P.O. Box 44176, Baltimore MD 21236
Contact us at Vicki@PetsOnWheels.org
Phone: (410)913-5569 Fax: (410)256-0171

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In Memory Of...

Wally
December 24, 1998 - Monday, October 24, 2011

Wally was the first dog we adopted from Cocker Spaniel Adoption Center. He was 10 months old and we adopted him in October 1998. We went to the adoption show looking for a cocker spaniel but ended up with a Springer Spaniel. He came up to us, gave us kisses and the rest is history. He was such a special boy - he was kind, sweet - the kind of dog anyone would want to have as part of their family. He had a zest for life and was very exuberant, but throughout it all, he was a baby - he loved to be cuddled and kissed and held. He was such a joy and we, as well as our other dogs miss him so much.

 

 

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Ginger
August 1, 1999 - June 10, 2011

Ginger was a rescue dog from the Maryland SPCA. She became a member of our family in February 2001. Ginger became a therapy dog for the Pets on Wheels program in July 2009. She participated in the PAWS to Read Program at the Central Branch Childrens' Garden and also at the Federal Hill Branch. Ginger also visited Springhouse Assisted Living in Pikesville.

We fondly remember, from the streets of Manhattan to the Eastern Shore, and the shores of Lake Erie, a dog that traveled well and charmed all whom she met. It is hard to see an empty space where once the waggle of her tailed excitement could not be contained, nor the playfulness of a pugnacious hound. It is an empty house without her.

A POEM FOR GINGER

“G” is for her Gentle and Generous nature;

“I” is for her Intelligence and Intuition;

“N” is for her ability to Nurture;

“G” is for her sense of Grace;

“E” is for her Engagement and how she Entertained;

“R” is for Resilience, Rest, and Restore.

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Barry Simmons
May 28th 1998 - April 1, 2011

Rescued from the streets, as a 4-week puppy. And was crate abused, for the next 7 months of his life. Barry needed a fresh start, and so did we. Having just lost our dog of 13 years our hearts were broken. We adopted Barry and he filled our hearts with love. For the next 3 years, Barry learned obedience, courage, and loyalty. I always hoped to have a therapy dog, then one day Barry showed me that is was.

Then we met quadriplegic in a wheel chair while running errands. Barry instinctively approached him and they connected. His caretaker asked me if Barry was a therapy dog. That was my sign. We then joined Pets on Wheels and he and I became a team, as I was his chauffer and sidekick. From visiting dementia patients at Oak Crest to The Paws Reading Program. Barry worked tirelessly. I was very proud of him and his achievements. He also won the Volunteer of the year at Oak Crest, and multiple Presidential Awards, and was spotlighted in Oak Crest and Baltimore County TV. In addition, he helped us raise thousands of dollars, doing his seven years for SPAC walk a thon. He filled many hearts with joy and our lives with happiness. Until cancer took him from us April 2011.

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Breezy
November 19, 2000 - February. 25, 2011
Beloved friend of Wendy Robin

Breezy was born Nov. 19, 2000 and died Feb. 25, 2011. She was 10. She was the mother of Otis and 26 other pups, and grandmother to I don't know how many!

We got her when she was 5 from her breeder, who is a friend of ours, who was finished breeding her and thought she would love being a regular house pet! We had recently lost our Golden to cancer and didn't want a puppy. Breezy (and Otis) always went back to the breeder whenever we travel so it was a perfect match for all!

 

 

 

 

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Barbara Young
Loyal Pets on Wheels volunteer since September 2008
September 19, 1949 --November 22, 2010

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Pennie
(rescued) 8/12/97-8/23/2010
Beloved friend of Mr. & Mrs. Tibbo

Pennie was the best birthday present I have ever received. I rescued her around my birthday in August of 1997, she was a year or two old.

I saved her from a family where the father of a neighborhood child beat Pennie and his wife, a story told by the man's daughter. Her actual words to me, "please take my dog. I can't save my mom but I can save her."

Had I known about POW years ago, Pennie and I most definitely would have volunteered. She was a gentle soul, but a guard dog when needed. She saved my cat's life one day from a Chow who was terrorizing the neighborhood killing smaller dogs and cats. Pennie fought him off, and although she
could have seriously wounded or killed him, she did not. It just wasn't in her to hurt; she was a lover. She had the most sweet, wet, warm kisses. I can still feel them.

Pennie loved going places and meeting new people. She also loved snuggling and sharing meals (she took up all the room on the sofa/bed and ate most of the food). She was pleasantly plump, snorted like a pot belly pig, and sang the most pretty songs. How I miss those sounds.

Her only goals in life were to love and please, which she mastered.

Pennie Leigh Tibbo-Scheinker...you were #1 baby girl and Daddy and I miss you terribly; you will be in our hearts forever!

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Bandit
June 22, 2006 - September 8, 2010
Beloved friend of Mike Bowers

Bandit was born June 22, 2006 and died September 8, 2010 from heat stroke while going through Mexican customs.

Bandit loved visiting and when he saw me put on my POW name tag and grab his lease he would get all excited! The normal therapy visit should last about 45 minutes but not with Bandit. He was content to visit for over two hours. He always remained gentle and calm. In our time together with POW we visited Genesis Multicare, The VA Rehab, Saint Vincent’s Center for abused Children, Lorien’s Mays Chapel and Broadmead weekly. In his time with POW he passed the CGC, won the Leonberger Club of America’s Therapy Dog Award, and the President’s Volunteer Service Award for 2008 1nd 2009 setting a record for volunteer hours for 2009.

His therapy work did not end when we moved to Mexico. The Rotary Club in Ajijic Mexico was just starting a dog therapy program. Bandit was the first dog induced. The woman in charge of the program had done extensive research but had no experience. She picked me brain for hours and went on visits with Bandit to see how it should be done. He and I were part of the screening process as well as giving orientations.

While I we were there there was a flood in a nearby town and a 1,000 people were left homeless. Bandit was the only experienced and trained therapy dog and was gotten to the town. I cannot describe the smiles and joy he brought to both the homeless adults and children of that town. It was truly amazing to see and be a part of.
I can think of no better way to sum up Bandit than in the words of a Mexican woman Bandit and I screened. He truly was a very special dog and proved it over and over. He will always be a part of me……

A Note Written to Mick From Eliana about Bandit.

Dear Mick,
 
for those who simply "adore" our dogs, it is not difficult to understand what you might be going through. There are probably no words that could ease the pain but I feel like expressing that you and Bandit played a very important role in my life:
 
Your interaction with Bandit, full of respect, admiration and companionship made me recover a great part of the faith I have lost in mankind. Mexico is full of animal mistreat. Most mexicans are cruel to animals-and that is all I see around me. So seeing you and Bandit, was that needle in the haystack I needed. This gave me strength to follow my education plans with animals.
 
 I want to accomplish one goal: to be a positive influence in at least one child, so he becomes ONE MICK , among all the schools I visit. No matter if I have to teach thousands, just to one day see, that there is "one Mick and one Bandit in Mexico".
 
I will send you some updates regarding the education work Fenia is doing. You wont believe this: but everytime I put on her bandana she sits more , stays more active. Otherwise she lies a lot on the floor. I thought it was my imagination but me made a test and my mother and brother noticed the same. We had fun seeing that.
 
Let us welcome your new dog. She will be part of our family. And you, as always, the greatest role model for animal care.
 
Eliana

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Bones
Unknown- June 1, 2010
Beloved friend of Beth Mentusky

Bones came into my life a little over 4 years ago.  He was one of the fortunate animals to be rescued after the hurricanes in New Orleans.  A wonderful veterinarian office in Maryland brought him back with 3rd degree burns on both back paws.  They nursed him through a significant and painful healing process.
 

Bones was glad to be alive and I was glad to adopt him.  He was a sweet, handsome, adaptable, smart dog who became only mine when a miserable divorce changed my life. 
 
 People have often thanked me for rescuing him, but the truth is, he helped save me.  Bones survived only because of the generosity and kindness of many volunteers who felt and saw the importance of even a small gesture of kindness.  We felt strongly about paying forward these gestures and that is why we volunteered with POW.  Bones was great with kids and so enjoyed all of our visiting.
 
Cancer took him from me (always) too soon.  His story is an example of resilience, kindness and enjoying life even after tragedy.  I will be forever grateful that this wonderful creature entered my life. 
 
  Thank you for all that POW volunteers do!!

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Charlie
Beloved friend of Nancy White

Charlie and I first met on the internet in April 2004; I saw his picture (lost dog) and knew he was special. Over the next five years he won my heart and became a great friend – some people likened him to  “velcro” because he was never far from my side.  Always gentle and loving, he endeared himself to everyone and was always excited to visit his many friends at Cromwell Center; his fast wagging tail was his trademark and he knew where to find the treats!

 Rest and romp in peace Charlie – you will be missed by all.  Thanks again to all who sent their kind words of support.

 “Acquiring a dog may be the only opportunity a human ever has to choose a relative.”

     Mordecai Siegal (b.1934)

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Baby Nick
February 10, 1997-November 23, 2009
Beloved friend of Valerie Donaldson

Baby Nick was a very lovable Basset Hound who was born February 10, 1997 and passed away November 23, 2009. He was named Baby because he was the runt of a litter of 13 puppies. When I saw him at 3 days old he fit in the palm of my hand. He was also a twin and he and his twin Teddy Bear were marked alike.

I brought Baby Nick home when he was 8 weeks old and went back four weeks later and got his sister Lady which became his favorite companion for over ten years of his life. They did everything together and it was very hard on him when she passed two years ago. That is when we started doing POW and he loved it.

He was very much a people dog and loved walking in our neighborhood greeting all the people and kids. He loved all of the attention that the kids would give him. He would sit and let them pet and play with his long ears.

He will be greatly missed by myself and his two little sisters Abby and Zoey who came into our lives after Ladpassed passed away. I am so thankful for all of the messages and the sharing of stories from all of the POW family.

 

 

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Mick
1996 - 2009
Beloved friend of Sandy Lin

Mick was so named because he had big lips, like Mick Jagger. He was an intelligent being - you could speak to him in full sentences and he would undertand. He was a gentle soul - always happy to see you. When we lived down in Mt Vernon, a neighbor dubbed him the Mayor, because he would run up and greet everyone who entered the square. You knew he was extra happy to see you when his tail went around in circles like a little windmill. His only agenda was to love and be loved (well, and treats).

Mick was diagnosed with kidney failure a few weeks ago. He'd had his ups and downs, and the last few days were getting pretty rough. The vet said today that the humane thing to do would be to let him go.

You know how some people will name a person as the love of their life? Mick was the dog of my life. He will be missed.

I am ever so grateful for the messages and hugs and calls and notes on facebook and prayers that you have shared. Your kindness during this time has been a lifeline. If I could ask for one more prayer, please wish him well on his journey.

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Lady Turnbull
1994 - 2009

Lady was a sweet and loving Elkhound adopted from a rescue in 1999. She was always a people dog, first and foremost, and loved nothing better than an opening for her to lick your face, something she’d do with enthusiasm and abandon whenever the chance arose. Her other favorite indoor activity was having her belly rubbed—whenever you started to pet her, chances are she’d lay down and roll over to give you the best possible angle. She was good natured about sharing the household; first with two cats, then with another human and a second dog when we married and merged households. Finally, in her later years, she suffered a baby with her usual equanimity.

As a younger pup, she loved to be outside, and was always on the alert, mostly for squirrels. And nothing was as much fun as a good romp in the snow, which didn’t happen nearly enough around here for her taste. Later in life, as her eyesight started to slip, she wouldn’t always notice the squirrels, but still loved to be outside, or by the door or window looking and smelling everything, keeping a watchdog overlook for us. Even as her health problems mounted, she still kept up her good nature, enjoying our company more than anything. She will be missed.

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Belle
October 7, 1998 - April 8, 2009
Beloved friend of Peter Moulder

I lost a treasured friend today, The little dog who used to lay, His gentle head upon my knee, And share his silent thoughts with me, He'll come no longer to my call, Retrieve no more his favorite ball, A voice far greater than my own, Has called him to His golden throne, And though my eyes are filled with tears, I thank Him for the happy years, He let him spend down here with me, And for his love and loyalty.

Harley was a lovable parti Cocker Spaniel and my best friend for almost 12 years. I am so proud of him for being so willing to participate in POW and especially the PAWS Reading program. He loved helping the kids at Logan and Glenmar Elementary. We had just attended orientation at Colgate Elementary, but unfortunately he never got to meet this reading buddies as he got so sick so quickly. But, I take such comfort knowing that he touched the lives of so many people. I feel such a void and an emptiness inside, but the notes I've received from POW members really help me to cope. I wrote Har this note to take with him up to the Rainbow bridge and I'd like to share it with my POW friends:

Vicki, thank you for all of your support & dedication to POW. You are an inspiration. I want to continue to volunteer in memory of Har & one day maybe a new lil pup will tell me he wants me to be his Mom.

 

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Julie Unger
April 10, 2001 - January 1, 2009

It feels like the worst thing that has ever happened to me. I have lost a member of my family. I have 2 other dogs that I love, but Julie was my heart. Sometimes I called her Bug-A-Boo and she would respond to it. She was the sweetest dog I’ve ever known; so gentle. This may sound funny, but we had a wonderful unspoken connection. We knew what the other was thinking. She was really special. I miss her immensely. My heart is missing.

 

 

 

 

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Major Bowers
February 19,1997 - August 26, 2008

An English poet wrote on his dog’s tombstone that Newfoundlands have all the virtues of a human and none of the vices. My wife and I were lucky enough to have had him as part of the family for over eleven years. To me the Newfoundland is the breed that any other should be compared to for gentleness for he really was a gentle giant. My grandkids could climb all over him, pull on his ears, it didn’t make any difference to him. My Nephew referred to Major as being a very special dog. Major and my nephew’s son came up with a game that Major started. He would come up behind Kyle, stick his muzzle between Kyle’s legs and lifting him totally off the ground. Major would sit turning himself into a sliding board for Kyle. They would this over and over. Major was active in Pets on Wheels until he got too old. He gave us his love and loyalty for eleven years. We miss him.

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Tess Martin
February 14, 1995 - July 29, 2008

Tess and I had 11 and a half years together. She was a retired greyhound, nearly two when I got in in January, 1997. The previous month my border collie, Amanda, had run away when my brother was to pick her up at the vet's and after three weeks it seemed unlikely that we would find her again so I took a previous vet's advice and adopted a greyhound. Five days later Amanda reappeared and the two became great buddies. I thought Tess was happy as a beta dog and when Amanda died, I got another greyhound, Libby who also does Pets on Wheels. Probably a combination of Libby being a particularly timid dog and Tess' ego led to Tess becoming leader of the pack. She was a very outgoing dog, willing to go up to anyone. On those early occasions as I learned the problems of owning a greyhound, when she escaped I knew that she would be with the first person who would pay her any attention. It was this outgoing personality which made me believe that she would be an excellent Pets on Wheels representative. She and Libby were a POW team for about three and a half years and I still yet inquiries even though I had to retire her at the end of last year when it was clear that she no longer had the stamina although she still had the interest. Libby continues to visit, now in company with Moki, a chocolate lab.

Tess' passing was not easy. As we know it never is, but oddly in many small things I felt that she was showing me the way. She decided that she could not longer climb on the couch. If a particular area was too slick for her to keep her balance, she just avoided that and in the end she made it clear that she was ready to go. I tried to make her final days as pleasant as I could and she will live in my heart forever.

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Marley
December 29, 1998 - January 3, 2008

Marley gave us 9 years of faithful friendship. He was by nature a healer and everyone loved him. He was a big hearted dog with room in it for everyone. We will all miss him family, friends, pets Dylan & Bones, Simba & Nala. But some of his happy spirit stays with us forever.

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Dusty Englund
July 21,1996 - September 5, 2007

We adopted Dusty from the sheltie rescue in June 2005 when he was 9 years old. He was the most handsome sable and white sheltie we had ever seen and fell in love with him the first time we saw him. He adjusted very well to his new home and was very gentle and loving. I knew he would make a great Pets on Wheels volunteer. We visited the Brightview facility in White Marsh and everyone loved when he came in. Dusty was such a kind, loving, silly boy. He loved laying on the deck, playing in the yard with his sheltie brother Toby, and spending time with his family. He brought us much happiness and we cherished every moment of the two years and two months that we had him. We will always love our Dusty.

 

 

 

 

 

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Caramel
Went to the bridge August 13, 2007
Beloved friend of Alan Eanet

 

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Leo Moynihan
June 1995 - March 2007

Leo has been my family- my best friend- my everything for almost 12 years. He has been the brightest sparkle in the beautiful shining life of which I live.

When I met Leo he was just a 9 pound little piglet of a pup. He was the biggest and most hard headed baby in a litter of 9. I picked him up in Connecticut from the Goldenjoy Kennel and made the trip back to Maryland with him. He wreaked havoc the entire way...lesson #1 learned- Puppy MUST be contained! :)

I brought him home and did everything the book said to do. Lesson #2 learned don't listen....when they bark and bark and bark for long periods at night DO NOT IGNORE.... your golden could end up dark brown and stink out the house at the first squeal!

As Leo got older I realized he was going to be an oversized golden....all 110 pounds of him at his full growth. I figured socialization in public places was going to be very important so he accompanied me everywhere until the manager at the bagel shop told me I could not carry in a 60 pound golden anymore- poor guy didn't have time to carry my food every morning! Lesson number 3: Find walk up food stands!

Leo and I went to school- and more school- and yes, more school. What can I say- I was a slow learner. We practiced constantly in hopes of being in the Westminster- at least those were my hopes.... At the first opportunity he bolted out of the ring and made for the door. Lesson number 4: Dogs can quickly see when you are not cut out for the big time!

I heard about Pets On Wheels when Leo and I took the Good Citizens test. He passed with flying colors and the Pets On Wheels Volunteer invited me to bring him for the screening so off we went to the department of Aging in Baltimore County to proudly take our test. Leo- gave the test.... All of him tried to climb into the Directors lap while he was sitting in a folding chair. Lesson number 5: Help your dog to understand that not everyone appreciates all 110 pounds of him in their lap- though for the life of me I cannot imagine why.

We began visiting at the Villa in Towson... Leo's first order of business was to secure as much of the snack on the rolling cart as possible then to try and look like he didn't do it as cookie crumbs fell from his overstuffed jaw. Lesson number 6- Always help people to see how talented your dog is!

Leo became very beloved to all of the nuns at the Villa and he was allowed to stroll around on his own from room to room. One day while I was talking with one of the sisters I heard someone call from the hall...."Help! Leo has my walker!" I ran down the hall in horror to find the poor woman pushed against the wall with Leo attached in frozen animation to the ball on the leg of the walker. Lesson number 7- There is a time and a place for everything!

After 6 1/2 years at the Villa we needed a break from nursing homes since we had lost so many friends. I decide that since I worked at Port Discovery, The Children's Museum in Baltimore- I would start a circle time for small children there. We would call it Circle Time with Leo The Library Dog. Well Leo didn't know too many tricks but he was a bundle of fun so I decided that we would do tooth brushing demonstrations and read books about oral health. It took off like I never could have dreamed. He became a weekly event at the museum. He would spend 8 hours every week meeting/ greeting/ and sharing his beautiful liver or chicken flavored breath with all who were willing to sample a whiff. One day I was in my office and Leo was working with his public and I heard a visitor say to their child, "Look at the nice doggie with a sandwich!" In horror I bolted out the door to find him running around the room with a tuna sub sticking out of his mouth like a cigar and he wasn't planning on giving it up. Lesson number 8: The sweetest of em' are the sneakiest!

Two years ago Leo had surgery and a very large tumor and his spleen had been removed. He was 10 at the time and older for such dramatic surgery. I was a wreck but opted for the procedure. he made it through and the vet told me in no uncertain terms that Leo would be able to go home but he needed to stay away from going up stairs or jumping up onto furniture since his incision was so large. That night I set up camp in the living room with him and slept on the floor. I had a rotation of neighbors who came in and out to check on him prepared for the week. I blocked off the furniture w/ throw pillows and closed off the stairs to the upstairs with a chair. I went to work and the first visiting pet nurse from the neighborhood called frantic. They came in and Leo was no where to be found and the chair on the landing had been knocked down. Yes- they found him upstairs and safely planted in my bed with the feather bead and quilt snugly around him. Lesson number 9: You really cannot teach a dog new tricks- they will do what they will do.

Yesterday -after an extra two years of life- I had to say goodbye to my beautiful friend. And in the end he taught me yet another lesson. That time flies so quickly. Just a minute ago he was a baby and somehow now almost 12 years had passed. As I have told many of you who have e-mailed me such sweet and heartfelt e-mails Leo lived up to his name whole heartedly- he was my Goldenjoy Leo.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qXSFkFH0ebY
(video memorial to Leo)

 

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Berkeley Mator
March 5, 1998 - March 4, 2007

Berkeley was given to me as a birthday present from my parents when I turned 21. He immediately became our first baby and went everywhere with my husband and myself. Having been born in Florida, he learned to swim on the beach and with his biological father, in the pool next door. After moving to Pennsylvania, he continued his love for the outdoors. His hobbies included: swimming, canoeing, hiking, camping, finding rocks in streams, chasing squirrels and making snow angels. He had a great knack for retrieving rocks from the bottom of streams, holding his breath for up to twenty seconds. He had many friends and fathered 10 children. The runt of the litter, Daisy, became the apple of his eye and would visit and play with him often. Berkeley had many names that he would answer to: Berkeley, Misters, Mr. Lees and had a variety of songs that were composed just for him, mostly by his Dad. Although he had just begun volunteering with Pets on Wheels, if able to continue, he would have brought joy to everyone he met. Berkeley brought much happiness and love to our family and will be greatly missed.

 

 

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The Rainbow Bridge Story

Just this side of heaven is a place called Rainbow Bridge.

When an animal dies that has been especially close to someone here, that pet goes to Rainbow Bridge.
There are meadows and hills for all of our special friends so they can run and play together. There is plenty of food, water and sunshine, and our friends are warm and comfortable.

All the animals who had been ill and old are restored to health and vigor; those who were hurt or maimed are made whole and strong again, just as we remember them in our dreams of days and times gone by.
The animals are happy and content, except for one small thing; they each miss someone very special to them, who had to be left behind.

They all run and play together, but the day comes when one suddenly stops and looks into the distance. His bright eyes are intent; His eager body quivers. Suddenly he begins to run from the group, flying over the green grass, his legs carrying him faster and faster.

You have been spotted, and when you and your special friend finally meet, you cling together in joyous reunion, never to be parted again. The happy kisses rain upon your face; your hands again caress the beloved head, and you look once more into the trusting eyes of your pet, so long gone from your life but never absent from your heart.

Then you cross Rainbow Bridge together....

Author unknown...