We Remember "Simba"

April 10, 2011

Our thanks to the Saper Family for this beautiful memorial tribute.

I will miss you more than I can say.  You were a loving, loyal, affectionate friend who was always by my side.  Our time was too short but I loved every minute I had with you.  You warmed my heart and filled our house with joy.  I hope I gave you the best life a dog could ask for.  I will miss you, my dear baby boy, and I hope in some way you will stay with me.  I hope my tears will turn to a smile when I think of you.  I loved you with all my heart.

Love,  Your Mommy, Papa, na na, Aaron

A special thank you to Skycrest Animal Clinic for all your special care you gave my baby.

We Remember "Skates"

On March 21, 2011, my best friend Skates lost his fight with cancer.   Found as a stray on the  Chicago streets, I adopted him almost 9 years ago.  I gave him a warm, comfortable home and he returned my love many times over.  Oh how he loved his rides in the truck with his head out the window, taking in all the sites.  Oh how he loved to chase his tennis balls and return them for another toss with the Chuck-it.  Oh how he loved to greet me after work when I got home.  On that last day, he could no longer do any of his fun activities and I knew it was time to say goodbye.  The staff at Skycrest made it peaceful as he took his last breath with my arm around him.  IF TEARS COULD BUILD A STAIRWAY AND MEMORIES A LANE,  I WOULD WALK RIGHT UP TO HEAVEN AND BRING YOU BACK HOME.  Rest in peace my best friend and I will see you at Rainbow Bridge, where we will again be back together.

Our thanks to T. Malmquist for this beautiful memorial tribute.

We Remember "Aussie"

2000 - 2010

Aussie, you will be surely missed, for you, as the underdog, you always brought a smile into our lives.  Your quiet demeanor and loving tenderness always touched our families heart.  We will think of you always as you rest under our pine trees to forever run in and play in our yard.  Your are now with your brothers and sisters in heaven, Colt, Jessie, Cassidy, Chappie, and Cheyenne.  I know you are with your Creator and mine, Jesus Christ, who is now enjoying your company as you sit at his feet at his throne.

A righteous man cares for the needs of his animals.

Proverbs 12:10

Thank you Lord, for allowing our family to enjoy our dog Aussie, as your beautiful gift.  May you rest in peace in heaven.

Love the Hoffman's

We Remember

"Romeo"

1993-2010

"Romeo" Fisher was the best little doggy anyone could ever wish for.  He gave unconditional love to anyone and everyone, especially his owner and Dr. Shears. Romeo loved both of them very much.  He is missed very much by his family and we miss him sooooo much!   

Kisses and hugs Romeo . . . we miss you.  Your loving family <3 <3 <3 <3 <3

Our thanks to Stephanie Patsas for sharing this beautiful memorial tribute.

Thank you Jason and Sherrie Deacon

for this sweet tribute and photographs of your beloved dog.

"Cody"     October 20th, 1999 – January 5, 2010

My wedding present to my husband turned out to be the best present I have ever had.  Our big, beautiful, loving boy Cody.  He loved the outdoors, fishing, hiking, boating, the dog park ... anywhere we went Cody was all too happy to join us.  He had a special bond with “Daddy” cause they did all the “boy-stuff” but when he came inside, he was my loving little boy who couldn’t get close enough to me.

Cody was a great brother to Maxine, Raffle and Addison.  From 8 weeks of age, he challenged us with his sense of fun and desire to rule the house.  He was one of the happiest dogs we’ve known -- loved all people and animals.  Even when he was sick, he put on a happy face.  So much so, that we didn’t know he was sick.  It was too late when we found out, and now he is with his loving sister Maxine at the Rainbow Bridge. 

Our thanks to Laura Hahn

for this beautiful memorial tribute.

It’s an awful decision to make, but he helped us make it.  His eyes said “I’ve lived a great life and been there for you through all of it; please help me now in my time of need”. 

Our hearts are heavy due to the loss of Cody but grateful for the warm hearts of our two favorite Doctors.  Dr. Locke was so compassionate during the diagnosis (and was correct, after just taking one look at him), and Dr. Wojcik went out of her way to help us send Cody to the Rainbow Bridge.  We are grateful to know them and happy to think of them as friends, not just our Doctor.

Cody and Maxine are playing together at the Rainbow Bridge.  He was greeted by his big sister and knowing that makes things a little easier.  We will always love and miss him but know he is in good company.

“Buckeye”
2004 - 2009

Thank you Char and Denny Cook for this sweet tribute and photograph of your wonderful dog.

Rusty  2000 - 2009

Our beloved Rusty walked across the Rainbow Bridge after 8 years of loving companionship with us.  While it is a very sad time, his pain and suffering came to an end.  Up to the very last moment, he was his usual spirited self, getting his last “cookie” and waiting for his Mom to be close by his side.  We will forever miss Our Best Boy and the joy he always provided us through the years.

A very special and sincere “Thank You” to Dr. Wilner and the entire staff at Skycrest who were always there to provide loving care to Rusty and support to us, just as if he was their own.

Our thanks to Kevin & Kathie Corrigan for this memorial tribute.

“Elmo”
Skates Trugrip Elmo’s Luck
September 12th 1995 - September 15th 2008

We miss you and think of you often. You were a wonderful, loving and faithful friend. You were always there for us, giving of yourself to the fullest.  You kept us laughing with your weird “Staffy talk”, playing soccer with your ball or lounging in your swimming pool. You had a full life and gave us so much joy.  You were the loving mate to “Zoë”, father to our little girl “Herky Lou”, and a mentor to all the other animals in our lives.

You were a friend to all who met you; the people where I worked in a large community center, your cast mates in the play “Oliver”, the acquaintances you met on the street, and especially your doctors and their staff.  Everyone who met you thought you were a unique special guy.  Your body gave out before your spirit and you were ready to go play under the Rainbows in the Sky. We wish we were as ready for you to go as you were. We will love you forever.  Thank you so much for all you gave us. Good bye our best friend. Good bye. “Everybody loved the Moeboy!”

Connie, Butch, Jenn, Laura and Andy
Zoë, Herky Lou, Romeo, Monster and Camo

Thank you Jenny and Dana Merritt for giving us the opportunity to enjoy such a wonderful dog.

Wiley  "Mr. Coyote"
January, 2003 - December 12, 2008

You came to us sick, frail and scared.  We gave you a good home and the love and care that you needed.  In return, you gave us love, laughs, comfort and companionship.  We only had 15 months with you and wish we would have had more time, but you are with Cheyenne and the rest of the family now in God's hands.  No more sickness; just lots of playing now. Some day we will all meet at that Rainbow Bridge and boy will it be crowded!  Until then, do whatever it is that you do there and know that you are so loved and missed by your family and friends!  Thank you for your unconditional love.  You will forever be in our hearts.  Our thanks goes out to Drs. Shears and Wojick for your care and concern for our Boy.

Our thanks to Lori McClure for this memorial tribute

Maxine: May 14th,1996 - December 5th,  2008

Maxine, you were loved even before you were born and we eagerly awaited your arrival in 1996.  From the day we first laid eyes on you, your intelligence, grace and sense of humor made us happy.  The way you smiled, the funny way you talked to us, your excitement when we went to the dog park, the nightly ritual of leading us to the "special treats" for a bed time snack, were just part of your charm. 

You mothered, taught and even scolded your little "brothers" and me.  If there was one thing for sure, you always got your way.  You were the queen of the house and you are missed every minute of every day. 

The house seems empty now. It seems that I see your face out of the corner of my eyes every so often and for a moment I think you are still here coming over for a head rub.  You will always be my first child and missed for the rest of our days.  We love you forever. . .   Someday I will hold you again at the Rainbow Bridge.

Our thanks to Richard and Laura Hahn for this memorial tribute

Shadow Horton-8/25/83 to 9/25/08

best friend of Tom and Wendy Horton

She came to us at 12 years old, not knowing how long she'd stay. We are so glad God blessed us and gave us 3yrs and 1 month, and you left this world knowing you were loved.  Don't pass by those magic blessings in life - they are God's gift to us.  You were truly a gift and will be missed.

I WISH I WAS THERE

I wish I was there, when your ears were too big for your head.

When you had "puppy breath" and paws the size of bowling balls that didn't match your tiny body.

I wish I was there when you stole shoes, and barked at leaves falling on the ground.

I wish I had been there so you knew how to run and play and have fun.

I wish I could have spoiled you with car rides and pieces of hamburger under the table.

I wish I had been there to save you from someone who didn't know how to love you or care for you.

I wish I could wipe away those 12 years, where you were just a dog and not a member of the family.

But, I'm glad I was there, to bring you "home" and give your tired old body a place by the fire, on a big, way too expensive bed.

I'm glad you finally knew what it felt like to have someone touch you and kiss your head good-night.

I'm glad we didn't the fact that you were "old" keep us from experiencing some of the best days of our lives, and even if your time with us was short, I'm so glad you blessed our hearts with your presence. I feel better having known you and for sticking by you as the years took your youth. And if I had it to do all over again, I'd still choose to bring a 12 year old, half blind, half deaf, lame junk yard Shepherd DOG to join our pack. In fact, I wouldn't have missed it for the world.

WE WILL MISS YOU OLD GOAT . . .

Shadow Horton 9/25/2008

We Remember Cheyenne

April 22, 1994- January 10, 2008

She was a like a gentle giant, not a bad bone in her body. Her outsides were fine but her insides stopped working and we had to make the humane decision to let you go, the look in your eyes told me so, and how hard that has been . You are very much loved by family and friends and missed as well. God has you now, you are young again, running and playing pain free the way you should be.

One day we will meet again at "The Rainbow Bridge" until then, have fun and do what dogs do. you made so many people happy with your unconditional love, and you will always hold a piece of our hearts. We love and miss you!!! Thanks go out to Doc. & Dr.'s Shear and Wojcik for your care and compassion that you gave to her all of her 13 1/2 years.

God Bless You . . .  All our love Lori & Bill McClure

Jake   1992-2007

"I thought of you with love today but that is nothing new.  I thought about you yesterday and the days before that too.  I think of you in silence, I often speak your name.  All I have are memories, and your picture in a frame.  Your memory is my keepsake with which I'll never part.  God has you in his keeping, I have you in my heart."

Our thanks to Jamie for this tribute.

PRINCESS BERGSTROM  1995 ~ 2007

Princess was truly a Most Royal Cat.

Her Highness ruled our entire habitat.

She'd enter the kitchen with an imperial, "Meow,"

That was our command to put down her chow.

When I'd sit on the sofa, she would jump on my lap

And settle in my arms for a warm, cozy nap.

She'd then visit Mother, and snuggle with a purr

While curling herself into a round ball of fur.

She stared deep in our eyes, with a tender, "Miew"

That said, "I just adore you - through and through."

If I'd lie on the floor she would climb on my chest

To tell me she thought we both should rest.

Crouching on her haunches, with twitching tail,

She could get our attention without any fail.

Princess was surely the essence of royalty

Who earned from her subject eternal loyalty.

She served us both in so many way

And spread her joy to her final days.

We lost her today -- to our deepest sorrow,

And we'll pay her tribute on every tomorrow.

Now she's in Cat Heaven, hopefully feeling better.

But you can be sure, we'll never forget her.

"What lies behind us and what lies before us are

tiny matters compared to what lies within us "

I miss you so much Micah.

Sam

February 14, 2000 - November 26, 2005

Sam had a heart as big as himself.  He touched so many people; a true gentle giant. We are proud to have been owned by him for 5 1/2 years.  They just weren't enough!  Our special thanks goes out to Dr. Kristin Wojcik, who was always there for Sam in life and there for all of us when he left.

Sam's Baby Picture

Our thanks to Ginny Carter for this tribute to "Sam"

In Loving Memory of Jake

July 17, 1997 – December 12, 2005

Goodbye our beloved Jake.  Please forgive us for the decision we made.  We hope you understand that it broke our hearts.  We know you were so tired and lost your spirit.  We try to reassure ourselves you are in a better place, but we wish everything could have been different and that you were still here with us. 

You left a huge gap in our lives.  We saw your paw prints in the snow but you are not here.  We hurt but know that you are no longer hurting.  You were strong and kind, gentle and loving.  You loved us all unconditionally.  We miss you so much. 

You will live in our memories and hearts until we meet again one day.  We love you Jake.  Thank you Dr. Shears and all our friends at Skycrest for the loving care you gave Jake and to help him cross over the Rainbow Bridge.

Love your family and friends.

Our thanks to Dan & Anne Hangren for Jake's Memorial

We Remember Isaac

"Isaac" was once a clinic cat at Skycrest Animal Clinic, but was later adopted by Dan Baker and Kellie McKane, a Veterinary Technician at Skycrest. 

Isaac was in optimum shape considering that he lived with FIV, but he succumbed too early because of an unrelated heart condition.

The following poem is dedicated to Isaac who will be missed by all of us who knew and loved him.

For Isaac

Raspy meow alarm clock

Demanding fresh Innova,

Prancing fast across my chest

He was no Cassanova.

Isaac breath wake up call

Stronger than a coffee,

He flees now to the kitchen

As the crying gets more bossy.

Scooping from the can

Barely get my hands free,

Thankful glances mouthful

As he's looking up at me.

Retire to his little bed

For hours he would lay,

What I wouldn't give

To wake from him today.

~ Dan Baker

Teddy

His name was "Theodor Liaqutis' Senior Evans", but we called him "Teddy".  He was a great friend and loved to surf the web with his me. 

For the 6 years we had him, our lives were changed forever.  His best friend, "Jake", misses him the most, but his name still lives on with "Junior". 

If you meet "Junior", then you will have met "Teddy".

Our thanks to Stan Evans for Teddy's memorial

Lexi

We were blessed to have Lexi with us for 7 1/2 years.  Unfortunately, she was taken from us too quickly by cancer.  She was a beautiful, sweet dog who wouldn't hurt a fly.  We miss her kisses and her constant companionship.  We hope she is running around chasing rabbits, waiting until we can be together again.

Our thanks to Marjorie Sher for Lexi's memorial

Casey

Casey was the BEST Lab anyone could ask for!  She got along with everyone and just wanted to be with people.  She was a real sweetheart. 

Due to heart and lung problems, we had to say goodbye to Casey. 

She will always be in our hearts and in our memories.

Our thanks to Casey's family for her memorial 

Max

Dr. Wojcik helped Max to cross over the Rainbow Bridge last September.  Max was a great friend and companion to his entire family. 

Although Max had a heart problem, his heart was always full of love and loyalty.

Our thanks to Michael Casavant for Max's memorial