Lake Tahoe Wolf Rescue

Memorials

The following dogs have passed on and crossed the Rainbow Bridge, they will

forever be in our hearts and thoughts.

JUNE 23, 2011
Naya, my beloved dog died today at 10:00 am. Many of you have either met her or have heard me speak about her. Naya was my Spirit Shadow and went everywhere with me for the past 13 1/2 years. She was gentle and such a sweet girl, yet dominant and a great leader with other dogs. Naya was my ambassador for so many of the rescues I brought home over the years.

Once an animal reaches “hospice” stage, I try to prepare myself for that dreaded day by pulling together all the pictures and memories of my companion. It's a way I can grieve and deal with the wretched feelings I have right now. There are so many wonderful memories, I can't even begin to put them all in here.

So read or don’t read. I give you these memories as proof of Naya's
radiance and uniqueness.

Naya’s very sad Mommy, Pamela Jo

TO NAYA, January 5, 1998 - June 23, 2011

June, 1998 - Naya was brought to me as a six-month-old pup by the man who bred her parents. Her mom was a purebred German Shepherd Dog, and her dad was half German Shepherd, half wolf. That made Naya what we call a low-content wolfdog. She had been bought at 8 weeks old by a man who thought he understood wolfdogs, only to find out that she was much higher maintenance than he had planned on, and he really wasn't prepared for her at all. Naya, even as a puppy, was extremely shy and unsociable. She didn't trust humans - at all - and was very fearful. The man fed her cheap kibble, and tried to housetrain her the old fashioned way - with a newspaper and scolding. He didn't understand the body language that is necessary to communicate. Everything he did scared Naya, so she became anxious and wouldn't eat. She was emaciated, and suffered from severe diarrhea, urinating if you even looked at her. Of course, I took her in. She housetrained immediately, loved the real meat I gave her, and became my shadow, sticking to me like glue. She still didn't trust other humans and demanded I keep her ... so she stayed.

Naya, you loved to go places with me. I took you wherever I went - to the bank to get cookies and say Hi to everyone; in Trader Joe's you would always want a sample; you walked through the security checkpoint in airports by yourself,

impressing everyone; enjoyed outdoor restaurants; and loved Honduras at the beach. Since you were still shy of humans, we made you a Service Dog so we could travel together. That way nobody was allowed to pet you

or bother you while you were "working" and that made you very happy! You were so calm, secure and well behaved when we travelled and you got a lot of compliments from admiring people.

Nayapuppy. You howled at the sirens and with your other com-panions. But never out of loneliness. You taught all my rescues and fosters how to behave. You put the big boys and girls in their places and showed them you were the boss (after me of course). You were

small at 72 lbs. but that didn't stop you. You calmed my fearful foster dogs and helped them to trust. You welcomed them all, no matter how big or what gender. You helped me find homes for some, and helped me bury some. You were always there.

Garrett with Kiska and Naya

Butchie Girl. I never loved you any less for any second of any day. The good girl. The quiet girl. The one who never, never left my side. Always at my feet. Always in my rooms. Always in my car. Always in my heart.

Naya wanting belly rubs

Everyone recalls your pushy ways with the big dogs: You stopped many a fight. I remember the day that two of my big, male rescues - Skye and Wolfie - got into a scrap. You calmly walked over

and bit Skye on the back (who was on top of Wolfie). Skye screeched, stopped and looked around in amazement which gave us a moment to pull them apart. You calmly walked away, with nary a backward glance, leaving Julie and I giggling.

Naya - You were light as a feather, pouncing after prey, Naya with Wolfie - in the woods

keeping your perimeter as we

hiked in the forest. Many a coyote you chased away. You were such a great Bear Dog. You helped me escort so many bears safely back into the forest where they belong. You put up a ferocious act!

Sweetheart, I've told your story, so many times, about how fearful you were of humans, you wouldn't let anyone near you for the first few years. You taught my grandkids to respect wolfdogs, and how to approach - or not approach! You didn't like to swim much, but would

wade. Then at about 8 yrs old, you discovered how nice it was to swim, and all I had to say was "want to go to the Lake?" and you would get all excited and jump into the car.

Naya, your good buddy, Skye, was always so happy to see you, as was your other boyfriend Koda. You always loved the boys, big or small. You tolerated the girls, and often liked to be a little pushy, showing them that you were still the queen. But you were not a bully, just a strong leader. We enjoyed so many romps at the lake, hikes up the mountain, and a wonderful 3-day backpacking trip with Koda and Kienna. All your best f

riends were rescues, like yourself. We had many memorable hikes with Julie, Skye and Leah at Martis Meadows. You accompanied me on rock-climbing trips, snow skiing in the back country, and for rides in my boat. Ever smiling, always happy by my side.

Skye and Naya exploring 6-23-10

Your best girlfriend was Quincy Kaya, a thin, emaciated 3-yr-old rescue I pulled from Texas last year and adopted to Jenna.

You showed her how to trust, and taught her many things. Although she was twice your size in height, she bowed to you in Submissive Wolf every time you met, squealing like a squeaky toy. She always looked forward to seeing you, which was almost every day for the past 11 months. She still looks for you.

Jenna giving treats to Quin and Naya

April, 2010. Dear Naya: You started stumbling and tripping, and didn't want to go up or down stairs. I already know you have hip dysplasia, but now with new Xrays, I find out you have severe arthritis in your spine. You are 12 years old. We start chiropractic and acupuncture, and you show a remarkable response with the first

treatment! You actually trot down to the lake and go for a swim, and look so happy. I am amazed. We continue the treatments with our holistic veterinarian, Dr. Wendy Robinson in Tahoe City, CA, and your progress continues. We go for nice walks in the forest and play in the creeks every day for another year. You are one happy camper! ... and so am I.

I pray we have many more wonderful years together.

December, 2010: Thirteen years old. After months of acupuncture and chiropractic adjustments, and me believing you would live forever because you were doing so well, you started showing symptoms of Cushings Syndrome. You overheated, panted a lot, drank lots of water and ran out to urinate frequently. You fatigued quickly, and your coat started to fall out and got so dull you looked like a stuffed teddy bear. All in a few days. I rushed you to

the vet, and Dr. Wendy started you on an herbal formula that supported your adrenal glands. I guess after all these years of being anxious and fearful of humans (which you never completely got over), your adrenals finally gave in. But Lo and Behold! Once more you responded beautifully, and in a week your coat started coming back in, and all the symptoms disappeared. I really thought Naya - December 2011

we had it beat. We resumed our hikes

along the creeks in the snow, your happy face looking up at me, and again, I prayed you would stick around and make 15.

Naya Papaya. Six months later, you are still with me. On the creek in the woods, sitting alongside Jenna, Quincy, and me. Having our daily picnic. Looking beautiful. Smelling the exotic
smells. Feeling the air. Watching for squirrels. Telling me of your joy in this moment. When you are happy and feeling good, my heart explodes. I cry happy tears. You lift me. But you are weak. You don't see as good, nor hear all the little sounds .. except of course the words "cookie" or "treat." I know I have little time left with you.

Babygirl - June 13, 2011. We went for our usual walk, through the woods, along the creek. We sat on the grass for 20 minutes and rested, then resumed our walk. You had a happy, alert look and didn't seem stressed. You greeted all your friends as we passed through the dog park. When we got home you walked in the door and collapsed. Your breathing was labored, your heartbeat fast. I immediately gave you Rescue Remedy and your breathing calmed.

You got up and walked out to the deck and went to lie in your comfy bed. A visit to the vet and Xrays showed water in your lungs, and maybe your heart. Lasix helped for a while, but you still had trouble breathing. From that day on you couldn't walk far. I used a towel to help you walk up the ramp to the car. You still wanted to go to the creek, but not for walks. Just a picnic on the grass with your friends

Quincy and Jenna, watching the birds and squirrels. I sit at the creek with you, your chin in my hand. Your ears are back, you are calm but tired. I look into your eyes and see your acceptance.

A week later, you had two small seizures. You stopped eating, and had that look on your face like "mommy, what's happening?" You fatigued after a few steps and had to sit down, resting a lot. I couldn't give you your vitamins and herbal formulas on an empty stomach, and so you got weaker and weaker. On the morning of June 23, 2011 you walked into the bedroom and collapsed. I made the decision to help you pass. I couldn't bear you getting worse and suffering. Until now, you weren't in terrible pain, mostly weak and unable to do anything but lie there and look at me, pleading with your eyes to help you. I didn't want to wait until you were miserable and crying in pain. You deserved better than that. You deserved to go peacefully, calmly ... with your loved ones around you.

Your best friends, Skye, Leah, Quincy Kaya, Koda, and Lupa all came to say goodbye. You sat gracefully in your car on your blankie, watching them all come up to you for a little sniff and a kiss. Your human friends told you how much they would miss you, and wished you a good journey. My husband was there, so supportive, knowing how much you meant to me. We tried not to cry and make you feel sad, and told you to have happy adventures on the other side of the veil. Dr. Wendy injected the sedative. You looked deeply into my eyes, gave me a little lick on my cheek as if to say Thank You. Then you went into a peaceful slumber, knowing we all loved you.

We buried you in Julie's back yard. Grassy. Aspens. White Lilacs in bloom. Skye and Leah's yard - it keeps your memory close.

Three days later, you visited me in a dream. It was short. Seconds. But you were there. The next day, Skye sat next to your grave and howled mournfully. We think your spirit has moved on. But I also hope your spirit is close by as well. I am hoping for more visits from you, my beautiful, sweet Naya. I look forward to seeing you again, and feeling your presence, and the love that you were always so generous with.

Goodbye my Nayagirl. May your spirit find your other friends who have passed before you. You will always be in my heart.

Pamela Jo - Lake Tahoe Wolf Rescue

with her babygirl, Naya

___________________________

Kayla and Kimsey - Auburn Shelter, CA - these two beautiful, young pups were euthanized June 21. They were killed because their owner told the shelter that they were wolfdogs. Since wolfdogs are illegal in California (and many other states and counties), most shelters will not adopt wolfdogs to the general public, no matter how well behaved they are. These two dogs had been escaping their containment and running around the neighborhood. They killed a couple of cats and therefore were labeled "unadoptable." Kayla and Kimsey were both very people friendly and liked other dogs too. This is a typical example of what happens every day at the shelters all over the United States. Even if a dog looks like a wolfdog, it will be the first to get euthanized at shelters along with Pitbulls. If an owner turns in their dog to a shelter and tells the shelter it's a wolfdog, there is often nothing anyone can do to save it's life once it is labelled as wolfdog. After phenotyping by experienced Wolf Rescue Rescue people, we discovered that the owner of Kayla and Kimsey really had bought a Malamute (Kayla) and a Shepherd/Collie/Husky (Kimsey) from an irresponsible breeder who told them they were wolfdogs to get more money. The shelter must abide by it's laws.

Too late...Put down at shelter...

Stockton, CA Shelter - pretty, young female German Shepherd Dog may have a little Husky in her as she is creamy colored with white paws. This girl is at the shelter since January 6, 2011 and may not have much time left if not adopted soon. If you are interested in helping this girl get into a good home, please call the Stockton Animal Shelter ASAP.

Her I.D.#A163268 (209) 937-8274 press 0 - ring a long time as they don't always answer!

On February 4, 2011, Lakota started her journey over the Rainbow Bridge. She was 13 years old, in perfect health, and was awaiting her forever home. Unfortunately, she mischievously got into a bag of "non toxic" fertilizer and ingested some. She died by morning. Her female companion also ingested some, but luckily she vomited and survived. Lakota was currently in a foster home that loved her very much. She loved her belly rubs and went on 2-3 mile hikes with them every day. Foster Dad would bring her a warm towel and give her face rubs every evening, which she loved. They are broken hearted to know that this unfortunate accident could have been avoided, but truly believed the fertilizer was non toxic as advertised.

Jacy was a sweet little Husky mix rescued out of the Fallon, NV shelter. The first day in her foster home she destroyed their beautiful kitchen because she was afraid of being left alone, and so it was on to another home. This young girl was adopted in March, 2011 with a wonderful family who loved her very much. Jacy, which means Moon, was always a free spirit. She did very well in her new home for a year, and her dedicated young owner, Trevor, spent a lot of hours training her and giving her the exercise and attention she needed. She had a sweet male wolfdog as a companion, and they played every day together, and went on long hikes. Jayce decided to become a licensed escape artist - almost nothing would keep her in. She chewed through crates, jumped off decks, dug tunnels to China, and scaled 6' fences with ease. The owners did everything they could to contain her but hundreds of dollars later, Jayce escaped and was hit by a car. Jacy will always be remembered for her energetic and affectionate spirit, and her desire to always have fun. She will remain treasured in our hearts, and we wish her many happy adventures on the other side of the Rainbow Bridge.

Phoenix, AZ - Barkley has been euthanized. Our Rescue groups had two wonderful homes for this boy, but his owner failed to continue contact and brought him and Tina to the shelter. They killed Barkley right away because he did not pass the Canine Good Citizen test [CGC]. He was a quite handsome Border Collie mix, approximately 30lbs, 1.5 yrs old, rescued from shelter Sept. 09. Barkley was very sweet and loving with owner, but was protective if strangers were around. He just needed a refresher course. He was a very smart dog and would have made a good watch dog. He was a one-person dog.

Chrissie Sue - When I first met her and her homeless Dad, she was eating pizza crusts. I took her dog food and him ice water. I came back each day with ice water because it was 112 degrees, but one day the police took him away. He is mentally retarded and a very sweet man who loves his Chrissy Sue. When I got her in my car she really loved the air conditioning, but she was very protective of her tree and her leash, and the 7 ft. circumference around the tree. She nipped me several times in the beginning, but now we get down on the floor and hug each other and she is very sweet. She loves the affection. Chrissy has bad hips, but she gets around pretty good when we go to the park. She can't run very fast, but she loves to walk. She knows how to use the doggy door and go outside to potty, but I think her arthritis bothers her and she has a hard time squeezing in and out the doggy door. Three of my dogs are old also, so I am learning to be a real nursing home aide! Chrissie Sue was reserved and scared when we first took her in, but now she feels very loved. She enjoys being the only one getting all your love. We correct her when she barks at my dogs for getting too close to me. She nips at the little ones sometimes like they were her puppies so they just ignore her and avoid her. Chrissy Sue has crossed the Rainbow Bridge. She was able to have her original owner, the homeless man, come to the Foster Mom's and help her on her way. Thank you to Pam for giving her nine months of love and care.

Kona - This poor boy recenly crossed over the Rainbow Bridge. His seizures became too much for him. We send our sincere condolences to his family who loved him very much. This pretty young Malamute was born on Christmas, Dec. 25, 2008. He was only one year and a half, and he lived in Reno, NV. Kona had epilepsy. He loved other dogs, loved children, and was such a sweet boy. He will be missed very much.

Crystal has crossed the Rainbow Bridge. This lovely girl was 8 years young, spayed, housetrained and very well behaved. She loved to go to the dog park, ride in the car, and hang out with you whatever you do. She was Husky/GSD [not a wolfdog] and we looked for a home for her for a long time. Her owner lost his home, so he had her euthanized. He failed to call us and let us know he only had a few days to find a home for her, and we actually were working on a good home for her. It is a very sad day when owners do not do everything possible to save their pets.

Fayetteville, TN - Loki - Crossed the Rainbow Bridge. He was put down at the shelter, they were afraid he would hurt himself?? We only had this poor boy posted for a day, he was not even given a chance! Loki was originally picked up as a stray by a caring gentleman, but he later jumped out a window and got hit by a car, losing his leg in the accident. The gentleman paid for the surgery and neutering but couldn't keep him. Loki wound up at a High Kill Shelter. Sweet Locki was energetic, friendly and well behaved, and played like he has all four legs. Please look to the shelters when you want to adopt a pet. As you can see, they don't hold them very long.

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