In Memory

We received the email below from Jake’s mom Chrisi.  All of us at AFH send our condolences on her loss.

About 11 years ago I adopted Jake Love.  He was a poodle/bichon mix.  I wanted to let you know what a light he was in my life.  He passed this week at 17 ½ years old.

He arrived a shy and scared dog with one toy – his pink donut.  Over the years he had a received a new knee and had two bladders surgeries and all with a big waggy smile on his face!  Nothing got this little guy down.  He loved his stuffed monkey and cat toy mice were his faves!  Jake was a snuggler, neighborhood watcher and cookie muncher.

I want to thank you for allowing me to be part of his life for so many years.  He brought sunshine and smiles with him everywhere he went.  I’ve attached a couple of pictures for you.  He was loved!

Chrisi R, Jake’s mom

All of us at AFH send our condolences on the loss of Max.  What a cutie pie!

It is with sadness that we send this message to let you know we had to say goodbye to our sweet little Max two weeks ago. We adopted Max from A Forever Home just over five years ago, when Max was about 8 years old and had been under the foster care of Mary Beth for about 4 months. Mary Beth actually gave Max his name (he was listed as Gizmo on your site), and we agreed that it suited him and kept it. Max had come from a hoarder home and so he was a little aloof with us at first. But we gave him lots of love, care, and patience, and we were overjoyed as he transformed in his forever home, learning to love being around people and regaining his confidence. Max had some health issues while he was with us, but that never kept him from being a happy, goofy little guy that loved his daily walks, his stuffed toys, lots of treats, and resting on a comfy pile of blankets or cuddled up in his little bed. We are thankful that Max was able to have a wonderful final week, as there was a cool break in the weather and so he was able to really enjoy his morning walks, which were always his favorite time of day. During that final week we gave him so much love and plenty of treats and cookies, and he responded to each of us with tender moments of gratitude and appreciation. He was the first dog we ever brought into our home, and we got to spend an amazing five years with him.

Thank you for all the work that you do in finding homes for dogs like Max.

With warm regards,

James & Meghan G

Ella joined our family in the summer of 2007 when we adopted her from A Forever Home, a rambunctious 10-month old who never lost her puppiness. We had to say goodbye to our beloved pet this week after she suddenly became very ill. Surgery would have bought her just a few extra weeks. We couldn’t put her through that. The sweetest dog in the world was our best friend for 11 years. Surrounded by her human pack, she slipped off peacefully. We didn’t think it possible to feel this sad. Coming home to a house where no tail is thumping against a wall or door to affirm our existence is going to take some getting used to.

Ella lived with abundant joy. She never let us forget how happy she was to have beds and sofas and pillows to sleep on, a big back yard to run around in, and a doggy door so she could set her own run-and-sniff schedule. She treated every meal like a feast, hugged us, kissed us, followed us like a shadow. My kids grew up with a buddy who loved them generously and unconditionally. Ella taught them about kindness and friendship, patience and tolerance. How lucky we were to have been found by such a sweet, soft, ancient soul.

Jo, Dan, Josh, and Shoshana

We adopted Dot from A Forever Home Rescue Foundation in August 2007. She was about one and a half years old and had been fostered for several months by Jen Bergland. On July 26, 2017, after ten happy years as the canine queen of our household, Dot passed away. She’s been gone for more than a year, and we wanted to write this sooner but it was too painful. Dot was truly unique. She was a seven-pound Boston Terrier who suffered from dwarfism and many other genetic abnormalities, including severely bowed rear legs. I know there was some difficulty finding the right home for her because she was so delicate and needed some extra TLC. However, to us, she was perfect. She loved going to the park, snuggling with her people, playing with her beloved pink ball, and visiting my nonagenarian parents at their assisted living apartment, where she was a star. Dot had a wonderful, plucky yet sweet attitude despite her various disabilities. She’d had a bad start in life but thankfully was taken in by A Forever Home Rescue Foundation. Thank you for rescuing her, and thank you for letting us have her. We will love her until the end of time and look forward to seeing her again one day when we, too, cross the bridge.

-The Hearth family

I got Kaia from A forever Home in May of 2005 and had her for 13 years. Kaia was a Basset Beagle mix and a small, mostly white dog with some brown and black spots. I was going through a difficult period in my life and Kaia came to me as a God send. She was the best dog I could have ever hoped for, so undemanding and not ever any trouble. She never chewed things up or ruined anything in my home. She loved to climb up on my lap on the sofa and just cuddle. We would go for long walks until arthritis got to her joints. Kaia liked nothing better then to just laze around! In August of 2017 she was diagnosed with congestive heart failure. She was given 12- 18 months to live. Fortunately for both of us 2 weeks after her diagnosis, I moved to a single level home from my 3 level town home, which was already in the works. She was so happy, cause no more stairs for her to climb! I so looked forward to her enjoying our new home, but unfortunately within 9 months her condition deteriorated pretty badly. I had to put her down on May 3rd, 2018. My daughter and I were devastated and it broke my heart. She was my little buddy, my baby and my companion for 13 years. I miss and think of Kaia every single day and there is a big void in my heart.

Thank you A Forever Home for giving me my Kaia.

I adopted Mickey from AFH in 2009 when he was just 13 weeks old. Best decision I ever made. It is with a huge hole in my heart that I let you know he suddenly passed away on Tuesday from complications with mast cell tumors. I had hoped he would be able to beat them but sadly this was not the case. I want to thank the organization for allowing me to adopt Mickey and for all the love and care they gave him before he came home with me. Mickey has been such a wonderful best friend and I am absolutely devastated over this loss. Thank you for everything that you do and thank you for rescuing Mickey. He truly was the light of my life and such an incredible dog.

Laura just wrote to tell us about Teddy.  All of us at AFH send our condolences on her loss.

Sadly we lost Teddy on August 17th due to complications with Mast Cell Tumors.  He was a very good friend and will be deeply missed.  A big thank you to A Forever Home for bringing him into our lives.

Best Regards, Laura

Merlin C just wrote to tell us that Doby went to the Rainbow Bridge.

All of us at AFH extend our condolences and want to thank Merlin for giving Doby a wonderful life.

In April of 2008 we adopted our beloved Doby. Sadly, we had to let him cross the rainbow bridge on July 23. Our hearts are broken.  We lost our wonderful devoted, loyal companion. We are grateful Doby gave us the opportunity to be his family.  He chose us during the adoption – he kept coming back to us until we took him home. He was happy, loving, caring, and he always let us know he loved us. You will forever be in our hearts and memories my precious little one.

Thank you A Forever Home for bringing our beloved Doby into our lives.

Merlin C

Joan S. just wrote to let us know that Daisy crossed the Rainbow Bridge.  All of us at AFH send our condolences on her loss.

I adopted Daisy from AFH over 12 years ago.  Sadly I lost her suddenly this past weekend to a mast cell tumor that had spread throughout her body.  I am happy that I noticed she was not feeling well and managed to get her to the hospital before she began suffering severe pain.  She had checkups every 6 months, ate the best food; I spared no expense to keep her happy and healthy because she deserved it.  So I am pretty devastated to lose her so suddenly.  Until the very last minute she was wagging her tail and giving people thank you kisses – just with a little less enthusiasm since she didn’t feel well.  Daisy was one of the “rainbow litter” that was out at the Equestrian Center near me in Leesburg.  Once I made the commitment we did everything together – obedience classes, agility, traveled across country and up to Nova Scotia for 6 weeks.  She was my best buddy, my traveling partner and made every day of my life better.  She is the spirit of this property where we moved together in 2008.  She popped out of flower beds, chased squirrels and deer and sat for hours listening to baby birds in the bird houses as they arrived.  She also became the face of The Kenyan Collection because she was so willing to pose and looked beautiful in everything.  I announced her passing on our FB page this weekend since everyone got to know her through our ads and posts.  The response was kind and comforting – we have a great fan base of discerning dog lovers who are more like extended family.  I walked into a local bakery today and the girl behind the counter said “How are Daisy and Jackson?”  I didn’t recognize her at first but she said she came to know me from an obedience school years ago and that Daisy and Jackson were rather unforgettable.  Daisy certainly was unforgettable.  Jackson loved her and is having a hard time with her gone.  She left him food every day in her bowl and even this morning he walked over to her bowl and licked it.  We will miss her terribly but wanted to thank you and AFH for giving me the opportunity and privilege  to care for and love Daisy.

Hello,

In May 2008 my family adopted a dog from you all – his name was Toby Todd (Todd on your website, but his foster mom called him Toby, so he became Toby Todd to us!). Sadly, Toby was diagnosed with anal sac adenocarcinoma back in March. We put him down on Monday, June 11th…We are so lucky to have been Toby’s forever home! He is missed every day.

Sincerely, Melissa

Dear A Forever Home,

We adopted Ellie from you in July 2008; she was part of Peaches’ litter and we kept her name. Ellie was a high energy, slightly neurotic, gentle, sweet natured dog and the love of our lives…She passed away on Friday July 6 after a long battle with degenerative myelopathy. She was the best family dog ever!  We are so grateful to have had her in our lives for the past 10 years. Thank you to A Forever Home for bringing us together:)

Michelle just wrote to tell us about losing her beloved Lady.  All of us at AFH send our condolences to her and her family.

I’m sad to report that Lady AKA Our Forever Lady (named after AFH) has crossed the rainbow bridge this morning. I am so grateful to have had her in my life and it’s all because AFH rescued her. Thank you from the bottom of my heart for bringing my sweet girl to my life.

In 2005, we adopted our Zoe from A Forever Home when she was six weeks old.  Our family loved her unconditionally through the ups and downs of her 13 years with us. There is no doubt that her love for us was also unconditional.  Thank you A Forever Home for allowing us to share Zoe’s life.

Sadly, we lost our girl on Saturday, March 17th.

In December of 2005 I adopted Angie from your rescue. My german shepherd mix pup and I went on many adventures and went through a lot together. A year ago she was diagnosed with cancer but defied the odds. Last Saturday she fell asleep in her bed at home and never woke up. The vet figured she was about 16 years old.

I wanted to thank your oranization for giving me the opportunity to love Angie for the past 12 years.

Sincerely,

Cari

We were so lucky to have adopted Jason from you about 12 years ago. We kept his original name because my kids said we had to keep his original name.

Jason crossed over the bridge yesterday at the age of 14. He gave us so much love and life!  Everyone who met him called him the gentle giant. He leaves behind a much loved family and furry bro Champ aka Darwin (another afh adoption).

Thank you for taking care of these animals and bringing their awareness to our community. We will be looking on the webpage on the next coming weeks for another friend to join our pack!

The Curran Family

I was fortunate enough to adopt Bailey from A Forever Home over 15 years ago. You put her in my arms at an adoption event in Chantilly and I fell in love. A couple of weeks ago I had to let my favorite and faithful companion go. Cancer and time had taken its toll. We had such a wonderful and adventurous life together. She loved swimming, playing tug of war, visiting with her canine neighbors, trolling for treats, and most of all me. We travelled to Texas, the Carolinas, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and New York together and while she didn’t love the long trips she never wanted to miss a ride in the car. Bailey always stopped to smell the flowers and it reminded me to slow down and enjoy the simple moments. Thank you A Forever Home for bringing us together!

About 5 years ago, my family adopted a puppy from your organization, named Harmony. I regret to inform you that we had to putHarmony to sleep Sunday night…she had developed cancer…She was so special, and she loved so fully, she brought us tremendous joy. She is greatly missed, by myself, my husband, our three boys, and her fur sister, Indie. Here is one of my favorite pictures of her. She is on my bed, where she loved to snuggle her whole body with me. She hated having her picture taken, but that never stopped me from trying.

Hi there, we adopted a puppy from you about 14 years ago and we wanted you to know that after 14 wonderful years with him, we laid him to rest a few weeks ago.  With the help of a wonderful vet, he skirted death twice during his life time – about six years ago, he developed severe liver disease and almost passed away; we and the vets nursed him back to health and together we managed the disease for the remainder of his (high quality) life, and then about a year ago his spleen had to be removed.  He was a wonderful, wonderful family member, and we miss him greatly.   But we wanted you to know that one of your adoptees had a full, loving life.

Here is a pic of my husband Mike and Skittles on the day of his passing.  We loved him so much.

Kevin H just wrote to tell us about losing Zeus.  All of us at AFH send our condolences and want to thank him for giving Zeus a wonderful life.

I have been meaning to write for a few weeks. Our 13 year old rescue, Zeus, has passed on as of January 15, a few weeks shy of his 14th birthday. 

In May 2004, we went furniture shopping at the Room Store in Chantilly. Next door at Petco, there was a Forever Home adoption going on. We went to “look.” That was it. We had two dogs at home already. We didn’t need a third, especially because we were moving in two month and getting married. We had a lot going on. 

The dogs and puppies were adorable at Petco. As we left, we heard someone say “They’re bringing the Mastiff’s in soon.” We stayed.

We ended up adopting one of three brothers who were rescued from a kill shelter in WV. The dogs were originally named Ricky, Stevie, and Bobby. AFH renamed them Samson, Noble, and Zeus. They were Bull Mastiff/Boxer mixes. Two of the three brothers were brought in and were in the prospective owner’s laps immediately. We brought home Zeus a few weeks later after we finally decided to make it a three-some. We were never sure of his DOB so we assumed it was around Feb. 1, and always celebrated him on that date. 

He grew to 125 lbs at his heaviest and probably died close to 100 lbs. He was the healthiest dog we have ever owned and had not been to the vet for the last six years of his life until his final few weeks, when we went in twice. He was the alpha, without a doubt. The two dogs he moved in with died in 2007 and 2011. As he was getting older, we bought another Mastiff from a breeder in Warrenton. Zeus and his little sister Agnes (now 174 lbs) got along well. Next came Ethel, another English Mastiff and we were three again. We added Gus a few months ago and were up to four. 

As our dogs have gotten older, we have introduced a new dog so they have each other to play with. 

Zeus was a wonderful dog. His boxer side gave him a lot of energy and playfulness. He got along so well with our boxer/pit mix who was three years his senior but was taken too soon in 2007. My wife was a second grade teacher in Fairfax for a few years and I used to drive Zeus to her Vienna school where the kids would crowd around this large dog and pet him and hug him during recess. We did that a number of times. 

He loved walking. He was a great burglar alarm too, saving us from the UPS man, Fed Ex, postman and numerous solicitors. When he became a senior, he became dog aggressive. We walked away from other dogs and he didn’t have any play dates, unfortunately. When we introduced a new dog to our pack, it took a few weeks for him to warm up but he did eventually. 

We sleep with our dogs. While we had steps to get onto the bed because of our mini-pin, every night Zeus would jump onto the top corner of the bed where I slept and lay there by me. It was the best part of my day and still is when the dogs join us. One night the bed couldn’t take the pressure. Zeus lept up and broke the bed. The side rail broke at the corner where he jumped. I got the car jack from outside, jacked up the bed and went to sleep. I don’t think Zeus moved the whole time. 

He spent most of his last year in pain and on three legs. He hurt his knee at some point and could put little and then no weight on it. But he would eat, drink and go outside regularly. He rarely played with his brothers and sisters but would try. In the end there was too much pain. Getting up was too difficult and there was a lot of carrying outside and I helped him up the stairs for about a year.

He was a wonderful dog from a wonderful organization. He is shown here relaxing in one of his favorite spots at our house in Aldie. This was probably from 2012. He would have been 8 at this point. 

Thank you all for the wonderful work you do.