Lilly

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!

The RobDars Organization has dedicated our "Soldiers Award" in memory of Soldier Charlie and his courage. This award will be given to the dog who has faced adversity...and taught adversity a lesson or two.

Good bye my friend.

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.

...Good-bye my old friend
Lady Tessa Erevan Solinar.



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

A special memory
Biscut...aka Momma Dog.

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.

Our Special Angel Samantha (Sammie) Carlson Sammie is very special to all of us at Hound Rescue. She was taken from us far too early but has done more to help animals and others since the day she crossed the Rainbow Bridge than most people could ever hope to do in a long lifetime. She has done this by bringing together many people to continue her quest to help animals and others in need. Yes, at the very young age of 8 years old, Sammie was an amazing girl that had written letters to President Clinton and others to try to save endangered animals and to help the environment. Those that knew and loved her continue to do these things in her honor. We feel her with us in our rescue work and are comfortable knowing she is on the other side of the Rainbow Bridge taking care of the animals. Sammie's family is one of Hound Rescue's foster families and also handle a ton of transports, vet visits and events. Her family knows that when they see Sammie again one day she will look at them proudly for continuing this work in her honor.

Silas 1994-2006

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.

Oreo
Oreo was a gorgeous and fun-loving Great Pyrenees puppy, only 10 months old. He died during surgery, which was a shock to everyone. Jean, Oreo's foster mom and trainer is absolutely devastated. He was so much fun to work with and he was enjoying his training with Jean and learned a lot from her. He will be at peace at Jean's home now forevermore. The sadness never seems to end sometimes...

Holly When Grandpa Jusack, (Holly's Daddy), crossed the Rainbow Bridge this year, she just missed him so much she crossed right behind him.

John Keller (Max's Daddy - here is Max with Aunt Stacy on the right. "We miss you, John")

Vince This is yet another sad story of a family that euthanized their pet due to the fact that as the dog had aged and became arthritic and in pain, he could not tolerate the young children in the home picking him up and messing with him, so he nipped one of them. The family tried to find Vince another home but no one wanted a 7 year old dog with arthritis. PLEASE do not adopt pets if you are not willing to commit to them for their short lives. It is not ideal, but he could have been separated from the kids when not supervised.

We recently lost a good friend and long time adoption. Lulu was one of our first adoptions. A sweet and loving little girl, Lulu was as special to us and she was her adoptive family. Of all the dogs we have adopted there are a handful that stand out in our minds. There are the dogs whom have overcome serious health issues and those who have overcome serious behavioral issue...and then there are dogs like Lulu. Dog's who had no serious issues to make them stand out...just some special quality of heart and a special spark in their soul that endeared them in our minds forever. Lulu was one of those special few. From her warm and welcoming manner, her bright cheerful eyes, her curiously odd little howl that sounded more Seal than Beagle; Lulu will be missed and will be remembered. Good Bye old friend! You came to us when we were young and just beginning in our work. We will carry on in your name. You are one of those special reminders that this work is not always about the sick and injured...sometimes it is just about those special few, like you, who without effort warm the world around you. The world will be less without you, but the memories of love and kindness you leave for us will last till our very last day.