Shadow
In April of 2007, Judy rescued a seven-year-old black German Shepherd from a home in which she had been abused, starved and eventually abandoned. When Judy first got her, Shadow was a shell - emaciated, bones pressing against hairless skin, just a glimmer of hope in her eyes. Isn't it amazing what love and kindness can do? When I saw her a month later, she was filling out, her coat was coming in, her hair glistened, there was joy in her eyes and a prance in her step! No one could believe it was the same dog. She appeared to suffer a set back when diagnosed with arthritis, but responded well to glucosimen. But in late June she began to concern Judy. X-rays revealed a huge mass pressing against her abdomen. On Friday, Judy made the difficult decision to put Shadow's suffering to an end. Never an easy decision, often the right decision. We take solice in knowing that Shadow was truly happy those last two months, possibly experiencing love for the first time in her life. We are appreciative of all of our friends who donated to help offset her medical bills. We believe it was money well spent and thank you for giving Shadow days of joy. In memory of her we are establishing the Shadow's Hope Fund. Donations made to it will be applied to extrordinary medical expenses incurred in the rescue of our pets. Just the same week we had to put down a puppy with a fractured pelvis - we simply could not afford the cost of surgery. Although we know that putting an animal to sleep can be the right decision, we do not want our decisions to be driven by cost. If you wish to donate to this cause, please indicate "Shadow's Hope" on either your check or paypal. And as always, your support of rescued animals is always appreciated.

Simon the Kitty
Dear Judy and Volunteers: My wonderful, precious 22-year-old kitty, Simon, departed on 8/28/13. I had him since he was 4 weeks old. He was a rescue and the vet said he would not make it through the night. With the vet's care and Simon's intuition that he would have years of unconditional love and care if he made it through, he did it. Thank you for what you do. Love, Sheila A.

Snoopy
I'm afraid I have heartbreaking news about Snoopy, whom you helped us adopt last February. We had a wonderful and fun-filled 3 1/2 months with him. He brought so much love and laughter into our home, and everyone who met him fell in love with him, as, of course did we. He loved to go for long walks, especially on the boardwalk that leads to a park near our home. He sniffed every tree on a regular basis to see who had been there! Sadly, he was diagnosed with hemangiosarcoma, which progressed very rapidly, and we had to end his suffering yesterday. What a sad and difficult day! I hate to bring you such awful news, but I thought you would want to know. Thanks again for all the wonderful work that you do. All the best, Jean

Sport
Hi Judy, Fourteen years ago this week a litter of pups were born to a black Lab mom. Our family got the runt of the litter - a lab hound mix named Sammy. We renamed her Sport. She has brought our family SO much joy. Was the perfect pup. Sadly yesterday we had to put her down as she was not well, but I wanted you to know she lived a great life with our family and was well loved. We will miss her greatly! Thank you for all you you do and especially for rescuing our pup so many years ago!

Steeler
Steeler was adopted from PRBJ in 2010. His owner said that the first time they came home, Steeler jumped out of the car window, ran to the cattle and started rounding them up to the feeders. Then, Steeler jumped into the feeder which scared the cattle away, so he rounded them up again. He said, he instinctually knew how to move the cattle and avoid getting kicked! Steeler passed away this past New Year's Eve 2016/2017. He said, "Steeler was the best dog I ever had." While he's not ready to get another dog just yet but said he would only adopt a rescue dog.