Dec. 1, 2004

Christmas is just around the corner & this newsletter to give an update on the seniors here at 7 Bells Sanctuary, www.7bellsssanctuary.petfinder.com

First, our sympathy to Dennis and Rascal. While waiting for a forever home, Rascal passed away in his sleep the day after Thanksgiving. He ate with the family, went into his crate, & Dennis found him the next morning, still sleeping peacefully. Our hearts go out to the family. We are so grateful that Dennis kept Rascal at home & did not put him in a shelter. Rascal knew the love of his family to the very end of his life.

Lil Otto passed away November 18, 2004, in Marti's arms with Doc Anstaett in attendance. His kidneys were shutting down, nothing more could be done to alleviate his discomfort. Marti held him wrapped in a soft blanket, I held his head & Doc held his paw, ever so patient & gentle. Lil Otto drifted off to sleep, being held with the utmost love in death as he had been in his short life with Marti. She is the best foster mom a little ill dog could ever have. We laid him to rest near the trees, which would have been his favorite view. As Marti said, "He never met a tree he didn't like."

Loving these old ones is easy, letting go is difficult. We want our touch to be the last they feel, our face to be the last they see & our voice to be the last they hear. Marti talked to Lil Otto, told him how much she would miss him, how much she loved him. We went to Doc hoping for a miracle. He listened to his heart, asked Marti some questions, then said that there was nothing more to be done with the kidneys shutting down. Please pray for Marti & pray for the other dogs like Otto who have no one like Marti to care for them as they enter the final phase of their life. He was so very loved by everyone that knew him. He was abandoned by his family of 12 yrs., yet loved Marti & was loved in return.

The dogs have been busy. To summarize, Bijou, Lil Otto, Cali, Miss Maggie, LadyBug, Oscar, & Spotlight all took turns visiting the Good Samaritan Care Center in October and November. Marti and Lil Otto (wearing his pumpkin costume), Cali and Oscar also went to the Veteran's Home in Warrensburg. The GSCC had a Halloween Pets on Parade & Lil Otto (the Pumpkin), Marti, Miss Maggie (Snow White), Bijou (Patriotic attire) & LadyBug (an Angel) were in attendance along with other pets from the community. A swell time was had by all!

We are pleased that several of the owners & shelters that list their seniors & adults with us have found homes. They are now listed under Happy Tails on the 7 Bells Sanctuary Petfinder site. We are thankful that we could help. Unfortunately, not all find homes, thus we have listed a memorial tribute.

May you have peace in your home and hearts this holiday season. God Bless you each and everyone!

Judy