In Memory

Since the CCRT began in 1999, we have seen hundreds of dogs come into our care and be adopted by loving, wonderful families. We are always incredibly sad to hear when a CCRT rescue dog moves on to Rainbow Bridge. However, we know they spent their last years being adored and cared for by the special people who adopted them. Below you will find photos and stories of some of the dogs that are now waiting for us at the Bridge.

If you have a CCRT dog that has passed on, you are welcome to submit a photo and story via email to info@ccrt.net and it would be a privilege to include it on this webpage.

Jasper

September 2011

Jasper

Bear

August 2011

RIP part of your Momma's heart forever

Bear

Amber

RIP April 3, 2011

Amber

Tina

RIP February 5, 2011

Tina

Paris

RIP July 7, 2009

Paris

Peso

September 7, 2010

I adopted Peso about 5 years ago from the CCRT and I'm sad to say we lost him today to a heart attack. He will be sadly missed.

Chester

November 5, 2009

Gone but not forgotten.

Bobbie

RIP May 27, 2009

Bobby

Bobbie was a permenant foster dog of the CCRT for just over 3 years. We were very fortunate to have been selected as Bobbie's foster family and to have had the opportunity to share our lives with her.

She and her "brother" were surrendered when their loving parents were no longer able to care for them and were placed into a nursing home. Unfortunately, Bobbie's brother had many health issues, he passed away very shortly after the transition into their new foster home.

This left Bobbie all alone in the world after being in a loving and secure home her whole life, she was having trouble handling this new life. At this point she came to us, a quiet adult home with other chi brothers and sisters. She gradually became less stressed and I like to think, enjoy life once again.

She also had many serious health concerns, which along with her insecurities, deemed her to be unadoptable. Personally, I think it was an act because she didn't want to be moved again. She was determined to have her own way and would go to any lengths to get it. The couch was hers, she claimed the beds as her own, she didn't like to get wet--we called her the little Queen.

Her antics were endless--from the nightly pillow wars (apparently I didn't understand that my pillow was hers) to hiding under my skirts to keep dry with only her tail was visible--wagging in complete circles in celebration of remaining dry . She loved her doggie bed and would drag one around with her from room to room with her.

On one occasion we went away with my son coming to stay in our house to look after the animals. Bobbie didn't appreciate this change at all. She remained on the bed in the bedroom where he delivered her food to her. She only ventured off to go outside when absolutely necessary & returned back to her bed. He slept on the couch with the other dogs, she had the complete bedroom to herself--as befitting the little Queen she was.

She gradually lost her sight, but being the little trooper she was, she handled it amazingly well. She quickly learned the floor plan, and even handled a household move with ease. She only depended on us when out for walks. If there was an obstacle in her way I would say OOPSIE & she would stop. I would move her over and say OK and we would continue on our way. There was never any hesitation; only trust. She knew that we would never let anything happen to her and leaned on us only as necessary !

She was a tough, fun & determined little sweetie and we miss her very much.

My hopes for her now are that she is once again with her brother, and can run & play with ease.

Fab

RIP March 15, 2009

Fab

It is with regret that we announce Fab, a sweet older boy who only spent a few weeks with CCRT in foster care, has passed on to Rainbow Bridge.

Fab was dropped off at an Ontario shelter in a box with a note around his neck that read 'free to good home'. The shelter decided he would do best in foster care so they called CCRT. He came to us with numerous medical issues including a hernia and fluid on his lungs. Fab was put on several medications and we hoped he would get better and be adopted by a loving family. Fortunately, Fab spent his last few weeks of life in foster care with a wonderful family who spoiled and loved him immensely. We are told Fab had a wonderful personality and a very sweet, gentle nature.

Fab left us in March 2009, but we know he was thrilled and grateful for his time at CCRT. He now joins the many other CCRT dogs at Rainbow Bridge where we know he is healthy and happy.

Winnie

RIP March 13, 2009

Winnie

Chloe

Darling Chloe came to CCRT with her constant companion, Jasper, in 2006. This was the 3rd time she had come through CCRT and we were determined to ensure she had a stable, happy home for the rest of her life. Since we couldn't fathom adopting them out again, they were placed in permanent foster care with a loving, wonderful CCRT foster family.

Chloe had her ups and downs but overall, was a happy, silly girl. Even though she went blind, that didn't stop her from enjoying her walks and playtime. Chloe loved to nap and be with her people - what a lovely life she led!

Unfortunately, after almost 3 years with us, Chloe left us for Rainbow Bridge. She passed away quickly and unexpectedly in February 2009 with her foster mom and dad and Jasper by her side. Chloe is loved and very missed by all of those who met her, but especially her doting and committed foster family.

Jingles

Jingles, a beautiful girl who spent 3 years in permanent foster care with CCRT, passed away December 2008. She came to us very ill and we were told she didn't have long to live. A volunteer in Nova Scotia offered her home and promised to take wonderful care of Jingles until her time came. Jingles showed us just what a tough cookie she was and enjoyed 3 fun filled and loving years with her foster family. She is now at Rainbow Bridge and is fondly remembered by all of us at CCRT.

Chez

In April 2005 I adopted a wonderful dog named Chez. The first time I met him I knew he was for me. Even though he wasn't comfortable with people petting him, especially near his once broken tail, he let me. It was love at first sight.

He joined the family with apprehension and nervousness which quickly disappeared once he knew that I wasn't going to give up so easily. His first few weeks with us were a struggle. I couldn't figure out why he didn't understand a word I was saying to him until I realized that he understood French not English. Seeing as I am not bilingual we worked for several weeks on that hurdle, where things turned around tremendously.

Chez was the most affectionate dog I have ever had. He was apart of my family. Each night he would sleep in my bed contently tucked in between my legs giving me soft moans of disapproval if I moved. During the day he would love to chase his sister Maria around the house, lie for hours in the backyard soaking up the sun, or keep warm by lying on the heat vent.

Whereever I went in the house, Chez was close to follow. Even if this meant I was at the computer desk he would lie in his basket on the desk until I was finished. His favourite toys were a small squeaky duck and elephant that he would spend hours trying to find the perfect hiding spot for. Chez learned to play with other dogs, especially his new found cousins, Sam, Ajax, and Dexter and sister Maria. He loved to chase after the pack wagging his tail and happily barking.

Early morning October 12 2008, in my arms with his sister near by, Chez lost his on-going battle with pancreatic cancer. Even though he had struggled with the battle for the weeks leading up to his passing he was still the happy little man we had known and come to love. I am very happy that he is at peace looking down on us with his buddy Dexter next to him and that we got to spend the short few years together. He brought much joy to our lives and is missed terribly. We love you handsome.

Coco

In loving memory of Coco Wilson, 1992 - 2008

Peacefully, on Friday, August 4th, 2008, we lost our little Coco to heart failure. He came into our lives in 2002 as a chubby little alpha male who soon settled in and became Ryan's best buddy. He was king of the dog park, always showing the Great Danes and Dobermans who was the boss. Coco was quite the party animal, and loved to socialize with all of our guests (and hopefully get fed a table scrap or two), but his favourite place was up on the 'big bed' with his pack of Ryan and Ann, and his constant companion, Maya.

Coco will be sadly missed and not forgotten. Thank you to the Canadian Chihuahua Rescue and Transport for bringing him into our lives, and a special thank you to the vets at the Hamilton-Wentworth Emergency Vet Clinic who showed much compassion during Coco's last weeks.

Ryan and Ann.

Sophie

Sophie was an extra special dog. She was an older dog; her health wasn't good; she had terrible breath and could be a bit of a drama queen. I adopted her when she was, according to Dr Stoffman, about 14. I knew I wouldn't have her for long and I didn't. We were together for just about 23 months but we lived many lifetimes in that short span of time.

We were rarely apart and when she developed diabetes, she'd get up several times in the night to go for a quick walk. It meant I had another opportunity to hold her and tell her how much I loved her. After she developed diabetes she couldn't sleep on the bed any more. She needed access to water 24/7 but she was unable to get on or off the bed on her own. I moved one of her beds right next to my bed and she'd wake me up with the sound of her pitter patter as she walked to her water bowl. After she'd had her drink, I'd remake her bed and she'd sigh with contentment as she snuggled down again and would fall instantly asleep. She'd snore; she'd snore like some old geezer after a night on the town.

There's so much to say about Sophie and what she meant to me that I cannot find the words. I miss her dear little face, her bad breath, her terrible behaviour every morning when she had to have her needle which was instantly followed by her happy dance. I miss the way she'd peer at me (she had cataracts) with one leg raised and ears on alert (she was going deaf) when there was the possibility of a car ride or a piece of imported Brie coming her way. I miss all the cuddles, the way she'd sit upright in my arms with her front paws in a begging position, I miss the way she could disappear under her blankets in the blink of an eye, I miss the smiles that she brought to the faces of all her human friends in the neighbourhood. I miss Sophie.

Sophie weighed 11lbs but she was a universe of love and she left a black hole in me when she died. I will never forget her and I will never stop loving her but I have someone else who is helping to fill that enormous void: Reg, my 12lb spark of energy who lights up a room with his gusto for life.

Monkey

Monkey came to CCRT in the fall of 2006 with his brother Jeremiah. They came from a very neglectful home and CCRT was so happy to have rescued them and we were looking forward to giving them a new 'leash' on life. Unfortunately, Jeremiah was quite ill and passed away a few months later. Our sweet Monkey was sad to lose his best friend but he took strength from him and thrived in foster care. He was fostered near Ottawa on a large farm and was happy living with his foster family and their pets. He was treated as a member of the family and everyone hoped that he would find his forever home soon.

On a snowy day in November 2007, Monkey woke up and wasn't feeling well. He was rushed to the vet and it was determined that Monkey had probably had a heart attack. He stayed there for a while and eventually, when it appeared he was feeling better, his foster family took him to care for him and everyone hoped for the best. However, things did not work out as planned and a few hours later, Monkey crossed over to Rainbow Bridge in the loving arms of his foster mom.

Monkey's last few months on the farm were spent running free in a large fenced yard, rolling in the fresh mown grass and eating tenderloin for supper! He and his brother are now reunited and he is in a place with no pain and no neglect - just lots of love and warmth.

Monkey is sadly missed by his foster mom, his furry foster family and all of the CCRT volunteers who worked so hard for over a year to try and find him a forever home. What we have learned from this is that Monkey was already home - with the rescue dogs of CCRT and the volunteers who loved him.

Monkey

Fanny

In October 2006 a very timid little Chihuahua was rescued from a nasty living situation. Fanny went to live in Lethbridge Alberta with Giselle and her family and learn that she didn't need to worry about being hurt any more. Since Fanny needed more attention than her foster family could provide, they decided to send her to Lee in BC. Here she was soon paying attention to the other dogs and was losing her panic attacks when approached or touched. Soon Fanny learned to do a fast little dance - dubbed "Fanny-dango" when she wanted to eat. She would pounce on Foster Mom's feet with her front feet then back up and dance in circles. She would come and give a gentle body slam to get your attention for a back rub. She did not enjoy eating anything other than her kibble but learned to eat it in the daytime instead of sneaking out to eat at night. Fanny enjoyed walks in the back yard and wandered around the house a bit, too. It took some time but she was beginning to act like a real pet.

Unfortunately this wonderful time came to an abrupt end. Fanny had a serious bout with Geriatric Vestibular Syndrome. After time spent in the vet clinic she finally came home but had problems with balance and seeing things properly. At first she gained some of her old ways back a little but soon began to regress. After some time she was in such a state that she refused to eat and was very unsteady on her feet. She only wanted to hide in her bed as she did when she was first rescued. The difficult decision was made to let her go to have some peace. At 9:00 am on August 4th, 2007 Fanny went to the Bridge. She was not alone and it seemed she was relieved to be free of the confusion and uncertainty she lived with for so long. Fanny is now whole and free of health issues and mental issues so she can enjoy being a wonderful little dog. Her little sad face will be missed by everyone who knew her.

Chanel

Chanel truly was the inspiration behind Chihuahua Rescue when we first started back in 1996. I mourned for years after her death in 1998, and only "recovered" about a year after Boo the Alien Space Monkey arrived in 2003 when it finally dawned on me that Chanel sent Boo to me as a practical joke.

Pacito

I picked up Pacito in March 2006 from the Toronto Humane Society where his former family had surrendered him. It only took a glance to see that Pacito was an elderly gent with a stiff walk and a few years behind him but he greeting me like an old friend with a happy, wagging tail. I soon learned that Pacito greeted the entire world that same way -- always happy, always wagging his tail.

Pacito's first vet visit revealed a list of ailments too long to list but chief among them a malignant melanoma by his eye that had been removed a few months earlier. The vet said it was only a matter of time before the cancer returned.

With the goal of optimizing his last days in mind, we started Pacito on the best dog food we could find and some wonderful supplements. As the days passed, Pacito seemed to grow younger. He went from hobbling to trotting, to running to climbing staircases. He went from laying in bed all day to taking several long strolls in the park and chasing the kids around the house. He was always gentle with everyone he met --human and canine -- and a pleasure to share our days with.

In May we noticed a new lump by Pacito's old surgery scar. The vet confirmed that the melanoma had retuned and was growing quite large and out of control within Pacito head. Pacito passed over the Rainbow Bridge on May 18, 2006. Rest in peace my sweet, little gentleman. You were a joy.
Maureen Potter (foster mom)

Pacito

April

April was born on the 21st of April 1999. She came into CCRT when she was barely one year old and came to me as a foster. After a very short time we both decided she should stay as a permanent family member.

This little 3 pound girl was timid and shy but loved people but only adult people - kids scared her as did large dogs and cats. Getting pets and treats were her favorite pastimes. April loved to chase butterflies even though she never caught even one. Picking strawberries right off the plant was another favorite of this fruit loving girl. As soon as snow arrived she would be happy staying indoors until spring arrived. Rain was not well tolerated and wind was absolutely to be avoided. I think it hurt her ears. Racing around the yard with sisters Rora and Sadie kept her in trim shape all summer. On wet or cold days she just chased them in the house.

On Friday, the 23rd of September of this year she began showing signs of some health problem. By Sunday she was nearly comatose. Despite the vet care she was obviously not going to regain any quality of life. I had to make the very difficult decision to let her go. April will be missed by all of us.

April

Penny

Penny was born approximately 1992. She was given the birthdate of September 1st as that is the day she came into CCRT as a rescue in 2003.

She had been in a breeding cage all her life until she had a bad C-section. After getting a tummy tuck and repairs made to her tummy she came into the hands of a caring lady who turned her over to CCRT to be adopted. It was soon evident that Penny had a heart problem which only progressed over the months to come. She had fluid built up around her heart which began giving her breathing difficulties. A large tummy tumor was removed which made her feel better in early 2004.

In September 2004 she was given 6 months or a little more to live. She had progressed to grade 5 heart condition, enlarged liver, enlarged heart, fluid in her lungs, cancerous tumors throughout her body and she had developed diabetes. Poor air quality gave her a lot of breathing problems. With the new heart medication and a change to a diabetic diet she managed to stretch her time to a little over 14 months.

Nearing her final days she was not moving around well but never waivered in her eating which she loved. Her final night was spent beside me knowing she was loved and would be missed. This was one tough little girl who did not give up willingly.

Penny deserved much longer quality time after her early poor start but that was not to be. It was only through the kind help of CCRT sponsors and members that she enjoyed life as well as she did. Penny is proof of the great reward all foster parents receive when they choose to provide the kind of life all pets deserve regardless of the amount of pennies it costs.

This Penny is proof that every Penny counts.

Miss Penny

The Rainbow Bridge

Just this side of Heaven is a place called Rainbow Bridge.

When an animal dies that has been especially close to someone here, that pet goes to Rainbow Bridge.

There are meadows and hills for all of our special friends so they can run and play together.

There is plenty of food, water and sunshine and our friends are warm and comfortable.

All the animals who had been ill and old are restored to health and vigor; those who were hurt or maimed are made whole and strong again, just as we remember them in our dreams of days and times gone by.

The animals are happy and content, except for one small thing: they each miss someone very special, someone who was left behind.

They all run and play together, but the day comes when one suddenly stops and looks into the distance.

His bright eyes are intent; his eager body begins to quiver.

Suddenly, he breaks from the group, flying over the green grass, faster and faster.

You have been spotted, and when you and your special friend finally meet, you cling together in joyous reunion, never to be parted again.

The happy kisses rain upon your face; your hands again caress the beloved head, and you look once more into those trusting eyes, so long gone from your life, but never absent from your heart.

Then you cross the Rainbow Bridge together.

Author Unknown