Longtime Volunteer Anne Milot Has Crossed the Rainbow Bridge      

DRTB has recently lost another long-time friend and volunteer.  Anne Milot was one of our very first supporters - before we even officially became DRTB.  Anne and husband Andy have fostered or adopted many Dalmatians through us over the years. Anne had an infectious laugh and loved her spotted babies.  She leaves behind faithful spotted companions Dottie and Limo to watch over Andy. 

Recently we received this note & picture from Andy of Anne resting with Dottie. We recognize it may disturb some, but what Andy wants you to take from it is the depth of love each had for the other. His note reads in part:

"As you probably heard, my Anne passed away quietly and with dignity on January 9th here at home in Oldsmar. She was in Hospice's care, surrounded by things she loved; her cat Missy, her Dalmatians Dottie and Limo, and all her worldly holdings in her own home. Susan had asked me for a photo of her with one of her Dals, but I was so involved, I forgot ...   

Dottie wanted to be with Anne and with some help, was most content to lay alongside her...Dottie brought Anne great pleasure.

So for Susan, here is a heart-tugging picture of love. This picture was taken when Anne was an in-patient at Hospice's Brookside house, when I brought Dottie to visit.  Anne was sleeping so I let Dottie snuggle. Dottie's warm breathing in Anne's armpit gave her comfort, I didn't yet understand the depth of significance of, until January.

She will be in our hearts forever!"

Heather & Connie helped ROOSTER get to us from Chipley FL.... Many Thanks!

As time waits for no man, rescue "waits" for no dog... we just jump in and get moving with the next at-risk dog. This January we had six new intakes and one return to rescue. They were Pebbles, BamBam, Khloe, Rooster, & Bosco... Spike was our return. One of the dogs we took in not in the list we called January. She came to us when we got a call that a dog we had put our name on to keep safe was rapidly declining in the shelter. Upon closer examination by our vet, Dr. Hong, it was determined she was failing from stomach cancer so she was humanely released to cross the Rainbow Bridge. We managed five adoptions this month. Our first adoption was Bryan who after an extended stay with DRTB finally got his new home. Then Coco found the third try the charm and was adopted by Anita. With just a wee bit of drama, Pebbles & BamBam arrived safely at Vandenburg despite a blown tire upon landing. They were quickly adopted into waiting homes. Lastly, little Leo found his brand new forever home.

CODY left us to join his previous owner who, unbeknownst to us, had passed Christmas Day.

This month we also had to say goodbye to four of our senior care-for-life dogs: Annie, Cody, Buddy, & Toby. All had been in declining health. We want to thank our wonderful fosters Barb, Karen H., Sandy B., & Linda M. for opening your hearts and homes to these senior dogs... you gave them love until the end.

We began 2013 with 9 dogs carrying over from 2012. So far we have brought in 6 new dogs plus 1 return. It is proving to be a rough year with 5 dogs crossing the rainbow bridge under our care due to old age issues or illness. Our adoption count to begin 2013 is 5 dogs into loving homes. We still have the responsibility of caring for 25 Dals & dogs. ANY or ALL could use SPONSORS! Your help is very much needed. Our Dals & dogs, in various stages of readiness, seeking their forever homes are:     

           
   Juliet                 Jimbo                   Khloe

    

 Spike                     Elvis                        Rooster

    

Boots    &     Guerita              Sam                Bosco 

Courtesy Post for:

Jenny