In Loving Memory
This is a web page commemorating the lives of beloved furbabies, who have gone on before us. If you know of someone who has suffered such a loss, (it doesn't have to be a Bichon..it can be anyone or anything) we will happily send a beautiful full color, custom made card, to that person, in memory of the one they lost, in your name. And, if you wish to make a donation, in their name, we will let them know that too, by including words like "A Donation to Small Paws® Rescue has been made in Fluffy's name by Mr. and Mrs. John Doe and Bijou".
These beautiful cards with full color heart warming pictures of past and present Small Paws Rescue babies, are donated.
Small Paws® Rescue: Memorial Information


"Basia" 9 years old. Her owner, Randy at Randwulfr@aol.com, has donated all of Basia's Cushing's medication to another Cushing's Disease baby, at Small Paws®. Rest well, in God's arms, precious little Basia.

"Duffy" 17 Years old. Owned by brothers Garry and Rick Breitstein. (StarsMoon2@aol.com) Duffy was Rick's best frend for 17 years, and he misses him unbelievably. Godspeed, little Duffy. Your Daddy will hold you again one day.

Quebie was 12 years old and was loved by his Moma, Harlene at Hfactor24@aol.com, and Harlene's daught, Shiri. Quebie's passing has been unbearable. God speed little Quebie. We know you are happy and healthy and waiting for your Mom and Shiri to join you someday.

SPR volunteer John Stewert at Bichon412@aol.com, and little Crystal. We picked her up from a Johnson City, Tn. shelter on June 1. She was skeleton thin and could not swallow food or water. A trip to emergency revealed advanced metastasized breat cancer, which had spread to the lungs. Though we had only one day with her, she spent that last day being loved and held like this by the Stewert's. Godspeed little Crystal!

One August day, you were fine, one August night something changed
I called you and you didn't hear me. I went to you and you were happy
I brought you in and thought you were ignoring me in your own way

The next morning, I called you and you went in the opposite direction
I called your vet and he starting asking a lot of questions
I told him about your breaking into cabinets and your recent thirst

You were brought to your vet the following day and the day after for tests
By them, I knew where we were heading - that God awful Cushing's disease
Two days later, I got the call that you did indeed have Cushing's disease

I read everything I could about this and joined a list to learn more
It has been over a year now and you still have it in the mild form
You are 13 now and doing really well for a Cushinoid dog

You are getting up later every morning for the birds you can no longer hear
I talk to you louder and louder every day and have started using hand signals
I love you more today than the day I brought you away from your dog Mom

You sometimes tremble and you scare me, but I know you are healthy
Each day I promise to take care of you and guide you through old age
But each day a part of my heart breaks thinking that someday there won't be you

When I returned from Ireland in the year 2000, I was afraid of you getting old
I had met again your playmate, Twiggy and she was old and frail
I told your vet and he said it wouldn't be this way with you and me

You see Muffin, I hadn't seen Twiggy for a few years and Twiggy was old
But when I returned home you were still the young puppy as always
But then that August night changed everything; you started to get old

But as you age, Muffanuffer, you seem to still have that vinegar in you
You had it the first day I met you and that is why I chose you
You are tough in spirit as I had to learn to be; you taught me, I didn't teach you

Life is changing, America is different after September 11, 2001
You and I are closer, as I even appreciate you even more
I just want to be with you and Bagel all the time

So Muffin the final lines of this tribute won't be written for a long time
For you are healthy and content and so am I, even though this summer was trying
But we got through it, and you once again are my baby Muffanuffer

But now here it is November and your frail little body is under attack again
We don't know yet what it is this time, could be Cushing's or not
Tomorrow you will have another low dose dex test and I will sit at home and worry

Well, Muffin, things have changed and we thought you had to go on Lysodren
But instead you have a mild case of hepatitis plus bacteria in your liver
You were put on SAMe, and it changed your life for good

But now Muffin, as I write this you are dying. You are in acute renal failure.
I looked into your eyes this morning, and I knew what I had to do.
I have to give you the gift of death so you can return to your creator

So tonight I will release you my darling and I know you will be free to soar
You beat Cushing's disease, but death is knocking on your door
So I will kiss you one last time, and let you be free

Well, my darling Muffin, I kissed you and watched you fall limp in my arms,
I thought in the end there was nothing more I could do for you, but there was
I gave you the final gift of my love to you, may your spirit climb to God.

July 30, 2002
Spanky, the famous Cajun speaking writer who captured all of our hearts on the AOL Bichon Board. His mom, Ardys Adams at Spankybaby2000@aol.com adopted Spanky from the Arlington Shelter exactly 12 years ago today. All of Small Paws Rescue grieves with her now. Click here to read Spanky's writings. Spanky was larger then life and will live in our hearts for many years to come. he was a legend in his own time, for sure.

BJ Thomas
BJ was fostered by Diane Wilcox at C26D45J22@aol.com
He was in renal failure and after he became very ill, we had to let him go on to God. Diane writes...
"This is BJ Thomas, a short-term foster. He arrived at my door July 4, 2002 with Harlene. He was a stray in NYC. He was 11 years old, had a heart murmur and was not neutered. He walked in checking everything out, lifting his leg saying "I was here" and "here" and "here" etc. As Harlene left BJ stood at the door waiting for her to come back. He was only with her for the five or six hours that it took to get here but I think he thought she was his. From then on he had the saddest look on his face. I want everyone to see BJ Thomas. To see the dog I fell in love with and will miss with all of my heart. A short-term foster that was to be adopted to a wonderful family that would take care of him and make him happy. He was such a good dog. He only barked twice in the three weeks he was here. He wagged his little tail for my son the first time he saw him. I just got these little swishes when he saw I had his leash.

"Mikey" 4/30/02 - 9/12/02
Small Paws® Rescue: Mikey's Heart
"In Memory of Mikey 4/30/02 - 9/12/02

On 9/12/02 Mikey passed away a few hours after having his heart surgery. I miss him so much. I only fostered him for a few weeks but I will never forget him. He was a very sweet and lively 4 1/2 month old puppy considering the grade 5 heart murmur he had. He loved to cuddle with my 1 yr old bichon JJ . I know I did everything I could for him from taking good care of him, having my priest bless him and everyone praying for him. I guess its one of these God things that he needed him home in heaven. I want to thank Small Paws® for giving me the opportunity to be blessed to have him in my life for 2wks as hard as it was to give him up in this way. Make you rest in peace in heaven Mikey, love your foster mom Stephanie"

"Higgins" was nine year old and had cancer. He was owned and loved by his Mom, Anne Stock of Pittsburg, Pa.
Higgins was Anne's first dog, ever and she fell in love with his precious Bichon spirit. Small Paws® is working to find a Bichon to help to heal her heart. Rest well little Higgins, until the day your Mom comes to be with you again! She loves you!

Chisel (the Rottweiler with Petey the Bichon) was born January 1995 and passed away on November 6, 2002 from cancer.
He was loved by Nick O'Hara and he was also loved by his Bichon cousins Muffin, Bagel, Láithreach and Petey. Chisel was a gentle giant who taught the world just how nice a Rottweiler can be and he was. Rest in peace gentle giant. Rest in peace.

The Story of Buzz
06/06/1989-08/16/2002
My twin brother and his wife Estela moved to
Sacramento, Ca. in the early 80's. My sister-in-law found a small, bedraggled lost little dog or as she says
the dog "found" her. Numerous attempts to locate
the owners failed and thus Pepe came to be.Pepe thrived and a few years later acquired a love interest
named Nikiska and over time they produced puppies-all were given away with love to good homes.
In Sept. 1989 my husband and I acquired our beloved pooch. To say we had a great time is an understatement. he was there with us thru it all-illness, job losses, travels and therapy dog work-He taught me a lot more than I taught
him. Just imagine how different life would have been
for so many if Pepe had not been rescued----God bless all our fur babies...(a Thank You to J.E.) & To the
Buzzman-Thanks for some of the best days of my life, I'll see you again one day.
Mary Geller
Maryg1998@aol.com

Suzi~
Beloved Bichon of Bekye Walker. In Loving Memory of Suzi Elizabeth ~ 10/18/92-2/17/03
Suzi went into kidney failure and her Mom did everything she could for her.
Suzi...wait for us. We will be there one day to hold you again!

A Tribute to Suzi Elizabeth Walker
By Diane Garner (aggiemom982001@yahoo.com)

Suzi was an angel in waiting.
Waiting for wings to fly from this world,
Away from her pain
Until one day a special angel came
And Bekye is her name

Suzi was her first
And surely not her last
How did their years together come and go
So fast?

Suzi left behind a legacy of one we can't deny
Little Angel in waiting - why did you have to die?

Little Angel in waiting
Waiting for wings to fly from this world
Away from your pain

On Monday, February 17, 2003
The angel that rescued you
So many years ago
Rescue you again!
She gave you the gift of flight.
Wings to fly from this world.
Away from all your pain
And Bekye is her name.

Suzi was an angel in waiting.
Waiting for wings to fly from this world,
Away from her pain
She treasured her time with you, 'til time came to leave,
Leaving you behind with sweet memories.

But Suzi is still an angel in waiting
An angel that waits.
Waiting for you, Bekye,
To come through Heaven's gates.


" I live among God´s creatures now
In the heavens of your mind
So do not grieve for me, my friend
As I am with my kind"

Suzi Elizabeth Walker
10/18/1992 to 2/17/2003

In Memory Of
Showbiz Hobstetter
11/12/87 - 4/11/03

It is with deep grief that we have lost our dear Showbiz. He was a well loved
dog who lived 15 1/2 wonderful years spreading love and cheer to all who knew
him. He died of kidney failure in his favorite bed, in his kitchen, in Dayton,
Ohio. He was surrounded by his family, a few dear friends & Dr. Alex Watts,
all who have known and cared for him for 15 1/2 years. Showbiz will be greatly
missed and remembered for his incredible spirit and his desire to always do the
right thing. During his final illness, he taught his family that no matter
what he lost (eye sight, hearing, appetie), he accepted them with grace and
moved forward in spirit with a smile on his face and a wag to his tail. His
final lesson right before he passed to Heaven, into the awaiting arms of his
grandfather, Russell Armstrong, was to let his family know.....'that he was
more then his body'. Showbiz will be greatly missed and his memory will live
on and forever be honored in our hearts!
Sherri Hobstetter sherri@hobstetter.net


Lillian "Peachie" Taylor (and Showbiz.) at the Dayton Bichon Bash '02.
8-21-29-8-31-03

In loving memory of Lillian "Peachie" Taylor. She really knew how to spoil all dogs and was a supporter of animals and Small Paws® Rescue.She will be missed!

Willie

Willie was lying by the side of the road when he was picked up and taken to a shelter. He was old and so sick that nobody would want him, so they were going to put him to sleep. Cindy, one of my super volunteers, was close enough to Wolcott to get him out of the shelter. She named him Wolcott Will because of his incredible will to live, gave him a bath and a haircut, then she brought him to me. Yes, he was very sick, but he had the best spirit of any bichon I have known.
When we took him to the vet, she said he either had Addison's or Cushing's, but he would not live long enough for the test results to come back, and we should put him to sleep then. We said "no". He wasn't in pain or discomfort and we wanted him to know that he was loved before he died.
As sick as he was, that little tail of his was always wagging. He loved being held and cuddled. He loved eating his steak or hamburger, but he wouldn't touch dog food - his bichon brain was working all right! He always got himself up to go outdoors, and when he came back in, he would find himself a new bed to lie on. Most of his time with us was spent sleeping, but he had a warm bed, a blankie, and lots of foster brothers and sisters who were always checking to be sure he was O.K.
He was here a week, then he stopped eating and drinking water, and he was too weak to stand. I knew it was time to let him go. I still cry when I think about him - he was one special little boy. I know he is well now. I hope he is happy, running, playing (I know his tail is wagging) and remembering he was loved.

Cathy~kcdbriody@avon.net

Christine owned and loved by Small Pawser Lynn Cummings
lcummings@alleycat.org

Christine came to me at age 11, neglected and far too overweight from
eating cheese curls all day long. While I agreed to foster her for
Small Paws® until she found a home, it was clear after about a week that
she was quite happy in the home she was in and wasn't about to consider
any other. How she told me this was amusing. I was having a
photographer in my home taking pictures of my other two bichons for my
holiday card. It took all my ingenuity to keep my two adoptees (Katy
and Rudy) on the couch for their photo and keep Christine out of the
frame. Katy and Rudy kept jumping off the couch and Christine kept
jumping on the couch as if to say "I am a part of this family, too, and
I'm ready to have my picture taken." The end photograph consisted of
Christine smiling at the camera and Katy and Rudy completely distracted
and poised to bolt. From that time on, I knew what was what and that
was that. I never once regretted it. She died in my arms August 21st
and I miss her.

April 9, 1990 – December 6, 2002

When we met you, you knew we belonged together. The softness in your dark eyes telling us that fate had decided that we needed you. The loving kisses given when needed most, told us how smart and beautiful you were.
My innocent, loving Brandi, taken from us by a terrible disease too soon, we will remember the final serenity and 10 years of love. Light of our life, you showed us courage and strength, we miss you terribly and forever.
My beautiful Brandi, you will always be in our thoughts and hearts, and I know that when our time comes, you will be waiting for us and we will all be together forever.

Mary McKibbin, Ormond Beach, Fla. Mtmckibbin@aol.com

From Sandy's Mommy at ncdb855@aol.com

For Sandy's memorial I would like to say she was adopted August 1992 and died on May 20, 2004. I would like to thank her for all the love she gave me and helping me get through the tough times in my life. She was always there for everyone and was the
heart of my family. I think of her every day and miss her dearly. I hope she is now
pain free and playing like a little puppy again. I will never forget her.
Her mommy

____________________________________

"In Loving Memory of Corky"

Owned and loved by Kevin and Julie Cutright at

kevin.cutright@sbcglobal.net

Corky was a great little man. He was rescued in 1992, found wandering in a parking lot in Ohio. He was "a skinny shivering little mass of white fur", quoting my friend Dan, whose wife scooped up the frightened little pup. He looked to be about a year old. They kept him until their son got married. At that time, Corky came to live with his new daddy. He was fun and full of life. He had an almost human personality. You would talk to him, and he would just sit and look at you so intently, that you just knew he understood every word. He wanted to be near you all of the time. Then Corky came to Kansas, where he met his daddy's love, Julie, who I might add, had never had a "small dog". She always had big dogs. She thought "small dogs" were yappy. Well, Corky took control of the satiation, showing her that it was OK to be a small dog, that "they" had been getting a bad rap in the "yappy" area. He would follow her around the house, lay be her side, nuzzle her early in the morning after his daddy got up to go to work, (and any other time she took a break for that matter). She would sign to him, dance with him...Corky was her shadow...Corky even learned how to yardsale, going nearly every time we went.

Corky crossed over the Rainbow Bridge on 12-16-04 from an in-operable tumor in his abdomen. His passing has been very hard and he will be missed by his entire family. We know that he will be waiting for us, just as he did every day...

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