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Our
First St. Bernard Rebecca (Becca) Sue
Rebecca Sue was 10 years old when she passed away. She had
bone cancer and it spread to her liver. We were with Becca and she
passed peacefully 08/13/04 at 1:30 p.m.
“You will always be missed Becca” Thank you for teaching us
how wonderful & loving St. Bernards are.
Ms. Dorothy Louise (We called her Da Da or Dori)
Dori was a very special girl. Everyone that she met she loved
and would give kisses to. We would have to tell her after a 15-minute
session of kisses…. Dori we love you, enough kisses. When we would
tell her that she would run and jump in the air. She was very funny and
she loved attention. As long as we were right with her she was a
happy girl. Dori had a few things that bothered her though.
She was very scared of any loud noises, rain, thunder and fireworks.
To the point that she would run and hide. We would always try and make
sure we were right there for her if it rained or there was a
thunderstorm.
During the 4th of July we would have to sit right with her because she would shake so bad and pant so hard, we thought she was actually going to pass out. We would set right with her and tell her she was ok, pet her and tell her how much we loved her. We would set on the floor and let her on our lap as this seemed to make her settle down a bit. This was tough sometimes as Dori was 150 lbs. This behavior would last for days when this happened. One 4th of July she ran to our backyard to hide because of the fireworks. We were with her at the time but this time it was not enough as she was to scared and seemed to not be able to control herself. Before we knew it she had bent our cyclone fence and somehow got under it. We never understood how this happened. She ran to the neighbors house toward their sliding glass door and ran into it head first. She was very dazed when this happened. We ran and got her and brought her home. It seemed like from that day forward Dori was never the same. The vet thought when she hit her head as hard as she did being so scared that something had happened to her. She acted very scared and was hiding for the next week. We made the very hard decision to put Dori down as she was suffering everyday to the point that she was miserable and nothing we would do helped to calm her down now.
The day we put Dori down my we took off work and spent the day with her playing and we layed on the floor with her and held her explained to her how much we loved her and we did not want her to suffer and be scared everyday. At 6:00 p.m. 07/09/06 we put Dori to rest. She passed peacefully in the arms of her Mommy, Daddy and Grandma.
Each day we miss you Dori but we
know where you are there is no noise, no rain, no thunder and no
fireworks. We know you are waiting for us but giving someone kisses
until we meet again.
“Isabella
Rochelle” (We called her Bell Bell”)
I always said Bell Bell was Mommy’s Velcro girl. She always
followed Mommy everywhere I went. Bell Bell loved
stuffed toys. When we would give her a stuffed toy she would
play until she could not play anymore. Then she would lay down
with what was left of the stuffed toy and fall asleep. I say
that because no matter what we bought for her she tore it up into
pieces and then would play with what was
left. She did not have a mean bone in her, though. She would let all the other dogs pick on her and then love up to them. Every puppy we brought home she would be a Mommy to. She would let everyone sleep with her and keep them warm. Bell Bell started panting one day very hard. I called the vet and we took her in. She had a tumor in her throat. It was not one that could be taken out. We were told that it would grow and this would be how she would pass away as otherwise she was strong and healthy. On 07/17/06 at 9:45 p.m. my husband found Bell Bell having a seizer. I sat on the ground and put her on my lap and held her until the vet arrived. As the vet walked through the gate Iddie passed away in my arms. My husband said she knew we were right there with her but that he did not think she suffered. To this day I pray he was right.
My Loving Girl Bell Bell we miss you each and everyday. We will meet you soon. Take care of all the puppies and other dogs and keep them warm.“Our Sweet Boy” (A Name We Gave A St. Bernard That We Rescued)
We have no pictures of you as you were with us for such a short time, less than a week. After we rescued you from the horrible life you were living and the abuse you suffered we understand why you had to leave us. Thank you for coming into our life and allowing us to know you and love you. Run, Play and Be Happy. We promised you when you left us that where you were going there were no tight ropes anyone would put around your neck, there was always going to be plenty of water and no more dark garages. This is all you knew from your abusers and now that is in the past. Until we meet again Our Sweet Boy, We Loved You and we are sorry our time was so short together.
"Little
Fred"This picture is of our Little Fred when we left him at the shelter so they could place him in a foster home until the mange was gone. He had just had another bath to try to get rid of the mange. Little Fred never made it to the foster home to heal.
When we drove in our driveway 01/10/07 we seen a small crate with a (5) week old puppy in it. He was crying and very weak and not moving. I jumped out of my truck and yelled for someone to hurry and get a blanket. I wrapped him up as he was so cold being in the wind for who knows how long. That morning we had left at 5:30 am for work and it was almost 5:00 pm by this time. So he could have been there with no food, water or blanket for hours. I drove as fast as I could to our Vet. The vet confirmed he had a severe case of mange and could have other problems and he was very young and not in good shape. Since we have several other rescues we could not take him back to our rescue facility. The Vet said he should spend the
night and be treated for the mange and he needed several baths to help with the mange and also needed to be in quarantine. I called the vet at 8:00 am the next morning and they said Little Fred was doing better. So after work I went to pick him up. I had spoke with a shelter earlier that told me they would find a foster home for him for us because of the mange. Saturday 01/13/07 I received a phone call and the shelter that was going find a foster home for Little Fred. Their Vet looked him over as he began to take a turn for the worst. They said the mange was so severe that their Vet determined that we should end Little Fred's suffering. It also appeared he was also having kidney problems. My heart sank. I was not ready for this. Such a young puppy and to have to go through so much in the first (5) weeks of his life. Why? It did not have to be this way.
I made the decision and Little Fred arrived at Rainbow Bridge Saturday 01/13/07 at 4:00 pm. Little Fred you will be missed by many people who's hearts you touched. We loved you from the moment we saw you in that terrible little crate. You were so little and so sweet. We are so sorry your life was so short and you had to suffer so much. You deserved more.
Run, Play and be
Happy now Little Fred. That is what puppy's are suppose to do.
We will meet at Rainbow's Bridge one day. Wait for us.
"Abbie"
Thursday December 21, 2007 at 8:00 a.m. a very special girl puppy named
"Abbie" crossed over Rainbow's Bridge. She was the product of a
puppy mill. I met Abbie the evening before she was put to sleep. Abbie
could not adjust after she was removed from this horrible puppy mill.
And sadly, many times this happens. The environment in a puppy
mill is something no one can even imagine until you see it first
hand. The images stay in your mind it seems like forever. Abbie, please
run, play and be happy. You are at peace now sweet girl. You
will be missed by all who had the honor to meet you.
If you know of
anyone that you believe is running a puppy mill please contact us.
Get involved so others do not have to suffer in the hands of breeders
like Abbie did.
Reba
crossed over Rainbow Bridge, 0n April 2nd at 5pm
Because of cases like Reba's, abuse & neglect should be a felony!
Our Sweet Little Mare Until We Meet Again
Reba, Billy & I spent her last hours as a family. Reba will always be remembered and greatly missed. As many of you know this was a very hard choice to make. But it was the right thing to do because we loved Reba enough to set her free.
A very good friend of mine who I admire who also does horse rescue sent me an e-mail today about Reba. I would like to share the e-mail with you and also some final pictures of our little sweet mare, Reba.
My heart is with you and Reba. If you listen and the night is very quiet, you will hear the sound of thundering hooves, coming to take Reba home. They will, respectfully wait, while you say your goodbyes, and then with a joyful trumpet they will all swirl around Reba and race with her to the Rainbow Bridge, where all her pain will fall away and she will be whole again. You were her Angel on Earth, you will always have an Angel, Reba, who will watch over you from above.
Our Special Little Mare Reba Until We Meet Again
Bonnie
was a very sweet who we rescued from neglect in Nebraska. Bonnie
was adopted by a wonderful mother & daughter, Margaret and Linn from
Nebraska. Bonnie was was spoiled and loved by her adoptive home
before she crossed over Rainbow's bridge. These pictures show the
neglect Bonnie suffered before going to live with Margaret and
Linn. We know that Bonnie knew she was loved and received the very
best while in her adoptive home. We want to thank Margaret & Linn
for giving Bonnie a wonderful home and showing Bonnie how sweet life
can be when your loved.
Bonnie crossed
over Rainbow's Bridge 03/23/09 at 5:30 p.m. Bill & Genea were with
Bonnie during her last moments and made sure she knew just how
special she was and how much she was loved. Bonnie's body gave out
on her but her spirit was strong till the end. You will be missed
by many who loved you, especially you Mama Socks. Run, Play and be
happy now Bonnie. You are free from pain and your legs are strong.
Missy
crossed over Rainbow's Bridge peacefully 03/28/09. Missy arrived at
the rescue February 22, 2008. When she arrived at the rescue she
was very scared of men and so it took some time for her to
accept Billy. But after a while she and Billy became very close
buddies. Each morning Billy would say, come on Missy let's go poddy
and she would wait for him to help her up to go outside. When she
was up she would wag her tail, give him a little sweet play
growl and shake. Then very slowly she would walk out and do her
duty. On sunny days she loved to lay in the sunshine in a special
fenced area in the front of the house that we built just for
her. Missy was never able to be with the other dogs as she was just
to old and sore from her prior abuse so she was kept inside the
house. Missy was just over (11) years old when she crossed over
Rainbow's Bridge. We want to thank Sara from Glenwood, IA for being Missy's Guardian Angel Monthly Sponsor. Sara's monthly donation helped cover the cost of the medication Missy was on. Below are a few pictures of Missy and her story. Rest in peace sweet Missy. We will all miss you at the rescue. You were a true joy and an incredible girl.
She
was a (10) year old, very sweet Shepherd/Cattle Dog type mixed
breed. She was on daily medication for a thyroid problem. She
arrived at our rescue February 22, 2008.
We received a phone call from a lady who was moving and she said she could not take Missy with her. She had several other dogs and they were going along. I explained to her that Missy would truly miss her at this age. And I asked why she could not take Missy. She said, I have not had Missy that long. She said she wanted to share how she got Missy.
She
saw a truck driver at a truck stop that she went by each day on her
way to work throw Missy out of the cab of his (18) wheeler and beat
& kick her. He was screaming at Missy because she had gone to the
bathroom in his semi. She said the man then picked Missy back up
and tossed her back in the semi and drove off screaming at her. I
asked her why she did not report this? She said she did not really
know why. She said never forgot about this and finally located the
man from the name on the truck that he was driving. She got in touch
with the man and asked how Missy was. She said he was a very loud
and mean man and kept screaming about Missy and everything she did
wrong including why she got beat that day at the truck stop. The
lady asked him if she could have Missy if he did not want her. He
said yes. They agreed to meet at the truck stop. When she pulled in to the truck stop to pick Missy up there he was again beating her in the cab of the semi. The lady screamed at him and he tossed Missy out of the semi. Missy was very scared and she ran down the interstate. She said she chased her so she would not get hit. She said she could not catch her. She was almost ready to give up but just kept yelling for Missy to come back. Finally Missy limped back down the interstate almost getting hit several times. Missy came to the lady. She took her right away to the Vet. The Vet confirmed Missy had been beaten several times and there were several old injuries and now some new ones. She had Missy for a very short time and found out she had to move out of state. Her thought was that Missy was so old and in such bad shape that she would not be able to make the trip. I did not ask any more questions. I took the leash and Missy and I left to go home to the rescue. Missy lived her life out at the rescue in a safe, loving environment. She was a perfect girl!
Frannie Crossed Over Rainbow Bridge in Genea's arms.
Fever Crossed Over Rainbow Bridge
We
have lost an incredible horse this morning at Hooves & Paws Rescue.
Fever fought right to the end but was just not strong enough to make
it. His body was just to weak. Our Fever crossed over Rainbow's
Bridge in our arms Christmas Morning at 8:00 a.m. We were all
together watching the snow fall and when he took his last breath. We
held him tight and told him how much he was loved and how proud we
were of him for trying so hard. We told him it was ok to go as his
body was tired.
He will be greatly missed and never forgotten. His courage was like
no other. We were honored to have him with us for just over (2)
years.
We know Fever is playing in the sunshine now and of
course having his favorite food, senior feed.
Hoss
We
were informed that beautiful Hoss who was adopted from Hooves & Paws
Rescue has crossed over Rainbow's Bridge. He was an Owner surrender
and was adopted to Harold & Beth in Iowa. He was very loved and
spoiled by Harold, Beth and their family but his body gave out due
to old age. Hoss will be greatly missed but never forgotten. He was
a happy and sweet boy who brought smiles to everyone who met him.
Rest In Peace Sweet Hoss.
Memphis
Wednesday
September 1, 2010 Memphis crossed over Rainbow's Bridge after almost
(2) years at our facility. He was in our arms when he crossed over.
He was incredible and truly loved. Because of the severe abuse and
beatings he suffered in the hands of his former Owner he could not
adjust to normal living conditions. He was a young dog, in his prime
and we will never understand why people do this to animals. Dog's
are not born mean. But his Owner beat him to try and make him mean.
We will miss our Memphis and smile each time we think of him as all
he wanted to do is please us. Run free sweet Memphis. We will meet
you again. Please wait for us. You were truly such a special big
guy. We hope you knew how much you meant to us, how much we loved
you and we will never forget you.
Bubba
Friday
October 1, 2010 at 9:30 am we lost an incredible Saint Bernard that
many of you knew and loved He attended all of our events and warmed
many hearts. He loved everyone! He always made us laugh and smile.
He came into our life at Hooves & Paws Rescue when he needed a
family to love him & care for him. His favorite thing to do was go
for a ride. He did not care where he went as long as he could go for
a ride. He went on every trip Billy took to get hay for the horses.
Billy would always say to him, where is my co-pilot? It is time to
go on a hay run Bubba. His passing was very unexpected and he will
be missed more than words can ever say. Rest In Peace our sweet
angel Bubba. You were a true "Gentle Giant". Please wait for us,
until we meet again. You were a beautiful boy inside and out.
Big Hugs Forever from Mommy Genea & Daddy Billy
Gordie
Our
Sweet Old Man Gordie has crossed over Rainbow's Bridge after
spending almost three years with us at Hooves & Paws Rescue.
Thursday, December 16, 2010 Gordie laid down very peacefully next to
the barn and never got up. He could not raise his head and was very
weak.We knew it was time to let him go. He fought a battle with
cancer and had many surgeries to remove the cancer in various areas
of his body. He always bounced back after surgery. He was one of the
sweetest old horses, always ready to greet us and he would call out
to us when he seen us. He knew how much he was loved as we always
gave him a hug & kiss each time he came to see us. He was a huge fan
of senior feed and would follow us to the barn to make sure we did
not forget his special breakfast and supper each day. He loved to be
brushed. He would stand for hours not moving as long as someone
would brush him. He stood like a champion for the farrier. When we
would clean to horse stalls Gordie would stand and watch us on the
tractor waiting to get a hug. We would always stop and give him that
special hug that he asked for. He was a true joy to have at the
rescue and he will be greatly missed. We will never forget you our
sweet old man. Run Free now Gordie and we will meet again one day
our gentle old man.
This
gentle gelding was one of the 35+ horses that was removed during the
seizure we did in Carroll County, IA. He had the chance to learn
about love and trust with Harold & Beth in Iowa who foster many
horses of ours. Sadly shortly after he was removed from his previous
Owner he became very ill and we were unable to save him. He crossed
over Rainbow's Bridge but he will always be remembered and we are
very happy he passed knowing he was loved.
Madison Ann
I
came from a kill shelter. My abusers used me for a breeding dog and
I was a throw in (bait) for dog fights. I had my collar embedded in
my neck and I was full of hook worms. I was one of the lucky ones
that was saved. I spent the last two years as a forever resident at
Hooves & Paws Rescue. I was spoiled, pampered and very loved. One
day my legs stopped working and I was unable to walk. I passed away
peacefully in the arms of Bill & Genea. Until we meet again Maddie,
RIP sweet girl. You were very special to us and we will miss you.
Ellie - (30) Year Old Mule - Sweet
Ellie passed away and will be missed greatly by all her knew her.
She was loved by many people. She touched so many hearts. Sweet
Ellie passed away very peacefully while she slept in her area of the
barn. RIP sweet Ellie girl. Until we meet again.
Ellie's adoptive
family brought her back because she is to old to
ride and they can't provide for her. So Ellie is
looking for a place to retire and just be loved. If
you can provide a home for Ellie please contact us
at Hooves & Paws Rescue to meet Ellie in person.
When animals get older it is sometimes hard to place
them,but we feel the older animals are the sweetest
ones and they like all animals deserve a chance at
happiness regardless of their age.
We
received a call about Ellie a (30)year old Mule
owned by a 82 year old man with failing health. He
had Ellie for 20 years and his daughter told us
although he dearly loved her he could no longer care
for her. They told us they wanted Hooves & Paws
Rescue to help them place Ellie to make sure she
found the perfect home to live her life out. We are
very happy to report that we found Ellie her forever
home with a family in Glenwood, IA. Although Ellie's
Owner is going to miss her, he & his family are very
pleased she found a family to love her and care for
her.
This is Ellie with her former Owner
getting some petting time. We are very happy we
could help Ellie find her forever home. Be happy
Ellie. You are one of the lucky ones.
December 2010 - Ellie has been
adopted by Phil & Jo Brown in Glenwood, IA.
Phil & Jo are one of our wonderful foster homes and
they have helped us since the day we opened our
doors at Hooves & Paws Rescue. They are both angels
and care deeply about animals. They they are always
here to help us in any way that they can. We thank
them for that. Ellie will live her life out with
Phil, Jo and their family. You are a lucky little
Mule Ellie.
Joshua
We
are very sad to share with everyone that Josiah has crossed over
Rainbow's Bridge. His time with Harold & Beth was short. But while
he was in his new home he learned about love, lots of good food and
tons of kisses. He was a sweet horse who came to us as many do
unloved and unwanted. But we are thankful he knew peace in his life
before passing with his adoptive family. That is so important after
having a tough start in life. Until we meet again Josiah, RIP angel.
Memories of how you came to us. This was the first time Josiah had
his hooves done in over a year. He was perfect while having his feet
worked on. He was so thin and weak but stood like a champion. He
just knew he was safe and that is what matters when they come to us
to heal.
Jessie
This
evening at 6:30 p.m. Jessie, our great old man Appaloosa crossed
over Rainbow’s Bridge. Both Bill & I were with Jessie in his last
moments. He passed very peacefully while we were holding him and
talking to him. Jessie was strong willed, loved his senior feed,
would stand for hours to be brushed and loved attention. When we
would stop brushing him he would walk behind us and push us with his
head as if to say, please don't stop brushing me. He had many horse
buddies here at our Rescue. His best buddies were Little MayBelle, a
Mini Mare and Goober, a blind Quarter Horse. They all three shared
an area together and Jessie kept everyone in line. Jessie loved to
go out during the day in the big field and graze. So if the weather
was nice and not to hot or cold we would let Jessie out and he would
find his way slowly to the big field to spend his day grazing and
enjoying the sunshine. Each night we would go to get Jessie and put
him back in his area so he could rest, spend time with his buddies
and eat his senior feed. We are so happy Jessie had a chance to
spend his last years with us. He was truly a very sweet and
beautiful old man and we loved him with all of our hearts. He will
be greatly missed. RIP sweet Jessie. Do what you love most. Find a
big field to graze in where your days are filled with sunshine and
tall grass. Big kisses and gentle hugs to you Jessie until we meet
again.
We want to thank Diane & Mike for transporting Jessie to our Rescue
when we needed a helping hand getting him here. We also want to
thank Janet who sponsored Jessie each month. Janet's sponsorship
helped us provide senior feed each day to Jessie and also his
farrier work that was extensive due to his age.You were loved by many Jessie. Thank you for everything you taught
us and for loving us so much!
King
Sweet King Has Crossed Over Rainbow's Bridge-His
gentle spirit, kind soul and will to live will never be forgotten.
He is running now free of pain. We hope he looks down on all of us
and can teach us to be kind, gentle and enjoy each day as it was our
last. His life was short but the lessons he taught were many.
Although King was with us for a very short time, he touched our
hearts in so many ways. King came to us with a very severe eye
infection, and no matter what we did nothing seemed to help, and it
just kept getting worse. We had the Vet out on several occasions,
and twice tried stitching it. I cleaned his eye and face twice a
day, changed the fly mask every day, gave him several rounds of
antibiotics. Finally the vet performed a biopsy. Unfortunately the
biopsy revealed that he had squamous cell carcinoma, and was it was
not going to heal. He was such a sweet angel, he was so patient and
was such a wonderful boy through all we tried to do for him. He
especially looked forward to the special treats and the brushing. On
August 4, 2011 at 11:30 am he crossed over Rainbow's Bridge. He was
such a special horse, and I will always love him and have a special
place in my heart for him. I never will regret my time with him,
only that I didn't get to have him longer.
A huge thank you to the Duba's Family for loving Sweet King. This is
Deb & King, they were very good pals. King crossed over Rainbow's
Bridge knowing he was deeply loved and that is so important.
Chuck Has Crossed Over Rainbow's Bridge
Born March 20, 1992 - Passed Away December 11, 2011
AQHA Registered Name Charles Hackett "Chuck"
RIP My Sweet Angel
Today
was a very sad day at Hooves & Paws Rescue. When we went for our
morning feedings down to our horses we found "Chuck" had passed
away. Chuck will be greatly missed because of his gentle nature and
the many lives he touched. Chuck was donated to Hooves & Paws Rescue
in 2007 by a very nice family who knew we were looking for a gentle
riding horse to give lessons on. He gave rides to many young
children and adults who were just learning to ride. He was so
incredible and gentle and he was the best broke horse we have ever
owned.
When Chuck came to Hooves & Paws Rescue he meet AnnaBelle, one our
our rescued horses. From the first day they met Chuck never left
AnnaBelle's side. They were the best of buddies. Chuck seemed to
know that AnnaBelle suffered severe abuse before arriving at Hooves
& Paws Rescue and was still healing from that abuse. Chuck would
follow AnnaBelle everywhere she went & protect her. They truly loved
each other. I am sure Chuck is in heaven now doing what he loved to
do best and that was give gentle rides to those who love horses.
Remember to hug and love your animals each day because we never know
what tomorrow holds.
