Spirit Barkers

Tess

She was a force to be reckoned with. Our first rescue dog, Tess came to keep Ash company. She was spirited, stubborn, willful and oh so incredibly fearless and loyal.

Devoted to her people and her pack, Tess was afraid of nothing except fireworks and lightning. Too smart for her own good and gifted with a nose befitting a hunting dog, Tess always told us where the rats were. She was never wrong!

Tess and Ash had a love affair for the ages. Their rough play made people and dogs run for cover, but it always ended with a friendly bump. We miss you Tess. You taught us how to be brave.

Mama Eleanora

Mama wouldn’t tell us how the coyote got into her lineage, but it was there nonetheless. You could see it in the way she moved. When the local coyotes raised a fuss, Mama would join the howl.

The victim of terrible abuse, Mama held no grudge. She was grateful for every small act of kindness. Mama was a sweet and precious soul who had a difficult life.

Mama taught us to forgive. We loved you Mama. We will never forget you.

Jack

Jack didn’t have a high opinion of himself. He once said his ears were crooked, his eyes dull, and his coat was the color of asphalt. Perhaps there was some truth to that, but once you got past his looks you found a true gentleman.

Jack had tiny paws and a big heart. He rarely barked and preferred to express himself by marking constantly both inside and outside the house. Happier at home, Jack once reluctantly agreed to go on a hike. When he learned he would have to get his feet wet, Jack ran back to the car and refused to budge.

So many funny memories. You were a challenge and a treasure, Jack. You are sorely missed. Blessings on your journey beyond the rainbow bridge.

Nellie

Beautiful Nellie, how we loved you! We agreed to take you sight unseen from the shelter when Old dog Haven told us you were about to be euthanized. Apparently no one, including shelter staff, saw much of value in you.

God knows what your life was like before you were picked up as a stray. You reeked of urine from incontinence and had a hairball on your butt the size of a grapefruit. You smelled so bad we had to keep the windows down as we drove to the vet.

The hairball came off, you got antibiotics for a urinary tract infection, you had a series of baths and suddenly you were beautiful.

It’s true you had a perpetual tilt to your head. The vet said maybe from trauma to your head or the vertigo that you came with. The tilt gave you a look both knowing and quizzical. It was one of many traits that endeared you to us.

We wanted so much more time with you Nellie but it was not to be. We had to let you go after two short years at Asherpark. Nellie lived fully and with grace despite her many afflictions. Her mantra was always the same, “Don’t worry, be happy!”  We’re trying to do just that, Nellie.