2024 Angels

We thought he would be with us forever until he was diagnosed with cancer. Smokey was gone in six weeks and we lost a very special part of our family. He will always be missed and loved and never forgotten.

Smokey, you will remain in our hearts forever.

On November 23 I had to say goodbye to the best little companion I’ve ever known. Twelve years ago, I locked eyes with this beautiful 4-year-old girl while others crowded around kennels filled with kittens.

From day one, I misnamed her—Artemis (the goddess of the hunt)—when really, she was the perfect mix of love and sass. Her motherly instincts came to light when she warmed up to foster kittens, earning her the nickname Mama (or Mamacita), which stuck for the rest of her 16.5 years—and suited her so perfectly.

Her little body never quite agreed with being transported, so a move to Canada with me wasn’t in the cards. Fortunately, over the years she developed an incredible bond with my mom, training her to wake up early, serve the exact flavours of food she wanted, and establishing her own side of my mother’s bed- a true queen. 

The years of cuddles and love we shared were never going to be enough when it came time to say goodbye. I feel so grateful and lucky to have been part of her life. I know she’s sprawled out in the sunniest spot across the rainbow bridge, and I know I’ll get to squeeze her again one day.

We adopted Marley when he was just nine months old and he was part of our family for sixteen years. Despite his age, his sudden death took us by surprise and he will be missed beyond words. Marley never met another dog or person that he didn’t like. And everyone loved him right back. When he was young, he was crazy. He loved to climb through the fence and go running into the forest. He loved to swim in pools and swamps but disliked bath water or rain. Thunderstorms terrified him and he calmed himself down by eating anything in sight. Chicken, pizza, an entire salmon…he loved food. He and his brother Snoopy tag teamed for many years on their crazy adventures. One time, they ran off and ended up in the mental ward at INOVA Fairfax. There was the time, he knocked over my husband’s beer, drank it all and was completely drunk. Or the time he was jealous that Snoopy got pill pockets, so he chewed open the medicine container and ate a month’s worth of pain pills. After he had his stomach pumped, he got his own pill pockets, a special diet and couldn’t have been more thrilled. I told my husband that this dog is so crazy, he will die young. Thankfully, I was wrong.

When he started getting older, he still had his crazy episodes but not as much. The tumor in his leg started to grow when he was twelve but he handled it well. Sometimes, I would look at him and feel really sad that he couldn’t move as well anymore, ten minutes later Market had managed to climb into the kitchen island in search of some snack.

One of his favorite things were walks. For the longest time, we would get up Sunday morning and race out of the house together quietly- he understood to be quiet- before the other dogs would hear us. We walked together for an hour, just the two of us. I treasured it and was sad when I had to cut the walk about two years ago as it became harder for him. We just went on smaller and smaller rounds as time progressed, until we had to stop walking about four weeks ago. He was so upset I walked out the front door without him.
His favorite places were the couch until he couldn’t get up there anymore, his brown bed, hanging out on the deck in the sun and my office. Speaking of the deck, he buried hot dog buns in my flower pots and would regularly mess up my flowers when he went to check if his buns were still there.
Marley and I spent hours in my office while I was working. Until the very end, he would somehow manage to get there and just lie in his spot and wait for me.
Originally, he wanted my dog but he fought his way into my heart, he was my number 1 support when Snoopy died seven years ago, and eventually he became my shadow and constant companion. Last summer, we took him to Cape Cod. I’ve always wanted to see him swim in the ocean. He loved it. Although the first thing he had to do every time he went in the water was poop. But he swam and climbed in rocks. I treasure those memories. Sixteen years with him was a long time, many memories but in the end not enough. He will be missed greatly, by everyone, especially me. He was there before our children were born, he moved with us four times, the biggest move being cross-country from Utah to Virginia. I can’t imagine having this connection with another dog again like I had with him. He was a good boy and he loved us, our family. My only comfort right is knowing that he is no longer in pain.

Ellie was a rescue from our local animal shelter. We may have rescued her, but she was the greatest gift of our lives. She was a pointer mix that was extremely intelligent and inquisitive. She loved the outdoors and from the first day that we had her, she mastered climbing the fence to explore. Once she finished exploring, she always managed to find her way home. She loved to spend her days on the arm of the couch looking out of the window. She knew all of the neighbors, their kids, and their dogs. She enjoyed long walks with her daddy. We had 10 wonderful years with Ellie after her rescue. After a difficult battle with kidney failure, we had to make the painful decision to let her go. I will forever be grateful for the beautiful and peaceful transition that Dr. Gerard provided. She was so gentle and kind throughout the entire process. Your care for our baby girl will always be appreciated. With much gratitude!

He was the perfect golden retriever for us. He loved us so much, got himself into, more than a few, occasions of mischief, and loved walks with us. He’ll always have a special place in our hearts and memories. We’re grateful we got to spend over 13 years with him.

We were privileged to have Jerry for 4 years and 8 months. From the time we got him, Jerry was stone deaf and scrungly, with a benign mass on his side. And yes, he really did howl a lot, especially at inopportune times. But he just happy to be loved, and eventually spent his days 23/7 snoozing on his favorite blanket. Jerry and we were lucky, he was never sickly, not even at the end. His clock just slowly wound down, and he became more frail. Last week, he really seemed deflated, and out of energy. We knew it was time.

Rather than subject Baby J to a cat carrier, then a car ride, and then a vet office, we chose to help him pass at home. And how lucky we were. We are so, so, SO grateful to Dr. Girard. She could not have been more kind and comforting, both to Jerry and to our family. Baby J could not have had a more dignified and peaceful crossing.

Please, give yourself the wonderful experience of adopting an older pet. The rewards are many, and you will never regret it.

Pua left us peacefully at home five days ago, surrounded by her loving family, on the sofa she loved so much.

Pua was more than just a pet; she was a devoted, loving, and gentle giant. Her presence filled our home with warmth and unwavering loyalty. She had an incredible ability to love and guard her family, all while enjoying the simple pleasures of eating and sleeping. Pua’s friendly nature meant she never met a stranger she didn’t love, and her gentle soul touched the hearts of everyone she met.

She had a collar for every occasion, each one reflecting her unique personality. She adored spending time on the front porch, basking in the sun’s rays, and taking in the world around her. Her love for sunbathing and front porch sitting brought her great joy, and these moments will forever remain in our memories.

She will always be our cherished and gentle giant.

I knew I would miss you, but I never realized how many things would remind me of you every single day. I made a spot for you next to my bed, and Zoey is there waiting for you. My heart aches to have you home, but you will always be a part of me. You will always live in my heart. I miss you, Old Man.

Cain was simply the sweetest and best boy. We got him shortly after he turned one and we’re beyond fortunate to have him for almost 11 years.

Our son bought Piper for his fiance. He researched and found a mixed lab and pit. As a military serviceman, he wanted a loyal and protective companion for his wife while he was away on deployment. From the moment he adopted her, Piper knew here assignment. Unfortunately, their marriage ended in divorce and our son became a single dad to both Piper and his baby daughter. Piper and his daughter bonded immediately. Our son traveled with Piper, taking her wherever he went. Through his divorce and times when he thought about throwing in the towel, Piper remained steadfast by his side as his best friend and a constant reminder that he was needed, loved, and strong. She literally held him up at times. Then, came his next long deployment, for a minimum of ten months. Piper then came to live with us. In the beginning, it was meant to be temporary. However, we became so attached we could not let her go. With his military assignments keeping him in constant transition, it was decided that Piper should stay with us. Piper once again knew her assignment and embraced her duties with commitment and undeterred courage. She not only supported us as nonjudgmental best friend, she protected us and our son’s daughter through the next decade, ever the loyal companion and safeguarding comfort to our very souls. Our lives are measured out by our dogs, and Piper defines our decade of life in Winchester.

Buster was the sweetest boy. We rescued him 11 years ago. He had spent a month in a hospital recovering from wounds he endured in a North Carolina hellhole that bred dogs for the fighting ring. Buster wouldn’t fight, so they tied him up to be the ‘bait dog’. We teased that Buster was really a cat, because he seemed to have survived at lease 7-8 death defying accidents and was well into his 9th life. He was one good dog that served our family faithfully and well. He was a good companion to his ‘brother’ Wigley, and we all miss him terribly. He died peacefully and with dignity, and I will be forever grateful to Dr. Girard for making his passing worthy of such a great dog.

Chico came to us at 2 years old as an abandoned pet. He spent the next 15 years giving us an enormous amount of joy and pleasure. He was my personal shadow and a constant source of happiness to us both. Chico loved life and never met a stranger. He was a bright light in the world and a more loyal, loving pet, I can not imagine. Sadly, age played it’s somber part in his life and at 17 years old, we had to face a stern reality. We are immensely thankful to Doctor Girard for helping us say goodbye to our little ambassador of joy. Chico should have been a showman, he definitely left us wanting more.

My Sweet Charlie Girl ❤️❤️ loved and spoiled and now very missed! 14 and half years was not enough, but I know you were tired.

We got Chomper when he was 8 weeks old and he was a bundle of energy up until a few weeks before he passed over Rainbow Bridge. He loved being outside laying in the sun or snuggled up in he bed. He would always let us know when someone was outside of our home and barked constantly if they came in the home before being introduced to him… then he’d settle down (most of the time.. lol). Between the age of 3 and 7, he found it to be a game in the mornings when it was time to go into his crate as he would run around the house not wanting to be caught. He enjoyed our weekend trips to our river lot. Most Shiba Inu’s hate water, but not Chomper. He would stand out in the rain. He was one of a kind and will be truly missed.

Ember was the sweetest soul, the best cuddler, and always everyone’s friend. She was so loved and will be missed terribly.

Adopted at about 2 years old from a rescue in NC and was my sweet fur-baby for 14 years. She was a diva, loving her clothes and her jewelry, aka, her collar and tags. I could not have asked for a better companion. I love her dearly and miss her terribly.

Our sweet Princess Leia passed away peacefully on Wednesday. She was an amazing, loveable pupster, who was always up for cuddling and playing with her family and anyone else for that matter. She loved to sit on the arm of our couch and survey her domain. Princess Leia was in charge of making sure the throw blankets in the house were arranged properly. We will miss her so much. We thank Dr. Girard for making it possible to have her final moments at home, surrounded by her family who loves her so very dearly.

Fourteen years ago, my daughter and I met Phin at a rescue shelter in Roanoke, VA. We had recently lost our sweet rescue lab, Harry, and my daughter wanted to just spend some time walking a dog. Phin jumped into our laps and our hearts without reservation; within days, he officially adopted us! Phin was exactly what our family needed! He was a constant source of calm for my daughter, always snuggling with her and helping himself to her socks, stuffed animals, and snacks! My son would often “kidnap” Phin and bring him to JMU for a few days. Phin was a favorite on campus and loved all of the attention and late-night snacks! My husband and Phin shared a love of vanilla cookies and peanut butter as an after-dinner snack and reward for lots of “supervising” while my husband worked in the yard. For me, Phin was my running partner, my traveling buddy, and my cuddler. He was my “favorite child” and the only one who grew up and didn’t move out! Phin was a sweet and loving dog, despite the rough start he had in life. We were always amazed at how gently he would approach people; if offered food from someone’s hand, he would wait for permission and then so gently nibble it. As Phin slowed down over the last year, we often laughed when he ran for his bed as soon as the sun went down. If we didn’t follow quickly, he would come back to look for us and nudge us toward the bedroom since he deemed it was time for bed! Though my heart is broken to say goodbye for now, I know that Phin is chasing deer and enjoying lots of peanut butter and cookies with Harry over the rainbow bridge! He will always be my best boy <3