HART’s Memorial Page

As rescuers we have had to come to terms with the fact that we can not save them all. We can not save every dog in every shelter and we can not save every dog trapped in an abusive or neglectful situation. We do the best we can. However, there are those dogs that we thought we had saved, but then events took a tragic turn and we were unable to give them the life we wanted for them. This page is to memorialize those dogs and cats who did not make it. We do not want them to be forgotten, because we did love them. Here are their stories:

JoeBob (died May 9, 2008)

We all cried when we heard JoeBob’s cancer diagnosis.  The prognosis was not good, but Chris, one of our fabulous adopters and JoeBob’s foster, decided that the rest of his life would make him forget all the bad things that had marked his past.  She spoiled him good and made his last months probably the happiest ones of his life.  Goodbye, sweet "JoeBoy" -  we'll meet again at the bridge.

Prince George (died February 24, 2008)

Prince George was about 10 months old when it was decided to euthanize him on February 24, 2008.  His body succumbed to Feline Infectious Peritontis, dry (non-effusive) form.  The ailments we dealt with didn't inhibit his wonderful personality.  Even though he was still a kitten, he preferred being held and petted instead of playing.  He was very friendly and loved everybody he met. His body might have left us but his spirit remains.  We won't forget you, little buddy.

Maggie (died December 20, 2007)

Sweet Maggie died suddenly from a ruptured spleen mass.  She was one of the sweetest, most gentle dogs we have ever known and we will miss seeing her every day.  She was loved by everyone at HART who knew her and by her foster family who gave her a home (not once but twice) when her owners couldn't deal with her separation anxiety.  She will always be remembered and missed, especially by her special friend Matthew, whose side she never left until the very end.

Jake II (died October 26, 2007)

Today Jake decided that he has lived in this world long enough and went to the Rainbow Bridge.  His last few months were spent with as much love as he had received for years, but I think he just missed being with his family.  Jake was an older gentleman who had depleted his strength and was fighting a battle that would have been long and unwinnable.  We were not willing to give up yet, but perhaps Jake knew better.  Jake will be missed for his beauty and gentle grace and for his acceptance of all our frailties.  See you at the bridge, Jake.

Cameron (died September 20, 2007)

Cameron came to HART as one of several inbred kittens. He and his brother Dexter, who was his best buddy, had incurable and progressive heart disease from kittenhood on. He faithfully took six pills a day, morning and night, but nothing was ever enough to stop the progression of his illness, though until not long before the end his days were good and happy. Finally, shortly after his second birthday, came time to say goodbye, and he passed to the Rainbow Bridge in his foster mother's arms and is now playing King of the Mountain with Dexter once more. He is forever loved.

Monkey (died August 27, 2007)

Today my heart was broken because my precious Monkey was taken away.  I have rarely known a dog so sweet and loving, so patient and kind, so misunderstood.   In an ideal world, I would never have known Monkey because she would have been with her people for her whole life.  In the real world, I came to know her because of the thoughtlessness of people.  She was given up to HART because they no longer had time for her.  In the few months that Monkey was with HART, I grew as close to her as a have been to any dog I have ever known, and truly loved her.  But I, too, failed her because I just couldn't find her a home.  She was too big; she was a bad breed; she was too old; she was many things; but all she needed was a chance to show her heart and her character -- if only.  Monkey, I truly hope to see you at the bridge.

Grace (died August 23, 2007)

Nearly 2 years after her rescue, Grace, our last Katrina foster kitty, has lost her battle with thyroid disease, diabetes and old age.  She was Ed's special foster kitty that he personally selected from the many hurricane survivors in a makeshift shelter in New Orleans.  HART thanks Patricia and Ed for giving this sweet senior kitty a loving foster home.

Nola (died August 17, 2007)

Nola, who lost her only family and was taken in by a bigger family in HART, passed away on August 17, 2007, of an apparent protein leaking disease that affects the kidneys and intestines.

Nola had a deep love for her human friends and she knew her love was returned. She always knew when it was time for her Saturday morning ride to adoption events and anxiously looked out the window of her foster home waiting for her ride. One of her special friends at HART reminisced of her uncanny warning of impending motorcycles and balloons. We will always remember and miss you, Nola Granola, and we will meet again on the other side of the Rainbow Bridge.

Orion (died July 29, 2007)

Orion, who was faithfully devoted to his brother Logan and a great friend to a number of HART volunteers, passed away July 29, 2007.  We believe Orion passed away from bloat, brought on by the stress of losing his brother.  He will always be remembered and missed by everyone who knew him.  He had a great heart and simply loved all who came near him.  We loved you back.

Christine (died June 15, 2007)

Christine was adopted by a family six years ago and gave them the best she had. In return, the family decided they no longer had time for her and so they gave her back. Christine was a magnificent dog with manners befitting a queen. She was no longer as active as she once was, but age did not dim her eyes nor lessen the love she shared freely with everyone. She waited hopefully for a new home to call her own. Unfortunately our lovely Christine never got that chance; she died of bloat last night. Christine's only flaw was that she loved her humans too much. We will miss this sweet soul, and wish her peace and good rest until we all meet again.
 

Wiley (died April 18, 2007)

Today HART lost one of our own, Wiley.  Wiley will long be remembered for the unbridled joy he brought into many of our lives.  We respected Wiley because he seemed totally oblivious of the fact that he had only three legs.  He never asked for sympathy, just for a hug, a pat on the head, maybe a brief walk, and, most of all, for people just to love him back.  Wiley was beautiful, but far beyond that he had the most lovely and admirable personality you could wish for in a friend.  Good-bye buddy, we’ll see you at the Bridge.
 

Max (died February 5, 2007)

Max was a young Yorkshire Terrier who had been hit by a car and sustained extensive injuries. Despite his extremely painful injuries, Max still was reaching out to give kisses.  Surgery revealed that Max's injuries were even more serious than originally thought, but Max fought bravely for 9 days before his tiny body gave out.  Max was much loved by all who met him during his short time with us, and we will never forget his spirit.

("Max's Fund" was established to help with extensive vet bills for Max and others like him, who otherwise would have no chance of survival.)

Brook (died December 27, 2006)

Brook was left at a shelter to die. We saved her from that sad fate. Unfortunately, Brook had degenerative heart disease and other health issues, and she passed away before she found her forever home. But she was in a wonderful, loving foster home and, thanks to the generosity of numerous sponsors, she received the best medical care. Certainly a better ending than what she might have had. Brook was with us a long time and we will never forget her.

(Brook was sponsored by: Nancy Leykam, in Honor of Pee-Wee; and by Scott and Cheryl Wagner, in honor of Shelby Turner; and by Rosie Pearl Martin (our rescued beagle); and by Sabine Arndt, in memory of Purzi and Giaco and in honor of my beloved Great Dane Daytona; and by Ann Marie Gilliken; and by Courtney, in honor of my mom, Cheryl - The Ultimate Dog Lover.)

Sterling (died July 30, 2006)

Sweet-faced Sterling came to HART from a rural shelter where she faced certain death.  She had had a hard life, and came to us with numerous medical problems, including heartworms.  She was placed at a vet's clinic and was undergoing treatment.  Everyone who met Sterling loved her!  But, despite our efforts, she couldn't overcome her medical problems and passed away Sunday night, July 30, 2006.  At least in her last days, Sterling experienced love and comfort, things she probably never saw in her prior life.  We are saddened by her loss, especially after so much effort went in to saving her, and we had such hopes for her.  She would have been a wonderful companion.

Houston (died October 29, 2005)

Houston came to HART several weeks ago from Louisiana in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina.  He was taken directly from his rescuer by HART volunteers, covered in a thick black tar substance.  As soon as Houston arrived in Northern Virginia, he began treatment for an extremely advanced case of heartworms.

During the last 12 days, Houston was under the constant care of Dr. Rhymes at Parkway Veterinary Clinic, who consulted with specialists (cardiologist, internist, and vet school faculty) to ensure that everything possible was being done for him.  On several occasions, including last night, Dr. Rhymes spent the night watching over Houston.  Houston seemed to be rallying over the past week.

We are very sad to tell you that this morning, notwithstanding these efforts, Houston collapsed and could not be resuscitated.

Those of us who were lucky enough to know Houston saw in him an extraordinary spirit.  One of HART's volunteers spoke for many of us in commenting that in all her years in rescue, she had never met a dog who pulled at her heart more than Houston.  He was gentle and sweet and regal and wise and had a way of looking at you that pierced your heart.  To say that we lost a dog today does not begin to impart the grievousness of our loss of Houston or the heartbreak we are feeling.

Patricia and Carmen, thank you for bringing Houston from New Orleans to HART.  Unlike many of the tens of thousands of dogs and cats who perished in Louisiana and Mississippi, or the tens of thousands who die every day across this country in shelters, Houston did not die alone.

We have to believe he knew how much he was loved. We will always carry him in our hearts and wonder what might have been.

Callie (died July 2005)

Thanks to her rescuer, Sharon Bradberry, HART and a wonderful adopter, Callie knew love for a few short months in her much too short life. This beautiful girl spent much of her puppyhood being used as a target by some idiot in her rural neighborhood. Despite her rough beginning Callie was all heart. She would run into your arms to tell you she loved you -- and she loved everyone! You could see Callie's intelligence and curiousity shine through her beautiful amber eyes. Just when the life she should have had -- a loving home with gentle people -- was beginning, her life was ended by exposure to parvo virus, source unknown, an extremely contagious disease that is almost always fatal in young dogs. In her short time here, Callie's joy and loving spirit touched many of us. She will never be forgotten.

Crystal (died 9/8/2004)

Wesley (died 3/28/2003)

Poor Missy. Her original owner had to go in to a nursing home and could no longer take care of her. A family member took in Missy temporarily with the hope of finding her a great home. Missy went blind suddenly, shortly after losing her mother. We tried to find that new home, but because she was ten years old, no one seemed to want her. HART loved her. Tragically Missy went in for routine dental work and never came out of the anesthesia.
 

Bentley was a handsome black chow/retriever mix. We had high hopes for him. He was sweet, calm and a great dog. He would stand up on his hind legs and hop joyfully when he saw someone coming to see him. But then Bentley became ill. He was found to be suffering terminal cancer. Poor Bentley was very ill and uncomfortable. We had to make the heart-wrenching decision to end his pain. Bentley may have had to live his life alone, but he did not have to end his life alone. A HART representative was with him until the end.
 

Lady’s death was another mystery. She was active and healthy one day and gone the next. We never found the cause. She was less than two years old and looking forward to a home of her own. We were not able to find that home.