In Memoriam

LENNOX-Tahoe
10/10/2003

It is with the greatest personal sadness and loss that I must relay that Friday, October 10th, Lennox-Tahoe lost his battle with cancer. Those of you who knew Lennox realize that the bright spirit that lay at the end of those introspective eyes has not died and will live in each of us as fond memories. In a life beset by many health issues, Lennox bravely met each new challenge and moved beyond the the Demodex mange, heartworm treatment, lousy first adopter, loss of one leg to Osteosarcoma and chemotherapy to infuse us with his warmth and affection.

To his "parents" Dee and Jeff, we extend our deepest sorrow. We all loved "our Lennox, - Lennie, Tahoe, LT" and know that he is on a less troubled journey now. For those of us who were captured by his presence, we know his mission is not over...one journey is ended and another begun!

Lennox-Tahoe represents all those beloved Dobes that have passed through our lives. Our intention is to maintain his presence on this page as a lasting tribute out of respect for his brave fight and as a symbol of all those we all have loved and lost.

Molly
01/08/2025

We were very excited to have Miss Molly as addition to our family.. she was so happy to have a new home, 2 new friends to play with, a backyard to run in.. She loved the walks we took, but she didn‘t want to walk, she wanted to RUN !! She LOVED sitting on the couch with her adopted dad and giving kisses.. Our entire family, our adult boys and my parents embraced her and gave her love and lots of attention.. she soaked it all in. Unfortunately only 4 short weeks after getting her she took a sudden turn for the worse, and we had no other choice but to put her down.. I truly wish we had more time for a beach trip or our 1st snowball fight.. but a dogs life is never long enough.. Her dog tags has been added to our collection and she will forever be with us ! When we put our Doberman down in March of 2024 a dear friend brought over a bag of Hersey Kisses and told me a dog never should die before having chocolate. He ate almost half the bag that day. The rest came home to use. Whenever we needed a kiss from Bruno, we would on to the bag.. Miss Molly‘s bag is at the Doberman Rescue of the Triad. Please get a kiss from Molly next time you are there.. Her kisses were truly the best !! We will miss you sweet Molly ! Now run free with your dad !! RIP to both of you

ELSA
12/16/2024

It was with great heartache and deepest sadness that i had to say good bye to sweet Elsa (adopted 11-26-18) - my wonderful dobie friend, travel companion and protector. Elsa suffered exacerbation of Wobbler‘s syndrome. She followed her best friend/platonic love and neighbor, Gunther - a great pyrenees - who crossed a rainbow bridge exactly one week prior and whom she missed terribly ever since. Over the 6 wonderful years we shared, we moved through three states and settled in Florida, which she loved.

BACH
11/07/2024

It is with deep sadness that Bach left us on November 7, 2024. He gave us such joy and fun for the short time that he was with us, as he was 7 years and 1 month old when cancer came and we had to let him go. The family loved him till the end.

Our family was fortunate that Carol and DRT allowed us to adopt him on February 15, 2020 after I first fell in love with him on the website. My daughter and oldest son drove with me from Long Island, NY to North Carolina to adopt him. When we arrived, there was this big 125lb. Doberman running around with so much happiness. He jumped on my daughter and son at the initial meeting.  On the ride home, we had pillows and blankets in the 2nd row of the car but he just wanted to lie on my daughter for the 11 hour ride. When we first got home, we wanted him to sleep on the king size bed on the main floor as we all slept upstairs. But he ran in the other room when we wanted him to jump up on the bed. The next day my daughter got a piece of cheese and he jumped up right away and the rest is history. He did not bark for a week after we got home so I called Carol and asked her why.  She said don’t worry he’ll warm up and sure enough he started barking right after that.

I started working from home full time about 2 weeks after he first came home and he was my working partner till the end. The family took him for walks 2x or 3x a day. His favorite thing to do was to run in the park after the birds that were flying around. People that I met on the walks always wanted to come up to say hello to him and he loved that. Bach was instrumental in my rehab from 2 knee replacements so it seemed like he was walking me during those times. He was a sweet, loving boy who only wanted to be petted and talked to. He would follow us around the house and always wanted to be near someone, and he especially liked to lean on you. He was relatively quiet, not pushy unless he wanted to be petted or wanted some pastrami or steak, and he loved to help in the garden. The house is so quiet without him.

He made the family complete and we are all missing him sooo much!! He will always be with us!

Rest in Peace Big Boy.

Dad, Mom, William, Ian, and Kristin

CAMILLA
10/01/2024

VERA PUP_Cora
08/22/2024

BRIE
07/20/2024

I have had many Doberman’s over the years, and this has been one of my hardest heartbreaks.  We adopted Brie from the rescue April 30, 2021.  We live on a farm-ette with two other Dobe’s at that time and 3 horses.  We have no fence, nor do we need one.  Carol was the only one who understood our Dobe’s roam free outside and we have never had any of our dogs run away.  Brie came to our house and immediately seemed to know this was her home.  It didnt take long for her to get off the supervised long lead and as expected she never left our side.  Her and Izzy (my red dobe) became the bestest of friends!  Even laying down together they had to have a paw touch or backs or would lay on eachother.   Brie and Izzy roamed free in and out of the house.  

COMANCHE
07/19/2024

This morning we lost our beloved Gilligan (fna Comanche) to liver failure.  It was diagnosed late yesterday afternoon, and by this morning he was fading fast and headed down the path of no return.

A couple of months ago, his habits had begun to change slightly - not jumping up first thing in the morning, ready to go; unimpressed by his food rather than eagerly awaiting the release command before he dove into it.  Everything else was normal, and after talking with some dog-savvy friends, the reasonable conclusion was that he was simply slowing down a bit as he aged.  He was 8 ½, after all.

Then a few weeks ago, he had vomited and didn’t want to eat, so we took him to the vet.  All sorts of tests were run with nothing conclusive - most indicators were good, and nothing was concerning.  The next day, with some meds to help him along, he was back to his new normal.

That went along until earlier this week, when he had a bad night, starting with some vomiting and then through the night gently getting us up repeatedly to go out to pee and to drink water.  We were able to get him in to the vet Thursday afternoon, and further testing was done regarding his liver.  The result of that testing was that he was in serious shape and needed to go to a specialist for further testing today to make a final diagnosis.  

Home again, he had an excellent evening, enthusiastically enjoying his supper, followed by pizza crusts, his favorite, all-time treat.  He snuggled on the sofa between us in the evening, happily chewing away at his nylon bone (his favorite pastime, alternating that with our regular routine of me rubbing his ears and head and then his rolling belly up, head on my lap, for me to make of him from that angle before finally falling asleep up against me, his head on my leg - his very favorite thing of all.

At bedtime, he buried his head in my lap for a final rub, as he has done every night for years, then we went out once more before going up the stairs for bed.

I noticed in the night that he never stirred.  He normally gets up and shakes two or three times before circling and lying down again, but not last night.  And this morning, he was clearly in distress to the point I thought I’d have to carry him to the truck to take him to the vet.

We headed right off, arriving soon after they opened and apologizing for our unscheduled visit while the strain on our faces and tears on our cheeks told them it was urgent.  The vet saw him moments later, ran additional tests, called a colleague who is a specialist, and came back with the news there was no chance of him getting better.

We went outside while things were prepared.  He and I took a final walk together. (He had rallied some, being at the vet, and was interested to walk and sniff in new territory).  It was a peaceful time, as relaxed as possible under the circumstances, and he enjoyed it.

After, the three of us waited at benches in the shade of large trees on the far edge of the  lawn - he, generally relaxed yet uncertain and restless; we, doing our best to maintain composure, our best not being very good.

The vet came and gave him a shot to relax and prep him.  As he began to wobble, I picked him up and held him in my arms, seated on the bench, his head against my chest.

Soon the vet returned with another syringe, and a few moments later as I held him close and Barbara stroked his head, his body relaxed and his suffering was over.  I wish I could say the same for us.  We left him to be cremated, and we will bury him here on the farm where he was so very happy and contented.

The rest of the day is a haze, but here I am, later than normal, writing more than I intended, wanting you to know of our beloved baby dog and the joy he was to us for the years he was with us.  There was never a dog more loving and eager to please, and our hearts are broken.

There’s more that could and perhaps should be said, but that’s all I have the heart for tonight.

I know you all have suffered the same way through the years, and I thank you for your tears and prayers and empathy on our behalf.

Hoping to share better news next week.

With love,

TANNENBAUM
05/29/2024

CUPCAKE
05/06/2024

ROCKETTE
03/31/2024

I rescued Rocky (formerly Rockette) from DRT in 2020 when she was 8 years old. She was over-fed and over-bred (see photos from when I picked her up). She was 20 pounds overweight and it was hard for her to breathe. With committed healthy diet and our nightly walks, I got all 20 pounds off of her and she really blossomed into a new dog! This dog was the absolute sweetest animal you could ever meet. My nieces and nephews would climb all over her, my neighbors were obsessed with her. She loved laying in the grass off leash while I gardened. I could take her absolutely anywhere, and she would stay right by my side with a huge smile on her face. She was just so happy to have a seat at the table. I’ve met dogs that love water, but then I met Rocky! This dog could put a Labrador to shame! Water gave her so much joy. If I was watering my plants, I had to watch out because she would jump up and snap at the water like an alligator. If she ever had to be boarded, her report card always read that they couldn’t get her out of the pool! I used to take her to the beach, and one time she actually got really sick because she drank the salt water. Luckily her vet is amazing, but it was definitely a watchful eye anytime we went to the beach after that. She barked at the door and she certainly looked intimidating, but everyone who knew her knew that that was all a facade. She never met a human she didn’t like. About 9 months ago, Rocky developed lymphoma, and sadly went downhill quickly. I took her to the beach on her last day, and we lovingly said goodbye to her at home, where she was totally at peace and surrounded by love. I am so honored and thankful that I was able to give her a second lease on life for her final 4 years. She was there for me in ways I can’t describe and I am forever grateful to Carol for pairing us together. We really needed each other and I didn’t even know it at the time. There is a 4 year old boy that lives across the street from me who loved Rocky, and his mom told me about a month ago that he still mentions Rocky in his nighttime prayers. She was that special. Rest in Peace to my sweet sweet Rocky, I will miss you and love you always!! 

MADEA
03/27/2024

 

We said good by to our sweet gal Ebony (fna Madea) on 3/27/24.

She gave us so much love and enjoyment the 7 years we had her. 

She loved nothing  more than to be with us no matter what we did or where we went. She was truly a Velcro pup. 

Her schedule was the same every day. 6-6:30 up and out, breakfast, nap at 3:30-4 then it was dinner time. She would pace to ket me know I was late with dinner. She had her own built in alarm clock. 

We summered in Maine for many years & she loved it, she could run free.  She was the best gal on the road trip, the only time we heard from her was when it was time for a pit stop. She slept most of the way. 

Thank you Carol & your wonderful crew for taking such good of these beautiful pups. 

Until we meet again R.I.P. sweet gal we miss you so much. 💔

VI
03/20/2024

RUS
08/01/2023

PARIS
06/02/2023

ANJ
05/21/2023

COVID_ARLO
04/15/2023

KALO
02/01/2023

ROXETTEPUP_TALLY
01/16/2023

In 2008, we were blessed with a 9 month old female Doberman from Carol at DRT.  Tally (fna "Roxette Pup") came into our lives and quickly secured family status for the next 14 years.  She endeared herself to our entire family through her grinning and smiling every time we entered the house, whether we were gone 10 minutes or several days.  We called her “grinning dog”.  Tally would jump or crawl into bed with anyone when they were sick or did not feel well.  Tally always slept in bed with us at night - often taking up a large part of the bed!

Tally loved to travel:  she would charge toward the door and jump into the car when she heard the car keys jingling.  She went everywhere with us including vacations.  Like most Doberman’s, she was very protective of me, our home and our yard.  I always felt safe just having her with us.

Tally knew she was as special as humans, which she demonstrated by making herself comfortable on all the furniture in the house, beds included.  Her vocabulary was phenomenal and she was quick to learn new things.  She was never motivated by food, just praise.  She had a driving need to be with us in the house and yard and allowed us no privacy or alone time in the bathroom, bedroom, family room, etc.

Several years ago, when we tried to board her for a short vacation, Tally refused to eat.  From that experience, she was never boarded again and went with us everywhere.  

The last two years, Tally suffered from many health issues, but never lost her loving affectionate manner.  Our house feels empty without her.  We are very thankful and grateful to DRT for trusting us with a wonderful Doberman for 14 years that changed our lives forever!

Sharon and J. Velma Keen

BENNI
01/11/2023

Benni, our beautiful brown dog, died suddenly January 6 of a sudden and massive heart attack.  One minute she was trotting outside for the last trip of the night, and a few minutes later, she was across the Rainbow Bridge.

Saturday the 11^th, she was cremated and Wednesday she came home for the last time.

My husband and I were privileged to be chosen by her, and to have her companionship, caring, tenacity and protectiveness for the last few years.  Benni barked a lot, and we came to recognize the sounds, the one for friends, the one for hello to dogs walking by, the mail delivery personnel.  There were those commanding barks, as well…the ones that said “out, please. NOW.” Or “come to bed!” 

For many, it is difficult to think of a Doberman as cuddly; but when they give heir hearts to you, they are like Velcro.  Wherever you are, they are, lying in a doorway or on the sofa with their head in your lap.  You don’t feel well and lie down, and poof!  They are right there beside you, keeping you warm and protected.  Her place in the middle of the bed, with her hind feet in our ribs and her head towards the door on guard, is empty now, and we miss that Brown Dog terribly.  There will be other Dobes we love, as there were others before her, but her place in our hearts cannot be filled, and it will be good to see her again on the other side of the Rainbow Bridge.

Carol, thanks again for trusting us to love and care for this Dobergirl.  She did light up our lives and she will be missed.

Diane and John Cannon

CAY
11/29/2022

With great sadness, I wanted to let you know that Ky (fna Cay) was euthanized in our home yesterday. He went to sleep peacefully, eating peanut butter! He got sick back in June and the vet removed a tumor in his intestines, which sadly ended up being an aggressive form of cancer (Mucinous Adenocarcinoma). We were thankful that our vet gave us another 6 months to love and enjoy him He was a wonderful boy, both mischievous and sweet at the same time. Thank you for giving us the privilege of having such a wonderful dog to share our life!

MORGANA
11/14/2022

Hello Carol,

It is with a sad heart to tell you we lost our beautiful Morgana November 14,2022.

Everything came so fast. She had a mass in her mouth. We took her for a full body x-ray.

There was a tumor in right lung. Back for another x-ray in less than 4 days. Another tumor

In right lung. Because of her health could not do mouth x-ray. It had spread so fast all we could was to keep her comfortable. That was on Friday 11-11-22. She had a great breakfast. Still perky, we stopped and got her medication and went home.

Tried to give her medicine, she would not take it. She never ate again.

She was alright during the day but she got so bad Sunday night I had to make the decision.

  To have her put to sleep. During the time she was feeling good I promised her I would not let her suffer. She had cancer.

Every day her dad took her for her walks. She loved the outdoors. She stayed outside as long as she could as long as it was not too hot or raining. When equipment that was not safe was being used she came inside to be with her best friend Rowdy (Schnauzer) and to be mom’s Velcro baby.

It is a great honor to have been her parents in her forever home.

DOB:3-20-2009 Adopted 9-2-2010.

Crossed over the Rainbow Bridge 11-14-2022

Thank you Carol (DRT) for letting us have our Beautiful Morgana. We  are forever grateful.

Allen, Betty and Rowdy

IZZY
08/25/2022

I am sorry to have to tell you that we lost Izzy last week.  She lost use of one front leg literally overnight.  We took her to the vet the next day and were told that she had cancer.  I was able to feel one of her lymph nodes that day and it was the size of a plum.  The vet put her on some pain meds and prednisone to keep her comfortable and perhaps take down some of the inflammation in the lymph nodes.  By the middle of the following week, she had lost use of a hind leg and had begun experiencing pain throughout her body.  We agreed with the vet that it was time to let her go.  Izzy died like she lived, in a hurry.  24 hours before she began exhibiting symptoms she was running around the yard, barking at squirrels, and looking for moles.  Within 5 days of her diagnosis, she was gone.  We will miss her terribly.  Maxx is struggling without her.  When we let him outside, he seems lost.  We are attempting to spoil him as best we can, but we can only do so much.  His back and hips are such that he can’t take long walks or play strenuously.  He seems content to lay in his bed downstairs with my 90-year-old father and watch baseball games.  Two old men living out their days, I guess.    

The Burtons

BLUELLA
06/03/2022

Dear Carol

It is with utter sadness that I write to tell you that I lost my gorgeous girl Ella (Bluella) on June 3rd. I’m sorry that it has taken me until now; I’m in tears again writing this now. I lost her due to cancer. She was always so full of life and energy; she wasn’t quite 7 1/2 years old. My heart is still breaking.

I have never had a dog that made me laugh so much in my life. She was such a joy to be with and always smiling. We would often come home from our early morning walks and she would have the zoomies in the house, picking up a toy and dropping it next to me while she raced off to grab another. She loved going to the dog park and chasing and tussling with her friend Gracie. She and my daughter’s dog, Moose, would constantly chase and “fight”. Moose took it so very seriously but it was always a big game to Ella.

My daughter married almost two years ago so it was just her and I at home. The silence is deafening and her personality and presence is so sorely missed. Ella and I were together for just shy of 3 years but I feel so very lucky to have enjoyed and loved her for the time we shared. Bless you Carol, for rescuing these wonderful dogs and sharing them with people like me.  We had a great life together but much too short.  It will take me a while to recover from her loss. Please take care and thank you for everything.

Fondly, Janis F.

HANSEL
04/14/2022

We adopted the best dog we ever had from you about 7 years go (Sept 11, 2015). Hansel was the example of all things Doberman. He was loyal, loving, protective and thought he was a 90lbs lap-dog. We loved him more than any animal we‘ve had so far, and he has left a tremendous hole in our heart. It is amazing how much these dogs become part of your family, and his personality will be something that we miss every day. I noticed that you have an "In Memoriam" page and we would love it if you could post a picture and this short tribute to our beautiful boy. We miss him every day. He died, 4-14-2022 from heart failure, despite everything we tried to keep him with us. "Hansi/Finn" will always be missed and he changed our lives forever, with his love and joy.   

Martin & Erinn

WILLIE
02/21/2022

Hi Carol, with tears in my eyes I am writing to let you know that our sweet Willie has crossed over the rainbow bridge - Presidents Day – 2022 (2/21/22).  If he was truly 9 years old when we adopted him, then he lived to the ripe old age of 13 ½  - longer than any of our other Dobies.  (He was my 4^th)

Though sweet and wacky, Willie continued to fight his demons – we will never know what he endured those first 9 years of life. We hope however, he was comforted by the peaceful and relaxing retirement that we were able to give him.

Willie loved going for walks in the neighborhood, chasing the rabbits who insisted on taking up residence each night in our fenced in yard, and most of all, sleeping and just hanging out!

Everyone who met him – loved him! My dog sitter cried when I told her he was gone. My vet said he was one of her favorites. Thank you for saving him and for helping him find us. He will truly be missed.

Here are some photos to remember him by.

Laurie and Walter

FALCON
02/13/2022

THORM_SPIRIT MAN
11/30/2021

With love,
Marie Cheruka

MOUSSE BASS
11/23/2021

                                                     Mousse

                         January 12, 2006- November 23, 2021

The day we adopted Mousse from Doberman Rescue of the Triad was one of the happiest days of our lives. She was an outstanding ambassador for the Doberman breed. She did it all—competition obedience, agility, and hundreds of therapy dog visits to schools, assisted living homes, and military bases. Her beauty was complemented by her affectionate and gentle nature. She will live forever in our hearts.

(Adopted as "JessaPup 8-23-06)

POINDEXTER
11/16/2021

Dexter

12/4/2011 – 11/16/2021

"DEXTER" (fna Poindexter)

Dexter joined our family in 2018 at the age of 6. He was a big, loveable, velcro Doberman. Never happy unless he was with his person. Followed me everywhere; every time I left the room he was right behind me. He loved the fact that I work from home, that‘s one of the reasons Carol felt he was a great fit for us. He was a counter surfer extraordinaire, and I had to be super careful to put everything away when I left the house. :) Dexter enjoyed playing with his Doxie buddy Rusty and loved summers in upstate New York on the St. Lawrence River (although he wanted nothing to do with the water).

In September of 2021 he was diagnosed with megaesophagus (ME), aspirational pneumonia (AP), and DCM. He fought the AP hard, and I nursed him back to health. We switched up his diet to satin meatballs for the ME, and he was thriving on it. Shortly after we came back to Charlotte, we saw the cardiologist and learned he was only borderline to DCM and his heart was normal. The following Saturday night he bloated, and I rushed him to Animal Medical Hospital. He had GDV and was a good candidate for surgery, he came through it well. Unfortunately, another round of AP had set in. He was unable to overcome the AP post-surgery and passed on Tuesday, November 16th. He is so incredibly missed, it‘s hard to put into words.

Thank you, Carol, and the DRT team, for giving us three of the happiest years with one of the best dogs in the world. We will always love you, Dexter!!!

TINSEL_BELLA
10/27/2021

For 13 years Bella Tinsel Austell brought love and light to her family. Beautiful, loving, trusting and true, Bella will be missed by her family Turtle, Jacara, Amy and Christian Austell. She joins her best buddy, Hank, across the rainbow bridge, where they will play together again.  (Adopted 1/5/2008)

PUDDING_PENNY
10/25/2021

In Memoriam Of
Penny Taylor
February 19, 2013 – October 25, 2021
In one short weekend, she was taken from us. It was her liver disease which ferociously and precipitously wreaked havoc on her body. On Friday, she was as quick, playful, and happy, playing with her playmate, Beau, our 8-year-old black and tan male Doberman. She was racing and chasing him around the house, performing her play bows, standing on her hind legs and swatting at him. Quick as a flash of lightning, Penny was always friendly, loving, obedient, full of life and ready to play - never could we have imagined that within 60 hours she would be gone. It was devastating and raw.

Penny was adopted by the Taylors on December 27, 2018, after our year-long search for a rescue female Doberman to join our family. We were ecstatic when we located the Doberman Rescue of the Triad, and successfully passed the DRT’s pre-adoption screening. When Penny came up for adoption, we rapidly informed Carol we would like to adopt her, and Carol made it happen for us all – Penny, the Taylors, and DRT!

On December 26, 2018, our oldest son, Trey (16), and Chuck made the long trip from Annapolis, MD to Greensboro, NC to pick her up. After spending the night in a local hotel, we ventured over to the DRT early in the morning and met Carol in person. She introduced us to Penny, and we instantly knew it was a great match. Penny had the gentle, loving demeanor we hoped for, yet the ability to ‘handle her own’ with other dogs. She looked just like her pictures and was an intelligent sweet girl. Upon a returning home after a 10 -hour trip due to Christmas traffic, Trey and I introduced Penny to the remaining members of her new “forever” family, i.e., her new Mom, Teresa, our son Zachary (14), our daughter, Vanessa (12), and Beau (5). Nearly immediately, both Penny and Beau recognized what great companions and wonderful playmates they had in one another.

Within days of returning to Annapolis, we took Penny to our Vet for a physical and full blood work panel. Her liver enzyme report from hematology showed extremely high levels of ALT, AST, and Gamma GT, suggesting the Doberman’s dreaded genetic predisposition, liver disease or Doberman hepatitis. Having experience this “Doberman curse” with Beau, we knew we could manage these challenges through exercise, medication, and proper nutrition. Upon informing the DRT of her condition, Carol offered for us to return Penny. Not for the life us, this sweet girl had already crawled into our hearts and took permanent residency.

Penny instantly embraced us as her new family as much as we embraced and loved her. Her cheesy smile when she was happy was indelible – one only her family or those closest to her would be blessed to know. She showed us unconditional love 24x7x365 - each morning, after work, or whenever anyone in the family left the house and returned home. She frequently presented her backside to us to be pet and loved full body massages. Each evening, she laid in the front hallway of the house looking for deer or fox, and commonly let us know with her voice when she saw one… which was nearly every night. We commonly let her out to give chase and enjoy the “Dog & Butterfly” adventure. After the rest of the family went to bed, I commonly relaxed with her and Beau, both laying by my side, and watched TV with them.

Penny and Beau loved life together. Each morning, Penny and Beau were excited for their daily 2–3-mile walk with Teresa. Sun, rain, snow – it didn’t matter, it was a foregone conclusion that the dogs were happily walking that morning. Our entire neighborhood was always complimentary of the beauty of the two of Dobermans, the consistency of their morning walk, and their controlled nature – never pulling nor leading, but rather, walking directly alongside of Teresa on her left, at her pace. However, no one ever dared to aggressively approach Teresa – the loyalty and protective instincts of the two Dobermans for their family were forever present in them both. Penny and Beau enjoyed running, playing, and exploring our property every day. She was amazingly fast and agile. It was beautiful to see Penny on a full out run. Periodically as a treat, during off hours or the winter, I took the two dogs to run free on the neighborhood golf course (shhhhh). They sprinted and ran until they were both worn out, chasing one another all over the fairways, and the wooded areas. Both were so well trained and returned to me. They both slept well on those nights.

To say the Taylors “will miss” Penny is a gross mischaracterization of losing her. She permanently embedded herself in the hearts and minds of all of us. Beau continually walks around the house looking for her in hopes of finding her so they can run and play. I personally haven’t cried for many years, but losing Penny broke the drought. Teresa, now walking only Beau, is tearful and heartbroken. Many people say, “Penny was lucky to have you as her owner”. We say, “We were blessed to have Penny in our lives”. We were the lucky ones. Penny created many beautiful memories for us and will be missed deeply by the entire Taylor Family. May she live on in Doggy Heaven. “Hang in there Penny, Beau will be with you one day again. “

Thank you to Carol, the Doberman Rescue of the Triad Team, and Penny’s previous owners for providing us 3 beautiful years with her. Our hearts today are broken, but the wonderful memories of her will live with our entire family forever. We miss you girl.
The Taylors

SUNRISE_SCHAEFER
10/05/2021

I‘m writing to tell you we had to let Schaefer go today. She began to show signs of rapid aging a few weeks ago, which lead to a diagnosis of lymphoma last week. After a follow up with our vet yesterday, due to additional complications, we decided together that today should be the day.

 

Schaefer lived for about 13 years, ten and a half with us, in four homes, three states (SC, OR and CA), made one cross country road trip and taught a little sister how to adore each and every dog she sees.

 

We brought Schaefer home in April of 2011 and said goodbye over ten years later. Thank you so much for bringing her into our family and for all you continue to do for the beautiful Doberman. 

 

Alex, Meredith and Ellie

PERSIMMON_CINNAMON
06/19/2021

ICHABOD
05/17/2021

ICHABOD (Baby Boy) GHETIAN

Heaven got a new angel on May 11, 2021.  On this day we said goodbye to part of our family and I lost a piece of my heart.  We held him in our arms until he was at peace and I thanked God for every moment he was in my life.  Ichabod was a blessing, an inspiration, and a survivor.  He was diagnosed with terminal bone cancer in August and after seeking several opinions, we faced the heartbreaking facts that it was incurable, aggressive, and he had only 3-4 months left, at best.  Not surprisingly, our boy beat the odds and stayed strong for 10 months.  I thank God for every stolen moment and the strength and vitality Ichabod had each day.  We had to give up taking long walks, but he didn't seem to mind when they were replaced with extra car rides to the pizza shop or Dairy Queen!  I may have been devastated, but Ichi never missed a beat, and he slept in our bed, teased the cat, ate like a horse, and played with his toys until the very end.  

Carol and the DRT family changed my life when they entrusted me with such a beautiful loving soul whose courage, devotion, and strength showed me the power of love.

PEPSI_MITZI
05/05/2021

Barbara 

CASSIE
04/16/2021

Hi Carol,

SMOKE2
03/11/2021

MEADOW_BELLA
03/09/2021

SAMARITAN_DIESEL
02/23/2021

Hi Carol,

 Its been 12 years and  a few days since I picked up Diesel (Samaritan) from you and brought him back to Dacula GA.   He passed away this morning at the age of 13 years and 11 days.  He was diagnosed with severe heart disease and Dilated Cardiomopathy March of 2020.  The vet said he was about 1 day from dying, but through medication and lots of love, he made what looked like a 90% recovery.  The vet Cardiologist said that he was astounded at the progress he made.

 Several days ago he started to go down hill again and basically was having a terrible time breathing, lungs filling with fluid and multiple seizures.  Despite the medicine working for a while it was no longer having any positive affect.

 I had to make the agonizing decision to let him go and end his suffering.  I held him in my arms as he gently fell asleep and I kept telling him that Daddy loves him and I will see him in heaven one day.  I am crying my eyes out writing this but wanted to let you know he was the absolute love of my life and my constant companion and shadow.  I probably have thousands of pictures of him, but wanted you to see a video I did years ago in slow motion.  I wanted to capture his muscular power and athletic ability and think it did well.

PS -- I think it would be great to put Diesel on the memorial page.  Let me go through the seemingly thousands of photos of him on my pc and phone and send you some.  Last night was horrible without him.  He always slept right next to me in the bed and I would roll over in the middle of the night, pet him and tell him I loved him.  Several times last night I would out of habit reach over to pet him and then realize he was not there.  The house is so empty and lonely now.  I know time and GOD will heal my heart but I miss him terribly.  I always called him my baby boy.

I will try to email you pics in the next day or two.

 Best, 

Russell

CEECEE
01/07/2021

Last photos is Lexi (on the right) and former housemate C.C. (with red collar on the left)

TROOPER
12/18/2020

ROUGE
10/21/2020

Memorial for Roxie Rough Taylor

Octber 23, 2020

Thank you Carol Fama  and crew for uniting us with Roxie.  We loved her from the minute we saw her and the love grew over the 6 short years.  She was quite the character,  from sneezing to get us up for breakfast to pulling  me by the had to bed at 10pm sharp. She loved her bed and sleep.   When we would take her to our coastal condo, she always knew she was sleeping with me and did not arise until I got up.  In fact, my husband tried to take her out once and she growled at him.  She wanted her Mommy to take her out. She enjoyed playing in her 2 acre yard, chasing squirrels and walking the paths.   She was yard trained and would lay in the yard for hours enjoying the many birds and squirrels in our yard.  She even talked with my husband at night, not sure what was said but they understood each other.    She was my best friend and therapy dog through a very rough time.  I am so grateful she crossed our lives and it made us all a more caring family.   She will be missed tremendously.  If you have not thought of adopting a Doberman, you really should, they enhance your life more than you do theirs.

At some point, we plan on getting another Doberman, but for now we will cherish our sweet Roxie’s memory.

Thank you, Novella and Mike

BUTTERCUP
09/25/2020

Hi Carol,

Our sweet-sweet Buttercup passed away yesterday. She had been ill with lymphoma.

She was eleven. We were able to spend nine years with her.

She got a rough start before coming to DRT, living in a backyard pen with a number of other dogs, not getting food or water regularly, and no human exposure for the first two years of her life until Animal Control saved her.

She had never been exposed to anything except other dogs. Had never seen steps, a home, doorways, blankets, toys, and was very afraid of everything.

Luckily, our Doberman Karloff, from DRT, helped her along.

For a couple of weeks we had to catch her in our house and put a leash on her to take her in the backyard to go to the bathroom because she was so afraid of doorways.

She was so suspicious of us, we would have to go back in the house and watch out the window to see that she had gone to the bathroom.

Then we would have to go back outside, catch her again, (she would run round & round the pool) and bring her back in.

After that, we learned to just open the back door, tell Karloff to go outside, and she would follow him. Then when he came to the back door to come in, we would say, “Go get her” and he would. We would just stand far from the door and she would run through.

After about a year, she was a regular dog. Loved everyone in the family and extended family. She still didn’t trust doorways, but would go in and out suspiciously and quickly.

After about 2 years she loved everyone! Anyone that came over was her friend! She wanted petting and scratching!

Buttercup understood all dogs. She was kind to all dogs and she immediately understood them. She had many dog friends.

Even if a scared dog snapped at her face (at the vet) she did nothing, but her feelings were hurt.

She was kind, and neat and clean, and loved to be made over. She slept in the bed with us every night.

She was valued and loved.

She was just a precious, precious girl! She never liked cameras but I have attached a few pictures  (1655 was her ride home from DRT)

We sure will miss her,

Pattie & D Tuttle

One more endearing thing about Buttercup.  She thought televisions were windows.When ever she would see a dog or cat, she would go running into the room behind the TV and was always dismayed when the animal wasn’t in there.

So cute!

Pattie

SAGAN
08/04/2020

We lost a beloved member of our family, Sage, on August 4th. This is so difficult to write. We adopted Sage, a senior, in August 2018. Not only was he a beloved member of the family he considered himself the "pack leader". He brought many smiles and laugher to our family. One of his unique traits was howling when the Jeopardy music was played during the bonus round. We have several videos. Other times, he would suddenly start howling and we realized a commercial on TV was playing a jingle that was just the right tempo. Also howled when he heard the donkey's bray.

During our afternoon coffee on the front porch he would beg for treats. He would sit in front of you and gently place a paw on your knee. Also, when he wanted to go out, he would do the same. It was his way of asking for something.

Sage adjusted to our family quickly even tho' he was 9 years old. Sage is the second senior we have adopted from DRT. Whatever their previous life has been, whether a home that was not desirable or a home where they were loved and life changed based on unavoidable events, seniors show their appreciation for the new wonderful home and the owners receive joy and love that they never expected.

Below are several pictures of interesting and enjoyable moments.

Beth & Vaughn  

CORETTA_DECELLE
07/27/2020

Carol,

 

I’m writing you to let you know that our beloved DeCelle has passed. She was 14 days from her 14th birthday and had simply grown tired of fighting. Dee had been struggling with age for some time but was no quitter and even to the end wanted to be part of everything going on in the household.

Cyndi and I remember our first time at DRT looking to add a new member of our family. We had been introduced to many of the residents but one young lady kept “screaming” at us in her kennel as if she was saying “Me, please pick me!” Cyndi was a little more interested in an older fur baby but Dee had caught my attention and seemed to need more acceptance than the others. I looked at my wife and said if we are adopting one, she’s the one we will take, Cyndi agreed.

 

At first Dee was a bit of a challenge. It was probably a month before we could gain her trust and start to build a real relationship with her. During that time Bubba (our big boy, yes he was a Doberman also) showed her the “ropes” around the house and they became inseparable companions. Bubba was dealt a bit of an unfair hand in life and we lost him to cancer. She mourned his loss and her bond to us only grew closer.

Then Moe came into our lives, another DRT adoptee. Dee being the matriarch and queen bee of the family showed him the ropes and kept him in line. He grew to understand although some of her “rules” were a bit harsh at times they were always executed with love. Our baby girl, as we always referred to her as, had 2 favorite places to lay that Moe would steal from time to time but he knew they were hers. After her passing, he would not lay on either until we washed the covers on them. He is doing well in dealing with her passing but does still look for her at times much like we do.

 

G. White, Cyndi & Moe

 

Photos show:  Going Home from DRT's Elijah House; Watching Dad get gas so we can go; Teaching Puppy Moe Burns the ropes; Sleep well sweet Dobergal.

EMMY
07/17/2020

TAPS_BAXTER
05/08/2020

DANNI
04/27/2020

CASCO
04/12/2020

Casco Moore    July 22, 2012 – April 12, 2020

It is with a very broken heart that I write to let you know our beloved Casco passed away on Easter Sunday, April 12, 2020.  He developed osteosarcoma in his leg that took over his entire body.  He was the absolute best dog we could have ever had and we truly cherished him.  I can ensure you that we did not allow him to suffer and that we loved and spoiled him with every ounce of our being.

From the day Casco rescued us, April 28, 2018 he completed our family.  He was 5 when he joined us and even though we were only blessed with him for 2 years, he gave us a lifetime of love.  Even from the first time he walked into his new home with us, he was home and he would let you know it was his to love and protect.  No matter what we were doing, he was right there in the middle of it with us, whether walking, running errands, playing or just being goofy he was there.  People used to call him my husband’s shadow, but I think they were each others.  Anthony didn’t make a move that Casco didn’t jump right up and move with him, no matter if he was in a deep sleep or engaged in playing with one of his favorite toys, there he went.  With me, it was play time – as soon as I would sit in the floor here he came, knowing we would get into some rough and tumble play.  Then at bed time he would lay down in his bed next to me, wait to be covered and tucked in for the night and give the longest, wettest kisses.  What I wouldn’t give for one more of those kisses.  What a deterrent he was for our Daughter’s boyfriends – he would let you know right away if they were a good guy or not and if he liked them.  Now she is pregnant and Casco would just lay his head on her belly letting the baby know he was loved and protected.  Oh how we thought they would have years together – Casco protecting Myles (the baby) and Myles having the best friend ever. 

But our goofy gentle giant has left us way too soon and now we are lost.  Thank you for allowing us the opportunity to be rescued by him – our lives are forever better for having loved him.

SILVER BELLE
02/27/2020

Silver Belle, as she was known when she came into the DRT program, was a beautiful, smart, feisty, 8 month old blue female.  My husband and I were immediately taken by her.  But we had a dog reactive female Doberman (Delta) who would not tolerate such an individual in her household.  Through Carol’s efforts, Silver Belle was adopted.  Then after 8 years, Silver Belle became the victim of a divorce and found herself back with DRT.  By this time, our Delta had passed at the age of 13, so we took Silver Belle home.  We called her Myndy, and along with Mac and Moxie, we became members of the 3 Dog Club. 

She quickly took her position as matriarch and had many adventures in hiking, counter surfing, wildlife chasing, bed lounging, and many other activities of a dog-centric household.  Many moles met their maker via Myndy.  When she was 12, she took a misstep and blew out her knee while chasing a rabbit.  Several trips to NC State Veterinary Hospital and one MMP (Modified Maquet Procedure - to stabilize her knee joint after a cranial cruciate ligament injury) later, she was running around chasing the wildlife just like before.

She was stately in her appearance and always had an air of aristocracy about her.  She demanded attention and respect.  She was a stubborn fighter.  She had to be in order to make it to 14 years, 6 months, and 6 days.  She was loved and will be greatly missed.

CHOCOLATE_THOR
12/27/2019

Carol,

It's with a great deal of joy and sadness that I inform you of the passing of Thor (fka Chocolate).  We say Thor brought us "joy" because he gave us over a decade of love and loyal companionship despite the many illnesses that took him from us.  We say we have "sadness" in our hearts because Thor represented the best of the Doberman breed for all main/critical factors that sometimes are rarely found in one canine representative of the breed.  Thor met that high standard too.

You may remember him as an over sized Dober of (perhaps) European descent who never weighed less than 100+ pounds no matter how many times our Vet wanted him to be the size of (perhaps) U.S. bred Dobes.  it just never happened.  Yet, for years, he was initially as healthy as most smaller skeletal framed Dobes - until recent years - when so many major illnesses seemed to arrive almost at the same time.

Thor fought a good fight in living and loving us as a devoted canine companion.  Unfortunately, his advanced age of 14+ years of age and his continuously developing health conditions that included arthritis, thyroid in-balance, cataracts, significant spinal fusion problems and numerous inoperable body tumors ultimately altered his quality of life to such a degree that he passed to 'Dog Heaven' on December 27, 2019 at the hands of our family Veterinarian.

Thor lived a happy and wholesome life as part of the family.  He was loved and treated (mostly!) as a senior human relative who had all his wants provided while being lovingly pampered during his senior years as only a loved Dobe could be.

We'll miss Thor ... but as we grieve, as a result of his loss, we know that the heavenly 'Dog Heaven' after-life has accepted him with open paws and a marvelous celebratory "Welcome!!"

Yes, he'll be missed .... but we will always remember that the love we provided him was always returned three-fold back to us despite his failing health.  

In closing, we remember reading (somewhere) the maxim "Love Has Four Paws!"  We agree!!! .... and Thor provided that love from the first day he became a part of our lives that late July 2007 day in Greensboro, NC ... until his last breath on December 27th, 2019.  

THOR!  What a magnificent and marvelous canine who has been remembered by cremation and, as a result, will remain a member of our family for many, many, many years to come!!!  As a family, we thank you and DRT for sharing him with us.  What a JOY!!!!

Brian and Patricia

HOTCH_HENRY
12/18/2019

Carol,

SCHELBY
12/12/2019

MADELINE_MADDIE
10/15/2019

Dear Carol,

ALDO
10/07/2019

REDRA
09/25/2019

BECK_BECKER
09/08/2019

DUKEofEARL
06/05/2019

OSCAR
05/29/2019

Hi Carol,

I know John sent you an email earlier today but I just wanted to follow-up. Oscar was a bit of a rock star here in the Toronto area; imagine a Dobie living to 16! Since 2017 he struggled with mega esophagus but after each bout of pneumonia he survived and soldiered on. About I year ago I started to blend his kibble/food in my Vita-mix  which he slurped down when he was seated and I held the dish under his chin. But last weekend he was struggling more than usual so we took him back to the vet who declared that finally Oscar was letting us know that he had no more fight in him. We kissed him goodbye then.

Our lovely, proud, gracious and handsome guy! We will and do miss him. Thank you again for allowing us to share so many wonderful and yes chaotic at times years with him. Although we are now filled with sadness, with holes in our hearts and silence in our home, we know that soon we will be filled with fond memories of his adorable and sometimes outrageous antics.

Thank you again for all you did for him, Jennifer & John.

I know John sent you my previous email that I had written about our lover-boy. Here are a few more photos:

We miss him so much! What a guy

PRESTON_CEASAR
05/17/2019

Hi Carol, hard to believe it was almost 10 years ago to the day that we came to your facility and met (Ceasar).... Our Preston.  He would have been 13 years old on July 25..... 

My sweet Preston passed lovingly and peacefully yesterday at home. He has been failing for a few months and he could not go on... 

The sweetest young lady / vet came to our home, from Lap of Love.... 
I just loved on him, spoke sweetly to him and held him as he peacefully and painlessly passed.. It was handled really beautifully and he went with no anxiety or pain. 

We are both devastated and so full of grief..... You know....... 

I loved that sweet boy with all my heart and he had a lovely life, wanting for nothing.
He was my best friend and we were pretty inseparable. He was a velcro dobe x 10. 
Thank you for gifting this sweet creature to us for this time.... I'm forever grateful to have had him in my life.... Peace for my sweet boy...

Lynda R.

TRUCE_ZEUS
04/13/2019

BLACK BEAUTY_BROCK
02/13/2019

Rove
02/09/2019

KC_Joey
12/31/2018

MAJESTY
11/11/2018

DAVINCI
11/03/2018

WRIGLEY
09/26/2018

Re: SHINER (fna "Wrigley")

Carol,

 I wanted to let you know that the little boy dog (who you called Wrigley) we adopted over 10 years ago has passed, after years of giving and receiving love to many.   Shiner suffered with a form of wobblers disease (or so he was diagnosed) and things got to the point where the only right thing to do was euthanize him.   He was my best buddy and I hurt writing you.

I also want to thank you for not only fostering Shiner and allowing us to adopt him and make him part of our family, but for the unselfish work you do for so many Dobes and the families that they go to.   I have had several Dobes over my lifetime – all special in their own way.   Shiner was one that no one wanted, with one family taking him, only to bring him back to FanaDobes because of his dysfunctions.   We almost did, but instead kept working with him – commissioning a trainer for confidence building……and he became a better dog.   Over the years, he grew into a different dog, more loving than ever and more protective (in a good way).

That’s all I wanted to say about Shiner’s life with Jan and I and our family.   Words cannot express my grief  over Shiner’s departure from my life or my gratitude to you for all you do……except to thank you for allowing us to adopt Shiner and have the opportunity to love him.   I would love to adopt another Dobe, but we need some healing time.

Gary Hopkins

RAY CHARLES PUP n/k/a BOCELLI
08/31/2018

COLUMBO
08/23/2018

So, where do I start? Our "Combo" become a member of our family about 4 year ago.  Even though that doesn’t sound like a long time it was a lifetime of memories for us.  He was such an important part of our lives, he was always with us.  I fell in love with him when I first saw him the DRT web page.  He had a way of looking at you with such an expression of love and understanding .  At first, he was insecure of his place but with a lot of love and some time to adjust he was a perfect fit.  My little red girl Chloe and Colombo were a team.  He loved to run after the herons and made sure there were no intruders on his “property “.  Any visitors had to be introduced properly and then he welcomed them.  This welcome came with a price, to scratch his behind and give him some attention.  He made us better by coming into our life, not because he did anything spectacular but because he gave us unconditional love and acceptance.  We had Combo to love and we needed him.  I would like to say he was special but that would not be adequate. He was way beyond special to us, a once in a lifetime friend.  He will always be in our heart forever.   Jan & Steve

AVIA_GABI
07/26/2018

ABIGAIL
06/30/2018

Abigail became very sick last Thursday and we made the difficult decision to have her put to sleep.  She began with diarrhea Thursday evening, Friday she stopped eating and drinking.  She became very weak.  When she walked her back legs would give out after a few steps.  Friday night she began bleeding from her nose.  I leaned over to give her a gentle hug and she yelped.  By Saturday she could not walk and her breathing was abnormal.  We took her to the vet and we all concluded that she was in pain.  He could prescribe strong pain medication, but that would only be treating the symptoms.  She was 14 years 11 months old.  She was a wonderful member of our family.  We loved her very much and she knew it.  

We are so thankful that you rescued her and that we were approved to be her new family.  

This email is so hard to write.  I'm sitting here crying.  The house feels so empty without her.  I thought you would want to know.  

Thanks for the wonderful work you do. 

She was beautiful.  Her eyes, her stance, alertness when focused on something and begging.  Yesterday was a bad day as I was looking at all the pictures and trying to write the memorial.  It was hard to be concise.  I had a video of her "dance and prance" but I didn't know how to remove the part that was not related to her.    

Right after she passed I immediately put up her beds, feeding bowls, washed her blankets, etc.  I thought that would help me if I didn't see the reminders.  Now I see the vacant places where they were and question whether that was the right thing to do.  When I've been out of the house or outside I ask Vaughn "where's Abigail?" and he would do the same.  In the afternoon, we would always drink a cup of coffee and sit on the front porch.  She knew when I made the coffee that we were going on the porch and if we didn't go immediately she would do her "dance and prance".  She was so used to the routine.  During the day, we say to each other what Abigail would be doing such as:  she would be on her bed in front of the fireplace; did she eat all of her food; we would hear her eating and ask or say she's eating the dry food.  She was loosing weight so we kept two different dry foods our and a small amount of can food.  We also had water and a small amount of food in our bedroom.  

She was wonderful and we miss her dearly.  I'm crying again as I write this.  

Thank you for rescuing her and giving us the opportunity to spend the last few years with her.  

RHIANNA
05/30/2018

Hi Carol,

   I’ve meant to sit down and send you an update on Anna (fna Rhianna) for several months and just never seemed to be able to find the time.  Now I have to be the bearer of sad news and let you know that we lost Anna this morning.  Back in early March her vet heard a Stage II heart murmur during her check-up.  He immediately did an ECG and referred us to a cardiologist in Virginia Beach.  It took a couple of weeks to get her in and after all of his testing and more ECGs he told us that she had DCM and Congestive Heart Failure.  He didn’t give us a very optimistic outlook for her.  Since March she’s been on several heart medications along with multiple check-ups along the way.  Other than knowing that she tired easily you wouldn’t know that she had heart problems.  She was still active and full of life – chasing squirrels, rabbits, hawks and anything else that dared to enter her property.

   I stayed home today from work.  I can’t explain it but I had a very strong feeling that I needed to be home today.  Anna and I came in from a quick squirrel hunt and a bathroom break around 9:30 AM.  She plopped down on the floor by my chair as normal and within a few seconds she let out a short gasp and died.  It was very fast and she wasn’t in any pain and she didn’t suffer.  At least now she won’t have to take pills upon pills every day. 

   She had become such a wonderful girl.  We all loved her so very, very much.  She was such a big part of our family.  Everyone who knew us always told us how spoiled rotten she was.  I loved spending time with her and couldn’t wait to get home to be with her.  She was truly my best friend.  It really hurts right now and I’m (we’re) going to miss her so much.  There is a huge void in our home now.

   I knew this day was going to come but I didn’t expect it to come so soon.  I’m grateful beyond words to have been able to have her in our life.  She brought so much love and happiness to all of us.  I know she knew that she was loved by her family too.  All of us made it a point to tell her that several times every single day.  We fought it as best as we could but it was her time.  I am so glad that I was with her and she knew she wasn’t alone.  It’s going to be rough for awhile because she was so much a part of our daily lives.

   Right now I don’t know if I can go thru this again with another Dobie or not.  I’m also not sure if I can not have one in my life.  They are so goofy and have such a personality that our home is empty without having one with us.  We’ll see how we feel after a little time has passed.  Right now we need to mourn Anna and remember her for all the truly wonderful things that she brought to us.  

We are heart broken and miss her terribly already but we want to remember all of the good times and the tremendous joy and happiness that she brought to us.  Her time with us was way too short but it was full of love!  Even the times she wanted to bring baby bunnies and box turtles into the house with a trail of mud!

The best way we know to honor her and all of her brothers and sisters is to continue to have a beautiful Dobie running things for us.  I know I’m going to need a little time to get thru her loss – she truly was my best buddy, but if a Dobergirl shows up on your doorstep that you think needs us, please let me know.  I’ll keep an eye on your web site too.   Thank-you for all that you do.

   Some of our favorite pictures are attached.  Hope I didn’t overload your In Box.  Please feel free to use whatever ones you want to.  Looking at these pictures is hard but brings so much happiness at the same time.  We loved our sweet girl and she’s already missed so very, very much.

Don

CLOVER
05/09/2018

Hey Carol, Please Post..

We lost our sweet Chloe(aka.Clover) May 9^th to Muscular Myapothy.. She fought a bitter fight till the end .

Chloe was turned into rescue in favor of the family Boxer. Good thing for us as Chloe become the queen of our home . A 5ft fence could hold her!!!

We now have 11 yrs of wonderful memories that will be with us forever.

We miss her dearly and will someday meet again with Magnum, Xena, and Max..

Polly & Tim

DAZZLE
05/08/2018

Storm, aka Dazzle, came into our lives on 2/3/18.  When we named her we had no idea she would take her name so seriously. Like any storm they come into your life without rhyme or reason. Our girl was no exception. She came in and turned our world upside down in all possible ways. We loved her with all we had and then some. She was a ball of energy and at your side in the blink of an eye. On May 7th she woke me with a nudge, as if to say something was wrong. We rushed her to the ER where they tried to find the cause of her neurological deficits and nose bleed but it proved to be too much for her.  On the night of May 8th we had to make the difficult decision, but know she’s in a better place. She’s at peace.  She will be missed by all who’s life she touched. God speed Storm. Until we meet again. 💗.  The Millers

GUNTER
04/12/2018

LANCE
04/05/2018

My dear sweet little Lance (f/n/a Chestnut) has been struggling with Wobbler’s and spinal Spondylosis and DCM but as far as he was concerned there was absolutely nothing wrong with him. The day his heart stopped on its own Lance had earlier experienced three collapsing episodes. We were alerted to the first one by his Labrador brother Zeus who became frantic and loud and allowed us to get to Lance in time to bring him around by massaging him all over. He gasped and sat up and was okay. We knew his time was just around the corner. Prescriptions and supplements can only work so long but he defied reason, logic and prognosis, his favorite vet told me. At age 11 he still made sure he stayed involved with the family and took his daily walks with Bob and bossed Zeus and Rhetta while we made sure he had all the support, comforts and love a Dobe could hope for. His appetite became very poor this past year so homemade stews with fresh human meats and vegetables every day, 2 or 3 times a day kept his energy up. We also stopped going camping. He couldn’t travel well and we wouldn’t leave him home with anyone because we didn’t want him to stress. We’d make the same choices again for him if we could.

We adopted Lance from his Mama Carol when he was 13 months old. We are so thankful he came into our lives. He was just so good. Once in a while he’d get into mischief and it was hard for me to believe he was the one who pulverized a comforter.

 At 5 PM Thursday, April 5, 2018, Lance ran out to greet Dr. Tru the Hospice vet who was coming to evaluate his current condition. He was so happy to see her and then took off in his Wobbler's waddle down the driveway and fell over. We all ran to him and learned his heart stopped. We opted not to resuscitate him as he was in the very late stages of DCM and his Wobbler's was beginning to take its toll. He was an adorable little rescue who brought cheer to countless numbers of school children, frail elderly, infirmed and battered women and their children as a therapy dog with Therapy Dogs International, Inc. Lance made it 8 months more than his vet ever expected. He was truly a survivor, having endured harsh treatment, neglect and abandonment as a youngster. And still he loved everyone. He’s resting peacefully on the hill on the mountain next to Darby, his best girl, who succumbed to renal cancer a year and a half ago. They both lived to be 11 and are my angels watching over me.

ZOEY_LENTEN
04/01/2018

Lenten was our sweet, 130 pound boy who proved the ever stoic warrior to the end. From his early identified liver-copper storage disease, it’s life-time of treatments and their side-affects, through the complications of Von Willebrand blood disorder, arthritic hips, and living with his torn CCL his final year; Lenten was the forever grateful and fun loving king of our family. He provided continuous friendship, adventure and protection to “his”/our son Buddy for a wonderful six years until unexpectedly heart-failure took him from us. His final year was spent relegated to the first floor, but Mom slept downstairs with our king to keep him company. He will always be remembered for his “smile”, his “heavy dober-lean”, and his repeated playful chases of the neighborhood deer, sometimes into the creek! Lenten held great disdain for the water but apparently saw these exceptions as worth it! His dreams appeared to include deer chases and creek swims to the end!

Zoey was the 85 pound princess that was Lenten’s savior once he stopped eating and taking his pills. His appetite and joie-de-vivre instantly revived upon Zoey joining our family. On the introductory visit to Elijah’s House to meet Zoey, everyone was immediately smitten by Zoey’s love of life and her excitement to be included in our family. Both Lenten and Zoey made the 4 hour ride home as if they had been riding together as siblings their entire lives.  Zoey was heartbroken the day Lenten was put down just as were all family members; however she wasted no time setting about assuming 1^st-dog status to help the entire family pull out of the doldrums. She became the forever-traveler to visit her boy at Hampden-Sydney his freshman year. Her lifetime battle with incontinence and the need for cyclical pharmaceutical changes was gracefully driven by her desire to be forever a lady. She never once stopped being embarrassed by the accidents that she was never aware of until after the event. It was so unfair. It was also unfair when the long-term chemistry battle turned on her with diabetes-insipidus and ultimately urinary cancer. Her three years with us were full of love. Her shared adventures with Lenten were a delight for the two of them and a blessing for us to see them both so happy.

There was such great loss to our family when each dober-kid left us; we have had a difficult time with memorializing in words and sharing the events. Our home is empty and not the same. Their love is sorely missed every day. Our family will undoubtedly return to Elijah’s House in hopes of finding another Dobe to join our family.

Samson_Sammy
02/11/2018

Dear Carol:

After 13.5 really great years I had to let my sweet Sammy (fna AndyPup) cross the rainbow bridge on Sunday night. It was (and always is) one of the hardest things we have to do as dog parents but I knew it was time and he was suffering. I was out of my mind Sunday before we made the decision trying to figure out what was best. If
there's one thing I simply can't stand it's to see a dog suffer, especially
MY dog. Thankfully, it was only one day as up until then, though he was
declining, he went with us for our walk every day and would go two or three
times a day if we could.

He and Emmy did beautifully together. He needed a leader and she was more
than up to the task! Wayne said that "now Emmy will need someone else to boss
around and it will probably be me!" Emmy actually adopted Wayne before I
did last February because he would come over for dinner and would play tug
with her for hours and she knew right away she wanted him to come and live
with us. It took me a little longer as I don't have the same sense of
character judgment that dogs have. Sammy adopted Wayne too but he was like
me - it took him a little longer, though after Wayne fed them a few times he
was won over.

Though we are grieving hard for our lost friend who saw me through the loss
of my father in Dec. 2004, my mother in March 2012, my brother in June 2015,
Delilah in Feb. 2016 and my best friend of 35 years in August of 2017, we
are trying to remember the good times and dwell on the immeasurable joy he
brought into our lives for such a long time. He and Delilah were
inseparable and were truly a pack, but he accepted Emmy too, albeit after a
bit of arguing over the big fluffy chair. They finally had an arrangement
that worked pretty well - Sammy had dibs on the chair during the day but at
night he'd sleep on his big fluffy bed and Emmy would sleep in the chair.
She did occasionally get in the chair during the day for a nap if he was out
on his bed in another room but for the most part they stuck to that
arrangement. They scoured the woods together here and watched the squirrels
play in the yard, remembering the days when they could actually catch one!
Though those days were long gone, they still enjoyed lying out under the
covered porch on their beds watching the boats go by on the lake and
greeting all our guests who came to see us. I thought I was going to have
to hide Emmy when I had the house warming party in 2016 as everyone who came
from Memphis (my brother's friends) wanted to take her home with them. She
was truly the hit of the party with them and certainly was the hit with
Samson.

I haven't slept well since Sunday night and I hear Emmy getting out of the
chair and going all over the house looking for him during the night, and
then she comes back into our room, walks over to my side of the bed and
nudges me and we cry together. She helps much with the grief as understands
more than we do I think. I know she misses him too, but Emmy will bounce
back more quickly than we will. 

One day, we will find another furry friend for Emmy but right now we need to
grieve our loss and pay tribute to the handsome man who stole my heart and
took care of me for a very long time, long before Wayne Jones entered the
picture. Wayne told him Sunday night he didn't have to worry about mommy -
that he was going to take care of mommy now and Sammy could go on across the
rainbow bridge and catch up with Delilah. 

May God bless all the dogs who have graced our lives and made them better,
full of love and laughter and peace and joy, and may he bless you for the
work you do in saving them and ensuring they are placed in homes where they
are loved "to the moon and back!" You needn't worry about Sammy or Emmy.
They have my whole heart, and painful as the parting is, I wouldn't have it
any other way!

Beth (Durrance) Jones 

MAXIM f/n/a MATT
01/22/2018

Maxim….We loved you for the beautiful and loving dog that you were….You were so full of life…We shared so many happy and fun times with you…You loved car rides and going to the beach….chasing the seagulls…and the ocean foam…We loved coming home to you, and how your whole body would wiggle with happiness…You were a loyal companion and protector, who loved us so much…Words cannot describe how much we will miss you…We know you are in a peaceful place running free and chasing all the squirrels…We know you will watch over us, and comfort us in our lives…we will see you again my beautiful Maxim…

BLESSING
01/13/2018

CINNA “Blessing” Thomas

Our beloved Cinna passed away after many years of companionship and love in 1/13/18.

Cinna was one of a kind: loving, playful, and respectful of the people and animals around her. She enjoyed “sneaking up” on our other dogs, walking proudly up and down the street, and curling up in her soft bed in the evening.

We will always feel her spirit. She truly was a blessing in our lives. The will never be a more loving dog than her.

Her name was “Blessing” when we adopted her as a 6-month old. She was with us for 10 unforgettable years.

Suvi & Brian Thomas

Her dog friends: July, Filipo and Sherlock

RODNEY
08/19/2017

Annalee
07/16/2017

FESTER
06/13/2017

Sweet Uncle Fester crossed Rainbow Bridge. We knew when we adopted him that it was possible we would not have much time, and that we would need to make the most of the time he had left on this earth. Truly, we had the BEST 8 months spoiling him and showing him that despite his traumatic past, he could be happy, feel safe, and most importantly, feel loved. He was loved by so many, and he was always the star of the show! Uncle Fester had an unbelievable ability to make you feel like you were the only person in the room. Those soulful eyes cut right through you, and you couldn’t help but feel his love and affection. There aren’t enough positive adjectives in the dictionary to define how wonderful he was- he was one-of-a-kind, and he was an angel. We loved this boy more than words can describe, and we miss him so incredibly much. Until we meet again, sweet boy!!  Carly & Blake

JACIE
05/16/2017

Jacie Memorial

It is with the heaviest heart that I tell you that I lost my precious Jacie (aka Jacie Pup) on Monday, May 15^th.   She was only 15 months old.  She struggled with progressing myelopathy and lost the complete use of her back legs.  Despite her limitations,  she was a very happy and engaged Dobergirl.  A true Velcro Dobe.  She was the most affectionate dog that I’ve ever had.  She loved wagon rides and had become comfortable in her wheel chair.   She loved playing with our other doggies and even with a drag bag,  kept up with the others as if she had no limitations at all.  She was amazing! She was a fighter.

Jacie truly was a special girl.  It didn’t take long to see that I was the one that was rescued.  She taught me a lot about myself.  She was my angel.  I miss her dearly and will always love my Jacie. Thank you Carol for giving me the opportunity to have been in Jacie’s life.Jacie Memorial

It is with the heaviest heart that I tell you that I lost my precious Jacie (aka Jacie Pup) on Monday, May 15^th.   She was only 15 months old.  She struggled with progressing myelopathy and lost the complete use of her back legs.  Despite her limitations,  she was a very happy and engaged Dobergirl.  A true Velcro Dobe.  She was the most affectionate dog that I’ve ever had.  She loved wagon rides and had become comfortable in her wheel chair.   She loved playing with our other doggies and even with a drag bag,  kept up with the others as if she had no limitations at all.  She was amazing! She was a fighter.

Jacie truly was a special girl.  It didn’t take long to see that I was the one that was rescued.  She taught me a lot about myself.  She was my angel.  I miss her dearly and will always love my Jacie. Thank you Carol for giving me the opportunity to have been in Jacie’s life.

KARLOFF
03/29/2017

Hi Carol,

I want to thank you for bringing us together with Karloff 8 ½  years ago, and letting us bring him home to be part of our family.

He lived 10 ½ years, which was the longest lifetime of the 6 dobermans we have had so far.

He was a joy every single day, EVERY DAY!

He was diagnosed with cardiomegaly almost a year ago and his heart was only pumping 15% of what it should have been.

We were introduced to the drug Vetmedin, which did wonders for him for quite some time, until March 29^th, we had to put him down as he was beginning to suffer.

I want to focus on the joy he brought into our lives from the day we picked him up.

Karloff was an old soul, and had been through some hard times.

For the first couple of weeks he would sit by us on the couch but was afraid to lie down.

We dressed him up for the superbowl, and you can see in his eyes, he wasn’t sure if this was going to be a good thing or not……and quite often he went into his doggie pen to have alone time until he was sure we would always be good to him J

We won him over before long and he was just the happiest dog you’ve ever seen.

He LOVED walking in the woods, just loved it! We did this nearly every day.

Blue was his favorite color and even though I bought balls of many colors, he always wanted the blue one! (Jilly picked right up on this so sometimes she would hide it from him!)

He was so easy to take on vacation and stayed in a number of hotels!

Children and strangers loved him and often commented on how beautiful he was.

They would come and pet him kindly and he would look away, not wanting to give the impression he would entertain going off with them. He conveyed, “I’m staying with my mom”.

He really loved his daddy! He would watch him in awe, and I would tell him, “You,ve got a good daddy now, a real good daddy!”

The first time he saw horses he just could not believe his eyes! And the first time he saw a crane fly, his jaw dropped and he looked at me like, “Did you see what just happened?!” He had only seen them standing until that day!

He had a great big family that loved him and he was the TOP DOG!

When his dog family came to visit he welcomed them but remained in charge.

One Christmas he ate an entire cheeseball off the table in one gulp!

He became a trusting, loyal family member and was always happy, ALWAYS!

Always loved the belly rub, and the butt scratch!

He would back his rear end up to any and everyone in hopes of a good scratch!

The vets adored him! (Remember when I used to have to have the vets put him under anesthesia to cut his toenails? He was so afraid of that.)

He was such a joy, so kind hearted and sweet.

He was a real good boy, and we told him so every day until he believed it, and them kept telling him so he never forgot it.

We sure do miss him,

Pattie & D Tuttle

JUBILEE
02/06/2017

EASTER
01/07/2017

We lost our beautiful Callie (f/n/a Easter) angel Saturday. Around 9:15 after playing and running in the snow she suffered a sudden heart attack and died. We are in shock, as we planned to have her for many more years.
She came to us just less than 10 months ago. A perfect lady in the house from the beginning, loved to play with us and all her pals at the dog park. We loved our daily walks twice a day on wooded trails and at parks. She came to us at the right time even if it was too short. We can never replace her and will love her forever. Donna and Buddy

CHISEL
12/31/2016

CHLOE
12/31/2016

GUCCI
12/18/2016

"GUNNER" (f/n/a Gucci)

We lost Gunner yesterday, 18 December 2016 at noon to an apparent heart attack. We had him for 18 months. When we first got him, he was recovering from Heartworm, and Demedex Mange. DRT got him back to health, and we finished the process.

He was a joy, and an occasional headache, but he was a wonderful dog and companion. He had a perverse nature, and generally did what he wanted to do instead of what he was told to do. He had the run of the farm and would go for an occasional walk about. Once he was well enough to go without a leash, he quickly defined the part of the farm he considered his own - with slight addition to include our neighbor’s pine forest filled with tantalizing smells.

He loved children, and children loved him because they knew they had a friend. This included a granddaughter hug - front legs encompassing with the granddaughter safely under Gunner.

When I first saw his picture a bio on the DRT website, I told my wife that here was a dog that needed us, and we needed to help him. He became an important part of our lives. He would curl up next to one of us anytime we sat down somewhere, and would want his ears scratched. He was never gone long, always came back when he was called. And he never, ever missed a meal.

He was something of a practical joker. If he managed to get one of his toys outside, he would promptly bury it, and then expect me to find it and uncover it. All the while giving me an “how did that get there look”.

We will miss Gunner. He can’t be replaced.

Tom & Margaret

AUDREY
10/23/2016

I remember the first time we saw you.  Sitting way in the far corner of the enclosure,

shy, scared and shaking. It took several visits before Carol would let us take you home.

Even after we got you home you spent a few days in the dining room not too sure what

was going on.

It didnt take you long to become a loyal member of the family, you followed me around

everywhere I would go you were right there beside me.

You loved your summers in Maine, you got to run free and enjoy mother nature. I can

still see you chasing the squirels and catching a couple.

You became our loving and devoted velcro dog always with us.

Rest in peace sweet gal, you are truly missed and never to be forgotten.

Thank you Carol for letting us take this beautiful gal home and have her for 8 years.  We adopted her on November 16, 2008 and she crossed over the bridge on October 23,2016

years.    Florence & Bert 

APOLLO (f/n/a "Aristotle Pup")
10/06/2016

Jim

CADBURY_CODY
08/18/2016

Sorry to say that we had Cody released from his pain from lymphoma and was laid to rest at home by a vet. He was suffering too badly with blood in his urine and in his drool, not being able to eat or drink.  He let us know that he was ready and it was time for him to leave the pack behind, that's strange when a pack is close enough to feel each others pain... Love and miss him. ..Thank you Carol for allowing us to improve upon each others life. We have decided it is time for us to travel just a bit and leave the pain of his not being here at home greeting us behind. We have lost our pack member. 
 

SUZIE (f/n/a SUSANNA)
08/15/2016

KATE (f/n/a ANGELEU)
06/19/2016

Carol ….. we lost our Kate, and Pete`s soul mate on June 9 . Even though she was only with us for six short months , it`s been hard writing this as things happened so suddenly that we didn`t have a chance to really say our goodbyes, and Pete is still grieving for her . They were truly soul mates from the moment they met .

When they met at DRT , they bonded almost immediately and only got closer as time went on.

     Her first night with us at the mountain house , she wouldn`t come upstairs at bedtime .  Pete stood at the top of the stairs looking at Kate, then us and then went downstairs and spent the night on the rug beside her ! That`s when we knew they were meant for each other .

Kate loved the freedom of the mountain and spent many a happy hour exploring with Pete and riding in the Mule. She loved to dig and the woods were perfect for that . Many times , all we could see of her was her rear in the air and her head buried in the ground . She also decided that our bed was perfect for two people and two Dobermans at the same time .

   She got to know all the neighbors back home and on the mountain by running out to meet everyone that came by …. and could`t understand why some of them wouldn`t stop to pet her .

Pete taught her that squirrels were to be chased , to ride with her head out the window, that the UPS driver and the mailman had biscuits for them and it was fun to lick wine glasses after we were finished .  She taught him to be more of a gentleman and learn how to use his nose , however , she wasn`t above taking a pork chop off the table when we weren`t looking .

In early June , Kate got sick and the vet found an enlarged spleen and an ultrasound showed tumors on it , which they removed . A week later , this sweet lady crossed the Bridge while we held her . We found out later she had a very aggressive cancer and had less than three months left even with treatment .

Our first trip back to the mountains without her was hard on all of us as we kept looking in the back to see if she was there . When we got back home , Pete went through the house looking for her . He`s still grieving for her, as we are, and has quiet moments where he just looks off into space .

We can still see her running across the yard after a squirrel with her ears flopping and a big grin on her face as she came back to us , or her head buried in the ground as dirt flew out behind her .

Rest in peace sweet lady …. know that you are missed badly and will never be forgotten.

LILA (fna MISS BEASLEY)
06/05/2016

Dear Carol, I have wanted to write for a month, but just couldn't.  Our precious Lila crossed the "Rainbow Bridge" yesterday at 5:19 p.m.   We had her 9 1/2 years, but not long enough.   We found out a month ago that she had cancer and it was in her lymph nodes. She had had a mass removed several years ago that was benign but another mass came then her lymph nodes became enlarged.  We knew we were in trouble then.   Allen and I are absolutely heart broken.  She was absolutely the BEST dog we have ever owned.  She was perfect for us.  We have cried until our eyes are  almost closed.  Our house feels so empty this morning, but we know that she felt loved every day we had her and we gave her the best life a dog could have.  She ran our 20 acres with Allen almost every day weather permitting.  Everyone loved her.  She truly was a sweet heart.  I nicknamed her "Baby Girl" even though she was 90 pounds.  We want to thank you for giving us such an incredible dog.  Maybe down the road we can rescue another one, but right now our hearts are aching too much for her.   

Thank you for remembering her.   Allen and I were sharing today that we did not realize how much Lila "ran" this house.  She let us know when she wanted out to play or she was hungry, or if company was coming, etc.  Our house is so quiet without her.  We also had to "rescue" our son's Brussels Griffin dog 5 years ago and he has not eaten today.  He has been very quiet and stayed right next to me all day.  He has not barked at all. He would get behind her and bark when someone came in the door, but not today.  She was his source of strength!  She truly has left a big empty hole in our hearts.  Again, thanks. 

BRANDYWINE
03/28/2016

When I think about the passing of our sweet Brandywine, the word devastation doesn’t even do it justice. “Brandy” crossed rainbow bridge suddenly after collapsing on Monday while on her walk, outside, doing what she loved. We were able to spend two wonderful years with her and share all of the love and affection that she so deserved. Although not nearly enough time was given to her or us, we certainly spoiled our little diva as much as possible! She was a beautiful dog with a wonderful, tender spirit, and I’m quite positive we will never find another dobe quite like her. Her radiating character was contagious, and everyone who met her instantly fell in love with our gentle girl. She was also a celebrity- one of the most successful cases of stem cell implantation to treat urinary incontinence at NC State!  Being by her side through part of that process and seeing her progression to normalcy was truly an honor.  

There are countless things that we will miss about Brandy- that adorable dober-grin when we walked in the door, her soft ears and sweet kisses, cuddling on the couch with her, her true hatred of squirrels (and other dogs- only child syndrome!), her obsession with chasing carpenter bees in the back yard, just to name a few. But mostly, we will miss having her in our lives because she made our world better. Very seldom do you experience unconditional love like that, and she epitomized “man’s best friend.” She was our best friend, our sweet girl, and most importantly an instrumental member of our family. We love her dearly and will miss her until we meet again.  

Blake and Carly Bralich

WHITMAN
03/16/2016

Whitman Ellis

Over 8 years ago, Bill wanted another Doberman to keep our female Delilah (also a Doberman) company and help her and us to ease the pain of losing our first Doberman from you (Buddy). He checked on your web page and found a male Doberman (Whitman) available, so he called you for an appointment to meet him.

Whitman was extremely shy, and had been with DRT for almost a year or longer, no one seemed interested in him because of his shyness and maybe too, the Battle Cut Ears he had. 

Bill kept going out to “bond with him”, Whitman would not even take a treat from Bill to start with, so Bill did not give up, he kept going out to DRT and finally on about his 11^th visit, Carol suggested he bring his female Doberman out to meet Whitman as well. Well, now, that did the trick, Whitman fell in love on first sight of Delilah, and he came up to Bill along with Delilah and took some treats and a few pets on his head, and the rest is history.

Whitman came to live with us on March 15, 2008 and would never leave Bill's side. Whitman was Bill's shadow.  Due to Cancer and Heart issues, he passed to the other side March 15, 2016, exactly 8 years to the date he came to live with us.  We are trying to adjust and it, as most of you know, is not an easy thing to do.

Whitman was 90 pounds, and 27” tall, and the outlook for replacing him is slim.We have gotten 3 Doberman's over the years from Carol, so keep an eye out for a duplicate Carol.

Nancy (and Bill) Ellis

3-20-16

BERKELEY (f/n/a Kahlua)
02/12/2016

HARBINGER (f/n/a Heart)
12/17/2015

Ron Durrance Memoriam
12/13/2015

I put a check in the mail to DRT yesterday.  It is a small contribution to the wonderful work you do.

It is in memory of my dear brother who lovingly referred to my two precious babies as Doodlebug (Delilah) and Big Sammy.

He spent a good deal of time with us at the lake house in GA in 2013 and 2014 before I had to come back to Charlotte. 

Of course they went with me in March when we went to Memphis to take care of him.  He had his yard fenced so they could go outside by themselves, and allowed me to turn his "daily driver" (the car he drove every day, as opposed to his sports car or utility vehicle, the pick up truck) into "the dog car" so I could take them down to Shelby Farms (a huge wide open space with paths, trails, etc.) every day for our daily walks.

He let us take over his house and turn it into our house even though he wasn't a huge fan of all the dog hair, and they loved him till the day he died.  They grieved with mommy when he left his house for the last time in the hearse, visibly saddened that Uncle Ron was gone.

Please use it as you see fit to help another Dobe find his or her forever home.

Beth (and Ron) Durrance

RAMBO (f/n/a RAMPART)
09/02/2015

SADIE (f/n/a STARS PUP)
08/26/2015

 (An article relating to Blasto will be in the next DRT Newsletter.)

KATY (f/n/a MAEBELLE)
08/18/2015

Hi Carol:

It is with sadness that we tell you that yesterday Katy had to be put to sleep.  She was on her morning walk and her hip area collapsed.  Christy called me and I drove over (around the block) and put her in the back of the car.  It looked like a hip socket.  I called her vet and we all went immediately to them for x-rays.  Once the x-rays were taken the vet came in and was nearly crying when she said Katy had bone cancer and the bone had just given way (femur).  They  checked further and found a mass on the liver.  The only choice was to amputate her leg and start chemo for the other mass.  We could also take her to Cornell Univ.  for a second opinion. We would never make her go through that, so after spending some time with her and talking, we decided the only thing to do was put her to sleep.  We were all there loving and kissing her while they gave her the shot and she went without a peep. 

 Our beautiful, loving, sweet Katy.  We will miss her so much and are so thankful that we were able to have her for 5 years.  We thank you so much for allowing us to adopt her and enjoy her for that short time.  She will be missed so much from waking up with her in our bed, her long walks with Dad in the am & Christy at night, helping Mom at every meal and hoping she would get something, sitting on her bed and watching us eat and hoping something would be left for her, having her bony on the screened porch late afternoon, and being with one of us her entire life with us and never alone.  We and everyone else loved her so much.  She was the sweetest dog we had ever seen.

 I hope you remember that we moved from Florida to NY last summer and just be assured that Katy loved it and her fenced yard, screened porch, and front porch.  She loved seeing people and other dogs go by.

 Again, thank you for allowing us to have her in our lives.

Ike, RoseAnn, & Christy Miller

ELLA
08/12/2015

Good Morning Miss Carol,

I hope this finds you doing well? Unfortunately, this email is not bringing good news..... well, not good for Michele and I, but not so bad for Ella. In January baby girl developed a cancer in the roof of her mouth. We had it removed 4x, each time we had it removed, it seemed to some back even faster. So we finally decided that we would just let nature take it's course. It's gotten to the point now that we have to feed her soft food soaked in water (like a soup) and poor girl can't even enjoy her daily dental bones/cookies. Her mouth is painful, bleeds, her hips and arthritis are all taking their toll on her 12 year old body. Up until yesterday, she was.... well.... Ella! She always wagged her nub of a tail while eating that soupy mess, always struggled to get up and greet, kiss you when you came in a room... but yesterday, she looked at us with those soulful eyes and did everything but speak the words. We are completely comfortable sending her home today at 1600 to her Bestie in Heaven. We're Positive that Dacquari can't wait for her soul mate to join her. <3

I can Promise you that Ella led a Full, Happy, Best of Everything, Adventure of a life with us. We can't Thank You Enough for Saving her and allowing her to be our family member. She (and by proxy), you changed our lives for the best, forever!

With Love and Appreciation,
Vic and Michele

LADY P (f/n/a PEYTON)
06/14/2015

BRUCE ROBINSON_DosPup
05/12/2015

REX SAEMISCH
04/20/2015

ORION KIRBY
04/17/2015

STORMY MCPEAK
04/07/2015

SWEET JOSEY
03/29/2015

RIVER BRUNNER
03/11/2015

March 11, 2015
It's with a heavy heart we had to say goodbye to our beautiful angel, River. He had developed osteosarcoma.
He found us 10 yrs ago when we travelled to DRT to find a companion for us and Smokey. What an amazing
bond River had with his love, Smokey. River was such a gentle spirit. He brought us such love. He was always
full of life, always happy. River will live on in what we do. We will see you again River!
Laurie and Tim Brunner

VIOLET
03/10/2015

BLOSSOM BROWN
02/16/2015

Carol,

First I just wanted to thank you for giving me the opportunity to share some time with Blossom. It was only a little over two years that I had here but she made those two years amazing. She was the best dog I have ever had. She loved playing and running when she could and sleeping anytime she couldn't lol. Since I got her my family has grown as I am engaged to be married on May 30th. I have been with Kathy now for almost two years and she loved blossom just as much as myself and blossom loved her. She moved in with me and her two girls that she has from her first marriage that was right out of high school and didn't turn out well. Blossom to my surprise took to the girls right away and they to her, she was great with them, even tried to raise Brooke (she was one at the time) to drink from her water bowl. We had to put a stop to that one though. Blossom loved to go everywhere I did, even if it was just to the store. She traveled with all of us quite
regularly, a little cramped at times with Kathy, me, the two girls and two dogs all in one truck but we made it work. I loved blossom more than I though possible toward a dog, she was always cheerful and could always cheer me up after a bad day at work. Back in December her kidneys started failing on her, the vet guessed just from old age as she was healthy otherwise. We had her on IV's daily and some medicine to calm her stomach for a while but she didn't get any better as the vet said she might not. It was also obvious she was in pain with her back arched and she wouldn't do much at all but she still loved to lay with me and just cuddle. In mid January when we went back to the vet again she was getting worse and in a lot of pain, the vet told me she would not be able to keep this up much longer and treatment was not doing much for her. I made what had to be the hardest decision of my life, we put her down the next day. It has taken me a month just to
be able to write this email to you, I am sorry it took so long. I buried her out back by where she used to always lay in the sun and watch the girls play on there swing set, so now she can always watch them. It has been hard on all of us losing her, she was a part of our family and everyone who knew or met her loved her. I put some pictures of her on here, most of them at the house and one of here photo bombing Kathy, Kathy was posing in front of the truck when we were in Kentucky and if you look hard blossom photo bombed her from inside the truck just to the left of Kathy's head. Sorry this was kind of long winded but I thought you would want to know about her. Thank you again for the letting me adopt the prettiest dobi girl I have ever seen. If you have any questions feel free to contact me.

Thank You Again,

Jacob 

Thorpe
01/17/2015

Thorpe never quite made the journey to a permanent, forever home.  Sadly he passed away on January 17th 2015.  Thankfully, the memories and images of his boundless spirit and regal presence will in my heart forever….such a noble Doberman.

Confusing as it may seem, technically he wasn’t mine, but in the truest sense, he really was mine.

Please indulge me as I relate the days spent with Thorpe.  He was always eager to be my “office roommate” at Elijah’s House, spending many hours on his favored dog bed.  He often accompanied me during errand runs (riding in the car) and seemed pleased that we could share the day.  During his exercise walks with volunteers, he would always lilt his head, longingly and lovingly in my direction.

Once he became too ill to be left alone, we decided to care for him at our home.  He stubbornly climbed the steps to my study, only to be challenged by the trip down.  He spent his final days sitting on the great room couch with Vick, “watching” TV.  His stay at Elijah Houe and our home lasted a very short three years – while he was to never truly experience the joys of adoption, his days with us were filled with love, attention and tranquil surroundings that I’m sure lessened the tormented anxiety that characterized his earlier behavior.

We miss you Thorpie, you are one of the best – my faithful canine companion – I cherish having shared this space on earth with you.  Sleep in peace, my sweet prince.

SHEARER
01/09/2015

It is with great sadness that we report our sweet Shearer has crossed Rainbow Bridge.

It is truly a pleasure to have been graced with Shearer’s presence during her time at Elijah’s House. In battling an aggressive form of bone cancer in her front right leg, we were able to see the amazing resiliency that Shearer possessed during her treatment, and in her remission.

We all have an overabundance of fond memories from the time we shared with Shearer. A few volunteers liked to call her our “Southern Sweetheart” because she always lovingly greeted us at the door at Elijah’s House. She would even do it for the new dobes! She had a sweet soul and spirit, and I will miss the warmness that I felt from her company.

In addition to giving loads of affection, Shearer received an incredible amount of love and care at Elijah’s House. Carol worked tirelessly to provide a top-notch environment and treatment plan to enhance and prolong her quality of life. We all witnessed her thrive and overcome tremendous obstacles with steadfast elegance, and it is something I will not soon forget. I can’t think of a better place for her to spend her final days. 

Thank you for the outpouring of generous love and support for Shearer. Your compassion gave her many wonderful days on this earth. To paraphrase a special poem, she may be gone from our lives, but it is certain that she will never be absent from our hearts.  Carly Hughes, DRT Volunteer and Adopter

A note from Carol regarding Shearer:

In all my years amongst Dobermans, I have never encountered such a happy-go-lucky, upbeat dog.   Shearer was always in such  Pollyannaish mood, sort of smiling, as she greeted me at the door to Elijah’s House.   I titled her “the official greeter” at Elijah’s House; her friendly demeanor always manifested itself  in a welcoming gesture as she would extend that amicable nature through warm, physical contact with every visitor we had.

I suspect she had a miserable life in a puppy mill, living outside in a mud filled, dirt lot with only a decrepit, plastic dog crate as cover from the elements.  It became obvious that she was used for breeding  and was then “discarded” when she developed cancer in her front leg.  Thankfully, a rescue angel found her and brought her to DRT.

Despite the subsequent amputation and chemotherapy treatments for the Osteosarcoma Shearer never despaired, and you could quickly discern the joyful, positive attitude she had about everything and everyone she encountered.   Her standard welcoming was to greet each new Doberman that entered our program and communicate, “you’re in a safe place now.”

My belief is that she came to us for a reason, and the essence of my thinking is bounded in the theory that it  was to teach us a life lesson….’Be Happy and pass it along to all you meet’ – in the five months she was with us, going through a leg amputation and chemotherapy, there was only a single day in which she didn’t display that bubbly, cheerful attitude.  It was the onset of the fluid buildup in her chest cavity.  Once the fluid was drained,  she was back to normal.  Unfortunately the cancer metastasized to the lungs very quickly and she passed peacefully in her sleep.

I shall always carry the memories holding Shearer’s happy spirit close to me, positive in every way 

BECKLEY FAMA
10/15/2014

BECKLEY is gone …10-15-14)

This odyssey of love began on a cold, rainy day in Beckley, West Virginia, in 2008 when two young, frightened Dobes, brother and sister, joined our forever home.   We pledged never to separate them, and named them Beckley and Christian. 

Now, Beckley, my shadow is gone.  Her brother, Christian, left us a year ago and she was devastated.  They were quite the pair, always together, always in perfect synchronism.  I know she missed him terribly and seemed to attach herself even more closely to me after he passed.  Wherever I went, Beckley was beside me.  If I walked away from her too quickly and she missed following me into another room, I’d see her pop her little nose around the corner as though to say “heh, there you are; thought you lost me, didn’t you?”

This year, she contracted a serious disease that robbed her of platelets; this was compounded by the onset of DCM and ultimate heart failure. She fought like a trooper but in the end could not withstand the ravages of excessive medications for the many health issues she had to fight.   Her trips back and forth to NCState in Raleigh were fun filled, riding in the car, being with her mom, but she always was quite anxious going into the examining rooms. 

She was the Dobe that was always had the worried look on her face  … worried about revisiting those early frightening days  in West Virginia, worried about someone leaving her, worried about where she was going, worried about life in general.  Christian was her rock, and then he passed.  I know they’re together again doing that Dobie Sibling Ballet that I loved to watch … I’ll see you some day at the Bridge, my beautiful girl. 

Beckley’s anxiety manifested itself in ways that were often vexing – she’d chew up all the tissues in the waste paper baskets and, often times, enjoyed shredding the “satisfying” pages of a soft-cover book.  I’ve actually kept the remains of the last one you destroyed, my dear girl;, it sits on my desk as a constant reminder of you!

Casino
10/12/2014

J_J
07/18/2014

We felt it fitting to memorialize Josie and Jesse together, as that's the way they came to us Thanksgiving weekend 2010. Having lost Roxie our non-rescue Dobe that we had raised from a pup several weeks before, and our DRT big boy Teddy FKA Teton the previous year, both at 12 yrs old, it was mighty quiet around the house. Joy said "we've got to go see Carol". So we made arrangements to go on Sunday.

Max (Aka.Robbie)
06/02/2014

On Dec 3, 2005 , I was adopted by Robbie at DRT..He became Max on the way back and became a special part of my life for 8 years and my best friend.. A true companion, greeting me when I get home from out of town and always at my side when home and taking my mind off all the ‘junk’ in the world and taking his place my heart forever. Your love was unconditional and Your companionship will be cherished forever .

Goodbye Dear Friend . Until the time we meet again, We miss you tremendously..

Carol, Thanks for giving Polly and I the opportunity to have Max in our life.

Tim.

Connor
05/13/2014

Connor came into my life June 2004. He was quite a handful. He pulled the fuzz out of all the toys in the house, drug the furniture across the living room, took books off the kitchen table, stole rugs and ran through the house with them. I bought a crate for him, which he proceeded to collapse and escape. Before you knew it, my boy became one of the sweetest dogs I’ve ever known. He would sit back and let people fuss over his sisters, Comet and Kyra; and when the girls would move just out of everyone’s reach, Connor would step in and enjoy the attention. Everyone that met him, wanted to take him home. I fostered numerous dogs over the years. Connor welcomed all of them into our home, even the males. Every day I would give him kisses and tell him how lucky I was that he found me. Sadly, Connor crossed the Rainbow Bridge May 13, 2014. He will be greatly missed.

Rooney
04/18/2014

Cedrick
02/07/2014

Carol,

 Going through old email and came across this.  I have attached a few large-ish pictures for you do to with as you see fit.  He gave us many good times (and laughs) through the years.  He was definitely his own man with a strong set of opinions on who his friends were (Momma (Black Lab) and Belle (Rottweiler)  were the only two dogs he would put up with). He did love his “gray hairs” – he was madly in love with both my mother and Janet’s mother, as well as anyone with gray hair.  He was the sworn enemy of the possums and squirrels in our back yard. He was our King of the Couch and required that he be covered with his own special blanket on cool nights in the living room, and HAD to be under the covers in our bed at night. With him on guard, our doorbell got little use. Know that he was loved by all (as you can see by the candy cane wrapping on his leg to protect his cast in his final battle with osteosarcoma, decorated for Christmas by his favorite vet techs).  We thank you for trusting us with him. We’ll be looking for him when we cross The Bridge!

Best regards,

Warren & Janet

Nova
01/06/2014

On Jan. 6, 2014, I lost my precious Nova.This sweet and loving girl came into my life right before her 6th birthday, and we lived and loved together until she was nearly 12.In our time together, Nova showed me what it means to love with all your heart; to live in the moment and not worry about tomorrow; to appreciate nature and all it sounds and scents; to play hard and often; to appreciate everyday adventures; to be patient and kind, even when you’ve had a bad day; and, in the end, to let go courageously even when you know it will break your heart.There was something indescribable about Nova, some elusive part of her spirit that touched not only me, but also everyone she met.Thank you to Carol and DRT for giving me the honor of loving this special creature. She was my best friend, my faithful shadow – my family.I loved her more than words can express.

Lee

Christian Fama
09/11/2013

I can vividly recall the day Vick returned from West Virginia with Cecil and Cinnamon, as Christian and Beckley were known in 2008. For me, it was love at first sight. This brother and sister were such frightened, gentle souls when they arrived, and, obviously, deeply dependent upon each other. Over the days, weeks and months at Elijah's House I can remember walking them out to the exercise fields without the need for leashes -- they would each walk beside me, as I affectionately petted their heads. Once into the fields, it was like watching a ballet - two Dobes seemingly “dancing” with such grace, in synchronism, on a pastoral “stage”.

Over the months Cinnamon [nka Beckley] was the favored one who everyone wanted to adopt because of her stunning beauty. Sadly, no one expressed interest in Cecil; in spite of his wonderful personality and kind demeanor, he was viewed as esthetically unappealing due to his lack of a full coat of hair.

Vick and I finally decided to bring Cecil and Cinnamon to our home to assure that they would remain together. Though they appeared somewhat timid around Vick, they always stuck by my side. If I were upstairs in my study, they'd be vigilantly lying near the computer chair waiting for me to make a move. They were inseparable - to each other and to me, doing everything in unison from riding in the car together to sleeping on the dog bed together.

In June we found out that Christian, as he was now called, showed symptoms of Atrial Fibrilation; we visited NC State –VTH in an effort to gain further insight and map out a survival strategy. He was having continual fainting and coughing episodes. Following numerous tests, our worst fears were realized by a grim prognosis – as a victim of DCM, we were advised that his life expectancy was estimated to be 2-3 months – we pledged to do everything we possibly could to help him enjoy his remaining days.

Christian’s struggle with DCM was intermixed by good and bad days - he tried his hardest for three short months to resist its debilitating effects ... When the fainting episodes returned with greater frequency [despite the introduction of new, promising medications], and his breathing became severely labored due to poor heart function, we knew it was time and had to make that difficult, unfortunate decision most of us, as pet owners, have to make – was it time?. We recognized that it would be admittedly selfish to prolong his suffering. On Christian’s final day, his loyal companion and soul mate, Beckley made the “final ride” with him to the vet's office.

Now he's gone and we miss him terribly. Christian was a happy, easy to please Dobe - each morning, even in last days, he would be there waiting for me to rise each morning - he'd greet me with a happy “Dobe” smile and lots of nub wagging. His demands were minimal - all he wanted was for his "mom" to wish him a good morning and express some show of affection as I prepared his breakfast-- of course, Beckley was beside me as well.

While Christian has left this world, fond memories of him remain with us forever. My sincere thanks to all those who have, with great kindness, expressed their sympathies.

MOLLY Mueller
01/07/2013

We wanted to let you know that our wonderful Amalie or “MOLLY” as we called her died Sat., Jan 18, exactly one month before her 7th birthday. We adopted her from DRT in October 2007 and she has been a joy in our life and lives of friends and family. Molly will live in our hearts forever. As our 4th Dobe, she was every bit true to her breed and then some! Thank you for making her part of our lives.

We believe Molly must have suffered either a heart attack or an aneurism. She and Al were outdoors doing chores Sat. afternoon I saw Molly lying next to fence where Al had seen her running and barking (outside the pasture fence). He left the immediate area to do something else while she stayed at the fence. That is when I saw her lying motionless. I hurried out, but she was gone. Apparently, one minute she was running and barking and loving life on HER farm (it was after all HERS!!), and then she was gone. The horses were way out in the pasture and weren’t near her so we can only imagine it was some sort of freak thing that ended her life so early. We’re still in shock and saddened beyond words! She’s always been so healthy and strong.

I saw the memorial page on your website, and that gave me the idea to email you. Yes, feel free to add Molly if you care too. She was always loving, loyal, and a joy to have in the family. I posted 12 photos of her on my facebook page today and we’ve been flooded with comments from family and friends who loved our wonderful Dobe almost as much as we did. She was an awesome ambassador for the breed. She was my “Little Girl” and Al’s “Partner”. We’ll miss her terribly!

God Bless you and your mission.

Al and Linda Mueller

Raisin
09/27/2011

Sadly, I must report that our beloved Raisin has lost her courageous fight against cancer – newly discovered intestinal tumors revealed a life threatening condition that was insurmountable. Once all reasonable options were exhausted, she was humanely euthanized on September 27th.

Raisin will now rest in peace under a tree at Elijah’s House, a tree whose leaves are falling in silent mourning, in a field where she ran with her characteristic exuberance. The spring green growth will signal a new beginning ,and yet another

neglected, abandoned Dobe, not unlike Raisin, will start his/her journey at DRT. While Raisin may not have survived this final challenge, her spirit will forever live in our hearts and we will continue to offer the tender virtues of love and compassion to all those who enter through our doors – for these are not simply "rescue dogs," they represent a commitment for which we have a life-long charge.

　Thank you so much for your positive thoughts, prayers and financial support.