Bo
Sabin got his furever home with me, and resident cat, Ophelia, on May 5th, 2008. It is with a heavy heart and great sadness to share with you that Sabin passed away from cancer and surgical complications on Sept 9, 2014. The outpouring of support from family and friends only reflected what an amazing dog and best friend he was. Although our time together was too short, it was filled with amazing laughter and joy and created amazing memories. If/when another MARS alum joins my family, the dog will have big shoes to fill. MARS will always hold a special place in my heart for connecting me with my best friend. Some pics attached for your reference and enjoyment. Regards, Sheri Richter

Beatrice
Beatrice, our dear basset hound came into Midwest on a van with many other dogs of various sizes and types - all filthy dirty and newly freed from a puppy mill. Beatrice went from being a shy girl, watching life in the corner to a comical goofball in the middle of everything. Her favorite activity always involved cuddling - anywhere, anytime and with anyone. She was assumed to be ten when we rescued her. We always said that we pushed her “pause” button and that she wasn’t allowed to get any older. Funny thing is, it worked. Beatrice went on to live with us for almost six years. Last year she joined us on our move to AZ and got to enjoy warm winters and dining in outdoor restaurant patios. Two months ago our Bea started a slight cough and we discovered a very large thoracic tumor and oversized liver. However, she was happy and in no discomfort. We promised her no sad days. So when the last couple of days for her showed signs of a downturn and she started to look uncomfortable, we knew the hard day had come. This morning after ice cream for breakfast, Beatrice joined Tucker and all of the other dogs we have had that so blessed our lives. I can’t believe the big basset-sized hole she has left in our hearts. She gave us six years of unconditional love and joy. Thank you for what you do, because without Midwest, we would have missed out on the greatest basset who ever lived. Darren, Marlo, Maddy and Nick

Josephine
This is a difficult email to write. But, I will stay positive, because I know that Josephine's is very much a success story. Josephine (our sweet Fifi, as we often called her) came to us as a foster pet. Our first - and so far, only. We instantly fell in love with her. Her back story wasn't good, they never are. She was a very sick girl when she came into our lives. That was the first moment we learned of her strength and resilience. On the brink of death, we provided as much love and support as we could, along with some great medical care. And, slowly, she got better. Way better. She was slow to trust people, and who could blame her. But, with each passing day, we got to see more of her awesome personality, and beautiful spirit emerge. Before long, we were her pack. She was fiercely protective, and never wanted to be more than a few steps from us at any time. She was always, calm...cool. collected - but watching everything around her, and taking it in. For 6 years she was a focal point in our family. She traveled with us, walked every morning (rain or shine!) with my husband before work, she spent endless hours helping us in the backyard, and greeted each of us every time we walked through the door. She was perfect. Then, when she stopped eating her food, and wouldn't eat even treats. We took her in and got the worst news you can possibly get. Hemangiosarcoma. She had likely been experiencing pain and symptoms for a while, but she was so strong - she never wanted us to know. On Monday, October 27th, a wonderful vet came out to the house and Josephine was able to lay in her favorite spot and drift peacefully away at home. She was so strong. We are relieved for her, no more pain. She was loved until the very end. I can't believe how much we miss her. Thank you MARS for rescuing this beautiful girl and bringing her into our lives. We are eternally grateful. Goodbye, Sweet Josephine. Elizabeth Pickerill

Kyla aka Vallah
Nearly 4 years ago, I had the privilege of bringing home my quirky, independent best friend. You knew her as Vallah: http://www.midwestanimalrescue.org/animals/detail?AnimalID=2801419, we knew her as Kyla. Her young spirit made us think she was about 5 when I brought her home, but a couple years later, when she had some medical issues, we found out she was much older than that, though she did not show her age much until this last year (we think she was 13 or 14 when she left us). She scared us two years ago, when she stopped being able to breathe, but with surgery, she was as good as new and we got 2 more years with her! It was a really hard decision to make but, on September 19th, 2014, we decided to help her cross the rainbow bridge and end her pain. Everyone at the vet loved her (how could you not) and I saw multiple teary eyes as we said goodbye. Thank you for helping match her to me and for giving me the best friend anyone could ask for, even if it was for such a short period of time. Sincerely, Kyla's people (Krystal & Steve)

Marlena
Sweet Marlena was adopted by a wonderful man who gave her so much love and support, and even though she tried to feel good and live a long life for him, her body could not fight the cancer. Marlena will be in all our hearts at MARS for the survivor that she was, and we will always be grateful to her adopted Dad who showed her that love really does exist and that life can be good. We will miss you!