ELI

Sept 24, 1999 I received a call asking if I could take in a short term foster dog. Eli was thought to be about 4 yrs old, abused and underweight. No problem provided he got along with my female dog Layla. Well, it was love at first site for these two and they became inseparable. A rocky few days for a boy who didn't trust men (Eli wouldn't let my partner Rob in the house the first time he came home from work!) He eventually began to realize he was now in his forever home.

Days quickly turned into years and Eli was very attached to me. He went everywhere he could with me. The joy in his eyes when he saw his 'mom' and knew he was loved unconditionally and part of the family. Eli and Layla both took part in our engagement photos and eventually welcomed to babies into the household with no signs of jealousy.

Eli loved to walk and frolic in the park but by age 13 he began to develop hind end paralysis and began to fall over after just a few steps. Eventually at age 14 he was robbed of his ability to walk altogether or even sit yet he was still a happy & joyous boy. With help he could run if his back legs were lifted off the ground.

July 24/09 the unimaginable happened and Layla had a stroke and had to be put down. Eli went into a terrible depression from which he never recovered. On Sept 12/09, 12 days short of being with me for a decade Eli decided to join his Layla at the Rainbow Bridge. Eli died in my arms, surrounded by his family knowing he was loved.

I thank Animalert for bringing this beautiful sweet boy into my life and allowing me to show Eli true unconditional love. I will miss my big Boy Eli and my little girlie Layla forever and can't wait to see them both again at the rainbow bridge.

Michelle, Rob, Alexandra & Aiden

ASTA

Loved his people, just as June and Judy loved him. He will be greatly missed.

SPARKY

Almost three years ago, Sparky came to live with us. There had been a break up in Sparky's family and he needed a home where he could spend his golden years. He came to us one Saturday and immediately won our hearts .He adopted us as we adopted him.!! Sparky was a wonderful Collie, a regal, beautiful dog. He had a loving, gentle soul and actually seemed to smile every time he saw us. Even though he was getting on in years, Sparky fit into our lives beautifully. He became the official canine greeter at our store and welcomed our customers with a wag of his tail. He was especially excited if a puppy came in to visit. His favourite thing at work was to sleep on the front porch and let the warm breeze ruffle his fur. During his time with us he went to Trafalgar Terrace Retirement Home several times to visit the residents.

He also went to several dog shows with us to work in our booth with (our dog runs) & to show people what great dogs Collies are. Sparky also participated in last June's Bark in the Park. As Sparky's hearing declined he slept very soundly. When we would touch his shoulder to wake him, he would stretch and open his eyes and his expression would say "glad to see you again" During his last months with us, he had a few health problems, but maintained his gentle ways and dignified manner.

On April 10th this year, Sparky suffered a major heart attack. We had to make the difficult decision that pet lovers have to make for their animal friends. Sparky went to sleep peacefully in our arms and sadly we said good bye to our friend. We miss Sparky so much, but we know that he is in a good place and that he will be waiting for us on the other side of the Rainbow Bridge. We are grateful to Animalert for bringing Sparky to us. We hope that people will consider adopting older pets as they can bring so much joy and love into our lives.
- Submitted by Bob and Lois Taylor

BAILEY

We adopted Bailey through Animalert in July, 2000 from a loving family that found that between Bailey and their other, older dog - there was just 'too much dog'. Bailey worked out quite well, adjusting quickly to his new family. Even with his 80lb size, he was very gentle with all of us including our young son. He loved to play and would explode with energy if he heard his leash rattle - it meant going for a W-A-L-K. Overall he was a real 'softy' and despite his size figured he was a lapdog and spent most of his nights guarding the couch. We are grateful to have had 4 wonderful years of play, walks and companionship before an unfortunate accident took him from us.
- Submitted by Mike Guest