In Loving Memory

My dogs have come into my life in a variety of ways – from shelters, rescue groups, breeder re-homes, and after much soul searching, a ten-week-old puppy from a breeder. No matter how they arrived, I have vowed to give them a forever home where they are safe and loved. Loved deeply, I should add. Each one has been a gift and a blessing, touching my life in unexpected ways.

Companions in joy, comforters in sorrow. Unconditional love, loyalty, and trust. Each one has been a gift and a blessing, touching my life in unexpected ways. Mourned and missed when they are gone, each has a forever home in my heart.

Baker

Baker was adopted in November 2010 through Welsh Springer Spaniel Rescue. He was put up for adoption at age five, when his original family’s circumstances changed. Tracing his pedigree, I discovered his relation to Byron, my first Welsh Springer, on both sides of his parentage. This coincidence made him even more special to me. After working hard on obedience, in July 2011 Baker became a registered therapy dog with Pet Partners. He became a beloved member of the hospital pet therapy team, visiting hundreds of patients over five years. He survived cancer and died in May 2019 of kidney failure.

Alex

Alex was born in June 2008 and joined my family in August 2008. His years with me were busy with work, caring for aging parents, and meeting a new life partner, but we created many treasured memories, and he comforted me in loss. Diagnosed with lymphoma in September 2019, he died on August 10, 2020.

Emily

Emily was adopted from English Springer Rescue in December 1997. She was three years old, and I was her third home. She was with me through several moves and life changes. On my worst days, she gladdened my heart with her beautiful springer smile and roo-roo greeting. She was patient and kind to Alex, even when he thought her long ears were a tug-toy. Emily crossed the Rainbow Bridge on February 13, 2009.

Dixie

Dixie, an English Springer spaniel, was adopted in March 1994 when she was eight years old. Her former family was dealing with terminal illness and was desperate to find another home for her. Although I hesitated to adopt a senior dog, Dixie became a beloved member of the family. Dixie was with me for three years and taught me to stop and smell the roses.

Byron

Byron was adopted from his breeder in May 1994. After learning that Welsh springer puppies are spoken for before they are born, I was thrilled to find a young adult available, a re-home situation. Byron was truly one of the heart dogs of my life. I said goodbye to him on November 7, 2007.

Chester

Chester was my first English Springer. I found him at the Santa Fe, NM animal shelter. As I walked past his cage, he stuck his paws through the wire and flailed at me. He was four years old and had been surrendered because his family was moving. He was with me for ten years until he died of lymphoma in November 1997 at age 14. A true Velcro dog, he followed me from room to room until his last day. I read passages from Angel Pawprints at his burial in Los Angeles Memorial Pet Park. He will always have a special place in my heart.

Molly

Molly, a Flat-Coat Retriever, was adopted from the Santa Fe, NM shelter just hours before she was scheduled to be put down. She was a gentle soul, always kind and loving during our seven years together. She died from complications of surgery to remove a tumor and was one of the inspirations for Angel Pawprints.

Marmaduke

Marmaduke was adopted from the Santa Fe, NM shelter. Possibly a Mastiff mix, she was about two years old at the time. Although she was a challenge at times, her motto was always “count me in!” She was diagnosed with hemangiosarcoma, an aggressive cancer, at about age nine. Her courageous battle taught me legions about strength, love, and loss. She inspired Angel Pawprints as her legacy.

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