Josie was a gentle, loving soul who had a very difficult life as a "yard" dog. She was a senior with multiple medical issues when she ended up in a busy shelter in Los Angeles. She was taken into rescue, as nobody wanted to adopt her. Due to various complications with organizing transportation for Josie, one rescuer drove all the way to California to pick her up and bring her back to Vancouver, where she would have a better chance of being adopted. When she came into our care , she was in horrible shape----her coat was severely matted and she was suffering from chronic eye and ear infections. She was cleaned up and given the medical attention she so desperately needed. She was then adopted and spent six months in a loving home before her medical condition deteriorated again. 

Josie’s new family could no longer care for her, so they brought her back to rescue. Josie spent three more months in foster care while she received veterinary treatment, until it was finally decided that she had suffered enough and would never regain an acceptable quality of life. So we stroked her gently and spoke softly to her as she crossed to the Bridge…

Jackson was two years old when he ended up in a high-kill shelter in Los Angeles. He had never been properly socialized and was fearful and aggressive towards the shelter staff. As a result of his aggressive behavior, he was not available for adoption to the general public, so he was rescued and flown to Vancouver for further assessment. He was placed in foster care and later adopted by his foster parents---an exceptional couple in North Vancouver who were committed to working with him to overcome his fears and aggression. 

His new family went to great lengths to help him, including consulting their veterinarian as well as numerous different behaviorists and trainers. Although they worked with him every day, Jackson’s aggressive behavior did not improve. After working with him daily for fourteen months, Jackson’s family came to the painful conclusion that he was beyond rehabilitation and could never achieve an acceptable quality of life---so they comforted him as best they could while he made his journey to the Rainbow Bridge.

Hugo was surrendered to a local shelter at the age of fourteen as his family could no longer care for him. Although still happy and spry, he was in need of extensive dental work and treatment for congestive heart failure. Due to Hugo's ongoing medical issues and advanced aged, he was not a good candidate for re-homing and he was adopted by his foster parents.

Hugo enjoyed watching old movies, spending time at the beach, and most of all, he enjoyed his food! After two happy years in his forever home, Hugo lost his long battle with heart failure at age sixteen. He is now running young and free at the Rainbow Bridge.

Pete ended up in a shelter in Los Angeles after being picked up as a stray. He was in terrible shape-----his coat was horribly dirty and matted and his left eye had been irreparably damaged. Nobody was interested in adopting him from the shelter, so he was rescued and given a second chance. He was bathed and cleaned up and his eye was examined by a vet. Underneath all the dirt was a beautiful, sensitive creature who just needed someone to love. Pete found a special home in Ladner where he quickly became a treasured member of the family.

Unfortunately, Pete spent just two and a half years with his new family, before losing his battle with congestive heart failure and pancreatic cancer. He will always be dearly loved and sadly missed by all who knew him, but we can all take comfort in knowing that his final years were undoubtedly the best of his life.  They were filled with long walks and new adventures, soft beds and sweet dreams, warm laps and, of course, plenty of love!

Diva was only two years old when her owners surrendered her to one of the busiest shelters in Los Angeles. Diva was emaciated and had never received proper nutrition or any type of veterinary care. She was extremely fearful in the shelter and spent most of her time curled up in a ball at the back of her cage, trembling furiously. Because she was so frightened and would not even come to the front of her cage to meet people, nobody was interested in adopting her and she was at very high risk for euthanasia due to critical overcrowding in the shelter. So Diva was rescued, taken to a vet clinic to be spayed and the following week, she was flown to Vancouver to find her forever home.

Although she had been overwhelmed with fear while in the shelter, once she arrived in Vancouver, she strutted into her foster home like she owned the place and immediately tried to take over---so her foster mom named her "Diva". She spent a short time learning about the good things in life: warm laps, soft beds and yummy food. After just a few days, her foster mom fell in love with her and made the decision that she would like to adopt Diva permanently. 

Then Diva got sick...she had never been vaccinated prior to her arrival at the shelter, and now she had Distemper. We did everything within our power to save her---she was such a young dog and her life had only just begun---she had only had a small taste of love and comfort. For a while Diva improved and it looked like she might get better. We were all so optimistic that she would recover---if only our love and hope could have been enough. But then she took an undeniable turn for the worse and began to have seizures. It became clear that her fragile little body could not fight any longer. Diva went to the Bridge while in the comfort of her mom's arms. Diva only had a tiny glimpse into all the wonderful things life has to offer a little dog, yet she fought so hard to stay with us and was taken away far too soon. Our only comfort is that she died knowing she was loved and valued.

No dog should ever die the way Diva did. Please ensure your dogs are protected against common canine viruses; either vaccinate or check titers, as recommended by your veterinarian. As a result of Diva’s tragic death, we have changed our practices for transporting dogs in order to prevent the inadvertent spread of disease. All dogs are now fostered in Los Angeles for a minimum of two weeks prior to making the trip to Vancouver. Diva was quickly isolated when she became ill and, thankfully, no other dogs got sick.

A tribute to Missy  from her family:

"Missy was surrendered to a shelter in Los Angeles and she was rescued from death row by Furever After Small Dog Rescue.  Missy arrived into our lives and immediately brought us joy. She was a loving, fun little girl that quickly became the queen of the house. She filled our home with love and gave us thousands of kisses. When she came to us we had another doggie, Chato, a boxer, who was paralyzed in his hind legs and used a doggie wheelchair. Missy became his loyal companion and soon was cuddling with him and trying to cheer him up. Missy's love helped to heal our grief when Chato died. 

It was very sad to think that someone could have walked away from her, she was so loving .We had her for almost four years and our only regret is not having had more time with her. She loved playing with her toys, chasing squirrels and she loved her food. She was a cuddly little ball of fur. She followed her mommy around and now her mommy feels very lonely without her. She became ill in the Summer of 2006 and at the end, things got worse and we had to let her go so she wouldn't suffer.  Our hearts are broken but we cherish all the beautiful memories of her that we have. We are looking forward to seeing her again at the Rainbow Bridge. Until then our sweet girl...."

Rosie was fourteen years old when she came into our care.  She had been dearly loved over the years and had even been trained in agility during her youth.  But when her guardian passed away and family members were no longer able to care for her, she found herself homeless.  Rosie's vision and hearing were failing and the transition to her foster home was stressful and confusing for her.  She did not adjust well and over the course of several months, it became clear that she was suffering from dementia.  She was becoming increasingly aggressive towards her foster family and the other animals in her foster home and her quality of life was deteriorating.  So the painful decision was made and Rosie's foster mom held her close and comforted her as she made her journey to the Rainbow Bridge.  Although we're deeply saddened by Rosie's passing, we take comfort in knowing that she died with dignity, in the arms of someone who loved and cared about her rather than being alone and afraid in a shelter.

Lucky was picked up as a stray on the busy streets of Los Angeles and taken to an overcrowded city shelter in West Valley.  Lucky was at high risk for euthanasia because he was a senior with multiple medical issues, so he was taken into care by our partner rescue group, Life 4 Paws.  He was in rough shape and his left eye had to be surgically removed because there was a tumor behind it.  Lucky made a full recovery and spent several months in a foster home in LA, but there were no adoption prospects, so he was flown to Vancouver in search of his forever home.  Lucky finally found his dream home with a fabulous young couple in North Vancouver. He went to work with his dad every day and enjoyed many brave adventures with his new family. 

Sadly, only a couple of months after he was adopted, Lucky's health deteriorated and he made his journey to the Rainbow Bridge.  Although we desperately wish that Lucky could have spent more time with his new family, we take comfort in knowing that Lucky’s last two months were the best months of his life.  We'd like to thank Lucky's mom and dad for their kindness and compassion in choosing to adopt a senior, special needs dog and for opening up their hearts and teaching Lucky what love is all about.

Hannah came to us as a broken little dog with so many health problems that we didn't even know where to begin helping her.  But she was an amazing fighter and she was determined to enjoy this new life she'd found with her dedicated foster mom, who would soon become her forever mom.  Hannah surprised us with her tenacity and her incredible will to live and we're so glad she was able to stay with us for sixteen glorious months because without a doubt, her new mom was able to turn back the hands of time for her and show her the patience, love and joy she had never known before.  And Hannah was able to teach us many lessons along the way.  We learned a lot from her and we'll miss her more than she could ever know...

From Hannah's mom:

"Hannah's arrival at the Vancouver Airport on March 24th, 2007 was a gift for my 55th Birthday, and when she looked at me from the front seat of your car, the evening of the 25th of March, she stole my heart.  Hannah B lived up to the "B" the whole time she was with us, directing myself, Sassy, Toby and Benny to do her bidding and we did it gladly.  Hannah B taught me lessons I will never forget during the 16 months she was with me, the joy in fostering and adopting a senior, the wonder in seeing her manage her medical issues each and every day with a lopsided walk, a wink from her sore eyes and a wagging tail, the wet kisses she would give me each morning as she curled up on my pillow to have a snooze before the alarm went off and the kiss she gave me today as I held her as she started her journey to the Bridge."

Rest well, sweet girl.

Daisy was picked up as a stray and spent several months in a local shelter waiting for someone to come and take her home.  She was a senior and the shelter was a very scary and stressful place for her, so we took her into our care and placed her in a loving foster home.  Daisy was filthy and badly matted and she was suffering from kennel cough.  Her teeth were in horrible shape and she was in need of dental care.  Once Daisy had received the veterinary care that she required, she found a fabulous new home with a gentleman in Victoria who said it was love at first sight.  Daisy spent nearly two wonderful years with her new dad before her mind and body started to fail her and it was time for her to make her journey to the Rainbow Bridge.  Rest in peace, sweet angel.

Lexie was a senior who had been horribly neglected when she came into our care.  She had been living on the streets and fending for herself for an extended period of time.  Her coat was terribly matted and filthy and her skin was badly infected.  Lexie was also suffering from congestive heart failure and a collapsing trachea.  Her teeth were in desperate need of attention, but she wasn't strong enough to undergo an anesthetic, so the vet opted to manually scale and clean them because that was all she was able to tolerate.  We knew that Lexie's prognosis wasn't good, but we were committed to providing her with the medical care that she needed so she could live in comfort for the rest of her days.  Lexie was well-loved and she enjoyed having a warm, soft place to sleep, healthy food and lots of care and attention.  She spent six happy months with her foster parents and it was undoubtedly the best time of her life.  Sadly, Lexie's quality of life eventually started to suffer as her heart failure progressed and it became more and more difficult for her to maintain her airway.  Her mom and dad knew that it was time to say goodbye.  Rest in peace, sweet Lexie.

Sara came into our care after her elderly guardians were suddenly taken away by ambulance and were unable to return to their home. They were both suffering from dementia and had to go into a seniors' care facility. After spending several months in a loving foster home, Sara was adopted by a family in North Saanich. Tragically, after just a couple of months in her new home, Sara suddenly became very ill with severe neurological symptoms. She was in extreme pain and her family made the difficult decision to assist her in her journey to the Rainbow Bridge.

Rest well, little one, you are forever in our hearts.

Lucy needed our help just a few days before Christmas in 2008. She had been surrendered to a vet clinic for euthanasia after her senior guardian went into a care facility. Fortunately, the vet's office notified us and the next day, Lucy came into our care. Her foster mom very quickly decided that Lucy was there to stay. She was a sweet, gentle soul and she had so many lessons to teach us about loving, and being loved by, a senior dog.

Sadly, just over a year after Lucy came into our lives, she told us that it was time to go. Run fast little lamb.

Benny came into our care after his mom passed away and his dad had to go into a seniors' care facility. Within twenty-four hours, his foster mom had fallen in love with him and decided to adopt him permanently. Benny enjoyed many happy days with his new family, but after two and a half years, he lost his long battle with Addison's Disease and the emotional demons that haunted him.

"Run free my sweet boy with Hollie and Hannah B by your side, and know that you will always be in my heart. 'Til we are all reunited, my angel."   Love, Barbara, Sassy, Toby and Keavy

Elmo was picked up as a stray and spent several weeks in a local animal control facility before coming into our care. He was adopted by a wonderful couple in Qualicum Beach who loved him dearly. Elmo's dad made many fond references to him in the column that he writes for the local newspaper.

Elmo spent four happy years in his forever home before succumbing to a fatal stroke. You will be missed, sweet boy.

Katie was a senior when she was rescued from a high-kill shelter in Los Angeles. She had lived most of her life as a neglected yard dog, confined to a small pen the majority of the time. Katie was adopted by her foster parents and it took quite a while for her to really relax in her new home, establish trust and truly bond with her new family. But she was definitely worth the wait and their patience was rewarded many times over. Katie was loved beyond measure and she spent six happy years in her forever home before her body gradually began to fail her and it was time to help her on her journey. We love you, beautiful Katie, and you will live forever in our hearts.

Andy was a senior who was in horrible condition when he came into our care by way of a local pound. Despite enduring years of neglect, he was a sweet and gentle boy whom his foster mom described as "peaches and cream" with the "disposition of an angel". After receiving some much needed medical care, Andy was adopted by a lovely lady in Sidney. They spent two wonderful years together until Andy's health began to deteriorate and the kindest thing to do was to say goodbye.

Rest in peace, sweet boy. You will always be remembered.

Christy was rescued from Los Angeles in 2006 as part of the "New Hope" initiative. She had been badly neglected and abused, which caused her to be extremely fearful in the shelter and she was slated for euthanasia due to aggression. Rescue groups were her only hope, as she was not available for adoption to the general public.  Thankfully we were able to help her and she found an adoring forever family in Victoria. They say that, "the last four years with her have been a treasure". Christy recently lost her battle with cancer and she will be dearly missed by everyone who knew her.

Rest well, little girl.

A tribute to Chuy  from his family:

"Chuy was rescued from an abysmal hoarding situation in Los Angeles and being first-time fosters, we were crestfallen to hear that he was too sick for us to take him in.  When we received a call two weeks later saying he showed signs of promise, we rushed to pick him up.  At first sight, we knew right away there would never be another like him and our first foster day was our last - we just couldn't let him go and named him Chuy, after the world-famous "Chuy's Chihuahua Bar" in Houston.  We fell in love with him and spared no effort to make up for the sorrows his previous life had wrought.  Adopted well into his senior years, his second chance at life lasted a month short of five years.  His pluck and tenacity surprised everyone, including his vet.

We are forever grateful to Leslie and all the other people at Furever After who had a hand in rescuing him, and just in the nick of time.  As we learned much later, someone had actually shot this tiny dog.  The x-ray showed the pellet had been shot from behind.  His ears were infected, and his mouth was a mess of cracked and rotten teeth, with abscesses all the way into his jaw.  Chuy was also unable to walk properly.  He had been dragging himself around on three legs because his left rear ligament was gone and his patellas were luxated.  After his orthopedic surgery, he walked with a very unique skip and eventually was able to run.  He would forever amuse himself by jumping over cracks in the sidewalk and ! leaping ! over the threshold when he came home from long walks.  It took almost a year to get his diet right and eventually, all of his teeth had to come out, but he quickly forgot this while dining on wetted kibble and canned duck.  Four years later, his blood work showed he was healthier than ever and a few visits to the chiropractor even had him wagging his crooked little tail.  Chuy was able to enjoy the good life for a very long time until he started showing advanced symptoms of a suspected brain tumor.  In the end, his demise was fairly swift and after spending a full day cradled in loving arms, he left us painlessly in relative comfort.

A very special little soul, Chuy touched the heart of everyone he met and his passing was felt by friends around the world.  We miss you terribly, Chuy 'El Nino' Chihuahua.  Your tiny paw left a giant's footprint on our hearts.  The clouds are your pillows now."

Love always, Liessi & Dennis

"Sophie came to us after a very difficult and rough road to get to Furever After.  She was a mess medically and they took care of the things that needed to be done to make her better that way.  She then needed to recover mentally and emotionally, so she went to a foster home where they did wonders with her and they started to see her true personality shining through.  In the foster home, they offered her unconditional love, caring, encouragement, etc.  For all their work, we thank them immensely - they are all truly wonderful.

I had been searching almost 6 months through different means of adoption, then I came across the saddest picture of the saddest little dog and my heart just leapt out.  I needed this dog - the bond was there before I even met Sophie.  Sophie's foster mom was very protective of her...and then we finally got to meet.  Our first meeting was so exciting.  We took her for a walk in the rain - she was so cool.  She was petrified of my husband, though.  I figured we had some work ahead of us, but she was the girl I had been searching for.

We had Sophie for just a few short months when my Rottie, Chase, was diagnosed with lung cancer.  I was devastated, but Sophie knew what to do for me.  She was with me every step of the way, she did not falter, she did not linger, she was there with me heart and soul every step I took.  She was my little angel.

We had a few wonderful years with Sophie.  She was fun, loving, active, affectionate, sweet - what more could you ask for?  Then she started to age and it broke my heart in so many ways.  Sophie started with heart failure, then liver, then kidney, then full body shut down.  I knew her quality of life was no longer and that I needed to do what was right for her.  I made my decision to put Sophie out of the pain that she was experiencing and held her in my arms as we did this.  She was a wonderful little girl who will be greatly missed for a very very long time.  She was my Sophie Wophie who was Perfie Werfie!  We love you Sophie, rest well."

"It is with great sadness, but also with peace that I let you all know that little Teddy was put to final rest this afternoon.  With the wonderful and compassionate Dr. Pollock and staff at Duncan Animal Hospital, we decided that Teddy was ready to stop fighting and get the peace he so deserved.

About a year ago, a call came from Barb in Kamloops that they had a senior in their pound that was in pretty rough shape.  Barb felt that there was still something shining away in him and that he still deserved a chance to live out his golden years comfortably and could Furever After help?  We didn't have room for him but it was clear that Teddy had not been comfortable for a very long time.  Both Leslie and I felt something about this boy and committed we would do whatever we could for his remaining time. 

When Teddy came in we were able to get him to the vet right away.  His skin was in terrible shape with lesions, infections, bacteria, missing hair, smelled like burnt toast and the saddest coat I had ever seen.  His ears were permanently crumpled into little hematomas, most of his teeth were rotten, his eyes were cloudy, his sight and hearing were going, he had a blown knee, and something strange going on with his spine but there was still a spunk and a spark to him.

Teddy was not an easy foster, especially in the beginning.  When he came he was just starting to lose his vision, had just lost his person, spent weeks in a pound and found himself suddenly in Victoria with five other dogs.  He was also so infected and flared up with allergies that he itched, rolled, chewed and bit at himself constantly.  He would take a break from himself long enough to eat with a voracious appetite or to attack one of my other dogs or fosters.  Teddy did not play well with others, especially if they fought back.  If they cowed to him and Teddy ruled, then he was quite content, but he would tolerate no challenges, even if he couldn't see his challenger.

In the early days, I begged Leslie to find another foster home for Teddy because he was challenging my dogs.  Fortunately, at that time Furever After was full to the brim and there was nowhere for Teddy to go.  Oh, the lessons this boy would teach me.  Thank you, Teddy, for teaching me how to read doggy body language, how to stop a fight before it starts, how to have patience, how to bring a pack of dogs into harmony and respect with each other, how to have empathy for an aging dog, how to understand many disease states and medications and how amazing your love and trust was when I finally earned it.

Teddy came to love his vet visits because Dr. Pollock always gave him lots of hypoallergenic treats in an effort not to be bitten.  Teddy also went to see Dr. Defalque, the wonderful dermatologist, in an effort to bring this beautiful senior the quality of life he deserved.  If it were not for Leslie and Furever After, Teddy would not have been able to enjoy the quality of life he has in the last year.  Her unwavering commitment to all dogs, no matter what stage of life they are in is amazing.  Leslie once told me that all animals deserve to get the same amount of veterinary care and level no matter how young or how old they are.  What a wonderful way to run a rescue!  This is a philosophy that I believe in whole heartedly and because of this Teddy sends Furever After many stinky breath kisses.

Teddy's last month was delightful.  He was completely pain-free, itch-free and worry-free.  He romped in the grass, sniffed the spring air and on one of his best days when Auntie Taryn was babysitting, he got to ride around in a Radio Flyer red wagon.  Apparently he sat up like he had always been there, looked around and thoroughly enjoyed the new ride.  He was going to get one of his very own this weekend.  Teddy finally got to be a puppy in the last month and then he told me it was time to go.

Thank you to everyone who was involved in his care, or rooting for him through all the roller coaster up and downs we went through.  You are a special dog with so many things to teach and you will never be forgotten, always cherished."

A tribute to Molly  from her family:

"We wanted to let you know we had to put down our beloved Molly last month.  Her kidneys were failing and she stopped eating and deteriorated quite quickly.  She was 15 (or 16??) but we had 8.5 amazing years with her so although we were very sad, we were also very grateful to have had such a gentle dog and companion.  She was my first dog and our first dog together so she will always be special to us.  Although her walks got shorter over the last couple of years, I have great memories of all the long hikes her and I did together when we lived in Lions Bay and we went on lots of road/camping trips with her over the years.  We had one last trip together down to Oregon over spring break before she got sick.  Thank you for all the work you do rescuing dogs - we would have never had Molly in our lives if it wasn't for Furever After.  I included a photo of her from last summer - she was always smiling and wagging her tail so we will remember her like this."

Billy