Memorials
Kurgan
Our old Bud-E-Boy.We nearly did not survive Kurgan's puppy years. Heck, for that matter, Kurgan almost did not survive his puppy years. What a goofball he was. I remember the moment we brought him home and put him on the floor. He immediately ran over and began destroying his big sisters, Tessa, toy. We should have known right then we had a spitfire on our hands. Throughout his whole life, Kurgan was constantly into some trouble or another...but...in typical Beagle fashion...he did it with such a playful curiousity it was hard to be mad at him.
He was his momma's boy. From the time he was a pup and throughout his 16 years, Kurgan needed only a few things from life. He needed his food, his play, and his momma. ( I was chopped liver until dinner time)
He was a loyal and loving friend. He made us laugh nearly every day, even in his autumn years when his health declined...nothing stopped Kurgan from being Kurgan.
We will miss old friend... ...God might not like you in his garbage cans so behave will ya!
Barley
B...is for BoldB...is for Bubbly
B...is for Boundless ( love)
B...is for "behaved"
B...is for beautiful
B...is for the Best
B...is for Barley
You will be missed!!!
JackPot
I think JackPot taught us more than we ever taught him. As a rescuer we look back on the pups like Jack ( also occasionally refered to as JERKpot) and do not remember that he was occassionaly difficult, but remember all we learned trying to help him along his way to a "Happy Dog". Jack, you were a classic my friend! You had a rough start, but you sure taught us all about how a little time...a little patience...and the love of a GREAT family like the Ullians can make nearly every dog a good good friend!
Roxie
The Donahue Family says good-bye to their sweet old girl, Roxie.I can remember when Roxie came through the rescue. We had a younger male dog here with her who pestered her. Like a patient old grandmother she tolerated him with class and style but all the while reminding him..."Look youngin', I've been around the block a time or two." Roxie was where our love of the "more mature" rescue Dog began. This sweet old girl is why Roberta and I decided that, when the time comes for our dogs to be posted here, we will fill our home with dogs like Roxy. Older, wiser, kinder dogs. I doubt we will ever find another classic like Roxy.
We are so happy that Roxy was lucky enough to find the Donahue family with which to spend her last few years. Good bye Sweety! I am sure there are a few in Heaven who will appreciate your wisdom as much as we.
Sir Walter Smalls
We had the sad duty of saying goodbye to a good friend. Walter ( aka Smalls), the cheery son of the Ruich family, finally succombed to illness. The Ruich family adopted Smalls 5 years ago. Smalls had been returned to us because of a heart murmur. His vet felt his illness was eminently fatal. Smalls had a little something to say about things though. Under the wonderful care of the Ruich Family, he lived a happy and active life well into his senior years.Smalls was one of Roberta and I's favorites. He went about all things with a nonchalant, carefree, attitude. His demeanor was that of a wise old friend who, if given half a chance, would prefer to comfort you through troubled times over nearly anything else. We hear so often about the kind hearts of the animals in our lives, Sir Smalls was more than simply kind. He was a gentle soul whose loss is a loss for us all.
We will miss you.
A Prayer for Smalls from the Ruich Family
They say memories are golden, well, maybe that is true. We never wanted memories, we only wanted you. A million times we have cried. If love alone could have saved you, you never would have died. In life we loved you dearly, in death we love you still. In our hearts you hold a place no one else could fill. If tears could build a stairway and heartache make a lane. We would walk the path to Heaven and bring you back again. Our family chain is broken, and nothing seems the same. But as God calls us back one by one, the chain will link again. We love you little man, Mom, Dad, Nick, Frank, Meghan and your brothers and sister Max, Leelu, Zeba & Walter
Lily
Lilly, aka The Pushy Broad, came to us from an Indiana DNR officer who found her caught in a spring trap. Her mangled leg had to be amputated, but that did not slow this little sweety down at all.Lilly was the queen of out reunion and the queen of her momma's life. Though her mom only got a few short years with the lovable Lilly, Lilly brightened those years beyond measure.
We will miss Lilly, but her memory will continue to brighten the lives of all of us who had the pleasure to know the sweet little dog with three legs.
Freckles
With love from the Robinson Family:14 years ago last week we adopted our buddy Freckles from Seattle Purebred Dog Rescue. We gave some criteria for what we were looking for, because our daughter who at the time was 5 years old and we wanted her to have a "friend" to grow up with. SPDR contacted us with a potential adoption that they wanted us to take a look at. They warned us that he may not be quite what we were looking for, but please take a look. When we arrived at the meeting place with the foster family, they opened the door to the car and out jumped a very overweight and not to well taken care of Beagle. Our daughter immediately started crying and telling us that it was not a Beagle and that she wanted a "Beagle". Well to make a long story short he walked up to her and sat next to her and that was it.
History tells us that love is the most powerful thing you can have and they fell in love with each other from that day. This 75 pound abused and beaten dog that had nothing else to give but himself and a little girl with ideas of a perfect dog found each other and were inseparable from that day forward. He was a part of our family in every sense of the word. He slept with us when we were sick and we did the same for him. He loved us when we cried and played with us until we laughed again. He lost his brother(another Beagle we adopted) one year ago, almost to the week of him getting sick. That's what makes this so hard. We love you freckles and will always miss you.
RIP little buddy things will never be quite the same......11/07/07 Thanks for everything.....
Dad, Mom and Brittany....
Jersey
Roberta and I fell in love with the Beagle for a myriad of reasons ...not the least of which was the peculiar way they have of lighting up a room. One of our favorite things about Beagles is their off-handed silliness. After years of living with a Beagle, they will still do something to catch you off gaurd and make you giggle. Jersey was the apitome of the cherished Beagle trait. From the hilarious way he would howl at a train whistle, as though holding a conversation, to the loving a playful way he adored his families children; Jersey was the classic fun loving and silly-hearted Beagle. We will miss you, but always remember, the kind hearted Jersey.
Charlie ( Soldier)
I will never forget the day we first met Soldier at a little park outside Indianapolis. He was brought to us as a last resort. A shelter volunteer had convinced the shelter to at least give her the chance to have the little dog meet a rescue group to see if they thought he could helped. That rescue was us and I remember thinking that was one dog beyond any help we could offer. We had never met so frightened a dog. He was so frightened he would not move, would not eat, would not drink. We thought at first he was blind or deaf. After spending a some time with him, he lifted his eyes and looked at me. I saw it there...in his eyes...he was still in there some where. Somewhere under the years of abuse and suffering...a Beagle remained. Over the next year or so of working with him, the little dogs want for a normal life named him for us. There was no other name that suited him...no other name than Soldier. He soldiered forward, facing his fears and relearning to live. His struggle was both inspiring and heart breaking.As time went by he grew more and more confident, until one day he chanced to meet a wonderful lady named Colleen and her dog Barney. Soldier was still not sure of life and still frightened easily, but Colleen knew she could help. To be truthful...to this day I am not sure who was the biggest help to little Soldier...Colleen or Barney. Barney took the frightened little dog under his wing and like a big proud Papa, helped Colleen teach Soldier how to live. Colleen renamed Soldier to Soldier Charlie. Charlie grew to be a happy bouncing Beagle in no time. Through Colleen's caring ways and Barneys constant encouragement, Soldier Charlie passed a happy, healthy Beagle. He will be missed, but always remember as a testement to the courage and heart of the little dog we the Beagle. Soldier Charlie leaves behind more than just Colleen and Barney. He leaves behind a legacy and a reminder that life, though not always fair, is what you make of it...and happiness is not impossible regardless of what obsticles you face....so long as you SOLDIER ON!
Willow
Willow crossed the Rainbow Bridge 12-7-06. She was the cutest, brightest, and most loving friend anyone could ever be blessed to have. She loved to play with her stuffed toys and to roam the back yard. She would chase the raccoons up the trees and howl at them. It was so funny to watch her howl, her bottom would touch the ground and her head would reach for the sky. She loved getting her belly rubbed. When she came in from a romp outside she went to Dad to get scratched and to Mom for a belly rub. Everyone that met her instantly fell in love with her, even Grandma. She had such an easy going manner, and never met anyone she didn't like. She had her family wrapped very tightly around her paw, she was a treasure, that will always be treasured and loved so very much. We were very lucky to have had her in our lives if it was only for a short 4 years. Our hearts and lives have a very big void in them that will never be filled.
Lady Tessa
I have begun writing this memorial probably a half a dozen times. Each time I sit staring at the screen, mostly blank, wondering what to write next. I just do not have the words…all I have is this one repeating thought…Good-bye my old friend. I hope that in these, the last moments of your life, you understand. I hope that, as you drift away, you know that what we have done…we have done because we love you. I am relieved that there was no fear in your eyes. I think that is what had frightened me the most. I am relieved that you did not suffer. I am pleased, that after all you have given us; we could, at the very least, offer you respect…and dignity…in your final days. It seems such a small gesture when compared to a life and a legacy, but it was all we could for you my sweet old one…I hope it was enough to give your soul the peace it so richly deserves. I have forever the memory of you. I hope that in your forever, you will know that we cherished you. Good-bye my sweet old friend.
Tessa leaves behind a legacy. She was the heart and inspiration of this rescue. She was the start of it all…and while we are saddened by her loss…we take solace knowing that she has saved the lives of more than 500 dogs…and will be always on our minds as we save 500 more! If I could no more in this life than save just one more dog in her name…to save one more dog in her memory…I would gladly die in doing it. It will not be the same without her. She gave us so much more than just love and friendship. She gave us our very lives. She gave us our passion and our drive…she gave us this rescue…she gave us all of you…and for that there are no words…
A letter to Tessa from her Uncle Dave
Dear Tessa,
It is with a very sad heart that I learn of your passing. It was just over 10 years ago that I met your mom and Dad on the internet, the days of a 9600 baud modem, where it took me an hour to download photos of thier pride and joy, You and Kurgy.
I adopted my first beagle , you remember Blue, who was a stray that just kind of wandered into my life, my garage, my backyard, and then my heart. Since then I have had to suffer the tragic loss of Blue, to a car because she was the worlds first dog to climb a chain link fence, and Lady, Whom I lost 3 years to the very day.
I always got the last doggie hug from you when I left your house after visiting, and i will never forget how you would come to check on me while I was sleeping. ( yes, you woke me up a time or two) I write this knowing that as soon as I am finished, I have to inform my 3 daughters that loved you of your passing. I can still see the picture of you and them on Robdars first website..."beagle heaven" when we were vacationing in Canada. I became a transport helper for robdars until my life took a very dramatic turn. I am happy to say that soon I will be able to assist in that area, as well as fostering.
As a note to you, Darin and Roberta, Im proud of you for having the courage to make tough decisions, and for what you have accomplished since the day you brought me Nellie Olsen...(barklay thanks you also). Im proud to call you my friends, You are an inspiration to animal lovers everywhere.
Goodbye Tessa, I will remember you forever.
Love,
Uncle Dave
Biscuit
Biscut holds a special place in our hearts...not just because Biscut was the Momma of the first litter of pups we ever handled here at the rescue... (We foolishly thought that all the moms would be as good of a momma as Biscut.)...but because she was a truely wonderful dog! Kind and patient ( most of the time), Biscut was a dog with a heart as soft as the stare from her big brown eyes. Linda, Gretchen, Bogie , Barley, and all of us at RobDar's say good bye to the kindly old gal. her slow and passive ways...and even her little quirks...will be sadly missed.
Silas
Jackpot and Sticks have lost their dear Cocker Spaniel brother, Silas. For the last 12 years, Silas brought endless joy to his mother, Jennifer. Life eventually wore him down, and his best days were behind him. Although he is not physically with us anymore, he will ALWAYS be with us in spirit. His one-of-a-kind, human-like personality will always be remembered. Silas sometimes forgot that he was a dog, indulging in granola bars, cheetos, hamburger meat, and birthday cake, sleeping in an oversized chair, and taking care of his stuffed-animal "babies". Jennifer spoiled him to no end, and he spoiled her right back, with constant, unwavering love and cuddly affection--a willing nap-mate at any time of the day or night. He has made a lasting mark on our hearts, and on the hearts of the many people who knew him. A true friend and loyal companion, Silas will be greatly missed.Jeff and Jen, we were so sorry to hear about Silas. The love and dedication you shown Silas in his last days and the respect you shown for his quality of life is inspiring. With our Tessa getting close to her final days I hope I have the same strength and character.
