RAINBOW BRIDGE

The Rainbow Bridge

Just this side of heaven is a place called Rainbow Bridge.

When an animal dies that has been especially close to someone here, that pet goes to Rainbow Bridge. There are meadows and hills for all of our special friends so they can run and play together. There is plenty of food, water and sunshine, and our friends are warm and comfortable.

All the animals who had been ill and old are restored to health and vigor. Those who were hurt or maimed are made whole and strong again, just as we remember them in our dreams of days and times gone by. The animals are happy and content, except for one small thing; they each miss someone very special to them, who had to be left behind.

They all run and play together, but the day comes when one suddenly stops and looks into the distance. His bright eyes are intent. His eager body quivers. Suddenly he begins to run from the group, flying over the green grass, his legs carrying him faster and faster.

You have been spotted, and when you and your special friend finally meet, you cling together in joyous reunion, never to be parted again. The happy kisses rain upon your face; your hands again caress the beloved head, and you look once more into the trusting eyes of your pet, so long gone from your life but never absent from your heart.

Then you cross Rainbow Bridge together....

Author unknown...




Whozit

Whozit and mom
Whozit

REST IN PEACE LITTLE ONE...YOU WERE VERY LOVED AND ARE MISSED!!

I found Whozit on a bright Memorial Day, 1991, dashing through traffic; with horns honking and brakes screeching to herald her arrival. The little orphan came right to me and adopted me on the spot. She was a scruffy, filthy, 13 pd. Yorkie & it took two days, four baths, a groomer & a buzz cut to clean her up.

Adopting people and pets; adding them to her fan club was something that came easily to Whozit Louise.

She always ran everywhere she went & my mother declared Whozit had “springs in her ---“ because she could jump like an Olympian.

Then, 12 years ago, a van ran a red light, hitting my car and tossing Whozie into the passenger’s door, nearly severing her spinal cord in two places and paralyzing her. Later, that day, after hours of surgery, she was sporting seven nuts and bolts down her spine and was the star patient at the emergency clinic. She wasn’t supposed to survive, but she did. I was able to bring her home two days later. I thanked God every single day after that, that she chose to stay with me for a little while longer.

That summer she got her first set of wheels and Whozit was off and running. She wore the first set out and was wearing the second set out, chasing ducks, poodles and bugs, when she was diagnosed with heart failure on October 1, 2003. Her decline was too fast.

So, on another sunny day, October 9, 2003, we took “our little girl” to dear Dr. Bock’s for the last time.

I miss you .... Mom

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Brandon

Brandon has gone to the "Bridge."

It is with great sadness that UYR bids farewell to our Brandon. Brandon became a Forever Ours with his

wonderful foster mom, Meredith Timm, in 2003. He lived a full and happy life. His foster mom was with him

until the end, letting Brandon know he was loved and cherished.

03/03/06:I have been remiss in updating Brandon’s profile, please forgive. We just have too much fun here. Weather in Florida has been great, Brandon sitting in the sun beams in the second floor bedroom. I will try and get a picture of this at a later date. He is slowing down as he ages. He can’t climb the stairs at all and his favorite thing to do is sit on my 3lb. little girl Samantha. Samantha and Brandon are best friends. Samantha was also rescued by me from a bad situation.

Brandon’s legs are weakening with age and so I do have to play with him to exercise his little feets. His favorite part is the doggie foot rub and tummy massage. He gets a warm bath once a week, which by the way he hates….

I showed him the fish in our pond last week and he was not interested until one floated to the top… yuck…..He took a real interest and wanted to bring it to me.

So long from sunny Florida. Meredith “Gail” Timm, Brandon’s mom, Sandy Pagnotta and Pups: Chisum, Ozzie and Robby

Update

Brandon is doing well in his Forever Ours home. This updated picture of him was right after he was groomed and he loves to show off by posing for the camera since he knows he's so buff then!

Brandon of course sleeps a lot more now (he also snores loudly!) and is a little cranky old man. He does love to be held and still can climb up the stairs to go to his upstairs bed. He has become moody with his eating and taking of meds. His mom gives him a teaspoon of fat free whip cream full of all his meds. He is very loved in his home.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Brandon was a little street stray when someone picked him up and took him to the vet's office, where he stayed for 6 weeks because his former family didn't come forward. The vet's office contacted one of our UYR members who happily picked up this little old man. Brandon is estimated to be between 11 and 12 years old, and only weighs 4#. He has cataracts in both of his eyes, but manages to get around pretty good. Brandon had a sonogram on 10/13, which revealed that he has gallstones, as well as calcification in his kidneys. He also has an enlarged heart. He will need to be on two different antibiotics for life, as well as a special diet and medication (Actigal) for his gallstones. It is hoped that the Actigal will dissolve his gallstones. In a follow-up bile acid test in mid-November, his results were much better. Brandon will need to stay on the same diet and medication that he's on now forever. Because he will require medication and close monitoring for the rest of his life, and because of his fragile medical condition and the necessity for routine testing to make sure he is stable, it has been determined that Brandon will remain in his current foster home as a Forever Ours pup.

Thank you to those that have helped us help Brandon!

Bobbye Davidson, Debbie Forsyth, Sonny Roche, Jewel & her Mommy, Emilie Hammon, Constance Pfeiffer, Susan Henry, David and Janina Greth, Paula Casey, Glenn Knight, Patricia Cumberledge, Marie McKibben, Ann Williams, Joan Monahan, Ann Williams, Ann Williams, Ann Williams, Ann Williams, Ann Williams, Dawn Machado, Jean deVegter, Sandra Allen, Jim Baker, Nelson & Lucy Starbranch, Joyce Sapp, Jim Baker, George J Carroll, Barbara Butler

Foster Mom: Meredith Timm - mtimm@tampabay.rr.com

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Ginger before tender loving care from foster mom

Ginger as a Forever Ours
Ginger

03/21/07: Little Ginger made her journey into my home on St. Patricks Day, 2006. She had been picked up as a stray, and brought into a local police department animal unit. With no identifying tags, and no owner to claim her, the police department called UYR, and I gladly drove down to pick up this precious little senior pup. She was estimated at 13 or 14 years old at the time, was blind, a bit senile and didn't get around too quickly. We took her in and provided her with a new home that loved her, until she could find her new forever family. However, with only 2 adoption applications submitted for her, and with her advanced age, I requested that she be designated a Forever Ours pup, where she could just stay put in a home she was now familiar and comfortable with, and live out the remainder of her life with me and my family. The UYR Board agreed it was absolutely the best thing for her. Ginger was a very easy-going and sweet little dog who liked to sleep most of the day and loved to eat; she never bothered any of the other animals in the home . She got excited whenever I came home and would get up from her bed to do a little dance, jumping and turning in all directions until she figured out where the excitement was. She dearly loved to eat, and I could also get her riled up like that around dinner time. While officially her name was Ginger, we called her Bumpie or Bumpers, since being blind and a bit senile, she frequently found her way around after bumping into things. This past Sunday, she started crying and becoming distressed. She progressively got worse over a very short period of time, and when I realized she could no longer walk, I packed her into my car and drove to the emergency vet. The vet felt she might have had a stroke and had lost permanent use of her legs. She was still in pain, and we all felt the most humane thing to do was to gently and quickly help her to the Rainbow Bridge, and not allow her to suffer needlessly. Ginger took her final journey out of my life 1 year and 1 day after she made her initial journey into it. She left a tiny paw print on my heart and she will always be fondly remembered as my little "Bumpie Bump."

Written by Ginger's loving forever foster mom Kari.
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Brandy

Brandy at fireside
Brandy

Brandy

March 19, 1995 - March 31, 2007

Brandy was a two-time member of the United Yorkie Rescue "club". She initially came to UYR as an owner surrender in October 2005. She was adopted by an older lady, widowed, and was her loving companion for nine months, but her new forever Mom became very ill and unable to care for Brandy. Brandy was surrendered again to me for the second time in fall of 2006. Shortly after being surrendered, she started to drink excessively and urinate more frequently than usual - she was diagnosed with early stages of kidney failure. Several approaches to treatment were tried, but in January of 2007, with her blood values extremely high, we knew time would not be kind to this beautiful little lady. A prescribed diet which had to be syringe fed to her since she had stopped eating and daily subquetaneous fluids stablized her condition, and in February at her 30 day follow up checkup, there was encouraging results that the treatment was effective.

Brandy dominated her world, and that of those around her - she was a very independent and proud Yorkie. She loved her bed, her crate and her toys. Her favorite toy was a puppet of Mr. Moose from the Kaptain Kangeroo show. She gave him "hell" everyday and would drag him whereever anyone was to play with her and Mr. Moose. She would proudly sit at the top of the stairs going to the second floor as if she owned the place - so we let her think she did! When any family member would walk in the door, she would wail at the top of her lungs and do her own little circle dance of happiness - this would continue until she was acknowledged for her efforts of greetings! She liked to be walked alone, and she would decide which route and direction we would take, and heaven help you if you walked ahead of her - down her little butt would go until you moved behind her, then she would get up and proceed on the course she wanted to take!

Brandy got used to riding in the car with me (her foster mom), and she would sit proudly in the passenger seat, with her head up and the air blowing through her hair - she was my co-pilot, my companion, my best friend. She would talk to me at different times, and I always knew what she wanted - funny, I would listen to her and respond accordingly - but when I wanted something from her - she'd do what 'she' wanted! She never slept on the bed - she didn't like it, but was always by my side of the bed and would jump up on the side and talk in my ear when she wanted something - whether it was to go out or if she was hungry.

A few short weeks after Brandy's February vet visit, Brandy started to falter, and by the last week in March it was evident we could borrow no more time. Brandy told me in many ways, it was time to go - on one walk she tried to hide under our boat in the yard, covered for the winter, and the next morning she tried to hide under the deck - somethings she never would do.. she had her own room and she went into her room as I watched her crawl in and out of her beloved bed, her crate, and into her toy box where she sniffed and licked and nudged each toy - then she lay between all these items and looked at me - she had said her goodbyes. During our final ride to the vets, as I cried she snuggled close to me and tried to comfort me - we both knew it was time for her to find peace at the Rainbow bridge.

Brandy had an impact on me like no other pet ever has - I was blessed with her for such a short time, but that time I will never forget. She was, and still is very much loved - and will never be forgotten. Run fast and free my angel Brandy!

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Molly is dearly missed.
Molly

Our sweet Molly-cule has completed her journey here with us. We just can't believe it. We help her to the bridge at 6:30 this evening. I can't tell you how much she has meant to us. We have loved her with all that we are.

Molly spent the weekend at the doc's...she had pretty much stopped eating late last week and seemed pretty week. Well, she was in the final stages of renal failure. After 3 days of IV fluids, there was no improvement and the doctor recommended that we end her suffering immediately. Well, Eric and I couldn't stand the thought of her final days being strapped to and IV bag in a cage (with very caring and loving people around...but in an unfamiliar place, nonetheless.) So, we brought her home, took the day off of work, smothered her with hugs, kisses and lots of sunshine.....and then found a wonderful vet who came to the house and eased Molly's suffering as she lay in her favorite spot...the king-sized thrown.

I tell you, this doctor and his service was wonderful. It was just what Molly deserved in her final moments. She brought so much to us in the short time we had her. I can never thank you enough for what you do-which allows so many others to love and be loved unconditionally.

Molly and I will be attached at the heart forever!

Maureen and Eric

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Simon
Simon

UYR Foster September 24, 2005 - September 2, 2007

It is with tremendous sadness to report that little Simon passed away on September 2, 2007. He was in the comfort of home, in his most favorite bed, surrounded by his four furry brothers and furry sister and his Forever Foster mom and dad.

I still remember the day the shelter called me and asked me to pick him up. I was in a state of shock at his condition when they brought him to me. He was nearly hairless and hardly even looked like a Yorkie. He really was a mess from head to toe. We never thought he'd live as long as he did, but then again, he was estimated to be 10 years old at that time. The vet determined he had kidney disease, mitral valve problems, and arthritis, among other problems. With medicines and TLC, we weren't able to reverse the problems, but make him comfortable and recognizable as a Yorkie in his final years.

When we moved to Missouri from Texas, I figured the trip would be hard on him. He did perfectly well, however, and did what he did best - sleep, nearly the entire trip (well, except for mandatory potty breaks). When we got to our new home, he was absolutely thrilled with his new yard and would take long adventures to check it out. Simon's had good days and bad days for nearly two years now, but over the last two weeks, it seemed his bad days were outweighing the good. He was comfortable, however, snuggling with his best buddy, Miles. The last two days, though, his appetite wasn't what it used to be and we knew his time was near.

Simon was one adorable little character. He never complained; except for if you weren't fast enough to put his food bowl down. Or when I'd take him for a walk and he wanted to go the other direction. He would literally hop a 180 degree turn and put his brakes on in protest. On his good days, he had a lot of spunk - I only wish I could have seen him as a youngster.

While it was terribly sad the condition he came to UYR in, I'm VERY thankful his final two years were lived as they all should live. I already miss little Simon and that little determined waddle of his that kept me chuckling each and every time.

Thank you UYR and all of the donors who have helped Simon live out his final two years with dignity!

Lisa, Danny, Joey and Max, Bubba, Miles, Tootsie and TJ

Hugs,

Lisa

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Bruno
Bruno

Came into rescue 12/2/06. Crossed the Bridge 9/30/07

Bruno was a very sick boy. When I first picked him up he could hardly breath from his teeth being so bad and he had Kennel cough. He barely weighed 9 pounds and should have been about 17. With the help of the UYR, and wonderful donations, we were able to make Bruno much better, On Tuesday 09/24/07 he became very sick again. So, I rushed him to the ER where we discovered that his body had stopped producing red blood cells, something that sometimes can be treated with steroids, which we tried. It was just his time. Bruno was a wonderful little guy who was so full of love. I will miss him sleeping next to me like a little a baby in my arms; he always had to have his head on my chest or shoulder and I would have a great view of his cute little face every morning. I will miss Bruno lots but I know he is feeling much better now. I want to thank UYR and everyone who donated to him and sent their love thru email. It really means a lot to me that he got to know what it feels like to be loved and have a good home.

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Mindy will be missed
Mindy

It is with much sadness that I must report that sweet FL Forever Ours Mindy went gently and quietly to the Rainbow Bridge on Saturday, December 15th. Her FO Mom Stephanie McQueen was so hoping that Mindy would be with her one more Christmas, but it wasn't meant to be..........below is what Stephanie wrote to someone asking about our FO program........I wanted to share it with all of you.....

I can not begin to tell you what a wonderful program (Forever Ours) this is. While many of our rescues happily go on to new forever homes, many come in who are un-adoptable or need special homes with more time because of physical handicaps. I had such a dog named Mindy. She came into my life all hunched over, from the Polk County pound, crippled, a scar on her back from a gasoline burn (used to treat fleas in backwards areas) with slight dementia and heartworm positive, and kept to herself because she was used to being ignored and neglected and forgotten.

Over two years, she became part of my family and, despite her blindness, would somehow find her way into the kitchen and trip me while i was standing over the stove, or make it to the door when i came home at night. she loved to walk around in circles in the back yard, and take a nap in the sun, and she loved my poodle Rhonda and would sleep next to her (even tho Rhonda didn't pay her much attention!)

Mindy required a lot of care & meds especially towards the end, but i had the time because I am single and have no children.

She had two good quality years with me, and then last Saturday died peacefully in my arms at the vet's office of old age. We gently euthanized her but she was already slipping away. She died knowing that she was loved and that she was precious. When I held her, she vocalized everytime i said her name. It is special little dogs like Mindy who so badly need our program as they cannot be adopted out because of their problems which require a little more time than many good people can afford to give .

thank you for making Mindy's extra two years possible. She finally learned what it was like to be treasured.

Stephanie McQueen, Mindy's Forever Ours Mom

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Ozzie

Ozzie with his loving family
Ozzie

BARKING AT THE MOON:

Ozzie Muffin Bear aka Little Mann crossed the rainbow bridge yesterday at 2pm. He went peacefully and gracefully in his favorite rainbow sweater and little bed.

We adopted Ozz two years ago from Carrie in Spokane Washington. We drove up from Bend and back in one day to get our little mann. On our way home we snuck him in my coat to a pizza place. I was worried he would get to cold in the car so I wanted to bring him in with me. He didn't seem nervous or scared when we got him or on the journey home. He was always a brave boy. He told me it was time in many ways towards the end.

Carrie named him Ozzie because of the way he walked. He would stumble around due to arthritis and other conditions. He walked just like Ozzie Osbourne. He got to know his name and would respond to it. I loved the way he would side wind his way around the house, little nails making tap dancing noises on the hardwoods. It made a particular rhythm. He was always musically talented:) Then on Christmas eve Mark was driving him to Black Butte Ranch for the holiday with the family and the Ozzie song "Bark at the Moon" came on. Muffin bear sat up in his bag and sang along. We knew it was his way of saying it was time and that he loved us.

Prior to this he had been crying all day and night. Mark and I did everything to console him but nothing seemed to help. He only wanted to hid under our bed and cry. We would hold him and bathe him, brush him, feed him but he just cryed and wandered.

We loved the after bath dance, trips in the car to California or the Oregon Coast. We loved how he thought he was the size of a Great Dane and would chase and bark at peoples feet when he didn't recognize them or they came too close to his little bed. He loved scrambled eggs and would go crazy for a crushed up piece of popcorn. He didn't have teeth so when he would get grumpy and try to bite me when I clipped his nails I would just chuckle. 3 pounds of fierce furry fury! He was perfect in every way.

I can't thank the UYR enough for saving this little man and giving us two wonderful years together.

He is in a better place now where he doesn't hurt, popcorn falls from the sky like snow and every morning there is a bacon and egg breakfast waiting for him and of course Ozzie is always playing on the radio:)

With love and gratitude

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Toby
Toby

Toby Nicholas Thomas

August 17, 1993 - January 19, 2008

It has been three weeks since our Toby went to Rainbow Bridge. Our journey with Toby started on June 28th 2003 when we took a trip to visit Toby at his foster mom's house in Rootstown Ohio. Louann invited us to visit after we filled out an adoption form.

Our trip was intended to see another fur baby named Nicholas. When we arrived Louann had informed us that Nicholas had been adopted but she had another beautiful baby named Toby. For us, it was love at first sight. However, we didn't have any choice. Toby chose us the second he met us.

Toby was 9 years old and beautiful. His birthday was coming up in August and was the same day as mine. At 10 years old, Toby was still going strong. We would come home to find that Toby wasn't content having two thirds of the house to roam while we were gone. Toby wanted the whole house and would jump the baby gate intended to keep him secure and we would find our little guy sleeping in our bed. We eventually adopted another little girl from Pat in Maryland. Toby and Tia were instant friends.

After we moved to Florida, Toby ended up with two more kids so then it was four. Toby, Tia, Jake and Keebler. What a handful. Each getting their own special love but all sharing Mom's lap and our bed.

Toby turned 14 this past August and his age was starting to show. Eventually, Toby slowed and his temper grew more sour but he always had a kiss for me and Mom.

Sadly, on January 17th, Toby started to have severe seizures so we rushed him to the Dr. Then the following day, Toby had a seizure which lasted 35 minutes. We again rushed him to the Dr who kept our baby overnight. On Toby's last day with us he was in so much pain just crying and howling.

We knew the time had come and that Toby was hurting to much. We took one last drive to the Dr who with loving care, allowed us to hold our baby while he went to sleep. Toby quickly went to sleep forever while we cried. I know we were crying due to our own selfishness but Toby was our first baby and we didn't want to let him go.

Toby was laid to rest near our front door with his head towards the door so he can always come in. Toby is now at the Rainbow bridge, playing and running with out pain just waiting for me and Mom to come get him. His brothers and Sister sometimes look for him and I just know they miss the little old man they loved so much.

Thank You UYR, Louann and Pat for all your help, words of encouragement and for allowing us to have shared our love with Toby.

Ernest and Vickie Thomas

Longwood, Florida
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Katie Ann
Katie Ann

Katie Ann

Born 1995

Died 2008

This is Katie, she was a special girl in my life and meant so very much to me and my family.

She started out as a stray, eating out of a garbage can; she was about 5 weeks old at the time. I took her in and from day one she was special. A week after I found her, my grandson was born. Katie was in the car at the hospital so my grandson always claimed that he and Katie share a birthday, according to him that became her birthday too and so that was how it was.

Her life was wonderful, and full of love. I never let anyone or anything put her in jeopardy, what ever it took to protect her that is what I did. She did the same for me.

She was always at my side and I called her “my best girlfriend”. She was a mixed breed but when people would asked me what she was I would say “She’s a Daingerfield, very rare breed”, my father started that when I found her in the town of Daingerfield,Tx.

She will truly be missed by my family.

She is always with me, in my heart and in my thoughts. I trust God to take care of her until I get there to have her with me again. Thank you, Lord for adding her to my life, she was a true blessing.

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Cayman stills run on the Rainbow Bridge
Cayman

Cayman

Cayman came into rescue as an owner surrender in March 2008, He was only 1 year old. He was a very loving sweet little guy. He brought alot of Joy to my home as his fostermom. Cayman found his wonderful forever home in March 08. He was very much loved and will be missed

RIP Little Angel
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Alphie will be missed
Alphie

Alphie

Alf, the dog with many names, went over the bridge this morning. His foster dad and foster mother were at his side to help him cross. He is now in a warm place and has friends to play with. He has shed his old, crippled and abused body for a new young one that can play, see and hear. He can love again. There are no mean people in this place, and he is very grateful for that.

We want to thank all the kind people who helped with his care. He came to us in August of 2007. The poor guy had been abandoned in a local oil field. It was obvious the little guy had never been loved. We did everything we could to make him happy his last year on earth. It is the kind donors at UYR that make this type of rescue possible.

I look forward to seeing you at the bridge, little dude. I know you will recognize me, I hope to recognize you in your new body.

Farewell for now Alfredo Sauce. We'll see you again someday!

Foster dad, mom and the yorkie herd.
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Charlie

A sweet face that will be missed
Charlie

Charlie

It's very, very sad when you lose a dog to a totally preventable disease. Little Charlie was just another stray dog, found wandering the streets of Miami with nobody to care for him, and no shelter from the Florida heat and rain. He was picked up by Animal Control and although he was totally adorable and friendly, no one came forward to claim him - or adopt him. Even though UYR rescues yorkies, there was something about Charlie that stole the heart of the FL UYR Team - he was rescued as a "Yorkie Wannabe" - the term we use to describe the countless little dogs who deserve to be saved, even though they lack any true yorkie characteristics.

Charlie was a special little boy indeed. He thrived at first in his foster home, played with his foster brothers and sisters, cuddled with his Foster Mom and Dad, and just proved to be an easy-going, grateful little soul......Foster Mom said he was such a little gentleman in the home. About a month after being rescued, however, Charlie had a seizure which was ultimately the first of many more to come. He was immediately rushed to the emergency vet, and then on to two different vets. During these hospitalizations, he was observed for several days, having every imaginable test to determine what was wrong, only to find out the awful truth at the end. Charlie had Distemper. His Foster Mom & Dad, along with everyone on the UYR Team in Florida were very hopeful that Charlie would be one of the lucky dogs that sometimes can recover from Distemper. But it wasn't meant to be - Charlie had suffered such significant neurological injury that he had no hope of recovering. His Foster Mom went to the vet's office every day to bring Charlie the cooked chicken he loved........up until that final, awful day, when she stayed with him for one last time.

Charlie was vaccinated at the shelter against Distemper, but it was thought he must have contracted it very shortly before making it to the shelter. Charlie left many heartbroken rescuers behind, who shall never ever forget this precious little soul who only wanted to show how grateful he was to have been rescued and loved. We all miss you, little Charlie. You never knew how many people prayed for your recovery, and how many lives you touched. God Speed our little friend.........you shall never ever been forgotten....

Charlie didn't have to die; he deserved so much more in his life; he deserved a better family who cared about him enough to give him a simple and inexpensive vaccination.....if you are reading this tribute to Charlie, please make sure your pets are vaccinated against this killer disease. Give your beloved pets this gift of life.............and don't condemn them to die the horrible death of Distemper.................

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Lenny

Lenny and Shannon
Lenny

Lenny

Lenny was a 10 y/o, 7# deaf little yorkie boy who touched so many peoples' lives. He was pulled by UYR from a high-kill South Florida shelter and spent 6 months in loving foster care before he was adopted by the most wonderful, patient, loyal FURever mom a pup could ever know.

Lenny was renamed 'Bear' - he didn't mind since he was deaf! He spent the rest of his life knowing love and how it felt to be treated like a little prince. A few short months after his adoption, it was learned that Bear had a brain tumor which ultimately took his life. Lenny Bear went to the Rainbow Bridge knowing immense love..... and that he was very, very special. He really had transformed in both appearance and personality from the day he was rescued. Most importantly, he had changed from a dog who did not like to be cuddled or touched into a total lovebug. Bear was a blessing and showed everyone he met that dogs with "disabilities" still deserve a chance.
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Tutie
Tutie

Tutie came into my life over 5 years ago, She was 8 weeks old and sooooo happy to see someone take her home...Tutie had a fun way about her! Loved for me to put the top down on the car so she could stand up in her car seat and see everything that was going on.(she loved to have the win blow in her fur) Tutie was a little spoiled "That's OK" . When time to go to work she was ready, Stayed all day even went into the store and helped the staff with their day..They also got a real kick out of her....Then when she tired of them she would run into her mom's office! " What a Laugh"......When she was bored she would mosey across the hall to visit with my son Jason and of course he would pick her up and give her a good message, which is what she was looking for! Stacey my daughter and the Cat Tobie would Tutie set sometime where she became even more spoiled "That's OK Too!"

A few trips to Delray FL to visit my son Robert and his puppy's and boy oh boy what fun! A very good, sweet little girl she was. I could go on and on......

When she died Dec 4Th 2008 of stomach cancer we were shocked....

We miss her!!

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Monty
Monty

Monty

April 25, 1998 March 6, 2009


Dear little Monty was a tiny three pounds but such a mighty spirit. After all, he was named for the famous Field Marshall and always knew he was special. When my friend Doreen and I first saw Monty it was clear he had discovered that as runt of the litter he had to put up a big front. He won our hearts that day and continued to win hearts all his life, even through his final illness. He loved to play catch and to speed down the hall of my condominium after we came in from a walk. He was a good traveler visiting family in California and finding adoring friends in France. He was much loved and loved in return with all his heart. How could a creature so small leave such a huge hole in a life? I miss him so and know he will be waiting for me on the Rainbow Bridge.

Anita

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Remy
Remy

Words can't express the grief I am feeling not having my Remy to hold. He was such a special boy, and my love.

Remy was surrendered to me by a breeder because he was born with a liver shunt. I was blessed to be his foster mom. At 4 1/2 months old Remy had his liver shunt surgery...the vet said Remy's liver was the worst he's seen, it was like a stone...so shriveled and hard. He didn't know if it would regenerate itself, only time would tell.

Remy was a fighter, he wanted to live and pulled through the surgery. His liver regenerated enough for him to enjoy life and find a loving Forever Family. I wasn't sure I wanted to let him go, but I did. At 10 months I adopted him to a loving family in California. I met his new mom Cheryl at the airport. I knew she would love Remy as much as I did...but watching them leave to catch their flight, I burst out crying and knew I made a huge mistake...I wanted Remy back!

My hope for having my Remy with me came true 4 days later. Remy wasn't getting along with her other yorkies...maybe it was his way of saying "I want to go home." God blessed me once again...Remy was coming home! I flew out to California 3 weeks later and brought him back to his family. As soon as I pulled onto our street, Remy knew where he was...he raced up the sidewalk calling for his brother and sisters...it was such a beautiful reunion. When Remy turned 1 year old, I adopted him. I was the happiest mom in the world!!

For almost a year Remy was doing well, but starting the 2 year he was having many problems. He had developed bladder stones twice and had to have surgery. He became paralyzed from a medication an emergency vet put him on because she said his legs were bad. What I much later found out was that his shunt clasp had opened up slightly and that he had developed smaller shunts that were inoperable. My heart broke when I heard this. He was put on medication to help with the ammonia...it worked for awhile...he got his fun personality back, but eventually it stopped working. He became more withdrawn, but aggressive at the same time. Remy would be laying peacefully by me, and then out of nowhere would bite me...as soon as he did, his eyes would go dead and his tongue would stick out of his mouth quivering, and his body would shake. For six months we watched Remy go through this...we didn't know if he was in pain during these episodes. After many many tests and talks with his vet and the clinics pet behaviorist, I made the hardest and saddest decision I've ever had to make...

April 9, 2009 I was with my Remy when he crossed the Rainbow Bridge. The pain of letting him go will never leave my heart...as soon as he passed, I wanted him back. I held him and looked into his eyes, and stroked his soft fur. My heart is breaking, and the days are so empty without Remy, but I thank the Lord for giving him to me to love, if only for a short time. My life will always be blessed because of Remy. I will forever see Remy playing hide and seek outside, and him lying in his special spot under this one evergreen by the deck. My life will never be the same... I Love You my precious boy, there will never be another you...your momma - Wendy

Remy, you will forever be in my heart, soul and mind.

March 29, 2006 - April 9, 2009
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Beloved Gizmo
Gizmo

He was a dog someone decided they didn't want and left him in our subdivision. He followed me home and the rest is love.

When Gizmo came into our lives he was 2-3 years old. We had three Yorkies; one was almost blind. Gizmo became her eyes. He would guide her around the yard for the next two months of her life.

Gizmo, when I hurt my hip and had trouble walking, you slowed your pace so you could stay by my side. You were my buddy, always checking on me and making sure I was all right.

You watched over the grandson with loyalty and love. They still look for you even though you've been gone nine months.

You wondered into our lives with trust and love. You were the best friend we could have asked for. We miss you so very much. We only had you for 11 short years. We know you are waiting for us at the Rainbow Bridge. We love and miss you, old Friend.

Until we meet, again, Paul and Mary Whitaker.
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Wendy
Wendy

It is with great sadness to let you all know that sweet Wendy lost her hard-fought and valiant battle with so many medical issues, all due to neglect, at 3:30 am today, in the arms of her loving foster mom Kari Juul.

Wendy came into UYR so neglected and in such poor condition; she had heartworms, mammary tumors, rotten teeth, was almost blind - and it was later discovered that she had pyometra, which resulted in an emergency spay surgery earlier in the week. Kari noticed yesterday that Wendy was acting lethargic and not eating, so she took her back to the vet; it was determined that Wendy's temp was only 97 degrees and she had internal bleeding. The vet gave her supportive therapy and IV glucose, along with a heating pad to raise her body temperature. Sadly, we just weren't able to save Wendy......she had such a strong spirit and personality and touched the lives of everyone who met her.

It was evident that Wendy had been horribly neglected most of her life; but at least the final 20 days of her life were spent in the loving care of our truly incredible FL foster moms - thanks to Jenn (who pulled her from the shelter & transported to Foster Mom), Stephanie, who so generously offered to foster both Wendy and Carnie, who came into the shelter with Wendy, and Kari who transported both girls to the vet and temporarily fostered Wendy before and after her surgery. A big thanks to the compassionate vet who did everything she could to save Wendy. A very special thanks to President Mary S. - who approved the emergency spay surgery for Wendy even though the odds were against her, for without it, she would have died. Every person who met Wendy was impressed at her personality and spirit. God Speed Little Wendy - we shall never ever forget you.
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Jake

Missed by his loving family
Jake

JAKE

Born: 6/13/97

Died: 7/3/09

Age: 12 years


It with great sadness that my Jake passed away yesterday afternoon. He was having problems with his liver and my vet told me (after being in the hospital for 3 nights) to see a liver specialist for a biopsy. When I brought him to the specialist they said his neck was all swollen and he was having trouble breathing. They put him on oxygen but he did not make it. I thought I was going to die myself since this was totally unexpected.

He just turned 12 years old on 6/13/09 and was my owner, my best friend, my shadow, my co-worker, my everything. I do not know how I am going to be able to live without him - his never ending kisses, his scratching at my feet to pick him up all of the time, his snoring at night and his love of life. He has been a fighter all of his life.....had lyme disease, pancreatitis, bladder stone surgery twice, cancer, diabetes and cushings. I just hope he is in a better place now and to see him someday again.

His brother (from the same litter) Max misses him greatly too.

The hole in my heart hurts so much and I am in such pain.

Where ever you now are Jake please know that I did everything possible for you and LOVE and MISS you so much!!!

I will never forget you!!! You brought me the most amazing happiness for the last 12 years. Thank you.

-Andrew

(Max - Jake's brother)
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Cameo Farms Springtime Fable
Fable

Fable

May 17, 1996-July 26, 2009


There are often surprises as we watch how our remaining little ones cope with the loss of a pack/family member. Fable was definitely the ruling queen in our pack. She was a very serious lass and she took the job of making sure the others behaved with proper doggie manners. The only dogs she ever let into her heart as "friends" were our Stormie (who was her half brother) and Rory who were pups along with her and they all grew up together... tragically Stormie and Rory both died of cancer just 9 days apart in August of 07. With their passing my little Fable lost all interest in any of the other dogs except to step in if she felt they were doing something truly upsetting to the pack order.

When Fable passed I laid her body on her favorite snuggle bed on the bedroom floor and let all my remaining others come to sniff her and say good-bye. Simba, Sketch and Rascal showed zero interest and just walked past her to the back door and wanted to head outside and explore. Kinnon sniffed little Fable and then backed away, obviously deeply concerned. And the little one who I thought would show the least concern of all with Fable's death, Pixie, was the one who truly grieved. She sniffed Fable for a long time and then lay down beside her and looked at me with the most sorrowful eyes...if dogs cried like humans she would have been sobbing. Pixie and Fable were not close in life. They got along OK, but it was a relationship of "tolerate" rather than one of bonding...at least I thought it was...now I wonder...

It was a week ago this morning that my little Fable passed from this life, yet Pixie and Kinnon will still not walk in the part of the yard where Fable always chose as her spot to sit and "watch the world go by". They walk just up to the edges of that area and then simply sit quietly with very serious, sad eyes...and Pixie will sit that way for long, long periods of time. Sometimes I actually have to go and pick her up to carry her away from there so that she will come and join us on our walks and playtime in the back field. I wish I knew what they are thinking and how to help them know that little Fable's spirit is safe and no longer struggling. I wonder if they are waiting for her to come back and take her role as their pack queen again? I don't know how to comfort them...I don't even know how to comfort myself...except to try to go on and make each day as normal as possible, even when nothing feels or is remotely normal. :(

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Simba
Simba

Simba

Died July 27, 2009

Coming from the streets as he had, Simba was always a work in progress. When we first got him, he really wasn't quite certain what to think of, new house, new people and new playmates. But as time passed and he settled in, he realized he was now a part of this family. He was always in someone's lap. under my feet in the kitchen when I was cooking (I know Mom's going to drop something). He was the great overseer. He is truly missed,,,,
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Mandy
Mandy

Visit this link to see a tribute to Mandy
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Daley
Daley

My precious little Yorkie Daley died on August 27, 2009, of kidney failure

Daley was a godsend to me. I was so lonely after my Yorkie Casey died at age 17. I had hoped that Daley and I would have, at least, that much time together. Daley was incredibly INCREDIBLY! bright and smart. Twice he alerted me to problems our aged family dog Cosmo was having. Daley was not wild about walking. He loved to be taken for strolls in his Outward Hound stroller. I enjoyed those walks. He loved to burrow under the covers at night. And he liked bedtime. If I was late going to bed, Daley would pace to and from the front hall to let me know that it was time to go to bed! If I worked on a library project in the upstairs den, he loved to sit high on the sofa there so he could look out the window and still be near me.

He liked Publix Grated Sharp Cheese on his food. Heaven help me if I forgot to sprinkle it on there! (Alex Geis, his foster mom, alerted me to that!) Mary Bisnett, Pet Pals Sitting Service, always took care of my dogs for over a decade. She was very fond of and impressed with Daley and was deeply saddened when he died.

I hope that he was happy here. I think that he was and that he knew that he was loved, cared for, and safe here.

Dearest, clever little Daley, I hope that you are now with Buddy, Pup-pup, Strathpeffer, Casey, Jasmine, and your old friend Cosmo and all the dear canine friends I have had from my childhood. Please know how much I loved you and miss you. I know that before you came to UYR and me, you had some unknown and traumatic or sad times in your life, but you were too gutsy and intelligent a little dog to let it destroy your spirit, and I admired you tremendously for that.

Take care, and thank you for the happy times that I knew with you.

With love, Tricia H.
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PeeWee
PeeWee

Sad news

This afternoon our little Beau passed away in my arms with papa Mike by my side. He taught me more about forgiveness, trust and unconditional love than anyone I have ever encountered.

For those who may not know the story, Beau (formerly known as PeeWee) was a puppy mill breeding dog who spent 14 years or more in a small dirty cage, neglected, beaten and abused. When he became ill with a bladder stone so large it was pressing against the sides of his bladder walls, he was tossed out near oil wells in central California to die or be eaten by coyotes. Fortunately he was found by kind humans before his sad demise and taken in by the angels at United Yorkie Rescue in Bakersfield. They took care of his surgery and nursed him back to health. I just happened to be working in the area in August of 2007, heard his sad story, and the rest is history. I named him after an old Norse word, Bua, which means "strong will to live".

When we met he was, not surprisingly, very angry at humans. He didn't trust me or like to be touched by me. But gradually he would come and sit beside me on the floor and, after many tears, he eventually let me pet him without running away and glaring back at me like my touch had been painful to him. I think it was when we flew the red eye from LA to Sarasota in September of 2007 that we bonded. Half way through the flight I could feel he had awakened and was bucking in his little carrier. I scooped him up in a blanket and he slept the rest of the flight in my arms. When I met Mike at the airport and handed Beau over to him while I got my luggage, he said Beau intently watched my every step until I returned and held him back in my arms. From then on I was his mommy and he was my little boy. Where he had been so afraid of me in Bakersfield, he began to do a happy little jig every time I returned home, tail wagging a mile a minute, kicking his back legs up for me to pick him up. When the kisses came I knew that I was truly blessed. I could not believe it and I was grateful for each and every one. As his health continued to fail from the effects of old age, along with his hearing and eyesight, his trust in me grew and my heart overflowed toward him with love, admiration and gratitude. He was amazingly strong and brave for such a tiny little pup. Not a stranger to neglect and abuse myself, I knew he went through so much more hardship in his wee little life than I ever did. More than most humans could ever endure. But the fact that he was able to find it in his heart to forgive another human who he had previously only known as abusers, trust a human with his every care, and unconditionally loved a human with all of his heart is a true miracle to me and a lesson I can only hope to emulate.

I will never forget little Beau and I will never be able to thank him for the lessons he brought into my life. We buried him today along with a dog tag that read "I Rescued A Human". And he did. Something I never, ever would have thought possible when I brought the little fella home. He taught me more than anyone I had ever met, and for that I will be forever grateful.

Rest in peace, little Beau. And to everyone reading this, please help ban the horrendous animal abuse of puppy mills by not buying from pet shops that sell puppy mill puppies and by adopting one of the millions of homeless animals in America. Beau thanks you. And we thank you.

Sue and Mike

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Jake with Barb and Mike
Jake

Jacob 10/19/96-10/19/2009

We adopted Jacob in August of 2003 and drove to Davenport Iowa to get him. It was love at first site the day UYR emailed a picture of him to us. We knew right away we wanted him as part of our family. Jacob was one of a kind...a VERY unique dog. He made all different kinds of sounds for different things he wanted...it was like he was trying to talk. Jake had just one toy he loved which we called Mr. Bear. It was his buddy. He would tease Mike with him, trying to entice him to take it away. Mike would get on the floor, putting his head against Jake's and he could feel how strong that little 9lb dog was when he pushed back. Jake also loved to chase the garden hose. Mike would go in a circle with the hose and Jake would just try to bite the water. It was a riot. Jake was the greatest dog ever & brought us so much joy. He was our little man and his life ended too soon. We will miss him dearly as we loved him so very much.

Barb and Mike Berney
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Avery and dad, Mike
Avery

Although Avery was only in our home a short time, he definitely left his paw prints on our hearts and we will never, ever forget him. After a lifetime of abuse and neglect, little Avery was just getting used to roaming around our house and yard and making himself at home. He had tried out all the different doggie beds until he found the one that was just right -- and the one he liked the most was large enough for a Labrador! We thought it was very sweet and symbolic of his huge heart and spirit. He wasn't a big eater but we patiently worked on keeping his nutrition up. The afternoon before he passed away he ate more than we had ever seen; cleaning off his own plate and later finishing off a plate of his siblings food. We carried him to our room at bedtime, kissed his little head and told him we loved him for the hundredth time. By morning his sweet spirit had slipped away. Even though our hearts were broken, he really looked at peace. We hope he knew that he was loved. We're grateful and honored, however briefly, to have had the opportunity to be his mom and dad.

Thank you again UYR.

Sue and Mike

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Sheriff Pepper
Pepper

His name was Pepper and the name was self-descriptive. He was a rescue dog that just needed someone to be a friend with him. At first he just wanted to try and take over our other dogs but he quickly became a playmate and running buddy of them all. We have 3 other rescues and they are all larger but he was the "Sheriff" as we liked to call him. His personality was forever heartwarming and infecting. Whenever he thought he was in trouble he would roll over on his back and just look up with that winning personality and the affair would just melt away. He loved to give kisses, ride with us whenever he could and he never met a stuffed toy he didn't like.

I've reluctantly come to the realization, that he can never be replaced in our hearts. More than any other medicine for a broken heart, the ability to possibly help another animal in need is what we feel we need to do at this point. We had considered maybe adopting a new puppy, but the hurt is still too immediate for that. We would only be trying to replace our loss.

By contributing to the rehab of some of the animals in your care is what I believe that Pepper would be happy with since he was at one time just like some of the Yorkies on the web site.

Life has been good for us, but it will never be the same without Pepper. No amount of money can bring our precious Pepper back but it can hopefully make a better life and home for others.

Warmest Regards, Danny Linville
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Kassie comes home

Kassie
Kassie

The first picture is when I first met her. She was 4 weeks old. I wanted to see if she was a dominant dog so I turned her on her back

to see how she would react. She had never met me before this and she just fell asleep in my hands-pure trust-and that was our relationship

from then on.

She turned out to be a lot more sassy than that picture shows and had REAL attitude, especially to any dog who came close to her yard. She was truly the 7 lb terror of the neighborhood.

The second picture is how I like to remember her, sassy, in her striped shirt, showing her attitude but just a little silly with her tongue out. She was truly the light of my life. If I can create my own heaven it will truly be to spend eternity with her..

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Richie
Richie

REST IN PEACE LITTLE ANGEL...WE ARE SO VERY SORRY FOR THE MISERY AND SUFFERING THAT YOU ENDURED....auntie m and the members of uyr

UPDATE 12/08/09: Sadly, little Richie lost his brave battle for life today @ 3:30 and is now at the Rainbow Bridge. Our vets did everything they could to diagnose what was wrong with him. Unfortunately, the owners who dropped him at the shelter were unwilling to provide important information about his prior vetting to help us to expedite the appropriate care for this brave little boy. His spirit was strong, but he was too sick to win the battle. God Speed Little Richie, you will never be forgotten by those who rescued you and tried very, very hard to save your life.
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Katie (a.k.a. Kate)
Kate

Katie

1997-2009

It is with great grief that I report that Katie crossed the Rainbow Bridge on December 17. She left this world peacefully as I rubbed her paws and told her how beautiful she was and how much she was loved. Although I only had Katie for seventeen months, she will forever live in my heart. After my parents lost their seventeen-year-old Yorkie, Duffy, my dad would often say that some day a Yorkie would need a home and find one with me. I knew that Yorkie was Katie as soon as I saw her darling face. She was a sweet, gentle soul who had been in several homes when I got her in July 2008 at age eleven. Once she realized she was finally in her “forever home,” she basked in being in the only dog in the household. Although she welcomed friends and neighbors (two-legged and four-legged!), Katie thrived on being the center of attention and on rarely being left alone. When I was at work, my mom was with Katie and they adored each other. I would often come home and find both of them snoozing! Katie quickly became “one of the girls.” She often looked as if she was smiling with pure pleasure at being a part of a forever family. Losing her is so very difficult. One of my friends also lost a pet recently and she said she was sure Katie was a gift from God just as her dog Maggie was; she only wished it wasn’t so hard to give them back. Me, too.
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Lissy
Lissy

Little Lissy went to the Rainbow Bridge on Wednesday, 01/06/10. She went peacefully and very unexpectedly. She appeared to be doing much better with Foster Mom giving her sub-q fluids at home, but sadly, we did not get her in time to save her life. Lissy's foster mom and dad are heartbroken at losing this precious little angel. God Speed Little Lissy - you will never ever be forgotten.
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Hope

Enjoying the shade
Hope

On Feb. 2, 2010, Dennis & I helped our Hope cross the Rainbow Bridge.

We found out 5 days before Christmas that Hope was in liver failure. She just bloated up one day, so I rushed her to our vet. He did blood work which showed that her protein levels were almost non-existent. She was having terrible diarrhea at that time, so maybe if we got that under control, she would get better. We got her bloating and diarrhea under control with meds, but it all happened again just 2 weeks later. By the last week of Jan., it was just becoming too much for her. The diarrhea was so unbelievably horrific...she never complained, and always tried to make it outside or to the potty pads. I cried for her every-time the diarrhea happened.

We finally had to stop being selfish and let her go. Dennis and I were, and still are so devastated from her passing. Hope was our needy little girl...she loved everyone that she met, but she was especially my girl - my third hip - my sweet, sweet cuddle bug. I am lost without her...the house is so empty without her here. I miss her funny whine every time she wanted something, which was almost all of the time...but that was Hope. I miss her always wanting to be petted...she would lay by me and nudge my hand so I would pet her head...every time I stopped, she would push her nose under my hand to pet her again - I LOVED that. I miss her big ears, her head tilt, her funny walk, her almost chopping your fingers off when you gave her a treat...but most of all, I miss the love she gave to us. To think that someone threw her out of a moving car, in the dead of winter, because she was useless to them just rips my heart apart.

Our little girl went by many names...we all called her Hope, but I would call her Hopie...Dennis called her Hopester...and my grandson Austin called her Hopers...she was also my "Hopeless in Sheboygan". She was "Our Precious Girl".

On Feb. 23rd, I brought Hope home... she was placed in a beautiful Treasure Chest...and that is what Hope always was...our treasure...we were and still are so blessed to have Hope in our lives...she was like no other...

Hope, Hopie, Hopester, Hopers...you will never leave our hearts.

Love you FOREVER!!!

Momma & Daddy

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Little angel, Halley
Halley

Rest in Peace Little one...You were so very loved!!

Halley was always our little Angel Girl. When we adopted her 3 yrs ago from UYR she was a quiet little dog who only barked to let us know she was ready for dinner, now! She would do her little dance which came to be known as "Dinner Dance". She loved to sleep on our warn water bed or in a sunspot on the carpet. Outdoors she loved to lay in the sun on a warm stepping stone with our other UYR, Jack.

Halley had become blind from cataracts. Her eye specialist was amazed how well she tolerated all the tests for her eyes. We were doing eye drops and ointments round the clock as she had an ulcer that had ruptured. It was finally almost healed after a couple months of care, when she developed fluid in her lungs and was into congestive heart failure and kidneys were also failing. After holding her most of the day, we decided it was time to help her onto the Rainbow Bridge. Pam held her in her arms as Dr. Nowak helped her journey to the bridge.

I must say though that Halley hated her allergy shots. She became a perpetual motion machine when I picked her up to give her the shot. But once it occured to me to warm the serum that had just come from the refrigerator she was calm about that too.

Halley was 15 + yrs old.
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