In March of 2015, after participating in the Rush to Rescue program, Jake and Elwood were adopted into a once-in-a-lifetime home. This bonded pair of senior, black labs had no idea just how lucky they were when they moved up north to their forever home on a lake. 

Stephen and Cec wrote, “…Our day quickly revolved around their morning walk.  They were happy hanging out in the house with us, and really appreciated heading out on the pontoon for an afternoon of jumping off the boat to chase their toys and get their fill of swimming… For the first two or so years with us, they were never out of sight of each other.  Sleeping in separate rooms was a major milestone in their becoming totally comfortable with us.  They were quite the pair.  

Jake was always a very happy puppy, forever running around with lots of energy and exuberance.  He loved chasing balls and other thrown toys, always trying to get them before Elwood.  Jake was also great buddies with Cooper the cat, and we'd find the two of them nose to nose quite often, and taking naps together in the their bed.

When we adopted Jake and Elwood, you gave us their medical history, and advised us that Jake had a heart murmur that could become problematic as he aged.  This heart issue became an issue last spring as Jake began suffering from congestive heart failure.  We took Jake to a canine cardiologist at the University of Minnesota Veterinary Hospital and after an echo cardiogram, the Vet prescribed additional medications and Jake stabilized.  Jake did fairly well all summer, occasionally having some bad days, but could still go for walks and remain somewhat active.  During the winter, he gradually declined to a point where his bad days were happening more and more frequently.  We made the decision to say farewell to Jake in early March. 

Elwood remained his constant companion to the end …occasionally we find him looking around for Jake, or standing on the front steps watching the woods for Jake's return.  He (Elwood) still loves his daily walks and wandering around the property surveying his domain.”

We are so thankful for all of the love and support Stephen and Cec gave to Jake and continue to give to Elwood. We have been so blessed by so many wonderful stories over the years from families who have opened up their homes to animals in need. Their precious lives are all too short, but so full of love and joy – thank you from all of us here at Rescued Tails.  

Sweet Frankie participated in the Rush to Rescue prison foster dog program, and she was a huge hit with everyone she met. Frankie really hit the jackpot when she met Dawn, and in February of 2015, Frankie went to live the good life with Dawn and her new feline "siblings". Much too soon, in January of 2019, after a battle with kidney disease, Frankie passed away in the arms of her devoted mom. Dawn wrote that Frankie, "was a joy to have around. Loving, energetic, smart and so sweet. She is greatly missed by me and the cats. Thank you for the tireless work you do to save these animals and match them to homes where they will be loved."  We thank all of the special pet parents out there who open their hearts to animals in need. The most difficult part of caring for our compa nions is having to say  goodbye.  

Haley came into the Rescued Tails family after being returned to a local humane society multiple times. She suffered from a condition known as Separation Anxiety and would become so anxious when left alone that she would destroy things to the point of hurting herself. In June of 2015, we were able to place Haley in the Rush to Rescue prison, foster-dog program. She bonded with her handlers at the correctional facility, who were carefully selected offenders who cared for, trained and loved Haley very deeply. A few months ago Haley had been diagnosed with cancer, and we were able to help her and treat the disease. But the cancer spread and there was nothing more to do except end her suffering and help Haley cross over the Rainbow Bridge. Thanks to this very special dog, these incarcerated men, some for the very first time in their lives, gave and received something they had never known - unconditional love. The power of our animal friends never ceases to amaze us. Thank you sweet girl for all you gave us - you will be dearly missed.

We rescued him August 3rd, 2016. He was sitting atop the hay bales - so thin and covered in fleas - too weak to even wipe the crawling parasites from his face. At first he ran away into the brush, but after some coaxing he reappeared. This beautiful, cream-colored feline was too scared to be picked up, but he let us pet him, and then he would follow us. And that is how we rescued him - pet him, call him, walk a few feet away and he would follow.

It was on that warm August day that he walked into our hearts forever. We will never forget it.

He had the funniest little meow that sounded like a tiny bark and that is how he got his name - Barkley. During his first vet visit this sweet, senior cat was diagnosed with kidney disease. Later it was discovered that Barkley also had heart disease - not a good combination. We provided much needed supportive care, and no one could have asked for a better patient. One vet tech described Barkley as, "very forgiving" - so true.
Recently the daily sub-Q fluids, multitude of medications and special diets no longer worked very well.
Barkley's illness started to win the battle, and he let us know. So today, as we petted and told him how much we loved him, we helped Barkley cross over the Rainbow Bridge.

Thank you for finding us, Barkley.
Thank you for greeting us at the door with motor purring.
Thank you for climbing proudly up onto your bed for morning pets.
Thank you for playing and making us laugh.
Thank you for being a ray of sunshine in our lives - actually more like a big ball of sun.
Thank you for letting us care for you and love you oh, so much.

We will now look up into the night sky, and see all the bright shining stars - and we will know that the brightest one is you.
 

We covered our precious Packer with a blanket of tears as he crossed over the Rainbow Bridge.
At fifteen years old, illness ravaged your weary body.
What an athlete, what a beauty, what a snuggler – oh, Packer we miss you so.
You were one of the first misunderstood dogs to come to the sanctuary. You were the last of the original six to pass away.
Your favorites - snoozing in the sunshine and running in the rain! Somersaults in the grass and jumping. All-time favorite? Couch time! What a joy, seeing you jump up to claim your spot.
Such a gentleman taking your treats.
Car rides – perfect little traveler.
So thankful that you found refuge in our hearts and home. Rescued Tails was created for you. You gave our lives meaning, and you taught us so much.
Save us a spot on the couch old man, we can’t wait to see you and the others again someday – you have all stolen our hearts.