turned out that he was not. He was also not good with cats. With humans, he was wonderful and loving. Other than his nightly walk in the woods with the others, his unpredictability made it necessary to keep him separated from the rest of the family, which always disturbed me. He was recently diagnosed with metastatic cancer and it spread quickly. As his health began to decline he was able to be around the other animals without any problems. He spent the last month of his life among the rest of the family. He deserved more than I was able to give him but I did the best I could. I am grateful for this past month, seeing him live the life he deserved all along. Goodbye, my old friend. I will miss you on our walk tonight. With love~ Your friend, Angie

MISS SISSY (the beginning of time - August 12, 2013), Advocate for Senior Adoption, Earth Angel and Fashionista. I was blessed to get a call from Jeanie Zareen, a friend and volunteer with Kentucky Animal Relief Fund, in Louisville, Kentucky, telling me she had a special senior girl up for adoption and would I be interested? A true elderly senior ... blind, no teeth, hip dysplasia and luxating patellas. One look at her picture and I was on a plane to go get her. I am not certain of the reason that Sissy was left alone at such an old age but I knew someone had loved her very much at one time based on her temperament. When I met her she was sweet, her tail wagged but she had an air of confusion and apprehension. It is so hard to be so old and suddenly left alone. It didn't take but two weeks before Sissy knew she had a forever home again and this lovely little lady owned the household. Poor Derby, the former matriarch had lost her high ranking status to a three pound, bow legged, wobbly old lady with a sharp mind and ruling demeanor. Sissy set the rules. When she awoke she would scream like a slaughtered lamb until breakfast arrived. Her food had to be pureed but Sissy didn't lap it up like a normal dog, she sucked it up as if she were using a straw... and LOUDLY! A quick walk around the property and then an extended nap She always liked to be deep in sleep sack or buried under the covers. Always tucked into her little "sleep ball". God forbid anyone made noise. She would emerge and bark as if to tell everyone to be quiet or leave the room. We all obeyed. Come noon ,,, the same slaughtered lamb feed me alarm would go off and again at four PM. I still wonder where she hid her watch. She was more reliable than Big Ben. Sissy loved to travel and meet people. She LOVED her sister Derby. She HATED the matching 'sister-set" outfits I bought for them. I don't know how she knew the difference between the same outfit and different outfits, but she did! She was the ultimate flirt with men. Sometimes, it was embarrassing. I don't think Sissy ever felt old. She was a young at heart kind of dog. Senior Advocacy combined with her love of couture was her mission in life. With one of her special outfits on, she was more than happy to demonstrate that a senior dog is still a joy to be with. She would snuggle and coo when people asked to hold her. Typical Chi, she was a true actress and could really turn it on. She must have seemed very young at heart because many people thought she was a puppy. Sissy made may people re-think about adopting an older dog. Mission accomplished. Yesterday was a particularly beautiful day. We all spent a long time in the back yard with the young dogs playing and seniors basking in the sun. Sissy was particularly joyous. Rolling on her back, smiling, initiating play with Linus ... just really enjoying life ... more than usual. That kind of dog joy that makes your heart fill with joy too! In the evening, I took her dog friends Maggie and Riley home after a two week visit with us. When I came back, Sissy was given her nighty-nite kiss and tucked in her sleep sac. Everybody found their usual place in bed and went to sleep. At 1:30 AM, Holly woke everyone up with an alarm bark. Not at all like her. No amount of shushing would stop her. She was looking into space but definitely at a target and barking, barking, barking. BTW, Holly is blind. After a minute or two she quieted down but wanted to sleep by my head rather than the foot of my bed. I awoke at 5:30 AM. A half hour later than usual wondering why the "Sissy alarm" didn't go off at 5 AM as usual. Not one of the dogs stirred, barked, stretched or ran to the door to go tot he bathroom. I saw Sissy's little lump under the covers, reached in and knew she had passed. Still in her little ball. She had passed completely at peace. When the shock wore off I wondered how such a happy and "healthy for her age" dog would just pass without warning? She had a heart murmur but that was the worst of it. Then I remembered Holly barking with meaning at something in the room and it occurred to me, and I do believe this ... Sissy's "person" had come to bring her home. Sissy's stay with us was finished and her original "person" came to walk her over Rainbow Bridge to Heaven. God was kind enough to loan us the gift of Sissy and let her help other elderly dogs find homes. That is the joy of adopting a senior dog or a truly elderly dog. There may not be much time with them but you get the blessing of an established personality and all their funny laughable idiosyncrasies. It is very difficult to say good-bye but the feeling of fulfillment far exceeds the feeling of sadness. Please consider a senior pet. You won't be sorry! RIP Miss Sissy. How lucky I was to have time with you. ~Leslie

Gidget was a senior Cocker who came to me thru KARF, after her elderly owner could not keep her. She was the sweetest dog that I have ever adopted. I usually called her "Honey"...because of the color of her coat and because she was as sweet as honey. She was deaf but always knew when I was talking to her.

She loved sitting on my lap and having her ears rubbed.

She liked to watch the rest of my dogs run around the yard from the safety of my lap. 

She loved peanut butter and pizza bones. 

She loved sitting on the front porch and watching the world go by.

In the year and a half that we shared, she never was cross or crabby. 

She lived to love...and was loved beyond words.

She will hold a special place in my heart until we meet again.
~ Nancy

How I wish we could have had more time together. I hope you left this world feeling loved. How blessed I was to have you in my life. With love~ Your friend, Angie

You were so easy to love. How lucky I was to share some of this life with you. I will always remember you, my Elliegator. With love~ Your friend, Angie

Lacy belonged to a dear friend. She had had her since she was a kitten and she meant the world to her. After losing her husband, Lacy became her sole companion. When my friend became very ill, a family member promised her she would care for Lacy. My friend died just over two years ago. After a month, I was contacted and told no one in their family could keep Lacy and unless I could take her they were taking her to the pound. She was 18 years old at the time. Knowing what she meant to my friend, I of course said yes. Though she would never know, it was the last gesture of friendship I could offer her. Lacy became part of my family and I loved her to pieces. She was afraid of the dogs at first but eventually adapted. She was the sweetest and most affectionate kitty you could ever meet. She loved drinking water from the kitchen faucet. Every morning, that is where I would find her, waiting for me to turn on the water. How I miss seeing her there. For my friend, I loved and took good care of your little girl. Goodbye, my sweet Lacy cat. How I will miss you. ~Angie

Emily was one of my first rescue dogs. She came into my life nearly 15 years ago when I found her eating from a garbage can. She was the toughest, bravest dog I have ever had the fortune of sharing my life with. Despite various treatments and medications, the years began to take a toll on her body and joints. She developed severe arthritis, hip dysplasia, and most recently, bone cancer. Despite all her physical ailments, every day, when it was time for our walk in the woods, there she was.....always ready with a smile on her face and carrying her own leash. She walked slower than the others but that was ok. She was doing what she loved. Those are the memories I will hold close in my heart. When spring finally comes, my first walk in the woods will be filled with memories of you. How I will miss you, my dear friend. Goodbye, my beautiful girl. Always in my heart ~ Your friend, Angi

KARF took Mabel from our local shelter 6 months ago. She was 13 years old, sick, blind, had a large tumor on her neck and had severe chronic kidney disease. Despite all the odds against her, we got her kidney disease managed and she was able to enjoy the last 6 months of her life. She loved to roll in the grass on sunny days and she especially loved her best friend Annie. Though they were both blind and deaf, they bonded right away and you rarely saw one without the other. I see Annie sleeping alone now and it hurts my heart. Goodbye, my sweet girl. Thank you for being such a good friend to Annie. She searches to find you... With love~ Your friend, Angie

Annie was old, blind, and deaf when KARF took her from our local shelter, where she had been turned in as a stray. She spent the next three years of her life among friends, where she was loved and valued. She formed many friendships here but during the past 6 months, she formed a special friendship with a Pekingese named Mabel, who was also blind and deaf. Due to progressive health issues affecting their quality of life, they both left me within the same week. How I miss seeing them curled up together on their favorite rug. It is a memory I will hold close to my heart. Goodbye, my sweet Annie. With love~ Your friend, Angie

You came to me when you were crippled, old and blind but I often liked to imagine you as a young pup playing and romping.I got a brief glimpse of how you must have been when you played with your tennis ball; even blind you enjoyed it and did your best with it. I so wish I had played ball with you more but I thought we would have had more time together. I miss you every day and night. Katie

I was at the home of my good friend, the director of KARF, when I first met the most sweet and gentle doggie. My friend had rescued her from a puppy mill and she was in poor condition with a laundry list of health problems. My friend saw this poor little dog who had never touched grass and had been subjected to life in a cage and used for breeding. My friend was working to heal her broken body and was starting to see the rewards of getting her healthy. I was helping with the dogs one day and she didn't have a name for her and was asking me for ideas. I picked her up to take her outside and the first thing that came to my mind was, she's such a little doll. Therein came the name Dolly. I held Dolly later that evening and she snuggled up against my chest and began snoring. Never had I felt so much love, feeling her little body next to mine and hearing the snoring. Needless to say I was a goner and Dolly was coming home with me.
At the time I had a Maltese named Kelsey, who could be difficult but was very loved. He was also a rescue dog. I was fearful the night I brought Dolly home because Kelsey was not friendly toward other dogs. The more he growled at Dolly, the more excited Dolly became. Dolly didn't see his growling as a threat, but instead as play time. Dolly loved Kelsey and he eventually found in her a friend and companion.
After Kelsey passed away another KARF rescue dog needed a home and her name was Callie. Callie was also very ill. She eventually recovered and I adopted her. Although Callie was much bigger than Dolly, she came to Dolly for comfort when scared by a storm. Dolly was simply an angel not only to me but to other dogs needing comfort. Due to Dolly's prior illnesses she became blind in her final two years with me. She was a tough cookie and didn't let it stop her. She lived to be 13 years old, which is simply amazing due to the neglect she suffered prior to being rescued. I will always be grateful for the GIFT OF DOLLY.
Dolly has been gone a few months now and writing this was very difficult, as my heart still aches for my sweet little Shih Tzu. She blessed my world and the world of my other pets as well. I hope that Dolly is snoring loudly in her new resting place. 
I love you Dolly,
Debbie

KARF removed Bobby from our local shelter where he had been turned in as a stray. Old and blind, with a bad heart, parasites, and numerous infections, he had clearly suffered a lifetime of neglect. We wanted to change that. He deserved a life free from suffering and to be treated with kindness and love.
After leaving the shelter he began treatment for all his ailments and got a haircut and much needed bath. He was finally free of his matted and flea infested fur. Over the next couple of weeks he began to feel better and better each day. On sunny days he could always be found outside, sleeping under a tree.
Since KARF was short on foster space, once Bobby felt much better he was transferred to another rescue where he would receive more extensive care for his eyes, in hopes of correcting his blindness. Sadly, we received a message a couple of weeks after he had been in their care telling us he died during the night. No apparent reason, he had been doing well. His condition when I took him from the shelter was horrendous. I did the best I could to get him healthy and make him feel safe and loved. Trying to undo all the damage these senior dogs have had to endure is an uphill battle. We just do the best we can.

Goodbye, sweet little boy. I will remember you sleeping on your back under my shade tree, finally enjoying life. You were loved and will be missed, Angie

KARF removed Pearl from our local shelter. She was approximately 13 years old and was reportedly picked up after her owner put her out of the car and drove away on a cold winter day. As it turned out, she had a severe seizure disorder. After only a week in my care she had a severe seizure and had to be hospitalized. Unfortunately, she was unable to recover and had to be relieved of her suffering.
Though her time here was brief, I made a point to shower her with love. I wish we could have done more to help her.

Miss Karen came to us in July 2006 after we had lost one of our kitties in May 2006.  My mother went to see her in Kentucky.  She had been taken in by KARF to avoid being euthanized after her owner died. After they made a long trip from Kentucky, we were able to try to get her settled in. Both Lynn Dee and I noticed that she did not respond to her name at present, which was Lucky.  I noticed that when the name Karen was mentioned in conversation she responded, thus her name has always been Miss Karen. Though, she was a very content cat by all means she stayed in my office room for nearly 2 years not wanting to venture into other parts of the house. On one Saturday morning, to our surprise she was sitting in the middle of the dinning room with the look of “Well when were you going to invite me”? Over the years as when she first came to us she was always a cat that had things under her terms. Her sleeping areas included on top of our fridge where she could overlook her domain for many years to on top of a credenza by the door so she could see us leaving in the morning and be the first one to see us when we came home.  She was a very loving one and enjoyed sharing her love between both of us in her special way. Every morning she would give Lynn Dee “Lickies” on what ever garment she was wearing. For me, it was how she would always respond when I would have lunch she made it clear that “Hey you are making me a sandwich right”? She was an extremely vocal cat so you always knew of her pleasure and her displeasure.
She was a very special cat and we were very fortunate to have her in our lives. At the time of her passing she was 18.

Carlos and Lynn Dee