Tabby Baby
It was a busy transport night when some veteran fosters arrived to pick up a dog. They had heard from a neighbor that a mother cat had given birth to three kittens and needed help. After dozens of emails, text messages, Facebook and pestering, we were off to rescue this young family. Upon arrival there were only 2 kittens remaining. Bottle feeding began immediately. The tabby kitten was so very tiny. As the days went by her sibling kept growing, while the tiny tabby stayed so very tiny. X-rays at the emergency clinic revealed an inoperable birth defect. In plain terms, all of her insides were in the wrong place. Her diaphragm was not formed properly. The sad truth was that she would not grow because her body was not made to thrive. The kind team at the emergency clinic gently helped her cross the rainbow bridge. In her tiny, short life she left a lasting impact. She lived long enough to know that she was loved, and to know that her little family would be loved and cared for. It was because of rescuers that chose to speak up and act that this family was given a chance. It hurts immensely to say goodbye, but this tiny little life leaves a legacy that will be honored for years to come.

Tia
Tia crossed the Rainbow Bridge in the loving arms of her second MARS foster mom on Tuesday, December 30, 2008. Tia was a dignified and beautiful mature German Shepherd dog who had been with her mom for only a few weeks when she became ill. A couple of trips to the vet and then the sad diagnosis. Tia had cancer and would not live much longer. In the short time she was in her second foster home, Tia showed herself to be a well-behaved, smart, sweet, and friendly girl who enjoyed attention. She was an instant hit with residents at the apartment community, even the management .Those who met her were impressed with her intelligence, good behavior, beauty and gentleness. She was a wonderful ambassador for her breed, changing some of the negative assumptions of GSD’s. She was especially loved by a young blind woman, also named Tia. The last weeks she was with us, a good covering of snow fell and we saw her playful side. She loved to lay in it and roll around, burrowing her head and nose in the snow. Her last days were comfortable on medication. She was active enough to accept a lot of love from her new mom and friends. Tia had lived with and been loved by another foster mom for about four months. Both moms will miss her for a very long time. Though it was painful to lose her, both are happy to have known such a truly special lady. Both are grateful that MARS provided this sweet, good girl with real love and happiness in the last months of her life.

TJ
I had never even considered fostering a dog before, but one of the kids came across an ad somewhere of a female needing foster. We were told she wasn't other dog friendly, but we have this other boy coming in and needs a foster. And so it began. We were told you were timid & skiddish, and not so sure how you would be with children, but I agreed. I was emailed a picture that broke my heart. You were chained inside a cage, and looked so scared, but I think what got me was your eyes. Even in that picture, your eyes spoke loud and clear that life had not been kind to you. The day we picked you up, you came right to the kids &I and played in the grass with them. You were so thin, no fur on your beautiful face, and those haunting eyes. Well, needless to say, our family fell in love with you, and couldn't bear to let you go. You were here to stay. You were home for good. As time went on, you acclimated to your new life. The fur grew back on your face, we got you healthy and you gained weight. It was so much fun watching you become more and more confident....in yourself and the world around you. Learning how to just be a dog, learning to play with toys, and I will never forget the first time you realized you had a voice. You let out the biggest bark ever, and then looked around as if to say "who did that?". I watched as slowly you trusted us more and more. Best of all, I watched as slowly the fear left your eyes, and light and love replaced it. I thought you would be with us for a long time to come, but that wasn't meant to be. The day we found out you were sick, it just didn't seem real. We had no choices. We made that appointment, and decided to love you even more up till that day came. We spent all that time taking pictures and just letting you know how loved you were. We were all there with you when you took your last breath, still telling you we loved you as you went. We always said the name TJ stood for Tigger Jumps, because you never stood still. Spend your time jumping your goofy self on the clouds. I know you have the biggest, fluffiest wings wings ever, and I know you know we loved you more than words, and miss you deeply. May you have an unending number of fences to jump over.

Trek (aka Starsky)
Back in the spring of 2012, we adopted our dog, Trek, from MARS. I think your name for him was Starsky. Last July, we had to make the horrible and most difficult decision that it was time to relieve him of the pain he had been experiencing, the alarming speed at which he was deteriorating, and the gloomy prognosis from his vet. We miss our boy terribly and grieve daily for our loss but we strive to remember the wonderful days we were able to have him with us - over 12 years worth - and the joy he daily brought to our lives. Thank you so much for the work you do to save these animals and thank you so much for providing us the opportunity and honor of being Trek's adoptive family. He was a one-of-a-kind, lovely, loving boy. Our lives were enriched by his presence. Someday very soon, we will be looking to adopt another puppy or dog. We will definitely be returning to MARS for assistance. Again, thank you, and Happy Holidays!