Rainbow Bridge
Faithful friends who have passed over the Rainbow Bridge to play in the Summerlands
Gone, but never forgotten

The Rainbow Bridge

Just this side of heaven is a place called Rainbow Bridge.
When an animal dies that has been especially close to someone here, that pet goes to Rainbow Bridge.
There are meadows and hills for all of our special friends, so they can run and play together.

There is plenty of food, water and sunshine, and our friends are warm and comfortable.
All the animals who had been ill and old are restored to health and vigor.
Those who were hurt or maimed are made whole and strong again,
just as we remember them in our dreams of days and times gone by.

The animals are happy and content, except for one small thing;
they each miss someone very special to them, who had to be left behind.
They all run and play together, but the day comes when one suddenly stops and looks into the distance.
His bright eyes are intent. His eager body quivers.
Suddenly he begins to run from the group, flying over the green grass, his legs carrying him faster and faster.

You have been spotted, and when you and your special friend finally meet,
you cling together in joyous reunion, never to be parted again.
The happy kisses rain upon your face;
your hands again caress the beloved head, and you look once more into the trusting eyes of your pet,
so long gone from your life, but never absent from your heart.

Then you cross Rainbow Bridge together....

Author unknown...



The Rescuer and the Rainbow Bridge

Unlike most days at Rainbow Bridge, this day dawned cold and gray,
damp as a swamp and as dismal as could be imagined.
All of the recent arrivals had no idea what to think, as they had never experienced a day like this before.
But the animals who had been waiting for their beloved people knew exactly what was going on and started to gather at the pathway leading to The Bridge to watch.

It wasn't long before an elderly animal came into view, head hung low and tail dragging.
The other animals, the ones who had been there for a while, knew what his story was right away,
for they had seen this happen far too often.
He approached slowly, obviously in great emotional pain, but with no sign of injury or illness.

Unlike all of the other animals waiting at The Bridge,
this animal had not been restored to youth and made healthy and vigorous again.
As he walked toward The Bridge, he watched all of the other animals watching him.
He knew he was out of place here and the sooner he could cross over, the happier he would be.

But, alas, as he approached The Bridge, his way was barred by the appearance of an Angel who apologized,
but told him that he would not be able to pass.
Only those animals who were with their people could pass over Rainbow Bridge.
With no place else to turn to, the elderly animal turned towards the fields before The Bridge and saw a group of other animals like himself, also elderly and infirm.
They weren't playing, but rather simply lying on the green grass,
forlornly staring out at the pathway leading to The Bridge.
And so, he took his place among them, watching the pathway and waiting.

One of the newest arrivals at The Bridge didn't understand what he had just witnessed,
and asked one of the animals that had been there for awhile to explain it to him.
"You see, that poor animal was a rescue.
He was turned in to rescue just as you see him now, an older animal with his fur graying and his eyes clouding.
He never made it out of rescue and passed on with only the love of his rescuer to comfort him as he left his earthly existence.
Because he had no family to give his love to, he has no one to escort him across The Bridge."

The first animal thought about this for a minute and then asked, "So what will happen now?"
As he was about to receive his answer, the clouds suddenly parted and the gloom lifted.

Approaching The Bridge could be seen a single person and among the older animals, a whole group was suddenly bathed in a golden light and they were all young and healthy again, just as they were in the prime of life.
"Watch, and see" said the second animal.

A second group of animals from those waiting came to the pathway and bowed low as the person neared.
At each bowed head, the person offered a pat on the head or a scratch behind the ears.
The newly restored animals fell into line and followed him towards The Bridge.
They all crossed The Bridge together. "What happened?"
"That was a Rescuer."

"The animals you saw bowing in respect were those who found new homes because of his work.
They will cross when their new families arrive.
Those you saw restored were those who never found homes.
When a Rescuer arrives, they are allowed to perform one, final act of rescue. They are allowed to escort those poor animals that they couldn't place on earth, across The Rainbow Bridge."

"I think I like Rescuers", said the first animal.
"So does GOD", was the reply.

Author Unknown




Holly
1988(ish) - 16th October 1996

Read Holly's Story

In 1988 you came into my life:

You was unwanted, unloved
and left to wander the street.
But when we met my heart was yours forever to keep.

In the early days, you destroyed the house, you were such a pest.
Even through all the naughtiness,
I knew you'd grow to be the best

We went to doggy school and
we passed the test.
Although your little legs had to
move faster than the rest.

When people met you, I said mention her legs if you dare.
If they did or they laughed, they'd get that famous
Holly glare.

When Mummy was married, of course, you were there.
With a smile on your face and a bow in your hair.

When it went wrong, you gave me love on which I relied.
We lay cuddled together and you'd wash me when I cried.

You met your new daddy,
and you stared all day.
Then you wagged your tail as if to say,
Yeah he's OK, he can stay.

Daddy and I loved you so much, we created your own breed.
We called you a Dutch Mountain Hound,
which people believed.

We had such good times, lots of cuddles and playing ball.
But you loved to go camping
most of all.

Remember the time you decided we all needed to get away.
You packed your ball, you nudged the tent, so we
went to Wales and stayed in Hay.

When you fell ill, you stayed with Nanny, Emma, Kate and Grandad.
You needed constant attention, it was the best for you, although it made me sad.

Your illness worsened and although Uncle Ken tried his best.
The morning came when you
wanted to rest.

I held you in my arms
as you fell asleep.
My love went with you,
yours forever to keep.

This morning while I drove to work, our record played -
Stay by Shakespeare's Sister.
As the tears rolled down my cheeks, I glanced up
and I saw your face in the mirror.

I think you were telling me, you were now at rest,
peaceful and calm.
That the awful illness, could no longer cause you any
pain or harm.

You were telling me the love between us death
could never sever.
And you would be with me,
forever and ever.

Holly Doughty
1988(ish) - 16th October 1996

With all my love,
Mummy


Arthur

Arthur joined the Retirement Home after being abandoned in Warrington.

He was saved from being PTS by Catherine at District Dog Rescue. It was thought Arthur was very ancient, and quite feeble, and we offered him a place here to end his days. Why should an old dog have to end their life being taken to the vet from a cold kennel?

Obviously, the old and feeble discription was a complete act! When he arrived at Wiccaweys, Arthur discovered a new zest for life.

Arthur was a real sweetie, he was funny, extremely affectionate, and had a lovely nature. He was the resident clown of the oldies and great fun to know and love.

Lots of hearts broke when Arthur crossed the bridge.


Run free King Arthur, you cheeky scamp.
Until we can all be together again.


Henry

Henry joined Wiccaweys by default

We spotted an old collie in an Irish pound, and offered him a place of safety. The girls who rescue the dogs over there thought they had got him out and to safety. The old dog was discribed as having white rings around his eyes, and Henrywas the only oldie there meeting that discription.

When I met Tess to collect the old collie, among other Irish collies coming in, we soon realised that Henry was not the right dog. The oldie we were expecting was a brown and white collie with white rings around his eyes. Henry appears to be some kind of basset hound/spaniel/collie mixture with white rings around his eyes.

Tess was mortified, and we were all very upset for the old collie in the pound - who had obviously been PTS before the rescue workers were able to get him out.

Tess offered to take Henry back to Ireland.
However, we were expecting an oldie, Henryhad made the trip, so the space was his.







Henry was a dear old chap. He just wanted a little bit of love, his dinners and a potter in the garden. The first day he arrived, when he pottered around with the rest of the oldies, his face lost all it's confusion and anguish and his tail never stopped wagging. When he arrived we didn't think he would have long with us - but now he is such a happy and mischievous old soul!

He was a real character, and the joy of life just flowed back into him. Henry loved to make people laugh and it was a very sad day when he left us for the Rainbow Bridge.

Run free our beloved Henry H Higgins
Until we can all be together again.


Miffy

Miffy was a 15 year old lady who joined the Retirement Home when her previous dad moved into a 2nd floor flat, and then discovered that pets were not allowed in the block.

Miffy loved nothing better than spending the day in the garden, and she was firm friends with the chickens! She shared her food bowl with them.


Run free Miffy
Until we can all be together again.


Billy

Billy was wonderful Border Collie chap of 13, who came to Wiccaweys because of a marriage break-up.

Billy was a loving, loyal dog, great with children of all ages and friend to all

Despite some inital nervousness when he arrived, he integrated extremely well into the gang and made special friends with Buster the Pekingese - he really enjoyed the company of small dogs.

As a suitable new home wasn't forthcoming, come about, and the fact that Billy had his feet FIRMLY under the Wiccaweys table, HE decided that he will be spending the rest of his days with us!

Billybecame Sarah's co-driver and companion on late night/early hour missions to collect collies arriving from Ireland - a job he took very seriously. In fact Sarah was not allowed to leave the house in the early hours without him now - "Oi, where do you think you are off too? I'll get my lead..."
We think the stop-offs for bacon butties may have had some influence though.

Billy was a joy to have as a member of our family, and we loved him very much.

Billy died in his sleep on a Monday afternoon, surrounded by his friends and with little Gem the Jack Russell snuggled up next to him - he just went to sleep and didn't wake up again.

Run free Billy, a true gentleman, and an even truer friend.
Say hello to our friends over the Rainbow Bridge, until we can all be together again.

 

"I know you are not physically in the van with me anymore Billy, when I go off late at night to collect friends who need our help - but I know you are there watching over me, and making sure we all stay safe. I can feel you with me... I miss you dear friend. Mummy xxxx"


Bruno

Bruno was a huge, hairy, soft, lovable German Shepherd of around 6yrs, who suffered with epilepsy.

Bruno came to be at Wiccaweys after discussions with another rescuer, Catherine from District Dog Rescue, Warrington.

I picked up Bruno, as a K999 call, from another foster Mum, and he went to my sisters to be groomed.

The poor lad was in a terrible state, Emma said he was the worst dog she had ever seen for coat state. It took us four - five hours to groom him, and he still need some bits doing. 3/4 of an hour was just bathing the s*it and muck out of the poor old boy. He was knackered bless him.

Emma managed to save most of his coat, and only had to clip some. We had to clip his belly completely, and round his nether regions, his inside back legs and some of his front legs. He had knots the size of golf balls (and bigger) in between his front legs and back legs. He had knots bigger than his goolies betwen his back legs. He had knots the size of tennis balls behind his ears, and great clumpy knots down his back, and under his chin. We had to clip those out. Luckily he has such a huge coat, most of the clipped bits are hidden.

Behind his head, deep in the coat, he had a huge matted mess of what appeared to be Tar, Treacle, or something like it... we recognised the smell, but couldn't place it. It was revolting.

As Emma was working on him, she was getting angrier and angrier - I thought she was going to explode at one point. I hope she never, ever encounters his previous owner. Groomed every 6 weeks my arse!

Throughout it all this big old Bear was a true gentleman, he must have been in so much pain with most of those knots. He never once complained, turn his head, or even think about lifting his lip. He was absolutely amazing.

There were times when Emma and I were in tears grooming him out. He had so much dignity, it was truly amazing. The times when Emma was working on really painful knots he would place his big head in my hands and just gaze in my eyes - trusting us.

He was indeed a very special dog.

He was initially here for a month or so to give him time to have a rest, have a break from all the moving around and confusion he'd been through. He was very confused at first, and he would get terribly distressed if he thought he was being taken away from the house and the garden. If he saw a car with an open door or hatch, he would sink to the ground shaking.

Bruno settled in so well, that we didn't have the heart to move him on again.





Bruno suffered a severe bout of cluster fits that left him brain damaged and confused. We had to make to very sad decision to let him pass over the bridge. It was unexpected and a complete shock to us both

Bruno was the gentlest dog we have ever known. He was a big hairy teddy bear who loved everyone, and was loved by everyone who met him - and even by those who hadn't.

Bruno was a true gentleman and a shinning star for the GSD breed.

Bruno passed over the bridge with his dignity intact, and with his giant head resting on my lap, having his chest tickled and looking into my eyes.

We are so honoured that this big man chose to make his forever home with us.
There is now a huge space in the lounge where he used to lay, and an even bigger one in our hearts.

We won't say run free Bruno - you never ran. Lumber and bumble free Bruno,
look after all our friends over the bridge, and give them all a kiss from Mummy and Daddy.
Try not to sit on Libby.

Until we meet again, dear friend.

Bruno's Song

He's the Big Bad Bruno Bear
But he hasn't got a bad bone anywhere
He wasn't in the Garden or in the House
He was by the lambs as quiet as a mouse


Princess Liberty Bassett

Libby left us for the Rainbow Bridge and the Summerlands on the 3rd June 2004, very peacefully, with her head resting in my arms, and with Paul tickling her tummy.

Libby was a true inspiration to all that knew her, a treasure blessed upon this world for too short a time.
"Play Happy in the Summerlands Sweet Libby - we love you very much."


Libby was a gorgeous little Bassett Hound puppy who was with us on permanent foster from DashaDogs Rescue in Wales. Libby was a puppy farm reject.

She wasn't expected to live being the runt of the litter. She was about 3/4 the size she should be.

When it was realised that Libby was going to survive, but there obviously wasn't any money to be made from her, she was lucky enough to be handed into rescue.

She came to Wiccaweys for some TLC and the extra care of Grandad Brynn.

When she arrived, aged 12 weeks, she could sit in the palm of Paul's hand.
It soon became apparently that our Princess Libby was going to be a permanent resident.

Libby was braindamaged, and she was almost blind. After a little time, she suffered with fits.

However, despite all this, thanks to the loving attentions and 'doggy guidance' of Grandad Brynn she blossomed into a little sweetheart.

At first she would depend on her Grandad for reassurance when needed, but eventually could go up the garden quite happily and play with the other dogs.

She used to love sitting in front of the fire in the winter, soaking up all the warmth she could.

When she had her eyesight, she used to watch it, fascinated by the flames. Libby was a little fire-worshipper!

When Bruno, the big GSD arrived, he and Libby became good friends.
They both suffered with fits, and I'm convinced that they had their own little epilepsy support group going.
Bruno would stay close by when Libby had her fits, and when she came back and was wobberly and disoriented Bruno would put himself in front of anything he considered hard or potentially dangerous to Libby, so she bumped into his big soft body instead.

As Libby came nearer to reaching 1 year old, her fits started to become more violent, and her sight and hearing left her. She always knew where her Uncle Bruno, or Grandad Brynn was, but she didn't really hear us anymore.

We would carry her into the garden, and stay with her while she had a march round under the watchful eye of Bruno or Brynn. She liked to feel the warm sun on her.

Libby like to have cuddle, but on her terms.
She retained her stubborn bassetty streak right up until she left us.
Last Wednesday night, Libby's balance left her completely and she could no longer get herself around.
She could no longer find her food bowl, even when placed directly under her nose.
We managed to tempt her with some tasty and smelly mackeral.
She slept upstairs with us, and in the morning she was just so tired and weary we knew it was time.
She still couldn't stand properly and was falling over.
We managed to give her a favourite breakfast of sardines in sunflower oil and then we made our way to the vets.

Normally Libby loved a ride in the car - sitting up, looking out of the window and generally looking like a Princess, but this time she just slept all the way. She was still asleep at the vets, she woke up once to yawn, licked the vets finger, gave his finger a firm munch, and then when back to sleep again, with her head resting in my arms. She was snoring.

She was fast asleep as she made her way over the bridge, with her head in my arms and Paul tickling her tummy (she loved that).
She just drifted away. The only way we knew she had crossed was because she stopped snoring.
Libby was a inspiration.
No matter what happened to her, she always carried on.
When her eyesight failed, and her hearing disappeared, she just kept marching on. She wouldn't let anything get in her way.

She was a little fighter who knew how to take on the world and win!
Just when you thought that perhaps it was time for her to go over the bridge, she'd suddenly perk up, have a march around and be just like Libby again.

In her last few weeks it was the simple pleasures she enjoyed the most; sitting in the garden with the grass as a bed; sitting in the sunshine getting her suntan (she also loved wearing a daisychain tiara); and eating fishy snacks!

She had a favourite spot in the hallway where she had her bed and used to hold court. It seems so empty now - even though Bruno is laying there, wondering where she has gone.

She used to stomp around, knocking bowls flying, splashing through the water bowls making an almighty mess!
We used to have to listen out constantly in case she had a fit and needed our immediate attention.

Without Libby it's so quiet here now. The other dogs makes noise, but they don't make the racket that Libby did!
Everytime we came into the hallway there would be another Hurricane Libby incident to clean up. Perhaps the water bowl had been tipped on the floor; maybe even the food bowl. Perhaps even a mixture of the two! The mop and the dustpan and brush were in permanent use with Liberty dog around.

Somehow it doesn't seem right that it's so quiet and tidy in the hallway.
Where's our messy little Bassett Hound?

Libby was a very special little girl who made a big impact in our lives.
We miss her very much.

May your body rest well in the ground,
And may your Spirit run like the wind across the Bridge to the Summerlands.
Play happy in the Summerlands Libby.

Smeagol Hobbit

Smeagol Hobbit was found wandering as a stray.
Despite being almost blind and nearly deaf, Smeagol was an active little chap who enjoyed the company of other dogs and cats.
He was just a happy little old man.
He was as happy curled up on the rug, as he was having a gentle wrestling match with a 8mth old collie.

He wasn't here with us long, only a few months, but like with all the oldies, he certainly kicked off his carpet slippers and enjoyed himself.
He could be a little angel and a little swine in the same moment, but we loved him all the same.

We have so many memories of this little man racing round the house; trying to bite us if we tried to pick him up without any warning!
There was never any malice in it - little Smee just wanted us to know he was still independent.

And that's the best way to remember the little man.
He was an independent old bugger, who loved to snuggle every now and then, but was equally as happy roaming around doing his own thing.
He's buried in the garden near Flossie's Place.

Rest In Peace Little Smee.


Smeagol passed over the Rainbow Bridge
on the 2nd April 04
We miss him very much.
'Run free and happy in the Summerlands little friend'

Ben

Ben joined us November 2002. Of all our oldies, he was the most frail.
Ben was found by a Dog Warden in Nottingham and taken to Babbington Kennels.
I saw his picture on their website and it just tugged at my heart,
He was such a sad old man - he looked throughly bewildered and lost.

I phoned Babbington and the Dog Warden to have a chat with them about Ben, and when it became apparent that no-one would offer him a home and he would probably be PTS on the Monday, I offered him a place to spend his final days.

Why should a dog of his years have to spend his final days 'lost' and 'alone' in a kennel, to be taken from there to the vets?
It isn't fair

Ben enjoyed the time he had with us, loving his food, and an ocassional potter round the garden. He was as deaf as a post, and almost blind.
He had a little friend in foster dog Lemmy, who liked to cuddle up with Ben and give him his toys.
We knew Ben will not be with us for long, as he had testicular cancer, and weak back legs, but while he was here with us, enriching our lives and blessing us with each precious moment, we did our best to make his life as happy and as loved as possible.

Ben passed over the Rainbow Bridge on the 27th December, he is much missed and leaves a gap in our hearts.
'Run free and happy in the Summerlands old friend'





Ben's Bench & Flossie's Place

Flossie

Flossie chose to cross over the Rainbow Bridge on the 15 May 2003, very peacefully and with great dignity - making her own way with the Goddess to guide her.
Dearest Flossie, May the Goddess hold you in her gentle embrace until you are ready to run free with all your friends, old and new, in the Summerlands.
Blessed Be Sweetheart, Mummy & Daddy

We don't remember ever being this upset over anything.

We're going to miss Flossie more than I thought was ever possible. We may have only had her here for around 8 months, but it really feels like we've known her a lifetime.

We knew since she arrived that she probably didn't have long - but she amazed us all by really living life to the full up until the last hours. When she arrived, she knew she'd come "home", and immediately came to life - she even tried to climb onto my knee!!

Despite her age and frailty, Flossie managed to be the most dignified but amusing girl. She had the air of an eccentric schoolmistress who had lost just one or two of her marbles!

We'll miss the way she used to demand her "special dinners".
We'll miss the way that any new rescue dog arrival would be greeted with a warning "snap of the jaws". Flossie's way of saying "don't get too close junior - we've only just met!"
We'll miss the way her little tail (that was usually bent right underneath her) would appear and wag whenever she was pleased to see you.
We'll miss the way she could accelerate from 0-60 in two seconds if she needed to tell a doggy friend off.
We'll miss the way she used to climb the stairs, and then demand we come and rescue her from her "Perils of Penelope Pitstop" predicament.
We'll miss the way she used to raid the bid in the living room looking for sweetie wrappers.
We'll miss the way she used to steal Sarah's chocolate and leave her tell-tale teeth marks for the forensic lab to analyze.
We'll miss the way she used to deny all knowledge of sweet and chocolate stealing with a sincere look in her eyes... whilst part of a wrapper was still dangling from her jaws!
We'll miss the way Flossie used to stand in the way whenever we used the mop - on purpose! - so that we'd have to ask her very politely to move. Or give her food. Or give up and mop round her. The times we've mopped the floor and there have been four paw shaped unmopped areas of the floor!

Most of all, we'll just miss her.
She was only a small dot, and despite losing some fur and becoming more and more infirm, she still managed to climb the stairs - raid the bin - keep the other dogs in line - and love us all very much.

Little people like Floppet are a rare thing - she was the most beautiful dog with a puppyish face and a twinkle of mischief in her eyes.
She was so strongwilled and defiant, I really thought if any dog was indestructible and would live forever, it would be Flossie.

We've already mistaken Rosie's backside for Flossie this morning, and had to do some double-takes. We think we are going to see Flossie plenty more times over the next few weeks, months and years.

And that's the way it should be.
Sweet dreams, Floppet.

Paul, Sarah & all those who loved you.

Many thanks to Dee Ford for her support and sponsorship of Flossie.

Below are pictures of Flossie's Place in our Garden


Toby & Humphrey

Our beloved boys
taken from us on 1st June 2003

This is Paul, Sarah's other half.
I just wanted to post something to let everyone know how Sarah and I are feeling at the moment.

Toby and Humphrey were so much more than just two Pekes. They were father and son (respectively) and loved each other so much - they were inseperable.
It really broke our hearts when Flossie died - but to have your heart broken like this - so suddenly and for no reason really is too much to bear.
Back when Sarah first arrived home with Toby and Humphrey I was horrified. I didn't like the look of these "funny little voodoo dogs" and I was determined that I wouldn't have anything to do with them. 'They're lap dogs' I said 'No character' I said. And you know what? Those boys made me eat my words. They were the most wonderful friends anyone could have.

Toby and Humphrey still had so much to live for. They were happy and funny and so offered so much empathy. You know that we love all our collies dearly - but Toby and Humphrey gave us something that our collies never could. They were the least demanding of the dogs we've had here, but the most loyal and brave. They knew when we were upset and would come to comfort us. They'd some and sit next to us as if to say - 'we're here if you need us'. They were like counsellors, and offered the kind of love and snuggles that only a small dog could. They would never hassle you if you needed space, but somehow instinctively knew when you needed a Toby-hug or a Humphrey-snuggle.

Right now, I feel so angry at the world. All we've tried to do is help dogs in need - rescue dogs and give them the right homes. No matter how many we've managed to rescue and rehome, this feels like the worst feeling in the world. If there was any justice at all Toby and Humphrey would still be with us, offering their kindness and support. It feels like they have been taken away for nothing. We've tried to help so many dogs, and this is how the world works? Even saving 100 dogs couldn't compensate for the sense of loss we're feeling right now. It really feels like we have lost two sons.

Those two boys really were angels. Even when they were naughty they were funny. Humphrey's chicken exploits were hilarious, and Toby (without fail) would hog my side of the bed before I even got in it. The worst thing is that we never got to say goodbye. We left those boys at the vet - and we really thought we'd see them again - and I sensed that they felt that too. I can't believe I won't see them again. The sense of injustice is amazing.

These two gentle loveable souls have been taken from us and we don't even know why or how. I used to think that things happened for a reason - that karma did work, and our break was just around the corner. Believe me, for all the work that Sarah has done, she deserves to win the jackpot on the lottery every time she buys a ticket. I don't know anyone else who gives so selflessly - not only her time and energy but her heart and soul too. Every animal visitor is welcome, and she'll give them all the same love, time and devotion. Sarah has given so much without asking anything in return - and I know she feels absolutely devastated that her babies have been taken away for no reason.

So, I don't think there can be such a thing as Karma anymore. Those boys didn't deserve to die - they were taken way before their time. I can't justify that on any level. We haven't stopped crying since we had the terrible news. I only have to think about how I'll never see their shimmery little tails wag anymore and I'm crying my eyes out. We've been in the up and downs of rescue, seen happy stories and sad stories. We've seen the happy endings and the sad endings. We've dealt with some of the loveliest people - and some of the very worst who expect you to do everything for them with no thanks.

In helping rescue dogs and dogs in danger, we've given up most of the things we had because it seemed like our sacrifices were worth it to save the lives of rescue dog. It's cost us our time, our money, our emotional strength and at times, our sanity. Now, more than all of that it has cost us our two Peke boys. And believe me, that really wasn't a price worth paying.

I would give up everything I own to have those boys back - and I mean everything. Humphrey could have all the chickens he ever wanted to eat, and Toby could hog my side of the bed as much as he liked. In fact, if those boys could come back, Toby can have my side of the bed and I'll sleep on the floor.

Goodnight Boys - We'll love you forever.
Our Toby-La-Roney and Humphreydinks.

Dearest Toby & Humphrey, May the Goddess hold you in her gentle embrace until you are ready to run free with all your friends, old and new, in the Summerlands.
Blessed Be Our Darlings, Mummy & Daddy



To Our Special Boys

We loved our two cheeky pekes
They were such fun, they were such sneaks
Quick as a flash no time to think
Chicken-chasing Humphrey-dinks!

Those two pekes were father and son
Closer to each other than anyone
They loved to sit atop the settee
Both addicted to Daytime TV!

Toby hogged my side of the bed
Humphrey-dinks with mum instead
Toby's snores and Humphrey's cuddles
Bedtime was our time for snuggles...

Toby loved his cats and kittens
Humphrey loved to bite our chickens
But hearts of gold and full of fun
Our two boys loved everyone

We feel so lucky you were part of our lives
We'll never forget those wonderful times
And now you're gone we feel so alone
Without Humphrey Dinks and Toby Larone

Sleep tight, boys.




Remy - Irish Red & White Setter

Remy joined our family in Winter '03, she was an 11 year old Irish Red and White Setter. I have been owned by Red and Whites before, so when I saw the message saying Remy needed a new home I didn't think twice.

Remy was just the most perfect girl. She passed over the bridge Feb 07

Buster

Buster also joined us from District Dog Rescue. Poor Buster's elderly owner had died, and Buster had spent 12 weeks home alone with the neighbours popping in to feed him before a safe place was found for him. He was in a bit of a state when he arrived, as he hadn't been groomed for some time. However you could tell that he was very much loved.
Buster was a real character, nothing in the world bothered him.

Buster doing his very best Winston Churchill impression!

Run free Professor Slugsworth - now you can, those floppy old legs will be strong and you can bite as many bums as you like. We love you Buster. Buster crossed the bridge in Oct '06.




Grandad Brynn

Brynn joined us from Bryn Kennels in Wales.

Originally named Burt by Jo and Darren at the Kennels, this old boy had been found abandoned....probably come down from one of the hill farms.

The day I met Brynn, I had originally gone down to see a pup that Jo and Darren were looking to home, however when I saw Brynn it was love at first sight....

Grandad Brynn as he was known by his friends, family and many admirers is an absolute angel, a real gentleman. He was a LEGEND in the rescue world and had friends across the country.

He was wonderful with everyone and everything. Brynn was excellent with puppies, showing a huge amount of wisdom and patience with them. Puppies all adored Brynn.

Brynn is a loving, trusting and happy soul - who is more than happy with laying in the back garden watching the world go by.