“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.

My Dear Sweet Peaches

The first day we met you, we took you for a walk and were impressed by how smart and well behaved you were.  I guess we impressed you too because you sat by our car hoping for a ride home with us.  After six long months at the shelter, you had found “your people” and it was a match made in heaven for all of us.

It didn’t take long for you to learn where you were free to go, what was off limits and what was by invitation only. You always came when called and never jumped on the furniture. You loved the big fields with all the wonderful smells, and canoe rides on the pond with John. You had squirrels to chase and deer to verbally reprimand if they got too close.  This was the perfect life for a dog, but you had your chores to do too.

You supervised the lawn mowing and bird feeding.  In the winter you landscaped the yard with doggy angels.  When there was fresh snow you would take John and the snowblower for a walk.  You were  co-pilot on the daily mail run.  You were physical therapist when we needed exercise and emotional support when were sad.

If we took a long trip in the car you always insisted on going along to protect us.  Every rest area we stopped at was checked as if you were a bomb sniffing dog.  At the hotel you’d stroll through the lobby and ride the elevator like you owned the place, but once in the room you wouldn’t rest until you were sure every inch had been inspected.

Your job as home security guard was your biggest responsibility. You had your post by the front door window, and it was important that the curtains be kept open and no car was left in the driveway to obstruct your view.  You never failed to warn us if something was out of place; and it didn’t matter if it was a moose, a bear, or some stranger in a vehicle. I’m sure anyone who heard you was convinced they’d be ripped to shreds, but I knew your secret.  You were all bark and no bite.

You liked your creature comforts and you had plenty of them.  You were spoiled and deserved every bit of it.  I’d like to believe you didn’t want for anything and were happy with us.  I just wish you could have stayed longer.  We knew the time was coming, but we never expected it that day.  I hope you understood that there was nothing else left for us to do.  I let Nick, Alex and Jake know you were on your way.  I told them you’d be the pretty one with wavy black hair and butterscotch eyes.

We’ll be forever grateful for the nine years of unconditional love you gave us.  Run free and be happy with the “boys” until we see you all again.

9/13/20

Our tears rained down onto your beautiful, thick fur as we said goodbye to you - our great, big polar bear, Sawyer. We will always remember the day we met you – too scared to let us touch you, but it didn’t take long until you nuzzled our hands for more. So big, so gentle - yet so cautious – as you “tip-toed” up to us for some loving, or gently laid your head on the armrest for some snout scratches.  You enjoyed your days here with us on long walks and diving into the cool grasses. Playing ball, tossing it up into the air and your intense passion for snow – oh, how you loved the snow. Digging holes (more like craters) in the play yard, and stopping to look up at us with what we swear was a smile. Thank you for coming into our lives and making us laugh and smile.  At ten years old it was too soon to say goodbye – we are forever sorry that we were not able to do more to help you.  We hope we provided you with lots of smiles - just as you did for us, Sawyer. We love you to the moon and back – now and forever. Say hi to all the others, and we look forward to seeing you again big polar bear.