We Remember Simon

 Simon was adopted as a rescue when he was 11 months old.  He passed away at Avondale on the 11th of March, 2010.  When he passed, he was 11 years and 11 months old.  At one time he weighed in at 126 pounds.  He was a White German Shepherd, but acted like a big ole friendly Polar Bear.  Around the house he would stretch out and could give the appearance of a white Tiger. When he got treats or ready to go outside he would stand on his hind legs and dance around like a show pony.  He was extremely smart, protective of his family when he sensed fear, and was as gentle as a teddy bear around kids or people he felt posed no threat.  His senses were very accurate and it was as if he could read our minds.  He NEVER let us down or disappointed us.  His loss has left a tremendous hole in our hearts because he was indeed a member of our family.

Simon, we miss you, we love you, and we are so sorry your life was cut short.

Love Mom and Dad

Our thanks to Simon's mom, Christine Thompson, for this beautiful tribute

We Remember Misty

I rescued Misty almost 9 years ago. She was such a good girl, everyone who met her loved her.  She loved making doggy snow angels and riding in our convertible with her hair blowing in the wind.  I know she will be waiting for me and run into my arms the way she always did when I would get home. Although my heart is broken, I know she is in God’s hands, where he will keep her safe until we are together again. I love you my precious girl and miss you terribly. My thanks to the staff at Avondale for all of the wonderful care they gave her through the years.

"I stood by your bed last night, I came to have a peep.
I could see that you were crying, you found it hard to sleep.

I whined to you softly, as you brushed away a tear.
"It’s me, I haven't left you, I'm well, I'm fine, I'm here"

I was close to you at breakfast, I watched you pour the tea.
You were thinking of the many times your hands reached down to me.

I was with you at the shops today, your arms were getting sore.
I want to take your parcels, I wished I could do more.

I was with you at my grave today, you tend it with such care.
I want to reassure you that I'm not lying there.

I walked with you towards the house as you fumbled for the key,
I gently put my paw on you, I smiled and said "It's me".

You looked so very tired and then you sank into a chair,
I tried so hard to let you know that I was standing there.

It’s possible for me to be so near you everyday,
To say to you with certainty "I never went away".

You sat there very quietly, then smiled, I think you knew,
That in the stillness of that evening I was very close to you.

The day is over.... I smile and watch you yawning and say,
"Good Night, Sweet Dreams, God Bless, I'll see you in the morning".

And when the time is right for you to cross the brief divide,
I'll rush to greet you and we’ll stand together side by side.

I have so many things to show you, there's much for you to see.
Be patient, live your journey out; then come home and be with me."

Our thanks to Kathy Huffman for this moving tribute

We Remember Mike

Mike Malinois    May 8, 1994 ~ June 18, 2009

On August 11, 2000, I rushed Mike to Avondale where he underwent emergency G.D.V. surgery, which saved his life. He has been my most wonderful friend for the 9-1/2 years he lived since then.

Thank you Dr. Poulin and Avondale, for so many years of happiness with Mike.  I am broken hearted but also very grateful for the expert care you gave him.  

Our thanks to Joan H. Lee for this memorial tribute

We Remember Chocolate

You were a seven week teddy bear bundle of joy the day I got you in March 1993 from a farm in Cheney, Kansas.  You were by my side every step of the way through all six addresses I moved to in that time. You always made our house a home.  My life was your life.  I will always love you.  You were the best, most loyal friend I've had.

I miss your big soulful eyes looking deep into mine.

I miss how you could always read every emotion I was feeling.

I miss how you would always wait for me by the front door.

I miss how you would greet me with your happy face and wagging tail.

I miss you sleeping right by my bed - every night for 15 years.

I miss you crouching down and begging to play.

I miss how you always slept under my coffee table while I was watching TV.

I miss taking you for walks. 

I miss hearing you "speak."

I miss playing fetch with you.

I miss how you ruled the roost in a quiet, dignified way.

I miss hearing you breathe at night.

I miss you.

Love, Momma Jo

P.S. Charlie, Twister and Brandi miss you too.

We Remember Samuel & Sierra

Our loved ones in heaven: Sierra (black poodle), she was the best therapy dog at the nursing home!!!

Samuel (black cat), he was the sweetest cat for a big farm cat.

Our thanks to Kim and Makayla for this memorial tribute

Our thanks to JoAnn Heiting for Nigel's Memorial Tribute

We Remember Shadow

Shadow was adopted from the Animal Rescue League of Iowa on April 21, 2005.  Upon his first examination at Avondale, he was found to have feline cardiac disease.  However, he healed and recovered from it in a way that astounded his doctors.  Shadow was gentle and loving, always ready with a purr, a kiss, or just to be close when you needed him.  He played the role of both child and guardian, filling a void in my life that I had never known existed.  Shadow passed away due to squamous cell carcinoma on December 18, 2006.  I am forever grateful to the doctors at Avondale Cat Hospital for their care, kindness, and medical expertise.  I will forever love my Shadow, and miss him.  Though I know there will be other feline loves in my life, no cat will ever take his place.

Our thanks to Alicia Richards for Shadow's Memorial Tribute

We Remember Gus & Neuman

Gus, the Landseer, and Neuman, the Greyhound, were both rescued dogs. They were best buddies always, even going to the Rainbow Bridge within three months of each other. Gus loved people, showing off, attention, bread, swimming, taking care of everyone and everything. He even protected mice from the cat. Neuman loved other dogs, especially greyhounds, and chasing rabbits when he could - although he would never hurt the rabbits - if they quit running, he would look for another to chase.

Gus's and Neuman's footprints will always be with us - in our hearts and all over our house... from the primer incident. : )

Gus & Neuman will be missed by all of us.

Our thanks to Ramona & Tom for this memorial tribute.

 We Remember Jack

Jack was a special cat that touched the lives of so many people.  He loved everyone he met and everyone loved him.  He was a diabetic and required 2 insulin injections daily and had asthma.  We are so grateful for the wonderful care and love he received from the staff at Avondale.  He passed onto the Rainbow Bridge in August 2006 at the rip old age of 16.  He will forever be in our hearts.

Our thanks to Martha and Doug for Jack's memorial tribute