1/13/12 Josie came to us when her family could no longer give her the care and attention she needed. She was adopted by her foster dad who is also the person who brought her to our attention. Josie was pure sweetness. A gift to the world with a hello for every dog and person she saw. She fit right in with her new family and everything about her showed that she was happy and enjoying life at 13 years old. Sadly, Josie passed away suddenly from gastric dilation.

Her adopted dad emailed us with the news and wrote, "She was a very special little girl who was so full of life, and I know the time she spent with us was some of the best times of her life. She was so predictable, 2:30 was when she would let me know it was time to go play. I loved her. She had a way to make people smile."

Josie, you will be missed.

1/9/12 Dear, dear, Dusty. How we wish you could tell us your story. You were found by animal control on the streets of San Jose, cold, dirty, frightened, your old 16-year old bones tired and weary. How did you get there? Where was your person? How long had you been out on the streets so alone? We will never know. All we know is that when we were asked to take take you in and give you sanctuary and another chance, we did not hesitate. Sadly, your body just could not go on, and after being with us for only two months, your kidneys failed you and we said our last good-byes. But while you were here, while you enjoyed two months of warm beds, good food, affection and comfort, you were able to rest knowing that you were safe and much loved. You were a gentle, trusting old soul, and your life, and death, is testament to one simple truth: all dogs are important and every life matters.

12/22/11Diego aka Connor, was found as a stray in Greenfield. He weighed just 3 pounds, was starving, had a head tilt and had a crooked little walk due to two bad knees. He was the sweetest little guy you would ever want to meet. Diego proved to be a favorite of all the volunteers who met him. He was always a hit at adoption events, but really hit the jackpot when his photo was spotted on our website by Krissa and Nancy of San Jose. They drove down to the peninsula to meet him and the next week was delivered to their door by his foster mom. He had a great year of lots of love and snuggles with his new brother, Toby. After his passing, we got this email from his family, "We loved him dearly and miss him every day. But we know in our hearts that we helped make his last year one filled with love and happiness. I am attaching a few photos we took of him throughout the year. Thank you again for the rescue work you do with these precious animals." Thank you Krissa and Nancy for taking Diego into your hearts and your home.

12/16/11 Scared little Star was found as a stray and taken to Salinas Animal Services. She was too frightened to be put up for adoption, but one of the employees saw in her the potential to gain the trust of humans once out of the shelter environment. They asked POMDR to take a chance on her, and we did. When our volunteer went to pick her up at the shelter she was very sick with a bad case of kennel cough that had turned into pneumonia. She was taken directly to a vet clinic and started on antibiotics. After two days, she started to trust the veterinarian and was able to be held and cuddled. Sadly, that night, she passed away in her sleep suddenly. We are so sorry she didn't make it long enough to know a loving home. We are grateful that she had a day of feeling like someone cared and life might be ok. Star represents many more abandoned, frightened dogs who never make the transition from stray to loved family member. Each dog we rescue is in honor of the many like Star who we don't get to in time.

11/28/11 Pearl was a diamond in the "ruff." She came to us from Monterey County Animal Services where she arrived so matted she was barely recognizable as a dog. It turned out under all that mess was a gem named Pearl, the most darling Mini Schnauzer. Everyone who met Pearl fell in love. She was as sweet as she looked. A delightful family from out of the area saw Pear's photo on our website and their hearts went out to her. A POMDR volunteer drove Pearl to Santa Barbara and the rest was history. She was adopted and loved and we got frequent updates about how she delighted them and enriched their lives. It was with great sadness that we read the last update informing us that Pearl had passed away peacefully after a brief illness. Pearl will never be forgotten.

11/25/11 Buddy became a Peace of Mind dog when his family lost their home and they could not find rental housing that allowed dogs. At eleven years of age, he wasn't a good candidate for adoption from an animal shelter, and so he was placed in a foster home until his new family could be found. Unfortunately, after only a couple months, he began experiencing pain in his neck area, and an x-ray revealed a collapsed cervical disc. Various veterinary treatments were not able to relieve him of his pain, and so it was with great sadness that the decision was made to let him go.

Buddy was one of those smiley happy dogs -- like a golden retriever in a fuzzy bear/dog suit. Nothing seemed to faze him. He was eternally happy, ready for any adventure, or no adventure at all, if it meant he could snooze on your lap. His veterinarian called him a "sunshine" dog, so called because he seemed to radiate a warm glow all the time.

Buddy wasn't with us long, but the short time he did spend with us with us was filled with affection and a sense of belonging. He was adored not only by his foster mom, but by everyone who met him, and we are comforted knowing that he enjoyed the peace and joy of the life of a loved and wanted dog. We all mourn the passing of this gentle boy.

11/14/11 Sport was a big sweet girl with a happy smile. She came to us with her doggie sisters, Maggie and Dottie. Sport and Dottie were adopted out together to a wonderful family. They both got to experience the joy of being loved and cared. Sport will be missed.

11/10/11 Beautiful, ethereal Ebby became part of the POMDR program after her family of ten years did not have time for her anymore. She was placed in a foster home which quickly became her adoptive home. Although she lived only another year after adoption, that year was filled with fun adventures to local parks, days spent lounging in the summer sun, and lots and lots of love from her new family. The hole she leaves behind in the household, and in the hearts of her family, is immense.

10/31/11 Sweet tiny Chuy could be as cuddly as a puppy, but he could also get frightened and be nippy. He never seemed to feel completely secure in new situations. His foster mom took him in with all his quirks and gave him a loving and safe place to be. Chuy was in his foster home for 10 months and was part of a little pack of Chihuahuas. Then one day, Chuy had a massive seizure, went into a deep sleep and never woke up. You are at peace now sweet one. Know that you were loved, quirks and all.

10/31/11 Raelene was the eleventh dog POMDR rescued. Her person went into a care facility and Raelene was left in the home with another dog for over a month with just daily visits before POMDR was contacted to take her in. She went to a foster home that became her forever home. She probably had the best two years of her life being part of a pack of weenie dogs and snuggling with people who cherished her.

She passed away at the age of 19 after a long full life followed by a brief illness. "Raelene, you and Dad are together and are young and healthy once again! " ~Janis

10/8/11 Morgan, a sweet and gentle Cockapoo, came to us at the age of 17 1/2 after his guardian passed away. He had lived a good, long life, and we were committed to making sure he was cared for for the rest of his life, however long that may be. Just three weeks after losing his beloved person, Morgan was reunited with her. He had gone into kidney failure, and we did everything thing we could to see if he'd rally and stay with us a little longer. His passing was peaceful with two of his foster moms by his side. Morgan will always be remembered by those who knew him. To know him was to love him.

10/7/11 Gertie was the 13th dog we rescued after POMDR first got started. She was a well-manered, adorable little dog. We received this poignant mail from her adopter:

"It has been just a year-and-a-half ago that little Gertie rescued me. Gertie immediately made friends with everyone she encountered on our countless walks around Novato neighborhoods, open space trails, and our road trips nearby and far beyond. On Thursday morning - out of the blue - Gertie suffered cardio-pulmonary collapse and despite the heroic efforts of the veterinary emergency room staff, her heart and lungs gave out. I am grateful to the staff and also that Brandon and I were with her at the end. As sick as she was in the oxygen glass enclosure, she stood up and wagged her little tail when she saw us. The vet says she did not suffer, but the same cannot be said of me. This house is empty and quiet and lonely, and I'm lost and devastated and heartbroken."

Thank you Lillian for opening your heart and your home to our little Gertie.

Read Gertie's Happy Adoption Story.

10/2/11 Sweet, shy little Misty came to us from Salinas Animal Services after being surrendered when her people could no longer care for her. She was adopted by a woman with a small pack of rescued Chihuahuas and was part of a loving family and pack until her passing at the age of 16. The last 9 months of her life were probably her best. She was loved beyond measure. Her family will miss her.

10-1-11 Buddy, a two year old Pug, came to us when his senior guardians could no longer care for him. They had rescued him from a bad situation 6 months earlier, but then he started having seizures. They did all they could for him spending thousands of dollars on his care, but could no longer afford the medical expenses. We took him into our program and did further medical tests for him and found out he had Pug Related Encephalitis, a genetic untreatable condition. His prognosis was two months to live.

His guardians provided hospice care for him while he stayed under our program as a hospice dog. He had 68 more days of love and was the picture of health until the morning of October 1st when he had a cluster of major seizures and we had to let him go. He was a sweet, friendly, happy, funny little guy. We wish he had the chance at a longer life. He will never be forgotten.

9/15/11 Molly came to us when her person was diagnosed with cancer, moved into a care facility and was forced to leave her beloved dog behind. Molly was placed in a foster home and was able to visit her person until the cancer took her life. Despite having cancer herself, Molly remained loyal and loving at each visit, comforting her friend during her illness. After her person died, Molly stayed with her foster family until cancer took her as well. Dear Molly, you were a wonderful sweet old girl. You had the biggest, funniest ears and the kindest smile. You loved feeling the sun on your face and the grass under your feet and snuggling on the couch at the end of the day. Good Golly, Miss Molly, you are missed tremendously.

7/30/11 Sweet Kaiser. You touched the hearts of many people. We are glad we could provide you and Lobo with tender loving care for seven months after you were left to die at the shelter. Even though you didn't find your permanent home, you were loved by many and will be remembered always. We'll take good care of Lobo for you.

7/18/11 Fergie won the heart of Sarah, one of the staff people at Carmel Holistic Vet Clinic. Sarah started fostering her and finally adopted her in August 2010. Fergie became her shadow and constant companion. She found a place in a soft dog bed at Sarah's feet where she would snooze the day away while Sarah answered phones and worked at the desk.

Ferige passed away suddenly after a brief illness. She will be missed.

6/29/11 Sweet Sampson, touched so many hearts in the short time that we knew him. He had a group of devoted animal lovers and Sampson fans helping him and rooting for his recovery. The day before he passed, he had a warm bubble bath and sprawled on the grass in the sun. He rallied a bit and even played a little game of fetch. He snacked on boiled chicken and had a restful night's sleep. The next morning he could no longer lift his head and let his foster mom know it was time. He went with quiet dignity knowing he was much loved. Thank you to everyone who helped Samoson and special thanks to Barbara with Chesapeake Bay Retriever Rescue who took him in for his final days.

6/27/11 Ms. Monroe came to us from the Kern County Shelter with multiple health problems. She spent time in a foster homes where she was loved and she knew it. When it was evident that her time was very limited, she was taken in by Tia, a volunteer with CAPE in Santa Cruz, who has the ability to bond deeply, but at the same time knows when it is time to let a dog go humanely. We are grateful to Tia for taken Ms. Monroe into her heart and her home and lovingly letting her go when it was time.

6/20/11 Truman was nothing less than a miracle. He came to POMDR barely able to stand from a life threatening kidney infection and kidney failure. He was nursed back to health only to be diagnosed with a brain tumor. Even with that serious diagnosis, Truman had the most fabulous ten months of travel, adventure, family, love, and lots of kisses, wags and snuggles. He took a road trip with his human family and dog pack across the county and back and enjoyed every minute of it. Truman will never be forgotten. He touched the lives in a profound way of everyone who met him. Truman, your adventure continues. We are sure!

6/2/11 Dottie, a senior Dalmatian Mix, was adopted by the Pritchard family and quickly claimed Joy for her own. She kept track of her all day long and reminded Joy to stay on schedule with her dining and hiking needs. She had been overweight, but soon was svelte and frisky! She taught her family about the characteristics and personalities of a non working breed dog and had a great sense of humor. If she chose to be in a particularly good mood she'd nip Joy gently behind the knees just for fun as they left for their hike. Sadly six months after adoption, she was diagnosed with an inoperable advanced Sarcoma and the choice was clear. Joy agreed it was time to send her to doggy heaven.

6/2/11 Misty was a tiny dog with a lot of love to give. Thank you to the Torres family for giving her a loving home for the last nine months of her life. Misty passed away in her sleep.

3/18/11 Iggy, you were an amazing dog. Coming to us from the Lancaster Animal Shelter in such horrible condition. You beat so many odds over and over again and won the hearts of everyone who met you. You were the "comeback kid." In the short time you were with us and then with your new family you learned to live life to the fullest and loved the good life.

We are so glad you got to experience so much love by all the humans in your life and that you were also loved by the pack of hounds that brought you into their family as well. You will never be forgotten.

2/28/11 Lucy Lemon was the sweetest, most loving dog anyone could hope for. She was adopted in May 2010 by a couple who adored her. She spent nine months being pampered and loved before she passed away suddenly. Thank you to the Cambridges for taking such good care of her. Lucy, you will be missed.

Read Lucy Lemon's Happy Adoption Story.

2/24/11 Corina was found on Laureles Grade. Presumably abandoned. She did her stray time at Monterey County Animal Services and no one came for her. It was our intention to get her a check up, make sure she was healthy and feeling good, get her into a foster home, and let her have some pampered golden years months or weeks - whatever it would be.

Unfortunately, the first night in our care, at the vet clinic, Corina collapsed, could not stand and the vet said that she was in pain and suffering and we should let her go. Corina, we are so sorry we could not do more for you. You deserved more.

2/23/11 Delilah was the sweetest little dog. She came to us with multiple health problems, but still was able to find a loving home. She was pure love and she was lucky enough to get that in return from her two moms, Wendy and Valerie. Sadly, Delilah's little body gave out and she passed away, curled up in her sleep. She was taken too soon, had a life that was harder than it should have been, but we hope that the unconditional love she experienced in her last months made up for all the past neglect. You will be missed and will never be forgotten.

Read Delilah's Happy Adoption Story.

12/26/10 Minnie, just a 5 pound little bundle of love, had been a stray, and came to us from the County shelter after two months of being overlooked for a permanent home. She was very timid, but wanted to be loved. She would hop around as if to say “pick me up”, then when approached by her foster mom, she would run under the kitchen table where she couldn’t be reached, show her teeth in a friendly way -- actually smiling -- as if to say “catch me if you can.” It was her little game.

She was almost immobile at first when taken out for walks, but after a few weeks she trotted along in great style, having realized that going for walks was great fun. She became the leader of the pack!

Unfortunately a tragic accident happened in her foster home. She was accidentally stepped on, and her little 5-lb.body, not able to withstand the weight, was fatally crushed.

Everyone who knew Minnie will miss her. Minnie was a big personality in a tiny little body. We are so sorry that she will not have a chance to find her forever home to live the loved and pampered life she deserved. Minnie touched many hearts and we will never forget her.

10/19/10 Jake was a funny faced Boxer who loved everybody he met - people, dogs, cats. He was finally caught by a good Samaritan after running loose in the streets for several days. At the shelter, he did not put his best foot forward and was deemed "unadoptable." We took a chance on Jake, and he turned out to be a loving dog under that tough street facade. He went on a big adventure flying to Mississippi where his permanent home was waiting for him. He lived three wonderful months with his new family until a horrific act took his life. Jake was found dead, shot in the head near his home. Jake, you deserved so much better. You will not be forgotten.

Read Jake'sHappy Adoption Story.

10/29/10 Suzie captured the hearts of everyone who met her. She was a 13 year old Pekingese who came to us from a 91 year old woman who could no longer care for her. Suzie had been diagnosed with a bladder tumor, and her prognosis was not good. In her POMDR foster home, her symptoms showed improvement with medication, and the belief was that Suzie could live for another 3-6 months.

Even with this tough diagnosis, Suzie found a permanent home after Susan K. Lee, of San Luis Obispo, saw her on our website. . Right away, she became a beloved family member as a sibling to two male Pekingese who accepted her as their sister from the start. Suzie had two wonderful weeks being adored and doted on. She was feeling great, and we were all hopeful for her future.

Sadly, Suzie became very uncomfortable and was unable to urinate. The tumor had grown and surgery was not an option. Today, Susan made the heart wrenching decision to let Suzie go. She went peacefully curled up in her arms. Susan kept petting her, kissing her and telling her what a good girl she was, how much she was loved by the whole little pack, and how much her first mom had loved her. Rest in peace, Suzie.

10/29/10 Everyone was rooting for Bruno. He was a 14 year old Black Lab who had lived outside his entire life. His people moved away and could not take Bruno with them. Neighbors contacted POMDR about his situation, and we were making arrangements for Bruno to go to a foster home. Then the neighbors found out he had heartworm and other complications that would make a very difficult future for Bruno. They made the very difficult, but loving decision to have him euthanized. He was just barely a POMDR dog, but his story, happy face and soulful eyes touched our hearts. He will be remembered.

9/24/10 Leo was left in the anonymous night drop box at the County Animal Shelter. He was a sweet dog, with a terrible skin problem and untreated ear infections. We got him to a vet clinic to begin treatment and get him ready for adoption. Sadly, about a week later, we found out he was bleeding internally and had an inoperable prostate tumor. We wanted to do so much more for him. We wanted him to get well and go to the adoptive home that was eagerly waiting for him, but it was not to be. We had to say good bye to this sweet boy. We hope he knows he was loved, even though we did not have the chance to get to know him well.

8-24-10 Lily came to us from Monterey County Animal Services as a shy, scared, sickly little dog. The shelter staff wondered why we would take her. We even wondered ourselves if it was the right thing to do. But we knew we had to at least have her examined by a vet to see what was going on and if there was some quality of life left for her. With some TLC, proper nutrition and vet care, Lily's health improved. The day she went to her foster home, her foster mom took her to buy a harness and met a woman who fell in love with her at first sight and ended up adopting her.

Lily and Mary had six beautiful months together. They felt like they had been together many lifetimes. Everyone who met Lily commented on what a special dog she was. She had a calm, wise, quiet presence which brought light and love in her own gentle way to each soul that connected with her. Lily was the embodiment of peace and serenity. When it was time to go, it was with dignity and no regrets. Thank you Lily and Mary for sharing your special relationship with us.

Read Lily's Happy Adoption Story.

7/2/10 Alex was our 18th intake. Read his story on our Adoption Stories page. Alex had a wonderful life with his adoptive family and lived life to the fullest right up until the day he died. We received this email from his mom on July 1 "We absolutely love Alex. He is a very good boy. Since you've seen him last he has gotten much stronger. No skinny
bones for him. His fur is absolutely gorgeous. It's funny, but most people think he is a puppy and are shocked when I tell them he's 16.5! I was walking him in the fores
the other day. He was dilly dallying as usual. Sniffing here peeing there - just being a boy. Then a family came by......he took off at a trot after them. He was really booking! He is quite charming. I've attached a few pictures of a recent trip we took to the mountains."

The very next morning, we got this email, "Mr. Alex died peacefully in his sleep this morning on his 16 1/2 birthday. We miss him so much! He was the best dog. Thanks you so much for saving him so he could be part of our lives."

Alex touched the hearts of everyone who met him or read about him. He will be missed and will always be remembered.

6/29/10 We were all rooting for Porter. Porter lived his life with a couple in a rural area in South Monterey County. He enjoyed being outside, carrying around his blanket and pillow and snoozing in his custom-made doggie condo. When the husband passed away, the wife was unable to keep up on the mortgage payments and the house was foreclosed. She had to move off the property and did not know where she would go let alone take along a 150 pound dog as well. Three POMDR volunteers met Porter and transported him to a foster home. He had never been in a vehicle before and was very shy with new people. We were working to socialize Porter, and he began trusting new people and walking on leash. Everyone who met him fell in love with this gentle giant.

Sadly, Porter developed bloat. He was rushed to the vet for emergency surgery. During surgery the vets found a mass on his spleen as well as a twisted stomach. Prognosis for Porter's recovery was poor. The vets believed it was more humane to let Porter go then attempt the surgeries and wake Porter to a difficult and painful recovery with a poor chance of survival.

We all wanted a much better ending for Porter. We hope he knows he touched our hearts and he will be remembered.