In Memory

Cherie S just wrote to tell us that her beloved Reba crossed Rainbow Bridge.

I just wanted to reach out to this Foundation to let you know I had the best 19 years of my life because of you. I adopted a Blue heeler/Catahoula mix puppy from a foster in your organization years ago. I had convinced the foster that even though I lived in an apartment at the time, my son and I could give that pup a better life than the older couple with the huge house and big back yard she was slated to go to because I also owned a horse, worked at the boarding stable and cattle farm on weekends, and rode daily – that the pup would live a life that her breeding was meant to do… and she did! I was lucky that AFH understood the difference in the life styles and I was the lucky one that took her home.

We gave her the name Reba, and she was the most loyal, loving, brave dog I would ever know. My son, husband and I were honored to have been her family for almost 20 years. The last 8 of those years she lived with us on our own little farm where she was the reigning Queen over all our animals. She gave me so many wonderful memories and so many glorious stories to tell. They would amaze you!

A few years ago, I started the process of finding a great mobile vet to come to our farm as Reba had white coat phobia. I knew I didnt have many more years with her and wanted a vet and my girl to have a comfortable report before the end was near. I knew that when the day came when she would look at me and let me know she was ready and that she would be okay on the rainbow bridge, I did not want her to have a moment of fear.

Last Friday, Dr. Redmond came to the house. He arrived at our home at 10:15a.m. and stayed with us til 1:45 or so. He has the kindest manner about him, a true heart and compassion for animal and owner. He let us move in our own time… saying our final goodbyes.

Thank you for the best dog ever, we had a great run me and Reba. Now my heart must mend. I know she is running free on that bridge. I know she will wait for me when my time comes and that is greatest comfort to know she will come running back to me.

Cherie S.

I was going to write this soon after we put my beautiful girl down, but I was overcome with so many emotions and could never write fully what I wanted. First off, I need to thank A Forever Home for giving us this beautiful girl.

We got Penny, who’s name was Gladys when we adopted her, in September of 2005. We had to wait until December of that year but we were more than willing to wait. She had a personality like no other dog I could explain. She was very independent, marched to the beat of her own drum, and it was Penny’s world and we were all just living in it. She would stay outside for as long as she wanted, “sunbathing” as I would tell people. She was always just a grumpy old lady even when she was younger, but you couldn’t help but love her.

She began not eating and we thought it was because she missed my mom who was on a business trip. Her eating habits did not change when my mom returned and they told us she had a tumor in her spleen,…We decided to take her home to have her for one more night, so she could be spoiled and smothered with love and rubs. She passed away surrounded by all of us on September 22nd, 2018. Before we put her down, she came to each of us, looked in our eyes and sniffed us, as if telling us it’s going to be okay.

Thank you A Forever Home for giving me this beautiful girl who forever changed my life.

We love you forever my beautiful princess, Penny.

We adopted April from AFH in Feb 2007 when she was 14 months old…She passed away at home on Monday, just 2 weeks shy of her 13th birthday. She was my best friend for sure, and easily the best pet I’ve ever had. The house (and our hearts) are empty now, but filled with memories of our sweet April. We miss you and will always love you, Apey! 

We adopted Pearl in July 2013 and said goodbye yesterday to our sweet gal…Sending one of last pictures we have of her from last month.

While our hearts are broken now, we’re still glad she rescued us five years ago.

I meant to contact A Forever Home earlier last week, however, I have been busy and mourning the loss of my pet companion, Angel.  Angel was adopted from AFH in January 2013, and was an awesome member of the Moak brothers, myself and Richard, in addition to being a constant companion to Lily Marie.., also adopted from AFH prior to 2013, by Kindra H…  Angel and Lily were like two peas in a pod and spent time together each day.

Angel fell ill last Sunday, the 26th of September…with little or no hope of recovery, Angel was brought home Tuesday noon to spend her last hours with the family, and for Lily to see her one last time…It was a difficult event for us, and we were happy that we at least attempted to save Angel before we said our goodbyes.

Angel was a true blessing to me and my brother.  As a disabled veteran with PTSD, Angel was my mainstay and true companion, as so, too, she was for my younger brother.  She will be greatly missed by all of us, and though we will adopt another pet, she is the one and only Angel for us.

Thank you, AFH, and all who give their time and energies.  Surely you are also greatly appreciated by many pet lovers.

We adopted Pickles (formerly Dill Pickle) from you in 2004. We were so lucky to have this incredible dog for 14 wonderful years until she passed on 9/7/18. Thank you for bringing her into our family.

The Laders

Hi,

We adopted a little black Pomeranian puppy from you in the summer of 2006 (I believe his original name was Mickey, we named him Buzz).  Buzz has been the most wonderful dog.  He turned 12 in May.  He has lived a very full life, enjoying many adventures with his family.  Two years ago we moved to SWVA and Buzz got the opportunity to become a therapy dog.  He and I have had a wonderful time visiting our local hospital and some nursing homes.  Everyone loved him.

Unfortunately about a month ago Buzz was diagnosed with a heart condition.  And this week we lost him to what they believe was a heart attack.  Very suddenly I have lost my constant companion.  The outpouring for our Buzz on FB has been overwhelming with the people he has come in contact with, especially over the last few years in his therapy work.  Some of the people he touched have asked about making donations in his name.  I have asked them to make any to you since you allowed us to  love and care for this sweet dog for the last 12 years.

I know that you have many special dogs that you have adopted out.  I just wanted you to know a little something about this one.  I’ve attached a picture of Buzz at his last visit to the hospital earlier this month.

Thank you,

Beth and Pat

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.