In Memoriam

 

Found A Home 2004 • Found A Home 2005 • Found A Home 2006 • Found A Home 2007 • Found A Home 2008 • Found A Home 2009 • Found A Home 2010 • Found A Home 2011 • In Memoriam


Rainbows Bridge Affiliate Program

This page is in memory of all those dogs that we - the Hawaii Dog Foundation - have helped that have now passed over the Rainbow Bridge  to the "Great Dog Run In The Sky".

"We who choose to surround ourselves with lives even more temporary than our own live within a fragile circle, easily and often breached. Unable to accept its awful gaps, we still would live no other way. We cherish memory as the only certain immortality, never fully understanding the necessary plan."

- Irving Townsend

 

Brian

Ginger

Keo

Baby

Siggy

Miranda

Star

Maddie (Aloha)

Abigail

Miranda

Lana

Vader

Bibi

Kaleo

Rose

Whiskey

Pogo

Angel

Beavis

Brownie

Yeller

Ano'i
           


The original post on Yahoo:
Date Posted: Thursday - January 8, 2004
 
This is Brian he is a full blooded Chinese crested. He has had a bit of a rough life and been passed from family to family. He is rumored to be close to 15 yrs old but is full of spunk! He is really sweet and a total snuggler! If taken out he wont have accidents and is kennel trained. He does fine with other dogs and cats and prefer to spend he day on a doggie bed or couch. Anyone interested can call 621-0668 for more info.

Thursday - June 10, 2004
A very sad day at Hawaii Dog Foundation.  Our beloved friend and first dog, Brian, has passed over Rainbow bridge.  Those who have been around from our start will remember this 17-19 year old Chinese Crested as the Dog who started it all.  On this dark day we honor his rescuer, Pris Thomas and his adopted Mom, Leah Galisa,  Brian will be missed and always be in our hearts.

Here is the letter we received from Leah:

 
Dear Mike,
It is with great sorrow and the heaviest heart I have ever encountered to bring you this news. I feel you and your clients should know, Brian passed away at 11:30 pm Sunday 6-6-04 after a 2 night vet stay,  of what we suspect was pneumonia. Even with all the blood tests and X-rays they couldn't determine conclusively what was wrong. We tried antibiotics, IV fluids, pure oxygen, everything the Vet did failed. My life was greatly improved having known him and loving him was an honor. My life will never be the same. I have him with me in a beautiful site at our new home. Please call if you need any more information or just want to talk.
Mahalo
Leah Galisa

The original post:
Ginger
, a one-year old Min Pin, has a spinal nerve injury that has left one of her hind legs useless and caused incontinence. She does need surgery to help her regain use of the leg and possibly help her control her bladder.

Thursday - April 7, 2005
Sweet little Ginger, the one-year old Min Pin with a spinal nerve injury that left one of her hind legs useless and caused incontinence has passed over Rainbow Bridge. Donna had informed us last week that someone had adopted her. This brave little girl gave it her best but decided to cross over Rainbow Bridge where she can now run and play while she waits for her family. Our heartfelt sympathies go out to Donna and her family. They gave it their all to make her short life comfortable and painless.

Ginger:  We will miss you and LOVE you always.

Our heroic little Keo has passed peacefully of natural causes over Rainbow Bridge. Remembering this brave guy is difficult because his life was mostly tragic. He had been used a breeding machine for someone who cared for nothing but profit. When he came into our lives at about 12 years old we called him 'Spinner' because he constantly spun in circles. The vet thought he had probably spent most of his life 'spinning' in a small kennel. He had suffered so much neglect that we immediately had to have 7 of his teeth removed. There are many heroes in his case. Chris who rescued him, Joyce who snatched him from the death chamber, Sandy who fostered him, Renita who ran with him in her arms to assure he wouldn't be returned to his life of hell, Shann the vet from California who happened to be here visiting her Mom, and finally June who took him into her life and performed a miracle of Love, transforming his life from one of pain to one of luxury. I remember telling Renita that June would keep Keo in a kennel and I saw the expression on her face.  Which, by the way, is something to be avoided! When we got to June's house she realized I had been pulling her leg. Sort of. His 'kennel' was HALF of June's living room and had a bed, about a dozen toys and water and food bowls. He also had beds in June's bedroom, though he wound up sleeping with HER, by the door and in the kitchen. Keo touched so many of us in the short time we knew him. He and June were included in Channel 8's coverage of our one year anniversary. Keo will be missed and always in our hearts.  Today his pains are gone and he is romping with Brian and Ginger over Rainbow Bridge. Good Bye precious Keo! And thank you for enriching our lives!

Baby is a 1 ½ year old Terrier mix who has had a rough start. She was found in Waipahu upside down and tangled in a chain link fence. New HDF Angel, Diane had to cut the fence to get her loose. She was then hit by a car and ran into someone's yard where they poked her with a stick and tried to shoo her. She suffers from seizures and is blind, 90% deaf, and mute. She whines because she doesn't know how to bark. She's never heard one. One of her favorite things to do is to start licking and move her head around till she finds you. Baby loves kisses but is uncomfortable being restrained. She is afraid of cats right now because she smells something different but can't see what it is. We need that SPECIAL someone to give this girl a chance!

Sweet Baby
She came into our world blind, deaf and suffering from a severe brain disorder.  She was found stuck under a chain link fence writhing in pain.  When she was released she darted across the street only to be pelted with rocks by some heartless people.  Running from them she was hit by a car that didn't bother to stop.  Our hero Virgie took her in and gave her the reassurance that some people DO care.  Missy took her to her vet appointments, Sachi, Karen and Kim Fong made regular visits to give her medicine.  Kale made sure she was always clean and coordinated her care.  Tonight I have very bad news:  This angel who stole our hearts has passed over Rainbow Bridge.  She went peacefully and in the arms of Karen, Kale, Renita and Kim R.  She went knowing that she was loved and that not all people are bad.  Kale is making arrangements for a memorial service and we will keep everyone posted.  Thank you, Baby, for showing us how to love and how to be strong.  You were the first of our Gifts to pass while in Foster care.  Your shining face will forever be etched in our hearts and minds.

Hello!  My name is Siggy!  My Dad recently went over Rainbow Bridge and left me all alone. I never really lived or loved anyone else but him so I hope you can understand why my heart is breaking. I'm 15 years old and I can't see anymore. (Dad was my eyes) My old joints are creaking and it takes me a while to get going. I weigh 81 pounds and I have a few special needs. If you think you can take care of me for my golden years I promise to be loyal and loving. I hope you don't mind but I kinda need to be in a family that will be near me most of the time.

Monday - Nov. 28, 2005:
He came into our lives thundering and bumping at the ripe old age of 15.  Blind and deaf he was undaunted in his efforts to please those around him.  His human Dad had passed over Rainbow Bridge leaving him with no where to go.  The naysayer's told us he would be 'expensive' to care for and we should 'do the 'right' thing.  They never met big OLE 100+ pound Siggy!  A huge parcel of energy and enthusiasm!  Renee and family took him and when they were beginning their move to the Mainland, Danielle and her family came forward.  I'll never forget the day they were filming 'heroes' when the Sigster decided to ham it up for the cameras.  He was romping with Henry and Lazarus like a 10 week old puppy.  Bumping into things was never much a problem since no mere substance made of matter could stand up to his massive bulk.  Siggy helped HDF define it's mission.  In a way he is our poster boy.  In a very real way brought out the best in us.  It was for Dogs like Siggy HDF was created.  We only had him for 8 months but for him AND us those were SOME 8 months!  Danielle called us and told us that Siggy  enjoyed a very happy Thanksgiving Day (and dinner)! with them and then decided that it was time to join his human Dad over Rainbow Bridge.  We will miss you Sigg, old buddy.  You did so much more for those whose lives you touched than we ever did for you!!

Star when we first got her
Star may have lost several of her puppies. She was found with just one. The pup has found a home but Star is still looking for the perfect family to take care of her temporarily (foster) or forever. She's a mixed breed dog about 5-7 years old and ready to retire from making babies. She'll probably do best in a home with out other dogs or small children.

Diane and James were going to temporarily foster Star but fell in love and decided to adopt her instead! Thank you to everyone who helped HDF save this lovely lady.

On Tuesday evening (July 17, 2007) Star went over Rainbow Bridge.

This is for her from her adopted family:

When we were alone
You were there
When we were new here and had no friends
You chose us to be yours
 

You came into our life
When we needed it most
You showed each one of unconditional love
Something that most humans never learn

You will always be my silent twin
I hope somewhere in the sky above

You Star
shine bright
For all to see your love the way we did
 

Thank you HDF for introducing us to one of the greatest friends we will ever have.

We felt honored that Star chose us. 

The Andersons

Aloha (Maddie is what I renamed her), went over Rainbow bridge on March 9, 2007.  She was humanely euthanized after suffering from a stroke. My Maddie was a very blessed girl who was left abandoned at a vet clinic for over a year. She is very missed, but we still have her memory with us and I can still remember her going after my husband every time he tried to get in the bed with us. It took her some time to realize she had to share me with him. She knew I loved her very much.

The Aslins

Abigail Abigail was a 15 yr old Lhasa Apso. Since she was 2 months old, she was loved and looked after by Jana. Jana had to make a tough decision to leave Abigail here, while she joined the military. Though we do not know the full story of when Abigail was with the family she was left with, Jana got a call from the HHS. Abigail was found wandering around and was picked up. Her chip still had Jana's information. When Jana received the voicemail saying Abigail was there and she was needed to pick her up, Jana was at a loss. Jana was still in Tennessee. She contacted HDF and we went to pick up Abigail. Taking her to the Ewa Beach Animal hospital, HDF's worst fear happen. Abigail was too far gone, and due to years of neglect, the best option was to humanely euthanize her. Abigail left us for Rainbow Bridge on April 24, 2008.

Abigail - I knew you for an hour. I saw you and my heart broke. You wandered around looking for something. You seemed so tired, but yet you kept walking. Your were looking for your Jana. You wouldn't stop. Now I know you are waiting for her at Rainbow Bridge. All the pain is now gone and you are running free waiting for her. You will be together in the end. I knew you for an hour, but I saw a lifetime in your eyes....

Original post: Pleasantly plump and positively perfect Miranda will surely melt your heart away. Miranda is an adult miniature pinscher, spayed, and completely housebroken (she will lay her head on your lap when she needs to "go outside"). She enjoys getting down on the floor and playing tug of war and spending quiet movements snuggled up with that special someone. Now that she is on inexpensive thyroid medication (as well as an exercise program), Miranda has begun to trim down nicely. Adopting an adult dog like Miranda has so many advantages -- among them, she has already learned her manners and is "ready to go." Her forever ideal home would be adults only or one with gentle children.

June 27, 2008, at 11:21 AM, Diane Anderson wrote:

Aloha HDF,

It is with heavy hearts that we report to you that our beloved Miranda has passed on. The last month with her skin condition had become worse and a bacterial infection was more than she could stand.

Although the VCA had stated her skin was without bacterial infection, it was in fact just that.

Initially it appeared that her skin was healing as the weather here is so dry. However, one afternoon she spent outdoors and it turned out that her skin was to sensitive for our sun. Within 3 days we noticed that her skin was bubbling. Then it just opened up and slid off. We had never seen anything like it. She was in pain, and it was all we could do to accommodate her so that she was comfortable.

Miranda, being the most precious little soul is now in place where she is fast and the rabbits are lame.

Thank you all so much for the opportunity to have enjoyed her company. She was better than our children, as she is the only person we ever knew that did exactly what we said.

Much love,

Jim and Diane Anderson

Original Post: Lana is a super-sweet 12-year old female Shetland Shepherd or sheepdog mix. She was found in Ewa Beach. She is mellow and is very good with children, adults and other dogs. She likes being around people and loves to have her tummy rubbed. She does great on the leash, and is house trained. Even with arthritis, she is a very active dog that loves walks. With daily medication she can still be a spunky dog. She would do best in a one-story home, preferably with carpet. Lana is part of our Senior for Seniors program.
Original Post: Vader is a handsome 6 yr old German shepherd. He is neutered and up to date on immunizations. Vader does not get along with unfamiliar dogs. He is great with people and especially loves children. He can be fine with a non dominant dog with proper introduction into the family. He is housebroken and is ready for his forever family.

Vader was adopted by a lovely woman on the North Shore last fall. She took very good care of him and he lived a happy life. He was diagnosed with spleen cancer a couple of months ago, and he left us a month later at the young age of seven. We loved him dearly.

Original Post: Meet Kaleo! Kaleo is a Chihuahua/terrier mix. He is about one year old, weighs about 14 pounds, and is house-trained. He is current on his shots and will be neutered and micro-chipped soon. Kaleo is heartworm positive and will start treatment in early September. Kaleo came to Hawaii Dog Foundation as a timid and vulnerable puppy. He is making progress with his foster family and learning the simple pleasures in life such as going for walks and—aaaah—the joy of peeing on trees! Each day he becomes more trusting. He is wonderful with kids, including a four year old who wants to play with him like he was a rag doll. Kaleo just grins and bears it—happy to have the attention! This little guy is a big lovebug! He will bring an abundance of love and joy to his forever home.

Kaleo, you left us much too soon! We knew you for only a few months, but during that time we saw you grow from a frightened, timid puppy into a happy, confident dog that left loving little paw prints on the hearts of all you met. We will remember the happy times that we shared with you and we will always remember your gentle and loving spirit.

We remember how you nestled in your foster mom’s arms when she held you, and how you patiently allowed her young children to paint your toenails with magic markers. We remember how you jumped on the kitchen counter and happily chowed down on boiled chicken while the other dogs in the house barked frantically because that chicken was to be part of their breakfast too! And we remember how you would greet your foster mom when she returned home from a workout—bounding back and forth along the fence with your tongue hanging out and a huge smile on your face!

We miss you, little buddy!

Rose
Original Post: This regal, senior citizen is named Rose! Rose is a pit bull mix. She is about 14 years old and she weighs approximately 55 pounds. Rose is current on her shots and has been spayed and micro-chipped. Her health is quite good. Some of her favorite things include daily walks, tummy rubs, and car rides. Don’t forget the car rides! It doesn’t matter whether it’s a city bus, a mail delivery truck, or a police car, Rose is up for it! Rose absolutely loves people and she is very appreciative of affection, but she isn’t pushy or demanding. She gets along well with most dogs, including puppies, but can be impatient and inclined to bark at aggressive or extremely anxious dogs. Senior citizens are entitled to some idiosyncrasies!
Rose, you set a wonderful example for all of us as you aged with dignity and with grace.

You left us with many happy memories! While your step may have slowed, you still found the energy to play with little puppies. You loved to be with your people and you really wanted those tummy rubs, but you were never demanding. And, of course, we know how much you loved those car rides.

We delight in telling stories about your many escapades. Like the time you jumped in the mail delivery truck and wouldn’t get out until the carrier finished delivering mail in your cul-de-sac. Then, you jumped out of the truck and happily trotted back to your foster family’s yard! Or the time you got on a city bus and laid down in the center aisle with your muzzle over your paws. You were ready for the ride downtown! The caller who reported you were on the bus told us that “… [You] were real polite. [You] waited your turn in line to get on the bus—just like the rest of us.” One day we may write a book called "The Adventures of Rose"!

We treasure the time we had with you and the many memories we are left with.
Original Post: This handsome puppy is named Whiskey! Whiskey is a sharpei mix. He was found wandering at the Haleiwa Arts Festival this past summer. He is probably 2 years old and he weighs about 45 pounds. He is current on his shots and will be neutered and micro-chipped around the first of the year. Whiskey is looking forward to the day when he can run and jump and play like the other dogs. Right now, his activity is restricted because he is heartworm positive. He has begun treatment and is feeling much better—he has that cute little sharpei bounce back in his step! Whiskey is house-trained, he knows basic obedience commands, and is learning to walk nicely on the leash. Whiskey absolutely loves people and believes he should give everyone he meets a big, wet puppy kiss! His other two favorite things in the world are treats and his rubber chew toys (Kongs!)
Whiskey fought long and hard, but on January 28, 2011, he finally succumbed to complications from a heartworm infection.

In his short life, Whiskey didn’t experience much love or fun. He survived as a stray and had the scars to prove it! His anxiety when around men also spoke of a difficult early life. Despite those difficulties, he still liked people! The first time he went to the vet, he gave her what was to become his trademark: a big, wet puppy kiss across the face!

We are pleased that the last few months of his life were much happier! He experienced the joy of living in a home with people who loved and cared for him. And during a brief respite from his illness, he was able to enjoy some leisurely walks with his favorite humans and the opportunity to play games (although somewhat restrained) like tug-of-war and fetch! He loved stuffed toys - or at least pulling the stuffing out of them! And, he learned to love doggie chew toys - especially those Kong puzzles! His favorite pastime during days of crate confinement was chewing on his favorite Kong puzzle.

Despite pain and breathing problems in his final days, he still found the energy to greet his favorite humans with those big, wet puppy kisses!

We believe that if Whiskey could pass on one message it would be this: PLEASE, give heartworm preventative to your furry friends, EVERY MONTH!
Original Post: This handsome puppy is named Pogo! Pogo is a terrier mix. He is about 9 months old and weighs approximately 12 pounds. He is current on his vaccinations and will be neutered and micro-chipped in mid-February. Pogo has experienced some bad luck in his short life. He was found abandoned in a stack of tires! (And no, we did not consider naming him Michelin Man!) His luck is now improving. He is living in a home with a loving foster family and has doggie friends and toys to play with. He is learning about household routines and is being house-trained. Pogo absolutely loves people and he gets along well with other dogs.
We are saddened to have to report that little Pogo, the bouncy puppy that was found in a stack of tires, has died of Parvo. He was vaccinated immediately after we took him in, but it wasn’t soon enough.

Although we knew him for only about two weeks, his energy and sunny disposition made him a favorite with volunteers and potential adopters alike. Pogo didn’t care what we were going to do next; he knew it would be more fun than what we were doing right now! Watching him learn about household routines and how to live in a house was hilarious! His fascination with a big, soft doggy bed, his puzzlement at the cold air when the refrigerator door was opened, his curiosity about stuffed toys and the noise they made, his hesitation about being in the car - as soon as it began to move. These memories will bring smiles to our faces and joy to our hearts.
Chester
Original Post: Chester is a 5-year old Cattle dog mix. He is already house trained and has a great temperament. He had some skin issues when we first got him but it has nearly cleared up. He's super mellow and will sleep 12 hours at a time if you let him (what guy wouldn't??) He's a very friendly dog and loves to play with other dogs. He doesn't bark but every now and then he'll yawn and make the funniest noise like he's talking. The kids think it is hilarious! He'd make a great companion for an inactive family but he loves to go on walks too so maybe a more energetic family could get him up and moving more. Chester is already neutered, microchipped and is current on his shots.
 

Brownie

Original Post: These two sweet little Chihuahua boys are Tanner and Brownie. They are seven year old brothers and each weighs about seven pounds. They were recently rescued by a vet clinic and both are current on vaccinations, neutered, and micro-chipped. These little guys are extremely friendly, outgoing, and LOVE to snuggle! They are both house-broken and crate trained. They are doing very well with basic obedience and love to go for walks and romp in the park. They are smart and very eager to learn new things. They love to meet new people and Brownie especially loves to play with other dogs. These two best friends need to stay together so if you can add two little furry friends to your home, please complete an online adoption form and ask to meet Tanner and Brownie!
We are sorry to report that Brownie, the cute little Chihuahua who was widely known as the HDF social director, died of heart failure on March 12, 2011.

Brownie was a happy little guy who loved everyone - whether they walked on two feet or four paws! Any time a new foster dog came into the house, Brownie was the first one to welcome him. It didn’t matter whether it was a grumpy dachshund, an extremely timid fox terrier, a hyper little puppy, or a grouchy senior Chihuahua. Brownie knew it was his job to make the new dog feel welcome! And his social skills extended to humans as well. Wherever Brownie was, all the neighbors knew and loved him! His happy, bouncy gait with one ear up and one ear down and his tongue hanging from the side of his mouth brought a smile to everyone’s face!

Brownie did not have an easy life: he was abandoned, he overcame a heartworm infection, and he lost all of his teeth. But none of those things interfered with his happy disposition and his zest for life.

His adopter put it this way. “I really miss him and so does his brother, Tanner. I am very blessed to have had his company for the past year. He was a jewel, meeting me at the door every time I came home. Everyone loved him and always asked why his tongue hung out of his mouth.

You are sorely missed, Brownie. Tanner is lost without you and looks for you every day. I know you are without pain now, and can finally breathe easy again.”

Original Post: Meet Yeller (remember the book OLD YELLER?) Yeller is a true poi dog. He is about 6 six years old and weighs about 35 pounds. He is neutered and micro-chipped and is current on his shots. Yeller is heartworm positive and will begin treatment soon. If you are looking for a calm, happy companion, then Yeller is your guy! He enjoys lying around the house and going on short, leisurely walks. He is house-trained and very obedient. If you have room for a calm, good-natured dog in your home and in your heart, please complete an online adoption application and ask to meet Yeller!
We said good-bye to Yeller this week. After surviving as a stray, fighting off a heartworm infection, and then enduring kidney failure, Yeller passed on Friday, September 2, 2011.

Yeller loved people - especially children - and did his very best to please. During the last year of his life he lived with his adopters and their three sons whom Yeller adored! He didn’t care whether the boys were playing in the back yard or doing homework; he was right there with them and having a great time! Even during those months when he was receiving fluids every other day because of kidney failure, he was always loving toward his people.

Yeller is probably best known in HDF for saving the life of his foster family’s young son. The youngster had crawled into a suitcase, closed the lid, and then couldn’t get out. No one heard his cries for help, but Yeller’s persistent, frantic barking alerted the family to the boy’s plight. They opened the suitcase and found the boy alive, but barely breathing. Happily, the boy today shows no ill-effects from his ordeal! Thank you, Yeller!

Yeller, we miss your good nature and gentle disposition.

 

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Original Post: This good-looking guy is Ano’i! He is a 4 year old pit bull that weighs about 65 pounds. Ano’i absolutely loves people and he enjoys groups of people--whether on a hike or at a school outing. He recently was out with a group of middle-school students and he enjoyed letting them play with him and order him around and, of course, give him treats! In the house, Ano’i wants to cuddle next to you on his blanket or on the couch, and he wants to put his face next to your face and give you a big, puppy kiss! When he wants attention, Ano’i will give you his best puppy face and, with one eye, you really can’t resist! He loves to wrestle with his favorite humans (he is very gentle!) and to play with any toy you give him. He has made up a game where he wags a toy in your face and then jumps backwards with his butt in the air, daring you to chase the toy! Ano’i is extremely food-oriented and loves playing with his peanut butter Kong. He will sit, speak, roll-over, etc. for food! He is intelligent and learns very quickly. He learned to speak in less than 3 minutes--for a piece of hot dog! Ano’i does have a high prey-drive and should be in a house without cats or other small animals. While he loves people, Ano’i has not been well-socialized with dogs. His foster family is working on dog-socialization, but in the near term, he would probably do better in a house without other dogs. Ano’i has been neutered and micro-chipped and is current on his shots. He is blind in one eye, but it doesn’t seem to bother him.
We are sorry to report that Ano’i, Hawaii Dog Foundation’s big, black, one-eyed pit bull, has died as the result of a freak accident.

Ano’i loved everybody! In fact, he was pretty sure he was a person too! Whether he was with a group of school kids or a group of HDF volunteers, Ano’i liked to be the center of attention and his antics kept us all laughing!

As Ano’i’s foster/adopter put it….He was very well behaved and didn't realize he was scary looking to some people at all (part of his charm). Ano'i was a big teddy bear, and I miss wrestling with him every day! He had come a long way since I first got him and made him sleep outside because I was terrified of him, eh. Poor thing. By the end, he slept with me every night! Quite the cuddle buddy. :)

Ano’i’s foster, who taught him that it was ok to trust people and who later adopted him, has put together a video tribute.

We miss you, Ano’i!