Year
2013 Tributes
(Click HERE for Tributes
posted in other years)
For pet names beginning with "D".
D'arcy, October 13, 2000 - February 3,
2013 
D’arcy: My Beloved Beagle.
Born: October 13, 2000. A Joyous Day.
Lived: A life that brought so much warmth, love and
companionship to me.
Died: 10:25 P. M. on February 3rd 2013. A hard day for us
D’arcy.
With All My Heart.
This Tribute, in Loving Memory of D’arcy, my beloved Beagle, is
given from the bottom of my heart to my special friend who
brought warmth and sunshine and joy into my life.
D’arcy, you meant so much to me and I will miss you so very very
much.
Though death’s icy embrace stilled your heart, it’s touch cannot
rob me of your spirit – the essence of who you were in this
life. Nor will you ever be forgotten: For as long as you live in
my heart you exist.
When you passed over on that Sunday evening I was devastated
beyond my capacity to express the depth of emotions I am
experiencing; most people simply cannot understand how I could
have become so attached to you, just how entwined our lives
became in the years we spent together. But tragically, I didn’t
really understand the magnitude myself until after you left me.
So, as the weeks go by it continues to be difficult to come to
terms with the ending of the rather topsy-turvy relationship of
twelve wonderful years, though sadly, a few rather difficult
moments. But those years, now in hindsight, are revealing to me
in many ways.
And so I thank you with all my heart for the insights our life
together now brings home in the lessons they teach. They will
not be wasted and I give my pledge to learn and grow from them:
My way of honoring your memory and the time we shared.
I won’t belabor details, you and I know the good and the not so
good side. I simply note that even when I became very angry with
you, I always loved you and protected you, and I know you knew
it was so. Your love and devotion for me will be Cherished for
as long as I can draw breath in this life I now inhabit without
you – alone, so very Alone!
Trauma & Loss.
With your departure I lost the most wonderful friend and
companion I have ever known; and so my bittersweet emotions have
played out the entire gambit: denial, sadness, abandonment,
anger, rage, helplessness; but the hardest ones continue to
haunt me: Grief and Guilt, but most of all is Remorse.
Grief at the our sudden parting. You were fine Saturday night
but by Sunday evening you were gone
away. Sometimes, in anger and rage at the injustice, at the
horrible thought that I will never see you again, my mind reels
in disbelief. I keep sensing you are still here with me. I’m
sure you will bark to get back in any minute now, or I will walk
into the living room and see you sleeping on the couch.
But you are never here, in the places I came to expect to see
you, to hear your demanding bark, or the pleasure I felt when
you welcomed me home.
You were much more than just a pet! We had such a very special
relationship, one that I can never convey in words: A deep and
powerful sense of belonging together, you and I.
But it is in this very powerful sense of belonging that I also
contend with a profound sadness. The weeks since your passing
have been harder for me to bear than any other loss I have
experienced: The Remorse and Guilt I now suffer because too
often I was less than loving towards you.
The times I treated you in ways I should not have, at times
dismissing you as a burden and imposition on my life. Oh how
petty I was! How uncaring of you on those occasions, and all
because I was too wrapped up in my own petty life. I didn’t
appreciate you nearly enough when you were here with me; and
tragically, it took your death for me to understand how
important you were to me, how much of my life you were involved
in.
Yes! You were such a special friend and companion, a confidant I
talked to every day. You did seem to understand what I was
saying in a way I can never know, that in some special way
understood my words and feeling; and somehow the belief you knew
gives me much comfort in an otherwise troubled life.
Times Shared and Final Parting.
I have such fond and loving memories of you and the time went
spent together. We did so many things over the years, and I will
always cherish them in my heart and mind.
But the last sixteen months were particularly difficult for us.
The twice a day insulin injections, the cataracts you developed,
and other ailments that over time seemed to wear you down; and
on that Sunday morning, when you refused to eat, I knew the end
was rapidly approaching.
Yes. It was a hard day for both of us! But I stayed by your side
all seventeen hours, no one could have forced me to leave you to
die alone, for you needed me that day more than at any other
time in your life; there was no way I was going to abandon you
in the hour of you r greatest need to receive the comfort and
love I gave to you.
As I sat there with you for those final minutes I pleaded with
you not to die. When I knew you were gone, I cried the tears of
inconsolable grief, for I wanted you to be with me more than
anything in the world.
D’arcy, I held on to you after you died. Held tight to you
because I knew in those first few seconds I had
lost my best friend. Your death created a gapping hole in my
life and I felt, from that moment on, that I was destined to be
all alone in this life.
So in the darkest of nights, I screamed into the hole you left
behind, “Please, don’t leave me alone! Please come back to me, I
need you here with me.” But it wasn’t to be.
Now You Are Gone.
There is no going back, but I look forward to the times when I
will sense your presence once again as you drop by to look in on
me: To see how I am getting along; to let me know you are safe
and happy where you are; and in those moments I will know that
one day we will be together again, never to be parted.
Yes, I have photographs of you that call back such fond
recollections of the full and vibrant life you lived.
I have your collar and leash and other mementos to remind me of
you. With these and fond memories of a life shared, I know
without doubt, that you will be loved and cherished for as long
as I draw breath.
In time I will accept the inescapable fact of your death. But
healing will not be because of the passage of time, it will be
through memories of the wonderful times together, the joy of
life you embodied, and the friendship and companionship we were
so fortunate to share. I can’t explain how people and animals
can have the wondrous connection they can have, but I know it is
true: You are my proof that it is.
D'Votd Prine of Thieves - SEEKER, June
2001 - July 11, 2013 
To him, who took care of his mom, trained with his mom, sought
shelter in the thunder, was never happier than by her side and
making her proud of him. That one who stole your hat, and
your heart.
That heart is breaking now and the house is empty without you.
I know I'll see you again, but I am weeping because I miss you so.
Daisy, 01/26/05 - 07/27/13
Daisy, Mommy and Daddy will always love you. Nicholas and pop
love and miss you also , we are all heartbroken with out you
and find it hard to move on however we will always all the
fond memories of you and you will live within us forever.
Xoxoxo baby we love you.
Mommy, Daddy, Pop and Nicholas.
Daisy Lu Baker, 8/23/04 - 12/27/13
Dear Daisy,
I hope you understand how hard it was for us to let you go. I hope
you knew I was holding, snuggling you, and kissing you beyond the
end. I hope that your little body held in my arms brought you as
much comfort as it brought me.
Dad and I are grieving and will be for a long time. God sent you
to teach our family things we needed to learn. You were a
blessing for grandpa - you added so much to his life. The two of
you were best buddies! He was so proud of his "little girl"! You
and him and your daily trips to Dunkin Donuts!
Daisy, I miss you greeting me at the door when I get home. I miss
you and I getting the newspaper and the mail together. I miss you
inspecting the grocery bags I brought in the house.
You will always be a part of our hearts. Be happy Daisy, soar and
run, chase those chipmunks and never lose your bright-eyed spark.
Love you so much sweet stuff!
Daisy Mae Greggs, October 1999 -
January 22, 2013
Daisy Mae as time goes by Mommy and Daddy will never forget
you. You are the sunshine of our hearts and you took a
piece with you. I'll never forget your voice, the roars
you gave when you wanted something, hide-and-go-seek we use to
play and the fun walks.
God took you suddenly from us, we were trying to fix your leg
(ACL surgery) so we could go on more fun walks. You'll feel no
pain anymore and until we meet again some day, together forever
and never apart, you will always be in our hearts baby girl. Say
Hi to Chelsea, Stow, Duke, Mike and Jack for us, they'll
take care of you. Mommy, Daddy and Reds
Dante, 02/06/2012 - 01/02/2013
The day after his passing, I was struggling hard to talk about
Dante and where I think he is now. After work, I was able to go
home and write down what I was unable to speak. I sent this to the
Hartford CT Observer and Newton Bee. I hope it brings some solace
to the Sandy Hook families. I know it comforts me to know that
Dante had a special purpose. Those who believe in the afterlife
say if you have a strong, compelling voice in your head telling
you something about a departed loved one, that is the spirit world
connecting with you. I had this message about Dante's new life
given to me within minutes of his passing.
I remember like yesterday the day we brought you home. I'm not
going to retell the story of "Marley and Me;" John Grogan is a far
better wordsmith than I will ever be, but it goes without saying
that we had our challenging moments raising a willful Australian
Shepherd puppy. Sometimes it felt like we were living out scenes
from the movie: the torn leather sofa, shreds of you name it in
every corner of the house, a terrorized kitty or two.
No stranger to the breed, we knew that we had to keep you occupied
and give you jobs to do. We started with puppy socialization. At
first you were intimidated by the bigger boys, but you quickly
learned to hold your own and ultimately stood up to the boldest of
them with confidence and composure. Agility class was where we
caught our first glimpse of your grace and blinding speed. You
were a whiz kid at obedience, but we kept you behind for another
round because you just wouldn't master an all-important command:
"Come!" Your speed and willfulness contributed to your demise;
that, and your insatiable desire to herd that which dogs should
never chase: cars.
God was kind enough to give us Christmas to spend together. It was
pure joy watching you frolic in your first snowfall. You didn't
run. You didn't jump. You leapt through the drifts like a gazelle.
Your speed and exuberant lust for life were the essence of poetry
in motion. You painted a comical picture burrowing your face in
the snow, chasing the ball around with your nose and coming up for
air with a frosty white beard.
I will always remember the feel of your soft, silky coat beneath
my hands and gazing into your soulful hazel eyes. I would look
into them and forget all sense of time, lost in their depth. In
your calm moments you were always so giving of love and affection,
and such a willing recipient. I envisioned you as a perfect
therapy dog. That was going to be one of your next training
assignments and I think you would have excelled at that most of
all. Aussies aren't known for a quiet disposition, but this was
the side of your personality that exemplified most of all the
exceptional dog you would become.
Looking at the photo collage of you and your master, a special
gift for him that still sits beneath the tree, I can't help but
think of others who were robbed this Christmas of the joy that
family brings.
You were only ours for a few short months, Dante, and we spent
untold hours training you in obedience and agility. We played and
socialized. We taught you manners around the elderly and
strangers. You taught yourself to be a guard dog to be reckoned
with. You camped with us; you swam with us; you accompanied us on
countless roadtrips and made friends everywhere you went.
God was kind and gave us Christmas to spend together but I believe
God had a greater purpose in mind. He only gave you to us for a
short time to get you trained for the job you were born to have,
Dante. Beautiful, soulful, joyful Dante, there are 20 little
angels in heaven who would adore a puppy just like you for
Christmas. You were delivered a little late, but Christmas is
every day in heaven. You have enough love, energy and enthusiasm
to fill the hearts of every one of them to overflowing. I can
almost hear them squealing with glee over your arrival. Be their
guardian angel dog and they will be your constant companions until
we see you again.
Darby Doo Taylor aka Kojak, Pumpkin
Muffin, Munchkin, Blondie, Furball, Darb, Suga Foot, 2000 -
8/16/13
We found Darby on Petfinders in March 2001. We weren't scheduled
to move to Fort Drum, NY until May, but I fell in love with his
ad. I contacted the foster mom, Christina. She said Darby would
probably still be with her due to his special needs; he had a
detached retina. But let me tell you, that didn't stop him! He did
everything he wanted.
There are so many memories! Darby was a very loved dog (golden
retriever mix). He didn't think he was a dog. We treated him as
one of the family.
Always smiling and upbeat, no matter how bad the pain.
Loved to play, loved to kiss, and loved his cookies! In fact, one
year, he ate several boxes of Girl Scout cookies. When we came
home, Darby was lying in the living room, gut busting, and
chocolate on his face. I don't know how he lived through it!
If he thought he was in trouble, he used to run to his crate. But
Darby never had a bad day. Never cried. Never got angry. He was a
good dog. A very good dog. A very well behaved dog. Always tried
to please you.
He didn't like fireworks or me playing my violin, but he didn't
mind that I sang to him. At the vet, to try to calm him, I would
sing Twinkle Twinkle Darby Doo, London Bridge, How much is that
Darby in the window, and Oh, where, oh where has my Darby Doo
gone.
Miss seeing him on the futon, in everyone's bed, running down the
stairs, running around the house in circles, sniffing in the
kitchen, walking in the park, breathing in your face to wake you
up in the morning, and just petting him....these are the things we
will miss.
He loved his ice cream and knew when it was 7 pm to get a snack.
He had an internal clock! And if you didn't get it, he was vocal
about it.
He sunbathed on the deck, dug his face in the snow, and could do
simple commands like shake, sit, and high five.
He winked often and rode well in the car. In the car, he would
stick his head out of the window with his ears blowing in the
wind.
He was always either looking out the window or looking out the
door, waiting for you to come home.
I would always tell Darby he was "so handsome, so intelligent, and
so soft". He had velvety ears.
He chased bacon trucks in his sleep and snored to let you know he
was resting well. But if you opened a box, bag, or can, he would
wake up immediately!
He stole ribs off of my plate on 4th of July. He drank my mom's
egg nog every holiday from a glass and NEVER tipped it over. He
even sniffed his brother's alcohol and coffee.
He would pull me when on the leash, but with Brother, Darby walked
like he should.
He turned his head sideways when you were talking, trying to be
nosey. Darby made funny faces, too.
Didn't like his paws touched or his picture taken. Wouldn't wear
the raincoat and snow boots I bought him.
Darby loved his rump scratched and scratched behind his ear,
thumping his foot in excitement.
We loved his yawn, when he stretched, sneezed and burped in your
face, and left the room after he passed gas.
He'd be a peeping Tom and peek through the bathroom door. If it
was closed, he'd just wait outside for you. Yet you couldn't watch
him do his thing outside because he wanted privacy.
Darby had a lot of pride. He didn't think he needed any help.
He loved to be around people. We loved having him around us.
We've started a little shrine with Darby's personalized food mat,
original collar and dog tag, green checkered bandana, and your
blankie. We have Darby's paw print from his final moments. He's
been plastered on Facebook, and on several pet websites, total
strangers have prayed for his soul and our healing.
My son misses Darby begging for treats whenever someone was in the
kitchen. He even spoon-fed him dog food during his last days. He
carried him to the car.
Darby passed away peacefully, listening to "Stay Awake" from Mary
Poppins. He looked as if he was taking a long nap. I'm glad we all
were with him. He will always be with us.
Brother loves you and misses you. Gretta misses your company. And
momma misses you lying next to her at night.
Slowly but surely, we will move on, but never forget Darby. We
look forward to seeing him again at the Rainbow Bridge someday.
Loren, Gretta, and Korri
Deidra, 02/18/2013
Deidra,
You started your life as a Basset Hound puppy mill dog... had 5 or
6 litters of puppies. Once you couldn't get pregnant your
previous human dumped you another female and male Basset at some
lousy shelter.
CBHR rescued you from there and we fostered you for a little
while. After a short time, we decided to keep you.
Your gentle soul shined through, and you eventually began to trust
humans you didn't know again.
On your 15th birth-year, you became disabled and were in
pain. So I sent you to the Bridge to take away your pain and
being 3 years past the average basset lifespan it was time.
Deidra, for the last 10 years, you became a loved house dog.
Your mommy and I will miss you dearly, but we're glad for you to
be at the Bridge.
Until we meet again Deidra, at the Bridge
Jon and Steph
Deino, April 26, 2013 - November 18,
2013
Deino (Brotogeris Baby): April 26 – November 18, 2013
Deino, little Deino,
You burned with such a glow.
But brilliance burned out quickly
And so you had to go.
We never can replace you.
The loss will never heal.
And this too meager tribute
Is all that’s left to feel.
Ray and Sym Gallucci
Dexter, November 20 2012
Dexter Dog, you were the best pet for 14 years. You shadowed
me. You loved me. You were there for all the ups and
downs. You kept good company for Grandpa when he needed
companionship. And when Grandpa could not walk you anymore
in the ice and snow you came to me on a temporary basis and you
still kept your sweet demeanor. When you finally rested in
my home after Grandpa was no longer able to care for you, you made
friends with Bonnie and Chance in the neighborhood. You
waited at Sylvia's doorstep for your treat. You waited for
me by the window when my car drove in after work. You
cuddled and I loved you for your dedication to me. I loved
taking walks in the woods with you because I know you enjoyed
every scent that you picked up along the way. I called you
"Little Buddy" because you were my little buddy. I can
not get a new pet yet because I will always compare them to
you. You were the best. And when I cross that bridge,
I hope to see you.!
Dill, July 1995 - Nov.27, 2013
My sunshine Dill,
You have brought so much love and joy to me and the family.
I will never forget you and will always miss you. You always made
me feel so much love and joy no matter what was going on. I hope
you stay close to me and never leave my side. I miss you so much
and can't wait to see you again. Tell Pickles I love her and miss
her too. You will forever be loved and missed by us and we were so
lucky to have an amazing little boy like you for as long as we
did. Love you forever my sweet Dilly! Love Mama, Papa, and Lula
xoxoxoxo
Dillon, April 1997 - August 16, 2013
My Dillon Parker,best known as "Mommas Dilly" aka Tiny and Dilly
Bug. My best companion, the most loyal and faithful pup anyone
could ever dream of sharing 16yrs of life with. In all the good
times, bad times and in between times, you were always by my side.
And now you are gone from my sight.I feel your presence every day
since you had to go-I still call out your name at feeding time for
Faith, Lucy and Sammi. You always let out your double bark at 6pm
to remind me it was time to eat. How were you able to tell time?
Give or take 10 minutes you were always on time. Trying to live
life without you in it, is a time that I would give anything not
to have to do. It's just not the same without you. Even after you
lost your eyesight 2 yrs ago,you always managed to find your way
over to me. You were so smart,very strong, regal and brave. You
showed me how to live with a disability. You helped me accept
mine. We were a team. You were our family icon. You were so
dedicated to me. I was the most important person in your life, and
you didn't hesitate to let our other family members know about it
with your deep throaty grrrr to make no bones about it. I was
enough for you. I was all you needed. Your loyalty was second to
none. You then became "Mommas Dilly". The legacy lives on as I am
officially known as "Mommas" to my two human sonshines. And now, I
feel my right arm is missing.
I'll never forget your never ending pursuit of a squirrel along
side the fence as a pastime that has since been handed down to all
the other pups in the fam who have followed in your footsteps. You
never caught one, but you never gave up trying. It was your
metaphor for the way we should live life. To never give up even
when you don't meet with success. I'll never forget the time you
rolled over completely 17 times in a row without stopping! Thanks
to your human dad who taught you how to. No one would believe it
without seeing it. You were always running out the door and I
can't count the times I had to chase after you. That was not as
fun for me as it was for you. I remember bringing you home from
Denver at 6wks old. You slept for 300 miles. You were our new
little family member and angel and heavy as a brick for such a wee
pup. We all fell madly in love with you. A white ball of fur that
reminded us of a baby polar bear.
We were always together until we couldn't be anymore. I prayed the
angels would take you to Rainbow Bridge, but instead it was I who
had to let you go as my heart was tearing in two. Thank you for
letting me know you are OK now. I heard your double bark in the
night a few days after you passed.
You were so beautiful and regal A real champion in my eyes. I will
never forget you. You will always be with me. You will be missed
until the day we meet again. You will always be loved and
cherished deep in my heart and soul. I love you Mommas Dilly. I
was so lucky to have you.
Dino Graham, 8/18/2000 - 07/05/2013
My beautiful baby boy, I can't tell you how much I miss you.
My heart is broken. I will never forget you. You were
my constant companion and introduced me to so many new
friends. Everyone who knew you loved you because you loved
everyone you met. I hope the story of the bridge is true and
you have found Tedi, Prancer , Molly, timer and sweet pea who all
passed before you and that you met Bayley when he arrived
yesterday. I will always love and miss you.
Dolly, 09/11/2002 - 6/20/2013
We had just lost our 12 year old Golden Retriever, Isabella, to
cancer in December of 2009. Our remaining puppy Jesse who was now
9 years old had been devoted to Isabella and was very depressed.
My wife and I decided that we should find a rescue dog as a
playmate for Jesse. Since we are partial to Goldens, we started
working with a rescue organization in our area. We looked at three
or four dogs but never made a connection with any of them. We were
ready to settle on one just so Jesse could have her
playmate. I started looking in the newspaper and noticed
that a breeder had an adult Golden that could no longer conceive.
We talked on the phone and I was almost ready to make a
commitment. I then decided to talk to other breeders and it seemed
that most had female dogs that they no longer wanted because they
could no longer be bred. I found a 7 year old female Golden and we
took a ride out to see her. I told my wife on the way there that
we weren’t going to come home with her because there were others
we wanted to look at. We drove into the driveway, my wife got out
of the car, took one look at Dolly and said yes, we want her. We
walked her a little, let her meet Jesse, (who we had brought with
us), and saw no problems so we did bring her home that day. Dolly
proved to be the sweetest little girl. Though frightened of
people, quick movements, loud noises and our cat she got along
well with other dogs. Based on her actions we felt that she had
been somewhat abused. At the very least she had never been
socialized. We were very careful and gentle with her over the next
year. She didn’t know how to play with other dogs or toys
though she enjoyed being around both. About a year after bringing
Dolly home we rescued another Golden named Jo Jo. She and Dolly
quickly became friends. Dolly came out of her shell and began to
play with Jo Jo on a daily basis as well as playing with toys and
becoming very friendly with people. When Dolly was happy and
excited she would give a little howl. She sounded like a baby
wolf. It sounded like “wooo wooo”. She would walk around and do it
five or six times. It was thrilling to both watch and hear her.
About two months ago her play sessions became fewer and fewer. We
noticed she had a slight recurring limp. When it didn’t go away
after a day of rest I took her to the vet. He said it was probably
a soft tissue injury and gave us some pain medicine. After a few
more days there was no improvement and in fact Dolly seemed a
little worse. I took her back to the vet for an x-ray and blood
work. The blood work was fine and at first glance he saw nothing
wrong on the x-ray. I was about to leave and he notice an
abnormality in the x-ray and wanted to take a few more. The new
x-rays showed a mass in her chest area as well as near her heart.
His recommendation was to take Dolly to an oncologist. We made an
appointment for the following week. The diagnosis and prognosis
could not have been worse; cancer with no options for treatment.
Based on the location, surgery was impossible and chemo or
radiation would be of no value. We were given pain medicine and
told to keep her comfortable. Each day her limp became worse and
we could see she was in pain. She still went for her morning walk,
had a good appetite and attitude though she had given up on some
of her treats and wasn’t playing at all. Over the last
week she was getting progressively worse and this past Wednesday
she had trouble getting up and walking. Yesterday morning at 10:44
we put her at peace.
Watching this wonderful Golden become a playful, loving girl
was one of the most rewarding experiences of our lives. Watching
her die so soon was one of the most heartbreaking.
Her sisters are anxiously awaiting her arrival at the Rainbow
Bridge.
We will love you forever our baby Dolly,
Stu & Annie Vosk
Dolly, June 2009 - March 29, 2013
Gone but not forgotten. We will always love you because you always
made us laugh. Ma Dolly Dog. Love Mom,Dad & Kris
Duchess Bernese Mountain Dog, December
13, 2002 - February 15, 2013
"Duchess" you were truly a loving and
loyal and beautiful girl. You were the smartest and most
gentile and obedient dog anyone could ask for. You always did
anything you could to please us. You know you will always
have a seat in my truck.
Thanks for the ten years you gave us although they were short. The
house seems so empty since you have gone.
Glad you left us peacefully and hope you are happy at the
Bridge.
We will always love and miss you.
Dusty Skye Lang, May, 1999 - May 30,
2013
Nothing will ever replace my Dusty. She was "my girl".
I had her for fourteen wonderful years. In the last few
months, very quickly, our Dusty lost the sparkle in her
eyes. I am heartbroken, I am crushed, and I miss her so
much. She was the "family dog", but I was home with her all
day and she was my companion. I am having a very hard time
coping with her being gone. She is buried on the hill,
overlooking the yard she loved so much. I will miss her the
rest of my life.
