Faithful Friends
Our pets are undoubtedly the most faithful friends we'll ever have, and their lives should be celebrated when they pass. Below are some stories about special pets that are no longer with us. Share your stories by emailing the Animal Welfare League.
In memory of Bubbles
We adopted Bubbles from the Animal Welfare League in December 2008 when she was just 10 weeks old. She was immediately loved by myself, my husband, our 4-year-old son and our other cat, who was six months older. We have since had another child, who is now 20 months old. She would walk around the house calling "Bubbles, Bubbles" and smother her in cuddles.
Last week Bubbles didn't come home for two days and when she did she just wasn't herself. We mistakenly thought it was because she had been out for so long and was exhausted, but when we took her to the vet we discovered she had been bitten by a brown snake. As soon as the vet said those words I immediately started to cry. It breaks my heart just thinking about what she must have gone through.
Our vet gave Bubbles anti-venom, antibiotics and a drip, etc, and she stayed in intensive care for a few days, but sadly there was too much damage. After a very heartbreaking and tearful goodbye, Bubbles went to sleep.
At only three, my poor little baby had died from a snake bite. I feel horrible but am grateful I was able to spend as much time as I did with her. She was so beautiful and will be deeply missed. Our house just doesn't feel complete without her.
I know this story doesn't have a happy ending but we wanted everyone to know how deeply loved and cherished Bubbles was. She had a very happy home. We only wish we had more time with her. We miss her dearly.
Lindy Marin & Family
In memory of Jasper
Rest in peace Jasper, the beautiful cat we adopted from the AWL 18 years ago. Jasper survived being run over by a car, lots of fights and the adoption of two other pets - all of which he took in his stride. One very cool cat.
Jasper, you will be sadly missed.
Vicki Platt
In memory of Jack, our second-hand dog
We got our little friend Jack from the Animal Welfare League about 6 years ago. We loved the idea of rescuing a little dog that may not get a chance with anyone else. Jack was considered a 'senior', but thankfully he didn't realise that. He was a Jack Russell with a love of snacks, and lived to go for walks around the block - just the mere rattle of a lead would leave his teeth chattering with anticipation.
We often wondered why someone would give up such a great little dog, and would speculate about the mysterious life he may have lead before he came to us. He was such a ray of sunshine. Many days we'd think about his previous owner, and thank them for letting us have our share of his sunshine.
Despite everyone being shocked we adopted such an 'old' dog, he went on to have 6 good years with us. It's been 4 months since Jack passed away and we still can't bring ourselves to wipe his smudgey nose marks off the glass door. I think there will always be a Jack-shaped hole in our hearts.
Up until now, we haven't felt ready for another dog, but we can only resist a waggly tail for so long. We are hoping to visit the AWL after Christmas this year and find ourselves a new little friend. We would encourage everyone to give a second-hand dog a chance - second-hand doesn't mean second best.
Greg & Alli
In memory of Max
On December 29, 1999 I went to the Animal Welfare League to find a friend and found Max. He was a 10-month-old Rottweiler X German Shepherd. He was big and handsome and even though I wasn't even sure that he would fit in the car I still went and had a play with him in the yard. It was instant bonding!
Sadly and suddenly on the 16th December we had to take him for emergency surgery - he had a major tumor that had constricted his colon that we knew nothing about - while still on the operating table I received the call that broke my heart to say that the tumor, although not cancerous, was too far spread internally and it was impossible to remove. The kindest thing for me to do was let him be at peace and not let him come out of the anesthetic.
He lived a good life and I couldn't have loved anymore if I or my family tried. The picture is of Max (alias Maxy, Maxwell Smart or Furbag) doing what was his favourite thing....sleeping on couch! Maxwell will ALWAYS be my "favourite Boy" and will always be in my heart. Thank you to Animal Welfare League for giving me 11 years of joy and happiness (and fur!) - If only they could live forever!
Anushka Bezemer
In memory of Thomas Baigent
My darling Thomas, you stuck with me through everything, for over 18 years, and never asked for anything in return. You touched so many people, with your beautiful nature, there will never be another one like you. We all miss you so much. Rest in peace my little angel.
xxx
In memory of Elliot
A tiny little kitten, which sat comfortably in the palm of my hand, came to us unexpectedly eighteen years ago. His mother, with her litter, was about to be abandoned by a man who was moving house.
My daughter and friends coerced their parents into adopting a member of this little family. So Elliott entered our lives.
Now I only have the photos, the memories and Russell (A tiny little mouse, Elliot’s favourite toy).
Margarett Norton
In loving memory of Chelsea
Chelsea, our darling Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, aged 9 years 5 months – sadly ‘put to sleep’ on 22nd February 2007 due to ill health.
You loved us well, and were so very dearly loved – we miss you – our devoted little companion.
Sleep peacefully until we meet again.
Judy and John White
In memory of Mazzy Star
I am writing to thank you for my dog, Mazzy Star, who I chose from the Animal Welfare League over 11 years ago.
She passed away in September after having a tumour on her heart, which is very sad.
She was 18 months when I got her and the first 3-4 years were hard work, but it has been so worth it, she was a gorgeous dog who I was so fortunate to come across at the AWL.
We travelled together from Adelaide to Melbourne onto Sydney, she changed my life. Here is a picture of her in pure bliss!!
Thank you AWL, you do great work.
Angela Bateman
In memory of Lucky
To a dear and loyal friend, may you rest in peace.