Cody

June 12, 1993- January 11, 2007

Kelsey

December 7, 1994 -  8/7/04

Cutty

November 26, 2007

Isabelle

October 5, 2007

Jake

September 24, 2007

Gianna

May 2, 2007

When I was a little girl I had a re-occurring dream.  I dreamed I would sneak out of my house in the dark of night and sneak through the neighborhoods and unhook all the dogs that were tied outside.  I set them free.  I dreamed this same dream for years. 

In March, Don and Connie brought three dogs that they rescued from Hell (often called the pound).  I happened to be at the door when they arrived.  I took one look at the beautiful cinnamon colored hound, dropped to my knees and said "I'll foster her" Ended up she fostered me.  I named her Gianna (means beautiful lady in Italian).  Gianna had a profound effect on my soul. 

She had been tied out her entire life.  The mere thought of that makes my heart ache.

 Gianna had serious medical issues, it was no secret.  We would do everything in our power to make her better and comfortable.  She was a complete joy.  Gianna loved me but she truly was a Daddy's girl.  Her favorite part of the day was when her dad came home from work and the two of them shared a sandwich.  She couldn't believe she was allowed on the couch and took full advantage of the comfort.  She amused us often.  If her sister, Stella and her brother, Vinnie started barking at (you name it, the mailman, a jogger etc.) she would rise up from her prone position on the couch with a look that said "Oh, I must have dozed off" and start baying that beautiful resonate bay that only a hound can make.  Just ridiculously cute. She loved car rides, ice cream and everyone she met.  Just a complete sweet soul.

The look she had on her face as she fell asleep during a massage on her atrophied leg muscles was so peaceful.

 We did everything we could possibly do to help her.  The battle was too hard for her.  It became about making her as comfortable as possible.  When her pain became unmanageable Tom and I made the decision that we would give Gianna the ultimate gift of a pain free forever home.  That day came when Tom was at work and though he couldn't be with us physically he was certainly with his girl in spirit.  I held that sweet being as she passed to peace.  I loved her so.  Later, Tom told me he went outside at work at the time Gianna passed and looked at the sky through tears and there was a RAINBOW.  He loved her so.

I must thank Cindy from the depth of my soul for doing what she does with such a beautiful spirit. Love you Cin.

To Don and Connie for saving Gianna from that horrible place.

To Dr. Esplin, Dr. Karissa and Dr. Jen for exploring absolutely every possibility in treating Gianna.  You all are amazing.

To Aunt Sarra and Aunt Kelly for taking such good care of our girl during her hydrotherapy treatments.

To Aunt Heather for helping Gianna pass with such peace and for being there for me.  Love you Heather.

To Gianna for reminding me of my dream.

The first ever anti-tether dog law was passed last year in California.

I will do everything in my power to pass such a law in Ohio.

Gianna’s Law

She was an angel.

Gianna, I will love and miss you always. Love, Mom 

Jodi Belding
Sylvania Veterinary Hospital
Boarding Dept. Mgr.

My Old Friend

My old friend, I recall
The times we had hanging on my wall
I wouldn't trade them for gold
Cause they laugh and they cry me
Somehow sanctify me
Their woven in the stories I have told
And tell again

My old friend, I apologize
For the years that have passed
Since the last time you and I
Dusted off those memories
But the running and the races
The people and the places
There's always somewhere else I had to be
Time gets slim, my old friend

Don't know why, don't know why
Don't know why, don't know why

My old friend, this song's for you
Cause a few a few simple verses
Was the least that I could do
To tell the world that you were here
Cause the love and the laughter
Will live long after
All of the sadness and the tears
We'll meet again, my old friend

Goodbye, goodbye
Goodbye, goodbye

My old friend, my old friend
Goodbye, goodbye
 

Seth

April 9, 2006

Seth is the beloved companion of 4 Paws, Inc. president, Cindy Smith.  A few months ago, Seth became ill, and although Cindy and Seth put up a valiant fight, the outcome was not what we had hoped.

Here's what Cindy has to say about Seth:

There have been many dogs in my life, but never one like Seth.  Seth was an 8 year old lab that would walk through fire for me.   I cannot put into words what I am feeling right now, as tonight, I lost my best friend.

Seth was a special guy who loved his family (both human and canine).  He will be sorely missed. We send our heartfelt sympathy to Seth's family.

God bless you, Seth...and say hi to Tinker for us.

I ONLY WANTED YOU 

They say memories are golden
well maybe that is true.
I never wanted memories,
I only wanted you.

A million times I needed you,
a million times I cried.
If love alone could have saved you
you never would have died.

In life I loved you dearly,
In death I love you still.
In my heart you hold a place
no one could ever fill.

If tears could build a stairway
and heartache make a lane,
I'd walk the path to heaven
and bring you back again.

Our family chain is broken,
and nothing seems the same.
But as God calls us one by one,
the chain will link again.

Tinker

January 19, 2006

Tinker was the adopted dog of our webmaster. She provided endless love and companionship to her family for 9 years. She fought the cancerous tumor on her hip valiantly, and maintained her sweet nature until the end. Tinker left this world for the next part of her journey surrounded by the people who loved her, her favorite blanket and stuffed bunny. We miss her - and always will. We know she is still here with us in spirit. We feel honored to have known her and been loved by her.

Sugar

Sugar was a very sweet and loving 2 year old Red Doberman. Sugar was only with us for a few days. In those few days Sugar received the love and attention that no one ever gave her. She will be dearly missed.