Dogs
Deserve Better
In Memory of...
Our
best friends go and leave a deep, lasting hole in our hearts.
We all want to share our loves with the world. Memorialize your
baby for the coming years by donating to Dogs Deserve Better in
his/her name. Share a photo and a paragraph with all who come
here. Donations may be made at the bottom of the page.
Bo
 Bo
is the reason for Dogs Deserve Better. He was a simple black
dog, the kind that is all too easily ignored in the shelter. He
was old, and he was in the beginning of the end when I finally gathered
him from his caregivers. We had six months together, and I so wish
I knew then what I know now, and could have appreciated each
moment more.
I
loved him for six years before he came to me, pure and simple.
I loved him. When his 'owner' told me not to come on the property
to see him anymore, I cried, telling her, "But I love him."
I was in anguish watching him every day. He was in my soul, and
he gave me my purpose. What could be a greater mission for
a dog? His ashes will ALWAYS sit by my bed, until I too go to the
great beyond.
See
his eulogy here. I love you always, Bo!
Olivia
04/08
Woodrow (Woody Bear)
January 5, 1995 ~ April 1, 2008
Woodrow came to live with me in 1996, when I was in Tulsa. He lived large to the very end, and died as he would have wished – in my arms. Like all of our companion animals, he is both unique and irreplaceable. Requiescat in pace et in amore, old friend.
Yippie & Willie 03/08
 Yippie was my first pet ever. I was told his first owner beat him, by his second owner who delegated him to the backyard. He was fithy and matted, but I could see his beautiful orange coat under all the dirt. The day I met him, he put his chin on my lap, and looked up at me with sad eyes.He was a fearful but gentle dog, often backing away from people, and hiding behind me. I couldn’t understand how anyone could mistreat this beautiful gentle, loving, angel.
It took about 3 years, but one day, copying another dog, he playfully pounced toward a tennis ball. Eventually he became less fearful of strangers. I was always gentle with my baby, and he returned the love I needed. I loved the way he wagged his entire behind in excitement and made cute noises when I returned home. I vowed to protect him and any other animals that I encountered.
 Willie was my second baby. I adopted him 6 months after Yippie. He was so social -- he desperately wanted to meet every stranger on the street. He was independent, and happy. He was at his best in the presence of a “new” person or dog. Willie jumped in to many a stranger’s car, but it didn't bother me- I was glad he had a naive and innocent love for people. He whined uncontrollably any time he couldn’t jump in a stranger’s lap. He even loved going to the vet (til the last year) because he loved seeing the other dogs and owners.
I want the world to know how wonderful they were. What beautiful, loving babies. Yippie, Willie - Mommy loves you both more than anything in the whole world. Sending you big hugs and kisses.
-Bonnie Monaghan
Poundcake
3/08
 Poundcake
was my constant companion for 15 1/2 years---I had a long time
to love her but it wasn't nearly long enough. She
came to me at eight weeks old as a feisty, smart 8 lb "poundcake-shaped" puppy
and grew into a feisty, smart 75 lb girl.
Poundcake
kept me on my toes...she challenged me daily but also honored
me with her complete devotion and love. She loved children,
frisbees and anything squeaky- she also completely understood
everything I said to her and many times "talked" back
to me to give me her opinion. I spent less than 5 nights away
from her during her 15 1/2 years and still tell her goodnight
out of habit. Till I see you again, my Poundcake- goodnight
sweetheart.—Denise Elkins
Roxy
1/08
 I
lost my beautiful Roxy girl to Cancer. We tried everything
we could to save her life and I am devastated. I just
donated in her memory and I want to thank you from the bottom
of my heart for your generosity in the way you honored her
in the 2008 calendar. That is my precious keepsake of
the honor she so deserved for the way she struggled during
her early years, she was my hero and I miss her more than I
ever imagined. I can hardly see to type thru my tears. Thank
you again for all your hard work. There must be a special
(dog) heaven waiting for you.
Many thanks to you and your staff, Karen McGee
In
Memory of Saia, 10/07
Saia was a dog who was very fortunate to be well cared for by her owners,
(our best friends Pattie and Ed)
and befriended by all the people she came into contact with. She lived in
the house with our friends, had a special dog orthopedic bed with her name
embroidered on it, loads of doggy toys, she liked to lay on the lounge chair
by their pool and sun, and spent every night snuggled up in bed with our
friends. They even bought a special extra large upholstered rocking chair
so she could sit with them in it and watch TV - Saia was over 40 pounds - a
good size lap dog.
We chose to give this donation in her name for the care of others not as
lucky.
She died last Monday as a result of a side effect reaction/complication with
some medication prescribed by a veterinarian.
CH. HAPPYLEGS PURDUE PETEY
"PETEY" February 13,1997 - September 30, 2007
 Petey brought so much joy and absolute unconditional love to our lives.
Maybe one of the most profound things he wound up doing happened after he was gone. Our wonderful, caring friends donated money in his memory to Dogs Deserve Better.
We had never heard of the organization before and after going to the website and reading about it, how could you not be moved to join the fight?
We fully intend to make this cause heard to all we know, and will pass the website along. Petey was lucky to have been a very spoiled, loved dog that was never chained, but will be the reason a lot of people will hear about Dogs Deserve Better. We will miss Petey for as long as we live and will never forget him and we thank our friends for their love and support.
Mario
04/07
 Mario
was a fun loving guy who did not just wag his tail, but his entire
body. Mario loved everyone and was loved by everyone. One
of his best friends was Cupcake our little Gray Cat. Cupcake
taught Mario how to clean his face in "Cat Fashion" and
if that did not take care of the situation, he developed the art
of using the couch as a full face napkin.
Mario was especially fond of bubble baths. He loved a nice
warm bath with bubbles all around him and a nice long soak. He loved
to get dried in the nice warm sun, followed by a long brushing.
He was very much into his appearance and liked to be fussed over
immensely.
He
learned to swim at the ripe young age of 13. Once he got the
hang of this doggie paddle thing, there was no stopping him.
When he was older and not quite as strong for swimming, he
loved to lay on a raft and be pulled around the water.
Mario is missed dearly. The only consolation is knowing
that Mario has joined long time friends and good buddies:
Cheerio, Oreo and Domino. I cant wait to see you all again. —
Love, Mom (Laura Lange)
My
Sweet Annie Rose 11/25/95-3/22/07
 Annie
wasn't a chained dog, but she was abused in her own way. Annie was
born during the "ROTTWEILER Craze" of the early 1990's.
By the time she was only 6 months old, she was given away 3 times
because "she wasn't mean". At the time I worked as a letter
carrier and Annie was on my route. I paid $250.00 for her and snuck
her back to my car in my mail truck. Annie was the best dog anyone
could want. On vacations she would "babysit" my little
neices and nephews. If they got too close to the lake, she would
tug them back to a safe distance by pulling on their clothes.She
and I would play a game I called "the freshie game" I
would shake my finger at her and say, "You're fresh!"
and she would leap around me barking and play snapping.
Annie had the best life a dog could want. She lived for 12 years
and would probably have another 5 left if kidney failure didn't
claim her. She didn't want to leave us in her final days so we had
to help her to the Rainbow Bridge. I lay on the floor with her at
the vet's office and whispered in her ear that it was OK to go.
She went softly after the first tranquilizer was administered. She
didn't even need the euthanesia shot. The last thing she heard was
my voice telling her that I loved her and the last thing she saw
was my face.
Annie, I miss you so much!
Love, your mommy
Doogie,
March 1, 2007
 We
can't say enough about Doogie...that boy knew how to take a country
by storm! To see the page with the struggle and case to protect
him, go to the Doogie page. Words from
his foster mom, who loved him greatly: "I want to thank everyone
for the presents Doogie received and all the well wishes. Please
know he went very peacefully and on his own, he chose his time and
was not in any noticeable pain. I hugged him and told him all the
amazing stories about the bridge, about how people who have hurt
him will suffer in the end, and about Tammy’s amazing love
in refusing to give him back to an immediate death. He had almost
5 months with me, during which time we both learned so much about
love." Donations were made in memory of Doogie by Sharon Cornett,
Maureen Koplow, Constance O'Brien
Cyclone,
March 1, 2007
 Cyclone,
I'm so sorry we lost you. I wish it could have all turned out differently
for all of us. You deserved better than life on a chain, and I wish
you could have had time to understand better what it takes to live
with humans. I know it was not your fault, and I love you. Mom
Donation
in Cyclone's memory by Maureen Koplow.
Cutie,
23 March 2006
 You
were our first rescue.
An independent lady at age 14 and we loved you the minute we saw
you.
We wished our paths would have crossed sooner.
We do not need a special day to bring you to our minds.
The days we do not think of you are very hard to find.
Each morning when we awake we know that you are gone.
And no one knows the heartache as we try to carry on.
Our hearts still ache with sadness and secret tears still flow.
What it meant to lose you no one will ever know.
Our thoughts are always with you, your place no one can fill.
In life we loved you dearly; in death we love you still.
There will always be a heartache, and often a silent tear.
But always a precious memory of the days when you were here.
If tears would make a staircase, and heartaches make a lane,
We'd walk the path to heaven and bring you home again.
We hold you close within our hearts; and there you will remain,
To walk with us throughout our lives until we meet again.
Our family chain is broken now, and nothing seems the same,
But as God calls us one by one, the chain will link again.
....Author Unknown
We will remember you with love always,
Mumma, Daddy, & The boys
Buford,
Wisconsin, 26 January 2007
 Buford,
along with 4 other dogs (3 other pits and 1 brittany spaniel mix),
were kept in a basement for the better part of 5 years by their
previous owner. Buford lived on a 4 foot chain to a workbench; the
same chain that was so deeply embedded in his neck it looked like
a part of his body.The dogs were surrendered to rescue after the
owner decided they were just too much work, but he said "his
love for them made him hold onto them so long."
Buford
made many swift adjustments to our house; he began to love being
touched, petted, hugged and overall cuddling. He gained weight and
muscle, going from a skeleton to a healthy 70# boy.
On
Friday January 26, 2007 our dear Buford lost his battle with cancer.
Run free and play Buford. We will always love and miss you. In memory
of Buford, a dogster pal: http://www.dogster.com/dogs/370991
Shadow
in Burnside, PA, December 23, 2006
 Donation
by Maureen Koplow in Shadow's memory.
Veronica
Muse worked on Shadow's behalf for quite awhile, and was finally
able to rescue her. She only had her for a few weeks before she
passed on, but we're so grateful that Veronica was able to give
her that time. Our 2006 Christmas Sponsor Dogs contributed to all
Shadow's vet care and her grooming, and everyone was saddened to
know she died. "She will be remembered, please keep fighting
for dogs like her, so they get to know love, warmth, and happiness
before they go. SHADOW - Forgive me for being too late to save you.
All the times I stopped to see you on your chain I told you to hang
on, I'm trying, I'll help you. You did hang in there girl. For a
short time you were safe & warm & loved, at home with me.
You had so much wrong from the neglect and abuse you went through,
I know you stayed as long as you could. You were a wonderful beautiful
dog and I'm grateful for having spent the little time I did with
you. I know you will be in that special place with all my other
dogs, and you will all be happy and safe together. Until the time
comes that we meet again girl, you will be in my heart and thoughts
always."—Love Mommy
The
Chained Little Dog
 He
probably had a very good life till the time his master decided he
was needed no more. Then he was chained in the backyard and left
to die.
He
did so early in March 2006 after spending a very harsh winter alone
in the snow.
This
is the plight of the dogs in Romania. They are expandible because
numerous, treated with cruelty because the authorities do not care.
Animal protection laws exist in Romania but only on paper. They
were signed because they were needed to put Romania on the list
of countries wanting to be accepted in the European Union.
Proof
of that: the little dog belonged to a municipal alderman. The case
was brought to us by a group of children who were seeing him every
day on their way to school and tried to do something about it. They
wrote letters to the owner but never got any answer. They tried
to feed the little dog over the fence but he was too far away and
the chain too short and could not reach the kibbles thrown to him.
Can
you imagine what such a picture can do in the life of a compassionate
child ? The plight of the Romanian strays is not only hard on the
animals but also on the people who love them, fear for them and
wish they could do something. The only help that will work will
be coming from abroad. That is why we got involved in the first
place.
To
read more about that tragedy, see:
http://network.bestfriends.org/Blogs/
Janine
Larose, founder
Lost
and Found Pet Network
www.rapt-lfpn.org
Quebec,
Canada
In
Memory of Ken Anderson
 April,
2006
In
memory of Ken Anderson, CSU Petsitter Conferences.
Thank
you for your love and support of our rescued dogs.
Dixie
(aka Grandma)
 April,
2005
You
were with us only for 5 years. I wish so much it could have been
longer. It's not the same coming home and you not waiting happily
to see us. I hope you know how much we loved you. Miss you so much.
Romano
family
Darla
 Mar.
13 ,
2005
In
memory of our beloved shelter cat, Darla (Momma Mau):
You
haven't really been taken away.
You have only gone with the Angels to play.
You have been given wings with which to fly.
All your troubles have passed you by.
Your life in heaven now must start.
But we'll hold your memory in our hearts.
Nothing about you will be forgotten.
But now you'll sleep on clouds of cotton.
Author
Unknown
Our
hearts are broken, Gwen, Delana, Jessica,
Wendy, Michele, Mandy, Cindy, Vonda & Kelly
Sess
 Feb.
22, 2005
Sess,
I never met a more intelligent or loyal dog. You appointed yourself
my guardian, and guarded me fiercely from newcomer dogs even when
you could no longer stand. You were lucky they respected your alpha
male status just from the ferocity of your bark and didn't test
your ability to carry through!
I'm
so angry that someone kept you in a pen for 11 years. I'm only grateful
they finally set you free to come to me all the way from Colorado.
If
I had had the good fortune to know you from a pup, we would have
been SO inseparable. Unfortunately I was granted only 1-1/2 years
with you, and only one good year before cancer started taking it's
toll. Still, you were MY dog, MY companion, and I'm so honored you
chose me.
Thank
you, Sess, for loving me even when I deserved it not. I will always
have you in my heart, and you will remained immortalized as the
Dogs Deserve Better doorhanger doggy. –Love, Mommy
Chainey
 Feb.
3, 2005
You
were happy for a little while in your short, pain and fear filled
life. You were loved and you loved back. Looking at
your face when you were out playing.....it meant more than I can
express with mere words.
You
were beaten and tortured and made to endure the worst man can give.
What I saw in your eyes when you hid behind me in fear and the chain
completely embedded in your neck when you came here, was proof of
what you had endured.
You
didn't know how to play with the other dogs, you didn't know how
to love me without almost knocking me down. But you tried
so hard. You enjoyed the short time you had here with us more
than any dog out I've known.
You
did not forget but you let me into your life. You trusted
ME. And, I let you slip past my self-imposed barrier of protection.
I loved you and I will never forget you. You were special
and will always be in my heart.
Rest
in Peace, Chainey. You have earned it. You can run and
play and bark and will never feel hunger, pain or fear again.
You are free. Be happy and I'll see you at the Bridge.
Try not to knock me down when you see me coming! Lisa Jones, Director,
Country Paws Rescue, Inc
Lacee
 Lacee
March
'04 - November '04
May
heaven give you comfort and peace.
Donated
by Michele Reynolds.
Sadie
Mae
 We
thought of you with love today.
But that is nothing new.
We thought about you yesterday.
And days before that too.
We think of you in silence.
We often speak your name.
Now all we have is memories.
And your picture in a frame.
Your memory is our keepsake.
With which we'll never part.
God has you in his keeping.
We have you in our heart.
Author: Unknown
Donated
by The Schorno Family.
Sid
 Sid
was a true Australian Shepherd. Despite coming to us with tumors
and fresh from being hit by a car, his will remained so strong!
I remember taking him outside, hardly able to walk with the pin
in his leg...I thought I didn't need a leash, because he couldn't
get far. How wrong I was! He scooted right down over a steep bank
and into the creek. I had to climb down and carry him out! —Tammy
 From
Melanie, foster Mom to Sid, who sponsored this tribute: I'm not
very good at eulogies, but Sid touched Mike's and my heart forever.
He truly was trying to make up for all those years of solitude and
cuddled at every opportunity. We loved the old man and felt honored
to receive his "lovin's" in the Sunset of his life. July
28, 2004 Sid moved on to his forever home. He made me part of this
cause from the first moment I met him, because I knew he deserved
much more than life attached to a chain by the bolts you see pictured
here. No dog deserved that!
Sadie
 Sadie
passed from our lives on November 27, 2004. She was a beloved foster,
rescued from a backyard in Altoona, PA in 2003. She was a pretty
little girl with a sweet little face. She had such tiny paws, and
I will certainly miss the click-click she made, readily distinguishable
from the others, as she walked across the floor. Like a petite woman
in high heels.
She
had a typical Chow personality, standoffish until she got to know
you. Once she loved me, I was 'in', and she regularly just came
up and stood looking up at me for love, but never pushed for it.
I loved to cuddle up with her little face! She trusted me.
She
came in from a backyard in Altoona, PA at the age of 12 with a huge
mammary tumor, which we removed, and then later had to have emergency
surgery as she wasn't spayed and her uterus became infected. She
survived both of those to live another year with us, and we were
blessed to have her in our lives. She died as a result of cancer.
I know she was happy and grateful, she showed me her quiet gratitude
every day! —Tammy, $35 lovingly donated by "Friends of
Galveston County Texas Animal Shelter", thank you!
Leroy
 It
is with more sadness than I can express that I write that Leroy,
my 18-20 mo old pit/shep mix foster was sent to the Rainbow Bridge
Saturday morning, Aug. 21, due to complications from distemper.
When
he came to my house in Dec. 2003 we didn't think he would make it.
One vet recommended we put him down at that time, but our group
(PAL) decided he deserved a chance, because he had probably never
known love. He came to us in November, with a wound around his neck
from being tied up probably his whole life until he escaped and
wandered into the yard of the people who brought him to our adoption
event.
Leroy
was a very wonderful dog, who had blossomed under the loving care
he was given in my home. The whole family loved him dearly. He loved
to play with several of his foster siblings. He was very good with
the children and was a great cuddler. He loved food of all kinds
but really loved watermelon & several other kinds of fruits
and vegetables.
—Dianne Wood
Cody
 This
is my beloved Cocker Spaniel, Cody, who died May 4, 2002. It has
taken me over a year and 1/2 to come to grips with his death and
to allow myself to even view his face on any "memorial."
My
beloved Cody: We experienced a tremendous amount in the 11 years
and 4 months we shared: A marriage, your 2 ear surgeries, a divorce,
a 2nd marriage, living in two separate states, residing in 6 completely
different homes. You were by my side through the best and worst
of times. You were my life. Part of my soul died on May 4, 2002......
Rest Peacefully My Precious Boy, we shall be together again! Michele
Butch
 This
is my dog, Butch, who passed the day before Thanksgiving 2003.
Butch, You stood tall with elegance and grace. You believed that
I walked on water, when, it was you who were majestic and awe-inspiring!
No one ever told you that being 95 lbs was rather big to be a lap
dog. Having you nestled in my lap, oblivious to the world and trusting
me to love and care for you, gave me so much happiness and peace.
I miss you! Rest peacefully my "Big Boy", for God will
reunite us someday.
Your Mommy
Dogs
Deserve Better
In Memory of...donation
Share
your memories of your loved one for at least a two year period with
us by giving a suggested donation of $35 or more. Send a photo and
a paragraph or two for us to post.
If
you'd like to donate via regular USPS mail, you may print
out this form in .pdf
format, and send to P.O. Box 23, Tipton, PA 1668
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