Calvin the wonderful Australian Cattle Dog, passed away on1/29/13. He was probably 16 years old, maybe older. He came to us in 2003 after being picked up as a stray by Hanover County, VA Animal Control. He could do everything but hear.
He loved greeting his neighbors on the lane and trails, snuffing after the occasional vole out in the woods, wading in the Little River and drinking his fill of it, sitting on his front porch and watching the sun go down, a ride to the dump, reading the peemail at the Hanover Dog Park and greeting all his friends there, hikes on any trails, a good head petting, Rehoboth Beach, two regular meals with a little cheese before bed, his girl/person Kai, and the life he had with his family.
Calvin was a fine mentor and foster brother to 7 fosters, 4 for ACDRA, and host to various dogs traveling through. He was the dog that introduced us to Heelers.
Rainbow Bridge
Just this side of heaven is a place called 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 that they miss the people who were very special to them.
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....
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Audrey
Audrey was a sweet 1 year old who was calm and obedient despite never having had formal training. She was friendly with other dogs and she won the hearts of the people who worked where she was living -- in a shelter.
After undergoing her spay procedure Audrey unexpectantly died from complications. She is mourned by her loving advocate, Ellen, who was working dilligently to find her a forever home.
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Rocky
Rocky was a handsome, happy and well adjusted dog. In his interactions with humans, he is very gentle & reserved. He was just days away from being saved when he crossed the Rainbow Bridge.
A volunteer with ACDRA was going to foster him. Then we learned the shelter had an outbreak of canine distemper, a contagious and serious viral illness with no known cure. Routine vaccinations protect dogs from it. The shelter went into lock down and attempted to keep the healthy dogs separate from those who were sick. Unfortunately, the distemper won that battle. Rocky began to show signs of distemper and was humanely euthanized on April 2, 2012. Many tears have been shed for Rocky and "what might have been" for his future. We hope at the end he knew he was loved.
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Rusty
Rusty was taken to a shelter after being found bleeding in a field. He made it through 2 rounds of kennel cough while at the shelter -- often a death sentence for older dogs. Instead, he was evaluated by volunteers with ACDRA and found to be a great dog who deserved a chance. Another volunteer took him in and at the ripe age of 9, Rusty became an ACDRA foster dog. After 4 months in foster care, Rusty was adopted by a couple in Virginia. He lived very happily with them on their acres of rolling hills for a year and a half getting all the love, attention and care he deserved. Rusty crossed the Rainbow Bridge peacefully on March 14, 2012. He is missed by all who knew and loved him.