JACK (was NEBO)
July 1998 - May 21, 2008
Linda writes: I have been meaning to e-mail you for awhile. Sorry to say that Jack died on May 21st. He is missed terribly. I chose not to drag things out for Jack. He was still eating and doing his daily business. But his world was getting smaller and smaller. He went out several times a day, but for shorter periods. He was his sweet self till the very end. I was on vacation that week, and could not see returning to work and worrying about him at home. The dog walker came every day to take him on a short walk, and give him his pain medications. I spent almost every hour with him on his last few days. I have included some photos for you. Even though our time together was short, he is deep in my heart. Jack's story.

ABE
Feb 18, 1998 - April 2008
April 2008, Craig writes: Sad, sad time in the Young's' house. Our gentile giant Abe has moved across that rainbow. A wonderful family member, companion, entertainer, partner, and friend, he will be sorely missed. He had suffered with a hip problem for a few years and the vet could never quite pin down the problem. It seemed to come and go, but then this last year cancer took over. In his last days, he could barely move and at time had to be carried and even that would cause him pain. He was always surrounded in love and always gave back much more. The term "Velcro dog" more than applied, and no one minded. He still had that funny habit of wanting to walk between your legs once and a while just to make sure he was close enough. He was loved by everyone that ever met him but especially the grandkids. When one of the younger ones came over and asked where Abe was, we had to tell him that Abe was gone and when he realized what that meant, he went quietly into the front room and sobbed for an hour. We all have similar feeling. I remember when we got him, you said he was special, and oh how very special he was. What a personality, what fun and what memories. Like I said, he will be sorely missed, and never replaced. See Abe.

RAFER
May 10, 1994 - April 29, 2007
Laser's Rafer Legacy... little brother, Connor Quinn was with him to say his farewells to his best buddy and to comfort mom. Rafer had a hard road to travel prior to rescue. We found him living in a dirt floor kennel with a 50 gal metal drum as his dog house and eating food off the dirt that was as much feces as dirt and his water bucket green with slime. Rafer was truly one of the most homely dogs we ever met, he was sway backed, way over standard size, and a hound looking boy. But we loved him just the same. He was adopted by Roxane in OR and a year later she adopted Connor so that Rafer had a buddy. These boys were instant friends who slept on top of each other, played together, sat on mom's head together, and redecorated the house together a few times. Roxane provided them both a home they would have only dreamed of with daily runs at the park, working at farms with them along, dog sitting golden's and irish setters, and living life the Vizsla way. Rafer was just shy of his 13th birthday when he started to seem weak and not eat. On Sunday x-rays showed a large mass in his abdomen. His mom wanted him to go with dignity and said goodbye to him with him in her arms and with Connor at her side. Goodbye sweet Rafer and we will order up lamb chops at Rainbow Bridge for you. Read Rafer's story at Rafer and remember him always as the distinguished gentleman of the dog park with his signature stately swagger... or was that a turtle trot??? .

PENNY LANE
Spring 2006 - March 2007
Penny Lane's time with Emily & Galen was cut short when, despite all efforts, she finally gave in to the odds stacked against her. When she failed to thrive after recovery from the parvo it was discovered she had a rare pre-existing condition called Myasthenia Gravis (similar to muscular dystrophy) that prevented her from growing into the energetic puppy she should have been. Medication helped but, in the end, she finally let those who loved her know it was time to let her go and perhaps let her start over again. No puppy could have been more loved or more wanted but it wasn't meant to be. Galen writes: For myself I will remember Penny Lane's courage and determination. I will remember her legs and tail, too long for her frail body, that gave her an appearance both comical and endearing. I will remember her baying howl that rang through the streets of our subdivision; music to my neighbors' ears, I'm sure. I will remember her velvety ears that framed a face as lovely as any I've seen. I will remember the pressure her body exerted on my legs and those of my wife as she took up her position between us at bedtime. I will remember holding her in my lap as I went through the day's email and poked through Wikipedia. Most of all I will remember that if I live a righteous life, she will be waiting for me at the end of the line. Goodbye for now Penny Lane, I love you. (Penny Lane)

ASHLEY
2005 - Mar 2007
Ashley was owner turned-in to a Utah shelter because of a family move. She spent a month playing and entertaining the staff and dogs at Ellie's Pet Hotel where she was loved and adored by all. Once in foster care however we discovered she had serious leash aggression toward many people and situations. We will remember her without the leash... a friendly, outgoing, body-slamming goofball who just knew every dog in the whole world loved her as much as she loved them and she was not happy unless she was sitting on or touching another dog. Play hard, sweet Ashley.... we know you will! May your room at the Bridge be filled with lots of friendly dogs for you to lay upon and snuggle with.

DINK
2003 (adopted) - Dec 28 2006
Dewitt writes: It is with a very sad heart that I write to let everyone know that Dinky died unexpectedly early yesterday morning after manifesting symptoms of a bacterial infection on Wednesday. Dinky’s job description when he came to Paonia a little over three years ago was to help manage Deeva but it soon became apparent that his real job in the world was simply having fun. Life was a grand adventure and fun was just around the corner every moment of every day. There was nothing more exciting than getting into the truck to go somewhere, except getting into the truck after going somewhere to return home. He’d start barking as we’d climb the hill coming up out of town because home, and usually dinner, was a mere two minutes away. Every new person was a potential friend, every new dog a potential play mate. There wasn’t a mean bone in his body and the only time he got upset was when those around him were so. He was thirteen by the calendar, younger biologically, and much younger still in spirit. Only towards the end of this past summer did he start to show a little age after several days in the mountains behind the horses. Dinky’s dharma was bringing joy into the world around him and he fulfilled it in spades. There is an empty pad today on the living room floor and an energy vacuum without measure. We’re grateful that he came into our lives and are thankful that he did the same with each of you, however fleeting. (Dink)

MR. TAZZ-A-RAZZ
Jan 2000 - Dec 2006
I will miss you my friend. You have been a joy. A blessing. A true friend. No matter what paths this life leads us down you will always be in my heart and mind. I thank you for your time and your love. Thank you for choosing me to be in your life. I have never had a pup that had so much heart and love to give to others. I am sorry for your sickness but know in your heart that I love you and will always love you. My friend, My buddy, MY LITTLE MAN! I promise I will see you again and together we will be in the end. I will never forget my little blue eye pup. I will never let your memory die. You have given me more in the short time you have been with me than I could have ever ask for. You have showed me compassion,love,understanding. But most of all you have taught me the true meaning of "BEST FRIEND"... I love you!
Lord, Please watch over my little man until we can be together again. He will love you, He will protect you. He IS a true friend. Please let him know that I loved him with all my heart and that we will be together again. Amen. (Tazz)

LADY JANE
Oct 1999 - Nov 2006
Lady Jane died last week. We are still in shock as our whole family loved her very much and looked forward to many more years of friendship. Lady Jane got up to go out and collpsed and died. Lady had been a little lacking in energy for the past few months but was checked out by the Vet in August....in his words "she is in beautiful shape". We had 4 1/2 wonderful years with her. Lots of bike rides, car rides, hiking and swimming. She was always gentle and loving and a real personality. She never lost her love of countersurfing and bed hopping....quite the character really. Thanks for connecting us with such a perfect companion. She was dearly loved and will be greatly missed.

STRETCH
Dec 2004 - Oct 2006
Stretch came to us as "Miko" from his third home, an angry and confused adolescent dog. He was born 12/2004 to a breeder in Kuna ID, was sold to someone when he was about 6 months old and then again a few months later when he proved to have too much energy for the golden retrievers there. The humans in his third home loved him very much, took him to obedience school and doggie day care but the damage had been done long before he came to them. Our first step was to change his name from "Miko" (after the Hungarian ruler and much too big a name for him to live up to) to Stretch. Stretch suited him and was a perfect expression of him running after a ball, stick or diving into a lake. He did everything with enthusiasm but his lack of confidence and anxiety with new people and situations was more than he could manage. As with Tucker, sometimes love is not enough to fix what can't be fixed. His foster family adored him and tried their best to turn him around but in the end helping him on his way was the kindest thing. We are certain a puppy was born in October with more confidence to face the world because of the lessons Stretch learned in this life. For now though, if you're walking on a lake shore or stream and have the urge to pick up a stick and throw it, do it because Stretch could there by your side just waiting for the chance to bring it back to you!

SANDFORD MEMORIAL FUND
Sir Sandford was my handsome prince. He was named after a soaring mountain in British Columbia, Canada. In my mind's eye I can still see him jumping through fields, snapping like a rubber band. Sandford was my faithful companion who always seemed to know what I was feeling. His father was Cherokee's Dakota FC, and his mother Wildfire Maggie. Perhaps his lineage is carried forward in another field champion, but tragically he died during a minor tooth repair when he was 3.5 years old. Sandford is always in my heart along with my present Vizsla girl Tatra. I want my donation to Utah/Idaho Vizsla Rescue to help other dogs that are not in loving homes. How I wish Sandford were here with me and I hope Vizsla 's placed with the help of my donation are as loved as Sandford when they too pass over Rainbow Bridge.

CODY
2001 (adopted) - February 2006
Cody passed away in early 2006 due to complications of Cushings disease. He was a big lovable goofball whose life was cut short but never lacked for love. Cody will be missed by Vicki & Morgan and his V sister Molly.

BUDDY
2001 (adopted) - October 2005
In March of 2001 we adopted Buddy. The sweetest dog ever. The moment we brought home our first son, Buddy loved him, and they were great friends. In 2005 Buddy developed cancer and even after several tumor removals we could not win the battle and Buddy went to doggie-heaven in October of 2005. He is greatly missed and we hope that we can add another sweet dog to our family.

JEEP
1999 (adopted) - 2005
Jeep passed away in 2005 in the loving arms of her family. She developed multiple health problems and it was most kind to allow her to cross to the other side. Jeep was a full part of the family and many a Christmas card photo and letter included her adventures. Jeep will be missed by all and we thank the Lyon's family for being her protector for these many years.

ELSA
1997 - August 2005
I am very sad to report that Elsa passed away last week. She passed away in her sleep, safely at home on her bed. Although I am heartbroken, I am glad that she did not suffer for a long time from the effects of the liver disease. I’m happy that she passed away so peacefully (she deserved that). Carol

IDA RED
1999 - August 2005
Ida Red has passed on, and we feel blessed to have had her. We know we'll feel her as a protective spirit here in the future. The last few weeks were very difficult for her. We have been working with Mary, an animal communicator, since she was diagnosed with cancer in April (we have worked with her with Ida, Bailey & Sara before as well). Mary helped us to understand that Ida knew her circumstances and really wanted to try to leave on her own. But Ida also knew she had her limits, and she hit those limits this week. Don & I were both with her when she passed late yesterday afternoon. Ida Red was a happy dog - to the end. As with Sammy & Sara, Ida's ashes will also be committed down by the pond / temple area. Remember Ida Red in a prayer, she'll remember you.

JESSE
November 19, 1997 - March 10, 2005
We received news this month that Jesse passed away from a cancerous tumor. At just 7-1/2 yrs old he was much too young and we thank Rita & Rick for giving him a chance at a normal life. Read Jesse's story at CO-WY Vizsla Rescue

NEWTON
June 92 - March 1, 2005
We are saddened to report that Newton has lost his long battle with cancer. He came into our lives April of 2000 with some special needs. Through much loving and care, most of his issues were conquered. He loved to hunt for Jason, and loved attention from Wendy. We were both happy that we could provide a loving home for his last few years. Though it seemed like a brief stay, he left an impression in our hearts that will last a lifetime. We would like to thank the Vizsla Rescue Society for giving us this opportunity, and everything they have done. You will be sorely missed old friend.

GRETCHEN
February 2005
Gretchen was adopted in April 2002 and was 8 or 9 years old at the time. The Heger clan welcomed her and she fit right into the family as any "grand dame" Vizsla does. Gretchen lived well and touched everyone who knew her. We will meet you at the Bridge where you will be the beauty that we know your soul was.

HUCK
June 2002 - January 2005
It seems that our hearts will not mend anytime soon as this tragic year continues. We got word on January 27 that Huck was hit and killed by a car. He was let out of the yard to go down the street to play with his doggie friend and on the way home, instead of coming directly back as was his routine, he darted into traffic. Huck's family misses him terribly. (In the hope that it might prevent such a tragedy happening to another family we are including this article here: Trust... a Deadly Disease)

JJ
January 2002 - January 2005
JJ joined the thousands of other dogs at the bridge who died as a result of getting hit by a car. JJ had a rough start, a family who gave him up, two failed adoptive homes and then finally a plane ride to South Dakota. The Brockhouse family loved him and yet the lack of a fenced yard, coupled with a new sister Vizsla to follow around, proved fatal for JJ. He went out to potty early one morning and never returned home. He followed his new pal off the property and down to the highway. She returned home but he did not. We are broken hearted. (In the hope that it might prevent such a tragedy happening to another family we are including this article here: Trust... a Deadly Disease)

COCOA
December 2004
With the help of his humans, dear Cocoa Bear was eased peacefully and respectfully to the rainbow bridge on December 20, 2004. He lived the past few years how he died; safe, well cared for and in a pack that loved him. He was truly the most ‘eloquent and regal dog we have ever known and an absolute joy to be around.’ At 14 years of age, he garnered a certain respect and was the silent leader of all our animals.

Mr. Bear, we will never forget your sweet disposition, your old and wise soul, those great big tongue kisses or the way you carried around your blanket looking for a place to snuggle. You will not soon be forgotten, old boy. May God bless you and keep you safe.

Everyone should be so blessed to have a dog like Cocoa in their lives. Do yourself a favor, take a chance and adopt a senior dog. It is unlike any other experience you will ever have.

RILEY aka RI-RI
April 10, 2003 - December 11, 2004
Riley was a larger than life 12-week old puppy, trapped in a 20-month old body. He was sweet and funny and found everything about the world fascinating, until the next thing caught his attention seconds later.

Riley was a pet store pup and had his first seizure at 11-months. During the next months, he had multiple extended stays at vet hospitals while they tried to adjust his medication to control his frequent seizures. Riley’s original family eventually ended up bringing him to a shelter. He went from one shelter to another after being adopted and returned after experiencing severe seizures, which left him hospitalized for weeks. In October, we contacted the shelter and arranged to take him into rescue.

Riley’s violent seizures left him with permanent brain damage. He crossed peacefully to the Bridge on December 11, surrounded by people who loved him. He was with us just long enough to take a large piece of our hearts. We will never forget you RiRi.



ARNIE (aka SPARKY)
October 2004
On Saturday, October 9, Arnie aka Sparky passed over to Rainbow Bridge in the arms of Rebecca and Daryl. He was loved by Mike who said he was the best buddy a guy could want, and doted on by Mike's mom. The dog that we honor was a loving cuddly boy who loved to run off leash, go camping, sit in your lap and play with other dogs. He adored men and was one of the boys -- he was a guy's dog in all respects. Arnie loved to chase a ball, ride in the car and be with his people. Arnie faced increasingly erratic and aggressive behavior. The "Sparky" that Mike adopted was not the same dog who came back home to Auntie Reb and Uncle Daryl last month. We are so sorry that he injured Mike's mom and we hope she can forgive him. We will miss him, love him, and always remember the best of him.



BORIS
1992 - Aug 2004
Words can not convey the hurt that struck so suddenly last week. Boris (Big B) was a good dog that wanted to show, in a way only a dog could, that unconditional devotion to us. To the end he was a trooper and will always be missed.
Mike and Susie Kramer
Boris' story








SABER
June 2004
UT/ID rescue and the Clark family in specific said farewell to Saber on July 4, 2005 -- it was his independence day. Saber came into rescue 3 years ago and had several owners prior to us taking him in from a shelter. Saber as his foster mom recalls, had all the best qualities of a V. He was affectionate, beautiful, happy, desired to please, loved to hunt, and was as goofy as they come. But Saber also had a streak of fierce in him that was unstable. It had only scared humans but this day he caused serious harm to another animal and we knew it was time to let him sleep in peace. Whether he was ruined by previous owners or had a genetic defect we will never know. He was loved well and spent the happiest times of his life this past 3 years with the Clark family. They will remember his beauty, his runs in the woods, his leaning into them for rubs, and his open love. We cry for the V he could have been and for our loss of a wonderful Vizsla soul.




RED
1998 - June 2004
Chris and Holly were sad to report the sudden passing of Red in June of 2004. Red came into their lives only a short time ago as a rescue that needed to be re-homed due to divorce. Red moved right in and took over playing chase with Holly and being a bed hog. When Chris met Red in Las Vegas he took over the whole back seat of her Mini Cooper and he likewise took over her heart. Red passed peacefully in his sleep from an unknown cause. He simply fell asleep and did not wake up. He leaves a large hole in the hearts of those who loved him and passed at a much too early age of about six years old.




ROXY
June 2004
Janet and Shasta were sad to report the passing of Roxy in June of 2004. Roxy came into rescue as a senior dog but got to spend her last few years in the arms of a woman who loves and understands Vizsla. Roxy spent many happy hours in the great outdoors, hiking in the mountains and being loved by an extended family. She passed as a happy, happy dog - more happy than she had been in her whole life. She passes the torch and leaves her legacy to carry-on, to Shasta, who is also a rescue Vizsla who is loved and guarded by Janet.




DAKOTA
Fall 2001 - April 2004
Gino and Carey were devastated to report the passing of Dakota in April of 2004. Dakota was adopted as a rescue puppy and was shy of her third birthday when tragedy struck. Gino reports that they took her into the vet when she became listless and her eyes did not look right. Teams of vets worked to save her but in the end she passed away after only about 4 days in the hospital. They think it was some sort of meningitis that took her life but don't really know. She leaves behind a very sad baby sister Vizsla in Daisy and a family who wants her back to fill their hearts.



MURPHY BROWN
October 1992 - April 2004
Murphy became suddenly ill this weekend and passed away with her family at her side. It is a sad day in AZ to have lost her only after 3 months of loving her and her silly ways. Murphy made herself right at home and loved to play with her human and doggie family. Her foster family in UT, the Clark's, will always smile as they remember her dance for food and her wonderful smiling grace.





GRIFFIN
Spring 2002 - September 2003
Griffin came into rescue after being found as a stray in Phoenix. We guessed he was approximately 6 months old. He was adopted by a wonderful family in Flagstaff who loved his silly personality. They also liked that he was the most effective alarm clock and training partner they ever had... he never missed a morning run in the woods! Just before his first birthday, Griffin started having seizures. Treatment seemed to help for a while, but unfortunately the last and final seizure damaged his brain beyond repair. Enjoy the woods at the bridge little Griffin.



SIR CADBURY JAMES
1989? 90? - August 1, 2003
This might seem like an odd sort of photo for a memorial page, but this was Cadbury at his finest - dressed up in some funny clothes and making people smile. I kept postponing putting his memorial on here - one reason was that it was yet another reminder that he was really gone, and another reason was that I am at a loss for words when it came to describing to those who never knew him how truly special he was. For those of you who did know him, well, I don't need to explain. I opened my heart up to him in a way that I never had before - the love I had for him was wholehearted and never with reservation. Until he came into my life, I never knew what it felt like to have your heart swell with joy, just as until he left my life I never knew what it was like to feel such pain. Someone who once called him "the Dalai Lama of dogs" said that no doubt he had some other things he had to go do. Some day I will as well and hope that you will be there to greet me. Until then, Cadbury, know that my love for you will never wane.

HECTOR FORAN
November 24, 1996 - June 18, 2003
Hector, in his 6 1/2 years of vibrant life on this earth, was my constant companion and so much more to me. He made me laugh heartily at least once a day, and had a wonderful sense of humor that included a greeting bark and a circle through the legs. He had a unique bag of tricks, and wanted only to please me. He was exuberant, stunningly beautiful, endlessly loving, and the biggest mama's boy anyone has ever seen. He only had eyes for me, and I for him. He brought indescribable joy into my life, and his death has brought a devastation I could hardly dream was possible. I know that the pain will lessen in time, and when it does I will surely find myself another little Vizsla to renew the joy that Hector bestowed upon me in his short, intense, and unforgettable life with me. Hector, I will love you for eternity and I will miss you even more. You are my sunshine.

[In memory of Hector, friends of the family have made a donation to the Vizsla Rescue Fund to help other Vizsla find loving homes.]

LOGAN
June 2003: LOGAN (adopted 2002) was purchased as a puppy from a pet store and came into rescue at under 1-yr old. Except for poor conformation and being a high-energy puppy he seemed to have no real issues. After a time in his adoptive home he began showing signs of aggression and was eventually returned to foster care where his problems continued to escalate. In June, the painful decision was made to release him from this world that made him so unhappy and he joined the others at the Bridge. Play hard, be happy little Logan.

TUCKER
Feb 2003: Whelped in Idaho, ROOTIN TOOTIN BIGFOOT TUCKER crossed our path when we got a call in December 2002. He was purchased from an ad in the newspaper when he was 6-mos old. The couple selling him lived in apartment, had a young baby and said he was just too much dog for them. Tucker had every opportunity to succeed in his new home with a 2-yr old weimie for a playmate and an experienced family that cared enough to look for ways to make him the best dog he could be, but sometimes no amount of love or effort can fix what can't be fixed. He had dominance issues from the beginning but 99% of the time he was a typical, loving vizsla and his family explored every avenue for him. After several serious bites and numerous consultations with trainers, vets and rescue workers the decision was made to release Tucker from the demons that haunted him. He had just turned 1-yr old.

Tucker's AKC pedigree might have been a clue to what lay ahead as there was considerable inbreeding throughout. We will never know for sure if it was in the genes but after we met Tucker, we learned that a female littermate had also been pts for aggression. We can only hope these two were the exception and that the other littermates are doing well. Tucker, take care of your sis at The Bridge... play hard, run fast and be happy.

ACE
Jan 2003: ACE (adopted 1/01) joined the others at The Bridge this month. Ace was given up at the age of 13 by his owner and found his way from Montana to Wyoming with the help of many caring hands. Thank you Susan & Mike for making his final years comfortable and loving.

VERN
Jan 2003: VERN came to us just before Christmas 2002 from a Vernal, UT shelter. He was an approximately 9-mo old boy and had spent 2 months at the shelter and went on 2 home trials. Both times he was returned as too energetic but we found him to be mid level energy for the Vizsla, 90 mph not 150. Vern was housetrained while in foster care. We knew there was a probability that he might have seizures due to the report from the shelter that they thought they witnessed one but his blood work showed no physical problems and he checked out as a healthy young pup.

On January 6th at 6:30 our precious rescue foster Vern had a massive seizure. When he did not recover in about 15 minutes we dashed off to the vet for help. An hour after the seizure he was still in a coma with little chance for recovery. At 7:45 we said goodbye to him. As hard as this was for me personally to have to experience again, Vern had a wonderful family waiting to adopt him this weekend up in Seattle. I am crushed for them and their daughter who had picked a new name for him. Brokenhearted in Utah.

ABBY
April 2002: ABBY (adopted 7/00) left us this spring. Thank you, Laura, for letting this precious girl spend the best two years of her life with you and Bu, running and playing in the Nevada sunshine. We will look for her sassy, smiling face when we all meet again one day at The Bridge.

TANNER (adopted 8/00) joined the others at The Bridge as the result of a vehicle accident. We try our best to keep them safe but sometimes bad things happen. Life is full of lessons- some harder than others- and we hope we learn from every one of them. Run fast and safe, sweet Tanner.

ROMEO (5/96-4/97) and DAMIAN (10/95-4/00) were not rescue dogs but the Dowdell's first two vizsla. Unfortunately they taught a hard lesson about backyard breeders. Both Romeo and Damian died of epileptic seizures. Damian was our "heart" dog and he started us in the rescue business by our not being able to understand how anyone could give away a free dog in the paper. Talus was the first "free to a good home" rescue and Cadbury was the second via an Idaho shelter. Cadbury made such an impression that we gained wonderful rescue partners in ID in Penny & Frank. We have made many friends in our journey and will be most anxious to meet our first two babies at the bridge, along with throngs of our foster dogs.