October Adoptions

By Sarah Rebernick, VP & Adoption Coordinator

June

June and Lacey have been adopted and will be living in Wisconsin and Minnesota. They were part of the litter of eight whose mom had been hit and killed by a car.

 

Rocky

Handsome Rocky, a 3-year-old sable/white collie/Pyrenees mix, has been adopted and will be living in Minnesota. Rocky was surrendered to MWCR due to his owner’s changing life situation which meant he would not get the attention that he deserved. Rocky’s new home has a canine companion, a mom and dad with lots of love to give, plenty of room to run around and a couple of kitties to keep everyone in line – what more could a good boy ask for?

October Rainbow Bridge

Timmy

We adopted Timmy from MWCR in 2008. I had volunteered to foster him for the group and totally failed my foster! He was with us for 11 years – definitely not long enough. Here’s a picture of him in 2010. Timmy passed away yesterday (Sept. 30)  – just old age. What a beautiful, sweet boy! I’m SO sad and the house is empty without him. – Cara

 

Carmel

 

 

 

 

My precious, sweet, little 12-year-old Carmel has passed away. Carmel had pneumonia when she joined my household. She also coughed, choked, and gagged when eating, problems we attributed to her pneumonia and a side effect of nausea from the antibiotics. When the pneumonia cleared and she finished the antibiotics, the problems continued and she was diagnosed with dysphagia, a swallowing disorder. Over time, the dysphagia got worse until she could no longer eat or even drink water without gagging and foaming at the mouth. Her weight had dropped to 34 pounds and her veterinarian and I decided the kindest thing to do was to let her go.

Carmel was the gentlest dog I’ve ever had. She loved everyone – people and animals. My collie mix, Jake, and my cats, Angel and Duncan, thought Carmel was wonderful as did everyone in the neighborhood. Carmel loved the neighbor’s two cats who visited and would bark excitedly when she saw them on the front porch. Carmel was only with me for three months, but she became a huge part of my life. Miss you dearly, my sweet precious little girl. – Terry

Mia

Mia joined us on Memorial Day Weekend 2016. Mia ended her journey with us today, Tuesday, October 22. She came to us as a special needs permanent foster, but soon simply was another member of our vineyard pack. Mia joined a bonded pair of collie brothers. Several months later, a Golden Retriever sister joined the pack. Boisterous and sometimes bossy, Mia loved to be in the middle of any event. She loved to bark every time a walk was offered and led the way down the ramp, watching carefully for every treat during the ramble. Mia’s closest partner was the barn cat, who would wait outside the door and join the pack on the walk, stepping in front of Mia, deliberately forcing her to change direction or stop. When she stopped the cat would rub against her, claiming her as his friend. As Mia slowed in the last year, she would sit in the shade of the porch and her feline friend would slide onto her front legs, directly under her chin. Together they watched the world pass by. Mia was always the first of the pack to welcome visitors. She always offered a vocal and enthusiastic greeting, pushing her way through the pack until she received the attention she was sure she deserved. After a few minutes, she would settle quietly often at the feet of the guest. It’s hard to know if Mia loved her treats or walks more. As she slowed over the last months, Mia supervised the walks from the front walk in the company of her favorite cat, but she never missed a treat. After a couple of years, she finally began to understand the command: “gentle” when given a treat. Boisterous, bossy, friendly, inquisitive, courageous, enduring, unique, and loyal are some of the words to describe Mia, our special pack and family member. She is missed. We thank MWCR for their willingness to entrust Mia to our care and for their support in attending to Mia’s veterinary care and dietary needs. Mia was a special Collie, a gift to all who knew her. We celebrate her time with us and are thankful for the way she made our lives better and richer. – Mary & Jeff Aderman

September adoptions

By Sarah Rebernick, VP & Adoption Coordinator

Lovely Lilah, a 9-month-old sable/white female has been adopted and will be living in Minnesota. Lilah was tearfully surrendered to MWCR when changes for her young family meant they were often gone, leaving her crated for up to nine hours a day. They wanted her to have a home where she would get the attention that she needed and hoped she could even have another pup to romp with. Happily, Lilah’s new home has a human sister and young aussie/x canine buddy – let the playtime begin!

Abby

 

 

 

Lovely Abby, a five-year-old tricolor collie female, has been adopted and will be living in Wisconsin. Although she has been a beloved pet all of her life, several large life changes led Abby’s owner to contact MWCR for help finding a new home for this sweet girl. Although Abby is not overly fond of other inquisitive dogs (after all, she’s a true lady who thinks butt sniffs are RUDE!), she is now happily coexisting with her new mom and dad’s resident kitties. Congratulations to Abby and her new parents!

Bart/Brett/Beau

This super cute nine week old sable merle boy has been adopted and will be living in Wisconsin. He doesn’t have a name yet but it sounds like it may be Bart, Brett or Beau – Go Pack!

Sadie

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Adorable Sadie, a 9-week-old sable/white female, has been adopted and will be living in Wisconsin. I’m sure this sweet girl will be a treasured member of the family for a long time

 

 

Sasha, 9 weeks old, Signe (fka Masie) and Willi (fka Casey), 12 weeks, all found their forever homes this weekend in Kansas, Minnesota and Wisconsin. Sasha came in with two of her siblings and Signe & Willi were part of a litter of eight whose mom had been hit and killed by a car. All of these precious pups are busy stealing hearts and harassing siblings – which is what puppies do best. Congratulations to all!

Sasha

Signe

Willi

 

Bennie

Adorable Bennie, a 6-month-old collie/afghan mix, has been adopted and will be living in Minnesota. This sweet boy came to MWCR from a local shelter. Bennie is a typical good-natured boy who quickly won the hearts of his new mom and dad and has already become BFFs with his canine sibling. His new home has lots of room to run and even some neighboring cows to befriend, so life is looking pretty good for this strikingly handsome, fluffy boy!

 

 

 

 

 

Callie

Stacy (nka Callie), had been adopted and will be living in Wisconsin. She was part of a litter of eight whose mom had been hit and killed by a car. At this point five of the eight puppies agree, forever homes are the best!

 

Tucker

Sweet Tucker, an 11-month-old smoothie, has been adopted and will be living in Wisconsin. Tucker came to MWCR after he had been re-homed at least five times though no fault of his own. He was originally saved from a very bad living situation at age five months, but then went to an apartment that was too small for him as he grew. The next home seemed promising but unfortunately a new boyfriend decided he didn’t want him (personally I would have gotten rid of the boyfriend and kept the dog!). Tucker is still a bit of a diamond in the ‘ruff’ but he is smart and loving and his new family has the lifestyle to get his puppy energy out each day, as well the dedication to his continued training and patience to forgive the mistakes he may make along the way to becoming the wonderful companion we all know he will be. Congratulations to this handsome boy!

 

Gracie

Another adorable pup is in her forever home – gorgeous Gracie will be living in Minnesota with her new dad.

 

Charlotte

 

 

 

 

Lovely Charlotte, an 11-month-old sable/white female, has been adopted and will be living in Iowa. Charlotte was originally living on a working farm but her propensity for chasing cars made her family realize that farm life was not a safe choice for her. This sweet but very shy girl is now enjoying the life of a pampered pet with an experienced, loving mom and dad who are helping her to come out of her shell. Happy life, sweet girl!

September Rainbow Bridge

Brogan

Handsome smoothie Brogan left us yesterday September 9th, after a brief illness. Adopted in 2011, he was a wonderful ambassador for MWCR at many events. From his family: RIP Brogan. Enjoy your romps over the bridge. And please keep watch over us. You were the best dog ever!!!!💞😘 We miss you so very much! 07/04/10 – 09/09-19

Also, Honey, 14.5 years old, passed away in February, after having vestibular problems; Hunter died August 30.

August Rainbow Bridge

Sophie

Sophie 5/29/2007 to 8/11/2019 

All collies are beautiful.  I will miss my sweet Sophie who was so loyal, never asking for anything but love and understanding of who she was – a truly gentle sweet beautiful collie girl. I adopted her at age four and she was my sweetie for eight years. I chose her because she was first of all, so pretty, and second of all she had a curiosity about her. I would imagine that it was a big adjustment for her to move from the country on a small farm where her foster Mom was to a suburb. I never hurried her to mingle in the hustle and bustle of big crowds or events because I found out she preferred her quiet times in her yard or at the local quiet doggie park.

Sophie

Sophie loved her yard and never minded the snow or cold either. She actually liked the cold and didn’t seem phased by the very cold. She charted her territory and was contented to walk it each day if it wasn’t raining. She liked the car rides because she usually knew we were going to the park, loved children and some people, but barked at others. She never failed to alert us when someone that didn’t belong in the neighborhood normally was nearby. She grew to like and play with her toys. She could find the smallest little things in the yard like little toys the kids would drop through the fence. Sometimes it was little tomatoes from the garden. She would play with them. She loved small dogs or puppies, feared the big dogs, but would hang with other dogs of the same temperament and size. People at the dog park sometimes called her Princess because she would sit back and watch all the other dogs and action, but if they got too rowdy she would bark at them as if she was telling them to cut it out. Sophie was a smoothie. Some people who weren’t familiar with the breed often thought that I trimmed her fur that way. Like other collies she was often a couch potato. Ultimately she had one sofa that became hers in the TV room, and don’t you dare sit on her sofa when she was there. She would pace around and around if you were sitting on it and give you the collie eye look until you got off. We would laugh knowing that she would do it each time. Once she had her sofa, she was happy. I loved her dearly. Eight years went too fast. The last year became the hardest as she got older and was diabetic. I managed it for at least two years.  May 29th was her birthday and she was 12. I hold the memories near and she will always be my sweetheart. – Julie Sell

Buddy

Yesterday (August 15), was a very sad day for us. Buddy, our first foster and the first collie we adopted went to the rainbow bridge.

We are not sure how old Buddy was but thanks to MWCR, he had a good long happy life with us. Buddy came into MWCR when he was about five years old. He had been badly abused and the owner tried to put him down but the vet said no and called MWCR.

Veronica and I fostered him, fell in love and instantly adopted him. Buddy had been abused so bad that he spent the first couple of months hiding behind the couch. He slowly came out of his shell and lived a very happy and good life. He loved the other fosters, spending time in the yard, going to the park and collie frolics, and sleeping in bed with us.

Thank you MWCR for helping make Buddy part of our life. – Monty and Veronica

Bandit

Sadly, 7-year-old Bandit, adopted just two months ago, had to be helped over the Rainbow Bridge yesterday (August 14). He was originally saved from a very neglectful situation but because he wasn’t getting along with one of the family’s other dogs, they surrendered him to a local shelter, who contacted MWCR to bring him into our rescue. We reached out to a waiting adopter about taking him as a foster dog but they knew he needed them and adopted him as soon as he arrived.

Over the past weekend Bandit began to have devastating and severe seizure/neurological issues. They tried for several days to bring him out of it but none of the treatments their vet tried were helping. He was getting worse each day and in constant distress, so the decision was made to end his suffering. As we all know, this is the worst part of sharing our lives with our pets but unfortunately, also one of the responsibilities we have as the people entrusted with their care.

Sometimes we wonder if the pain is worth it but Bandit’s mom’s words help us put things in perspective: I want to assure you if we would have known beforehand what he would have to go through, we would adopt him again with no hesitation, he gave us that much joy.  He was a gift.  And I will always remember the furry curl of a collie beside me on the den couch.  I swear he was smiling.

Loss is so unfair when it happens to those you love.  But we will recover in time.

Thank you for helping to give us the opportunity to have had him a part of our lives.  He was a beautiful companion.

Sadie Mae

Our Sadie Mae crossed over the Rainbow Bridge on Tuesday, May 28, 2019. It was a peaceful passing with loving arms around her and sweet whispers in her ears. Our memories of the past six years are much more than we can share today and she was so much more. Sadie came to us in the fall of 2013, after being surrendered by a woman who had found her as a stray. Sadie (aka: Lady) , was a perfectly mannered, gentle, sweet girl who must have been very loved before she came to us. We are sure it was a difficult decision to let her go and we have been very thankful of her previous fur-Mom’s generous heart.

Sadie was always giving and trusting. She loved spending time on the front screened porch giving marching orders to squirrels or offering a surprise vocal “attack” as she announced a bike rider or jogger. She had a keen sense of danger. She woke me one night when a floor stand’s motor seized-up, the smell of hot plastic and the heat from the unit got her attention and then my action before it ignited. Her protective side was sooo tender . . . If one of her stuffies squeaked, as it was stepped on in error by one of us, she would immediately retrieve it and whimper while she carried it around the house until she laid it to rest in a safe location. Never a toy was destroyed: as she would “floss” her teeth in the material gently. She was lovingly spoiled. She would sit ever so patiently for a few Culver’s french fries . . . her favorite treat. We believe she felt safe, respected, and loved.

Sadie’s mobility continued to decline over the last four months and additional health issues were a challenge. Dr. Amber from Lodi Veterinary Care supported Sadie, and us, through her last eight weeks. She was able to offer Sadie improved mobility and even a solid rally in the week before she passed . . . doing things she hadn’t done in many months. We will be forever grateful for Dr. Amber’s caring manner and the treatment modalities she provided to improve Sadie’s last few months.

Our home is definitely feeling the loss of our sweet beautiful girl, but our memories of so many special moments keep her alive in our hearts. Forever our Sadie Mae❣️ – xoxo Janelle & Leah

Maesie and Ollie

It was with great sadness that I sent Maesie (DOB-5-20-03), adopted May of 2010 and Ollie (DOB-6-23-08), adopted July of 2014 to the Rainbow Bridge together on 8-19-19. Maesie at 16+ has had several issues over the last few months and over the prior week had refused to eat and eventually refused to drink anything except water. Ollie has had many health issues from day 1. The one that caused him the most problem was spinal arthritis in all of his feet. We had been doing acupuncture and laser treatments for a couple of years and it was steadily progressing. His walks were short, and getting shorter because his hind legs would give out and lifting a 95# guy was not impossible but becoming a struggle – not only outside but also inside. I had throw rugs all over but it seemed he would find himself in an area w/o one and struggling to get up. Maesie had also gotten to that point after not eating and losing weight but she insisted on a walk most days until the very end.

They were great buddies and Ollie was so solicitous of her. He would lick her ears and she would lean her head into him. I had Maesie for 4 years before Ollie came along. I’ll never forget him getting her to play and even doing a play bow and they chased each other around our backyard. She had never done that before so no question – Ollie was staying. He was a big teddy bear and Maesie was the greeter. When they were younger and we went to the dog parks, I would have to keep a leash on her for a while because she wouldn’t leave the gate area. Someone once suggested that I get her a job at Walmart. Prior to Ollie, Maesie and I traveled with a friend and her dog in her RV around Lake Michigan and we also spent five days at Devil’s Lake. We walked many miles together and I really miss her. Maesie, Ollie and I and another friend spent a week in Door County, walking paths and visiting parks. In the winter when the snow and ice weren’t forgiving with their age – Ollie would pick out a toy and I would roll it down our hallway and they would both chase it. It was so funny to watch because whichever one came back with the toy – I would yell “yay Maesie” or “yay Ollie” and which ever one had it actually had a swagger to their gait as they brought it back to me. They made me laugh.

BUT – time marches on and here I am with many great memories of both of them and still teary and waking up at night about every two hrs because that’s the way it’s been for quite some time. I always hoped their need to go out would be coordinated but seldom did. So I was up in two hours and then again about an hour later 3-4 times a night. But I know my sleep patterns will self correct given time but I still wake up listening for nails clicking on the floor to let me know they need to go out and it isn’t happening. We all grieve – how can one not? They are such a huge part of our lives that it would be callous not to. Anyone with a heart knows and feels that. Right now my house feels horribly empty. My living room as my vet saw it when he came for the house call said it looked like a hospice center – which it kind of was. Beds – either raised or comfort foam so they had a choice and fans. My floors are a mess but they will get cleaned. All in due time. After everything is caught up – I will be looking to foster/adopt again.

In the meantime, I want to pass on two quotes that I found recently. The first is by Rumi; “Goodbyes are only for those who love with their eyes. Because for those who love with heart and soul there is no such thing as separation.”

The other is by Ram Dass: “We are all just walking each other home.”

Thank you for listening and sharing and I know you have all been here in this moment in time with someone dearly loved.

Sweet Hyland went to the Rainbow Bridge in June. She was adopted in 2012.

Guiness

When I adopted Guinness (known as Jazz with MWCR), I had no idea that he was an angel on earth. I was just a few months removed from the end of a long-term relationship and feeling lost and directionless in life. I had always had a soft spot for collies, so I applied to adopt through MWCR. The rescue thought Jazz might be a good fit, and something about him told me I should drive the 3+ hours to meet him his foster home in Illinois. I knew right away this was the one. I picked him up later that week on a dangerously cold February night, and I remember glancing back at him on my truck’s back seat and seeing a questioning look on his face. He wasn’t sure about our new arrangement. Later that night, I finally pulled into my driveway and walked him into the house. He stood and looked around the living room, surveying his new home, still clearly unsure about the night’s events. An hour later, he was curled up across my legs on my couch, calm and content.

Guinness was my best friend and my rock for more than 12 years. I never had a bad day at work because he was there to greet me every night when I got home. He was my shadow in everything I did. He was as close to a perfect dog as I think can possibly exist. He was gentle. He was intelligent. He was sensitive. He was loving. I always thought he was an “only-dog dog”, because he’d spend more time walking up to people for his favorite butt rubs at the dog park than he did playing with other dogs. But then I heard about another dog needing a home in late 2015 (when Guinness was nearly 11 years old), I brought him to meet the new dog. Guinness was wonderful with him. From that day forward, Guinness accepted Macree into his home and his life. There was never a growl exchanged between them. Guinness knew he wasn’t being replaced. That would be impossible.

When Guinness began to get sick in August of 2018, I knew the twilight was coming. His back legs were giving him trouble, so I got a body harness that would allow me to carry him up and down the stairs everyday and to help him up when it was icy last winter. He took a turn for the worse in late February of this year and another one a week later. I rushed him to the emergency vet, who told me that he had aspiration pneumonia and, because of his laryngeal paralysis, would be susceptible to another bout any time he drank water. She also said that the humidity of a Wisconsin summer would make him more and more uncomfortable. She was honest with me that there would be many more bad days than good days ahead for him. I had been trying for months to prepare myself, but it still hits like a ton of bricks when you have to make good on your promise to say goodbye when it’s time. I tried to be composed for him, to say goodbye with the grace and dignity that he deserved, but I was a mess. The moment the vet said she couldn’t hear his heartbeat anymore will live with me forever.

Despite all of that sadness, I would choose him again and again and again, knowing the ending. He gave me so much love when I needed it most, and never asked anything in return. Someone said to me, “If your love could keep Guinness alive, he would live forever”. He does, in my heart and now on my arm. I thank MWCR for giving me the opportunity to adopt Guinness many years ago. He was the best boy.

 

August adoptions

By Sarah Rebernick, VP & Adoption Coordinator

Fiona

Vera (nka Fiona), a 6-month-old female merle-factored white smoothie with a unique harlequin coat pattern, has been adopted and will be living in Virginia. She and her canine mom, Stella, came to MWCR after her human dad died unexpectedly. Fiona is a sweet girl who can be a bit shy at first due to all the recent changes in her life, but she is a fun and playful pup once she knows everything is okay. She’s sure to bring a lot of joy to her new mom and dad, as well as her new collie siblings!

Carmel

Sweet Carmel, a 12 year-old rough sable, has been adopted and will be living in Minnesota. She came to MWCR after she became lost, and someone picked her up and took her to the Humane Society. Her owner was very ill and his brother had been looking for a home for both his brother and Carmel. While they were gathering information for us about her, a good samaritan neighbor took her to be groomed, as her coat had become matted. The groomer ended up shaving her but her new mom has some cute sweaters for her so she’ll stay toasty warm. Since Carmel has had a lot of recent upsets in her life, as well as a few continuing health issues, we are thrilled that she will be able to permanently stay in her foster home to give her some stability.  We’re so glad we were able to help this sweet and gentle girl.

Stella

Stunning Stella, a 2-year-old sable-headed white smoothie, has been adopted and will be living in Wisconsin. Stella came to MWCR, along with her canine daughter Vera, after the sudden death of her human dad. She had been used for breeding but was kept inside as a loved pet and you can tell that from she sweet disposition. Although she’s a little shy from all the recent changes in her life, now she’ll be able to settle in with her new parents, collie sister and hopefully even win over the hearts of her new kitty siblings.

Robbie

 

 

 

 

We all had a barking good time at the Minnesota Frolic, but handsome senior Robbie had the best time because he was adopted and got to go home with his new family. Congratulations!

 

Molly

Beautiful 10-year-old Molly has been adopted and will be living in Wisconsin. This senior girl is a gorgeous tri-color who may be mixed with Chesapeake Bay retriever since her hair is a bit curly. Molly was found wandering in traffic and when her savior located her owner and took her home, they said that she kept figuring out how to open the gate and they were tired of chasing after her. Easy-going Molly has already made friends with the kitty in her new home (and acknowledged that he is in charge), and now has her very own loving human to call mom – oh, and a beautiful backyard with a nice, secure latch on the gate!

Copper

Cute Copper, a 6-month-old collie/retriever mix, has been adopted and will be living in Minnesota. This young, mild mannered boy came into the shelter as a stray. Although Copper can be a bit shy he is happy and gentle with kids and gets along with dogs of all sizes. His new mom and dad fell in love the second they met him and I have a feeling that will be a continuing trend for this loving boy

Charlie (facing us)

Charlie Boy, a 1-year-old old collie mix (golden?), has been adopted and will be living in Minnesota. He came to MWCR through the local Animal Control. Charlie would frequently visit the neighbor’s house and they finally got frustrated enough to call AC to pick him up. His owners decided to surrender him and we were happy to welcome him into our care. Charlie is a very nice dog who needs some confidence building, but it’s clear he has the social inclinations of a collie – just ask the neighbors! We know he will thrive under the care of a gentle of his new family who will help him develop into a confident, well-rounded collie gentleman.

July Rainbow Bridge

Ilsa

We said goodbye to our sweet Ilsa yesterday (July 2). She was our first foster in 2010. We knew she was ours the second she walked through the door. She was the sweetest, most gentle dog we’ve ever known. She happily welcomed 17 more foster pups into our home. We’ll miss everything about her — the chirpy bark, lush wooly fur, serene nature, slow pace and loyal affection.

Cameron

With sadness, we said good bye to our sweet girl Cameron. She was a part of our lives for the past 11 years. We included her in as many things as we could. Boating, camping, vacationing, lots of walks, visiting Grandma and Grandpa’s. She had many doggie friends in our neighborhood. We would walk around the block and she would literally stop across the street from one of her friends, Sasha, and look at me, then their house and then back to me asking if it was ok to go visit. When I gave the ok, she ran across the street. She frequently went up to John McKenna’s porch and wanted me to come up and knock on the door, which we did often. She would always want to be in the middle of us when we danced. She loved children and was the best dog our family could ever ask for. Kev gave her daily rub downs and it melted my heart watching him love her❤️. She kept him company when he was up late, asking for a snack or attention or to play. She sat on his foot when storms were on the way. She was such a blessing to our family. Our hearts are heavy. Rest now sweetie. No more pain. We ❤️ you with all our heats. I pray I will see you in heaven some day. Mom, Dad and Mike, please watch over her. Missing you❤️. We love you❤️❤️❤️