"The most difficult thing about having a dog is the goodbye"

In 2009, Dot, came to Rescued Tails at 6 months of age after she and her litter mate had been found as strays running the streets in a small Wisconsin town.
Dot was full of spunk and knew how to enjoy life to the fullest.
For most of her life Dot was pretty sure that every dog, cat and human was her friend, and she would run with gusto to greet everyone she encountered.
Dot met her "sister" dog, Molly, soon after she arrived at the sanctuary, and the two quickly became BFFs. They would often be found lounging next to, or on top of, each other in the sunshine or snoozing on the couch.

We had recently lost one of our own four legged friends of many years, and it didn't take long for us to fall for Dot, make it official and adopt her.
Dot enjoyed her days going on long walks picking up sticks along the way, hunting for grasshoppers, getting to "go with" on car rides, chasing balls, digging holes, chewing on bones... and other chosen items - we nicknamed her "Dotstructo" - tennis balls didn't stand a chance at surviving even one game of fetch.
But the one thing Dot loved the most of all was playing with her sister dog, Molly.
They were two peas in a pod - a perfect match.

Everyone who met Dot fell in love with her sweet personality and adorable "forever puppy face" - even after many years when Dot became a senior gal people still thought she looked like a puppy.
Dot had seasonal allergies and required weekly baths for a period of her life and she was a champ through it all - she was such a good, good girl.
Dot openly and freely displayed her joy of life and gave so much love to everyone she met.

In January of 2024, we noticed Dot had really slowed down and seemed very tired. We thought it was due to her arthritis, but after blood work was done we learned that Dot was severely anemic.
She spent a weekend in the ICU at the University of MN, and an ultrasound found that her liver and spleen were abnormal and a diagnosis of multicentric cancer was provided.
We contemplated chemotherapy, but at almost 15 years of age, and the fact that Dot had started to become very nervous at vet clinics, we decided against chemo which required a multitude of vet visits and checkups.

We started Dot on the steroid prednisone, and what a difference it made!
Dot was soon walking the entire pasture again and back to eating with gusto.
Unfortunately, her reprieve from illness was much too short, and by mid-March, Dot no longer wanted to go on her walks, became uncomfortable and was turning away from her vast array of foods she once loved.
She continued to eat when we hand fed her, but as she became weaker and weaker from the anemia and cancer, we made the gut wrenching decision to help her cross the Rainbow Bridge.
Dot went to sleep, licking her frozen doggie treat, just like her sister Molly had done a little over a year ago.

Thank you, Dot, for coming into our lives and blessing us with your exuberant joyful love of life.
You made us laugh and smile for many years - when we look back it seems much too short.
Dipping your paws in Lake Superior was not your gig, but the comforts of the couch in the cabin with Molly made it better.
Thank you, Dot, for being such a good "cuddle mom" to the young pups who came to Rescued Tails who needed extra comfort and for being a gentle playmate to the more rambunctious crew.
You were perfect in every way.
Thank you, Dot, for bringing such sweetness into our lives.

We miss you so very much. Even with all the other animals here - the house seems so empty now.
I am sure that Molly greeted you at the Bridge, play bowing with butt up in the air and tail wagging.
Hoping you are both playing together freely now.
Save a seat for us on the couch. Love you to the moon and back, girl.
 

“Nobody has ever measured, not even poets, how much the heart can hold.”

― Zelda Fitzgerald

In September of 2009, a fawn-colored, petite canine chunk exploded into our world. I was in the process of completing an adoption of an older dog, Frida, into a loving home and all of a sudden -BAM! A brown ball of fuzz on four legs came whipping around the corner, straining at the end of her leash, trying to greet us.

Molly came to Rescued Tails as a transfer from a shelter in a town which had enacted a pit bull ban. She was a shelter favorite there, and they had contacted us asking if we could help save her by taking her into our program. And we said, “Yes, we can”.

After spending months caring for and taking Molly to dog training our bond grew so deep, and we could not let her go. We made it official, and she was in her forever home with us here at the sanctuary.

Molly enjoyed her days with us playing ball (her favorite hobby), rolling in the long grasses, snoozing on the couch with her canine sis Dot and others, going on long walks/ runs in the fields out back, chomping on bones, making AMAZING nests in her blankets (we think she was part bird) and even dipping her paws in Lake Superior (which she really did not appreciate). Looking back, these years went by much too fast.

Molly, thank you for showing us how to live life 120% and more. Your abundant joy made us smile and laugh and brighten our days even on the gloomiest. 

Thank you for your unwavering kindness and gentle ways to all your humans – especially the little ones.  Even towards the multitude of veterinarians who poked and prodded you over the years – you were always the perfect patient - so very KIND and forgiving.

You loved your canine counterparts SO much - your canine communication skills were impeccable when meeting other dogs. Thank you for being a wonderful “helper dog” to new dogs that came into your life.

We were beyond blessed to share nearly 14 years with you, Molly. Wish it could have lasted forever. The last 2 years and 10 months, after your cancer diagnosis were a rollercoaster of sorts, especially near the end. You were a champion through it all, and thankfully you were still able to enjoy your days doing things you loved. When your pain became too much we set you free from it and helped you cross over the Rainbow Bridge. It ripped our hearts open wide, but you peacefully went to sleep next to us, at home, licking your frozen doggie dessert. For that we are so very thankful.

There are very special animals that come into our world that become our heart animals. They become intertwined deep within our souls. Molly, you were/are that and so much more. Go run and play with the others (Rudy will be happy to see you), and we look forward to being with you again. Love you to the moon and back a million, bazillion times my little girl.

To honor the life and memory of Molly and all our other four-legged friends, above all, be kind. For that is one of the many gifts they give to us – kindness.

Our hearts were broken as we had to say good-bye to Waylon. Waylon was one of our long-term foster cats who had ongoing health issues - urinary stones, diabetes and was diagnosed with lymphoma a few months ago. He was really bonded with his littermate, Willie, and the two of them could always be found curled up together throughout the day. He also loved hanging out with the foster dogs, often brushing up against them and sharing the sun spots for naptime. Waylon's favorite sport was chasing the laser pointer and he would come running as soon as he heard it being taken out of the drawer. He also loved checking out the heat coming out from the floor vent and could always be found sitting right in front of the space heater. Whenever Waylon heard the water dish being filled with fresh water, he was right there to get the first drink. He could also be heard playing with the bowl, as he always liked to move it out a little further from the wall. While Waylon was really shy with people he didn't know, he loved snuggling up with his foster mom, Theresa, who took such great care of him and getting his face rubbed. Waylon was very loved and will be terribly missed.