I have to thank ARF for a blessing of an animal named Ginger. In November of 2001, I walked into PetsMart on 71st looking for a furry addition to our family. Everytime I gave my oldest daughter a piece of paper and asked her to make a Christmas list, she returned it with only one request....a dog! So here I am, determined to find the best fit for our family..and I see her! Lying in the cage, was the sweetest looking terrier mix! I asked an ARF volunteer if I could please see her. The volunteer brought her out of the cage for me on a leash, and Ginger looked at me, licked my hand and laid down by my feet. Well, as you can imagine, I was hooked! I talked to her, held her and asked, "Where do I sign the adoption papers!"

It was November 11, 2001, when I got a call from the foster family. I had a lengthy discussion with her and felt very comfortable and confident that we were the chosen family. My son was out of school the day we got to bring her home! We picked her up at the vet, and took her to her new home. When I went to pick up my daughter with this precious little dog as the only item on her Christmas list, I was beaming. I held my composure and waited until we got home to bring Ginger into the room! Her eyes lit up! She was elated!

Ginger has brought more joy, companionship and love that I could ever tell you about and imagine to the Clark family. I have had many dogs over my life of 44 years...and she is right up there as the number one dog.

She was a buddy to EVERYONE, always slept with each of us during illness, was the best behaved and had the best disposition of an animal I have ever experienced. Anyone that came to our house wanted to take her home. We've had so many wonderful, valuable years with her.

It is now December 16, 2009. We have enjoyed 8 great years with Ginger. Three years ago we added a rescue Cocker Spaniel to our family...Dee Dee. Ginger loved, bathed, played and cared for Dee Dee as if she was her baby. About two months ago, she was diagnosed with congestive heart failure. We changed her diet, placed her on heart medication and a water pill and hoped for the best. When I came home today from work, my daughter, who is now 16 had called before I reached home and said Ginger was struggling to breathe and I hurried. We took her to her vet only to find out, she was going downhill fast. Both girls, myself and my husband had to make a horrible decision...we had to put her down.

I have been pathetic these last 13 hours. I can't stop crying and I've been no comfort to the family. She slept with me, helped me wake up the kids every morning, and was my shadow. That shadow is gone and I'm heartbroken...but I know I did the right thing...I couldn't let her suffer.

Just wanted to share my story and to thank your organization for caring enough to rescue these wonderful companions and allowed me and my family the joys we have had with this wonderful furry friend...Ginger.

I held both of them in my arms when the Vet gave them a shot to make them sleepy. I watched them stop shaking and turn their soft, sleepy brown eyes up at me and I whispered words of love and comfort to them. They cuddled closer to me. The doctor gave me time alone with them as I felt them melt against me. When he came back in, I nodded. They had drifted off to a soft place. It just took a minute. I felt their little hearts stop beating. At that moment, I wished mine would stop beating, too. They both had come to me as unwanted. Willow had been a mistake in breeding, half daschaund and half maltese. She had licked my tears away when my husband of 25 years had left. She was 15 years old, but could still play like a puppy. I had her since she was 5 weeks old. Davey was 11, a little Bichon who had shown up on my doorstep, when he was about 2. He was dirty and covered in fleas, starving. I bathed him, fed him and I can still feel his soft breath as he laid his little curly head against me, that night, as the thunder rolled outside. They both had developed Diabetes taking 2 shots a day and a perscription dog food, but they were happy. Willow went first and Davey wouldn't get up out of his bed after she was gone. Within a month of her death, he was gone, too. I dare anyone to say to me "they were just dogs." They were woven threads in my life. I will never forget you, my darlings.

We agreed to foster Mac on Memorial Day weekend and never gave him back. As close a we could tell he was a schnauzer/poodle + mix, black and white with a little gray. He was a wonderful fellow, a quirky personality and an all around great companion. Our time with him ended in December of this year. Thank you so much for saving him and making it possible for us to adopt and love him for so long.

During Mac's time with us he went camping, trailering, sailing, canoeing, swimming. hiking, and lots of traveling. He enjoyed a well-rounded life!

Taxi was the scruff little dog that the wife thought was so ugly in the Petsmart store that December day in 2001. I told her he had a gentle soul and an independent streak. There was a tag on his cage that said he had a heart valve problem and would require meds and watchful Vet care. We decided to "take a chance" on Taxi (so named by ARF providers because he was as yellow as a taxicab). We kept his name when we adopted him, and soon realized we had one quirky, funny little dog loaded with a unique personality all his own. We came to know that it was an honor to be adopted by Taxi. He became "the wife's" dog. They were constant companions and running buddies. Taxi really liked me, but he loved the woman that found him so "scruffy" that first day. She loved him too. She and I both cried the day he passed almost 8 years later. We are both in agreement that he was the finest "person" we ever knew. We will miss him.

We have just gotten back from the vets office for the last time with Foxy. She was a wonderful addition to our family she came at a time we needed the loving devotion of her & she accepted our family with the grace of a long friend we have just lost her after 15 years & cannot thank ARF enough for the wonderful years she gave us. Thank you again.

I lost the love of my life on Friday, August 29th – my beautiful red merle Aussie - his name was Jaggar. I met Jag at the PetSmart in March of 2001 and it was love at first sight for me. I cannot begin to tell you how much joy and love this dog brought to me. He loved to steal socks – clean or dirty, dress or white – and hide them under the bed. We would have to warn guests to close their duffels because he would find the socks and take them – they weren't safe shoved into shoes or hampers either. The socks were never hurt, just stocked under the bed. He loved to ride in the car and would sit in the front seat and watch everything as if he knew where we were going. I could go on and on... He and his buddy Deuce were playing in the front yard as they did every morning and Deuce let out an incredibly sad howl and I discovered Jag down. I ran to him but it was too late and he died in my arms. The vet said it was a pulmonary embolism. He was only 8. He was laid to rest under our mulberry tree next to his buddy Moose who went over the Rainbow Bridge 2 years ago. If the depth of love is measured by the depth of pain, mine for him is profound.

Dear ARF, I wanted to Thank you all for Ava, a little yorkie poo I adopted several years ago. Dixie Bee was her foster Mom, and Norita had also taken care of Ava the yorkie poo for a while. Ava died today of liver failure. I tried everything to save her, went to 3 different vets, but she was 13, and basically they said if she was a human she would need a liver transplant. Ava was the most unique dog I have ever had. I also foster for Puppymill rescue, and Ava helped me rehab some of those dogs. She was hyperactive, nosy, on the go, vocal, in-charge of everyone and everything, the queen of the world, up until she got sick a month ago. Ava could climb anything, never let us go anywhere without her, never left my side, made everyone laugh, and everyone who knew her loved her quirkly personality. I love her more than I can say. Thank you ARF for giving me those years with her. It was my honor to know her.

Bindi was a beautiful Australia Shepherd/Great Pyrenees mix I adopted through ARF In October of 2006. Sadly, she had a severe condition passed on by her mother which increasingly became worse with each new outbreak. Miss B went over the Rainbow Bridge with the loving care of Dr. Suzanne Caruso and the caring employees of Vet Associates on Tuesday, December 4th, 2007. I miss her more than words can say; she was funny, loving, mischevious and a "little sister" to my Miniature Schnauzer, who tried to keep her under control (he weighs 18 lbs, she was a hefty 72). I miss you Baby Girl. See you soon!

We adopted Amos, a border collie mix, from ARF on March 17, 1994, the day we closed on our first house in Tulsa and four months after our wedding. Eight years ago, we moved to Chicago. Amos was put to sleep today due to old age. Until recently, he was a very healthy dog and had a great, happy 14 years. Amos was a great companion, watchdog and best friend. He loved his daily walks around the neighborhood, barking at the mailman, Begin Strips, snow, and just being pet. He was one of the best dogs ever - we miss him so much! Thank you for rescuing him for us.

Miss Celie came to my house from Florida in 2004 - she came with my son Danny who had rescued her from being dumped by a neighbor of his, five years prior. My son had become very ill and moved back home to try and recover and get some rest. After finally being diagnosed with cancer, he lost his battle on September 01, 2005. Miss Celie was never the same after he died and she gradually became thinner and thinner - though she checked out with no worms or obvious disease. One morning I found her still in her bed - obviously not having been out of it all night. She couldnt walk when I stood her up, and she could barely raise her head. I had to have her put to sleep. She died just 3 days after Danny's birthday on May 13, 2006. Miss Celie was a bright, perky, fun-loving little friend. A constant watchdog and a faithful friend of her old cat buddy, Solomon. A Min Pin who never stopped laughing and playing - scampering to bring back the ball, as long as you would throw it. Though her steps were slower, she did this right up to 3 days before she finally gave up. I knew when she stopped chasing her ball, she was leaving me. I think she died of a broken heart - Danny was her daddy, her friend, and her Master. I miss them both with all my heart; and as I have already written a memorial to my son, I wanted to try and do the same for his little friend. Miss Celie, I love and miss you. I believe you are chasing a ball again - thrown by the hand of your Master.

She came into my life sick, cold, starved, abandoned and scared, but mostly, she was OLD. She had nothing to offer me. She couldn't heel, couldn't sit on command, couldn't jump over hurtles, couldn't run through tunnels, or weave through weave poles. These were the things that were important to me. She was useless. No one wants an old and sick dog. No one knew where she had come from, what she had endured, how she had survived. At 13 years old, she had nothing left to give or did she? This old dog taught me to take life one day at a time and to enjoy just that day, for you never know what tomorrow might bring. She showed me how to love unconditionally and not expect or demand anything in return. She taught me patience and showed me how to deliver kindness. Most of all, she made me understand what true grace is. For her, a kind word and a soft touch was all she needed in return. She gave me everything she possessed: grace, kindness, love and dignity. It was all she had, but it was what I needed. This one old and abandoned dog will not be forgotten.

My sweet Maggie crossed the Rainbow Bridge on April 16, 2007 at 9 years old. She was the sweetest, most loving dog. Even though her heart and spirit were still full of love, her body could not go on. The pure love and faithfulness that I received from her will never be replaced. The sadness and ache in my heart will go on always. I miss her deeply. I know that she is waiting for me on the other side of the bridge, and we will again be together one day, so that I may caress her sweet face and look into her loving eyes once again.

Most devastatingly, I lost my feline friend of almost 12 years this past week due to severe complications resulting from Diabetes. He was very sick and spent his last days at Ranch Acres Veterinary Hospital where he died by injection on Thursday, December 28th 2006. I loved Grey very much and will miss him with all my heart. This was a creature that was a constant in my life from late childhood through today we resided and grew through the stages of our formative years, and more than anyone else, he was privy to my many moods, emotions, and transformations this being who loved me unconditionally, and accepted me whether good or bad, fat or thin, beautiful or not. And especially during adolescence when true friends are few and far between. For that I thank him, and will be forever grateful. No matter what pet I may ever have in the future, none will ever be the one that went through it all. None will ever be the same. And it saddens me greatly. Grey was very amiable, gentle, and kind. Of course, he didnt prefer to be around lots of people and wasnt the most sociable kitty sometimes, but for those of us who lived with him, he was the best companion, a loving friend, always tolerant of hugs, always willing to come when called, and ever ready to serve as a foot warmer or lap weight. And as a gesture of last respect I am sending this tribute in his honor. For all of you, just remember if you have an animal companion to please appreciate them. The love, loyalty, and understanding that comes from their souls is about as pure as it will ever get.

My husband and I adopted an adorable puppy 4 years ago. He just died this morning due to complications with epilepsy. He was our baby and he will be dearly missed. Thank you for bringing him into our lives. We hope to adopt again.

My dearest Chico... I miss you so much every day. I don't know if the pain of your loss will ever go away. You are forever in my heart. Don't forget, Mommy loves you and I'll see you in heaven. So, save me a place!

Each one of you left a very special impact on our family's lives. We are so grateful to have been so lucky to have had such sweet and genuine animals. We feel blessed that you each chose us as your family. There was never a day you didn't fill our lives with laughter and affection and warmth- the special kind only a special pet could create. You were each a part of our family, you always will be, and your memory will always be kept alive in our hearts. Watch over us, and we will someday be able to hold you again.

You were a huge part of our family for 11 years and you are missed every day. We will play together again someday, I just know it!!!!!

Born May 2, 2002, our precious baby filled our lives with joy. She passed away too young on December 22, 2002 from a hidden disease she was born with. We'll see you at the Rainbow Bridge...

Lucky died of heart failure on Monday Dec 2, 2002. I will miss him something terrible, he will never know how much he is loved & missed. Words cannot explain the hurt.

Our Precious orange tabby received from ARF on December 24, 1993. He will be missed by Valentine and I and by his sister Coco. We are eternally grateful to ARF for the gift of this wonderful boy. Thank you for this treasure and for the loving care other "Beau Kitty Boys" get from you very special people.

Our beautiful American Eskimo Spitz that we adopted when she was just a year old passed away on June 19, 2002. She was 13 1/2 years old and died of kidney failure. She was always a fun loving dog with a happy face! She was a great watch dog and protector of "her domain" and no one was allowed in our yard without her approval! She will be greatly missed by us!

In loving memory of Blackie. We will always miss you.

To BooBoo, my companion, my dearest friend. I love you, and miss you horribly. I'm honored to have had you in my life. May you be surrounded with hundreds of playful squirrels. I love you...

In loving memory of Lacy, my wonderful miniture schnauzer. When she died, at 15, of congestive heart failure, I lost my best friend in the whole world. I love you Lacy.

In memory of Quasar & Lady. Quasar was a Rag doll/Himalayan lived to be 10 & Lady was a German/shephard lived to be 12. I will miss them always.

in memory of our sweetest scoobies....from the time we found you at 4 weeks through the next 11 years, you were our cuddler, our favorite front seat rider, and our best friend. we know that there is a special set of doggie wings in heaven for you for all the love you gave. our hearts are broken without you.

To the Boys! We love and miss you. Keep on hunting, we will catch up soon!

A angel sent from heven to a loveing family of 2 young children and 2 loveing adults passed away Febuary 27,2001 of a platter stone the size of a peach seed she well still run thought are heads as long as we live!

Lenny was loved by everyone and made everyone smile. I'm so sorry that she died an untimely, undeserved, and violent death. I was hoping to have her around for years to come. But we will all remember her neat and clever tricks and will cherish the good times we got to spend with her.

Even though it was short and very sweet we know you still go on. See you soon in the meadows of home. We love you puppy, you are very special.

This little dog was the love of my niece's life and all that ever touched her, she just captured everyone in the love and affection she had for everyone, and mostly my niece. Although my niece has gone on to rescue other animals, I believe this precious dog will always be in the back of her mind as well as the rest of the family.

Erin our beautiful Golden Retriever puppy of nine months, and Max our new rescue Golden Retriever that have helped bring the joy and laughter back into our lives.

Two wonderful Cocker Spaniels who shared their love and lives w/us for 14 years, we miss you everyday and your loss has left a huge empty place in our hearts.

We miss you so much, but we know you are in a better place.

Maggie Moppet was a cat of personality and was owned by two very special people who will miss, love and cherish Maggie forever.

In constant memory of our beloved Spuds, an English Staffordshire that was the delight of our days, you are not replaceable, but we open our hearts to others that need homes.

At of all the times we have had together, I will cherish each and every one. You were the light of my day, and my sun. You always greeted me with a kiss whenever I got back. And even when I was cruel to you, you always gave me slack. From a white puppy in sewer, to a loving dog, you are my most favorite of all. So from years to come, and years to go, I will cherish you in my heart to now and then.

In loving memory of Max, Lady and Toby whom were all loved and will be missed forever! We'll see you soon.

You were my friend through thick and thin, you waited anxiously for me to return from basic training when we were young, and we picked up just where we left off. I'll always have you in my heart and remember the times we shared.

Joshua, you are always in our hearts. We love you, miss you and will remember you forever. We love you, Joshua.

In loving memory of Cybill, a Schipperke, she was very hyper, but very lovable dog, she will be missed.

You were so very special and death came so quickly and unexpected. How we miss you but we'll see you at the Rainbow Bridge.

In loving memory of Sandy, my best friend from the time I was 2 until I was 18, I'll miss you and love you always.

The short time you were with us, you filled our life with love and joy. Hope you found a pair of shoes to chew on in heaven.

In loving memory of Romeo and Hamlet, two gray long hair kittens whose short lives were filled with so much love.

In Loving Memory of Bucky, our 15 year old Cock-a-poo. We miss you very much, we will love you always.

In loving memory of my 2 cats and 3 dogs that passed away. We miss you. Their names were Squeaker, Sparkle, Opus, Joesph, and Gabby.

Truman, a shy scared puppy mill dog, turned into a very happy loving dog, he loved to play, snuggle and was cute as pie. We miss you greatly, our "Tru-Baby."

In loving memory of Charles Joseph Howard (aka Chuckie "The King"). We miss you!

A very special cat, the house won't be the same without you.

The cutest puppy anyone ever saw, we miss you.

My little black mutt doggie that I, my family, and our Minature Schnauzer miss very much.

A beautiful dog who is in a place free from sickness and pain.

Age 12, who was all heart.

A long time friend.

Companion for 13-1/2 years.

15-year companion to Cindy and Bob Lang.

Lynn & Steve Murtha's little boy.

My bearded collie x who visits me in my dreams to reassure me that's he happy and no longer in pain.

In memory of Joyce & Leroy's special "little boy" whom they loved very much.

In your memory and in honor of Heidi.

The house is now very different with all 3 of you at the Rainbow Bridge. We still hear your barks and tags clinking to remind us your spirits will always be with us! Goodbye until we meet again!!

To our beloved Maggie, You were the sweetest dog a family could ask for and we will miss you more than you'll ever know. We will always remember you as the kind, majestic beauty you were and we're so glad you're out of pain now at the Rainbow Bridge!