Rainbow Bridge Loving Memories Last Forever
Those who have passed before us waiting at the Rainbow Bridge
Here are pictures and memories of our beloved rescues who have gone on before us. They still live in our hearts. SRC will be honored to post a loving memory of your precious family companion who has crossed over the Rainbow Bridge along with a photo of your choice. All we request is that you make a donation of your choice which will be used for the vetting of incoming rescues in honor of your precious one.
If you would like to make an online, tax-deductible donation in memory or honor of a loved Schnauzer, please click below on 'Donate':
Rainbow Memories in Honor of Those We Love
IN HONOR OF CALHOUN LIKENS (2008 – 2019)
January 23rd, 2019 at noon Calhoun Likens crossed the Rainbow Bridge after the most pampered adoption which SRC has ever experienced thus far! Never have I known a Giant Schnauzer who deserved such a change in his life here on Earth as Calhoun (SRC#1498) did. He spent his first 4 years in the Lenoir, NC area being painfully abused and neglected. His so called “owners” were so neglectful that the neighbors reached out to feed this gentle Giant and give him treats and love whenever he came to visit. When I met Calhoun, the look of pain and depression on his face said volumes; but then when the Animal Control Officer who had picked Calhoun up told me to vet Calhoun and move him as far away as possible, I knew what a terrible life he had led thus far. Looking into his soulful eyes, I realized this big boy deserved so much and could give abundantly of himself in return. I had no idea just how amazing his life was about to become because Ed and Shonna Likens were on their way from Texas to adopt him and they refused to take no for an answer. They explained it was meant to be!
Even Calhoun could not maintain his depression for long when these compassionate people wrapped their love around him. Suddenly he was a huge lap dog and was given all the affection he could absorb which he returned with complete abandon! I have never seen an adoptive family more suited for one other. Such a successful adoption so I truly wished it could last forever! The Likens were fantastic about sharing photos with SRC and with each picture, Calhoun flourished all the more! Calhoun had birthday parties and Christmas time with Santa. He got play dates with his canine friends and even some cuddle time with his Mom and Dad. I could go on and on. They brought joy to everyone who knew them that it seemed it would last forever until Shonna had the sad task of letting me know the Calhoun had crossed the Rainbow Bridge on that sad day.
Shonna’s special words honoring her beloved Calhoun whose memory will LIVE in our hearts forever:
We are so very grateful to SRC for allowing us to adopt Calhoun and give him a loving home for the past 5 1/2 years. The Arthritis in his back affected him so badly that recently he could not stand on his own most of the time and he no longer had control of his body. If he sat down he could not get up on his own. He has worn a double harness for the last year or more. A couple of years before he had his entire left ear canal removed because of cancer in that ear and has been totally deaf since then.
Even though it was a very difficult decision, it was time to let him Cross the Rainbow Bridge and once again run and play without pain.
We remember the day we picked Calhoun up at the home of Becky Cahill in Wilmington NC on July 10, 2013. We knew at first site that he would add lots of joy to our home and that we would shower him with lots and lots of love.
Calhoun was not a snuggler but he became my "Shadow" from the day we picked him up. He would follow me from room to room to room. If I was out of his site for more than a few minutes, he would come looking for me.
Calhoun enjoyed travelling with us as well. Calhoun never met a stranger. Regardless of where we were, be it in an RV Park or just walking around our neighborhood, people would stop to ask about him and to pet him. Everyone who met him fell in love with him. He had such a sweet and gentle soul.
I remember one Lady who lived at an assisted living facility that thought the world of Calhoun and wanted him to come by and visit each time he was there. If She saw me without Calhoun, she wanted to know where he was and to make sure I brought him to visit her the next time I came. When this lady died, I was talking to her Daughter. She was telling me how much her Mother loved Calhoun... she said her Mother really didn't like dogs... but she Loved Calhoun... Giants have a way of melting your heart !
Thank you again SRC for saving the lives of so many and working so hard to find just the right home for each and every one of the dogs you take in. I know that you ALL work long hours doing your very best to help these unfortunate animals that have been abused in many cases, getting them medical attention and good homes. Thank you so very much for ALL that you do and letting us share our home with Calhoun.
Our home is going to be very lonely now, but we know that we will see Calhoun again one day and that He will be glad to see us too. Until we meet again, we will remember all the good times we shared and have many pictures to bring a smile.
He truly was a gentle soul and a Very Special member of our family. I think of him daily and even when Whiskey does certain things (like laying in the floor and working her gumball treat machine) I tell her she learned that from Calhoun. There will always be a special place in my heart for Calhoun and will always be indebted to SRC for allowing us to adopt him.
Thank you again !
Shonna Likens
Nikki 7-16-1999 - 4-13-2007
This is our beautiful beloved baby boy, Nikki. We love and miss him so very much. We got Nikki when he was about 8 weeks old. He had his ears taped, very sharp teeth, and a terrible temper. Thank goodness that did not last long.
He grew up to be the sweetest, most loving, best behaved of all my Schnauzers. We had so much fun with him. He was so silly and smart. This picture captured his personality. He was always helping me. If he saw me digging in my flower gardens, he would help dig. He loved to help take the bedding to the laundry room. I would lay the pillow cases across his back, he would fetch them to daddy, or he would pick up a corner of the sheets. I believe he thought his purpose in life was making us happy and that he did. He loved to tease me, untie my shoelaces, get in my spot on the sofa. If I got up he would grab me around the leg, bite at my toes, pull the blanket off his sister Teya. Of course that would make her mad and she would jump off the sofa and chase him.
Being chased was one of his favorite games. He made up his own games. The blankie monster game (our hand under his blankie like a puppet). He loved that one. If I couldn't figure out what he wanted, I would put and hand in his mouth and he would lead me to what he wanted. I spent a lot of time grooming him. Every evening we had our own bonding time. I would comb him out and just hold him and love on him. His hair was so soft and silky. He was so very beautiful to me.
Our two minis were our babies and we spend a lot of time with them, especially Nikki. He wanted to be with us, or near us, or to be able to see us. Teya is so very shy and she sleeps most of the time.
His last 3 weeks of his life, he was blind and he wanted me to hold him all the time. He was scheduled for cataract surgery for both eyes on April 17th. He died the 13th.
He loved for me to kiss his paws. Before he took his last breath, he put his paw up for me to kiss it. My husband and I were both holding him. He died in our arms. We love him and miss him so very much. I am having a hard time dealing with it, but I keep telling myself he wouldn't want me to be sad.
It is in his memory that we became volunteers for SRC, hoping we can in some way help. We know that he is playing at the entrance of the Rainbow Bridge, waiting for us. He was "Daddy's Little Boy" and "Mama's Beautiful Baby"
Ron and Gloria Ray
Penny was placed with a family that loved her dearly. (She was the most beautiful dog) She recently passed with what they think was Cushing's. Heather and Penny were so in love with each other.
Katie Tyler
Pierre came to our family at age nine and quickly stole our hearts as he found his place in our family. He was a big clumsy boy who had no clue about the finer things in life. Like the sofa and our bed, but he quickly figured these things out! Pierre filled our home with a great deal of laughter, and our life was richer because he was in it! Although we only had the pleasure of him on this earth for five years, we know he's happily playing at the bridge's edge until he sees us again, and for us, he's never more than a thought away.
With Love - Renee, Drew, and Joey
Friday the 13th now has a new meaning for us. A very sad day in our lives that will always be remembered when any "Friday the 13th" happens no matter which month it is. The above is the last picture of Angel (aka Fluffy SRC #213). Actually, she looks pretty good in this picture, but her system was already shutting down, and she couldn't even stand up. We have never become so attached so quickly to any animal as we did with her. We thought we could help her survive this ordeal, but it was not meant to be. We are glad that we at least had 2 hours of her tremendous gift to us, her love, warmth, and trust. We were with her till the end. She crossed over in Peace and is now with her other Angel Friends. Lloyd &Vicci are such wonderful caring people who went far and above their calling in the loving attention they gave our frail little girl. It was so difficult to call them and give them the bad news about what has happened to Angel only 2 hours after she has turned her over to our care. We are already looking forward to helping our next ward, whoever he or she may be. There are still a lot of Schnauzers that we can help make a difference in their lives and find them forever loving homes. We have dedicated ourselves to this cause.
-Donna and Dave Stepanek
Dear Friends at SRC -
It saddens me to write and tell you that little Buddy (SRC #40) died in his sleep this week. We enjoyed the time we had with him, especially Jacob, who continued to carry Buddy wherever he needed to go after the little guy's spine began to fuse almost completely together from arthritis. Even though he had become incontinent, we were able to create a routine for him and give him a happy life. Please accept this gift in his memory. He had gone from a scared, frightened dog to a happy, calm little guy who loved to sit on your lap and be petted.
-Barbara Demarest & Jacob Rosenberg
6/18/05
March 15, 2005: This date Max (SRC #189) crossed the Rainbow Bridge. SRC wishes to express our gratitude to Ken and Courtney for giving Max such a wonderful and loving home. Although he was with them for only a short time, we know that he was loved and cherished every moment he spent with his new family. Max lives on in the bright memories he gave to his caring guardians in return for opening their home and hearts to him completely.
Joey Royall Rescue #88
It has taken a year before being able to write this memorial for our beloved Joey, known affectionately as Joe Bean.
Joey came to us from a kill shelter, and upon inspection from our vet, we knew that he had lived a short, hard life. Joey was guessed to be between 4-6 years when we got him, but his teeth had been worn down from scavenging for food, and his coat was in very poor condition. When you raised your voice, he would hit the ground, as if it were a round of incoming mortar fire and lay there, shell shocked, until picked up. It took several months for him to realize that he wouldn't be hit, and he would always have food in his bowl.
Once Joey came out of his shell, he became happy and playful. He loved his big buddy Pierre, and when Pierre passed away, he grieved with Drew & me. Eventually, we welcomed Gracie into our home and immediately fell in love with her Princess ways.
But sadly, we learned that Joey's prior life had caused terminal kidney damage. He spent many days at the vet, and eventually, Drew learned how to give shots and subcutaneous fluids at home. Twice a day for several months, Joey bravely endured becoming a pincushion. But sometimes, no amount of love or medicine can save a life. As his health & happiness continued to decline, we realized we had to let him go. We had just lost Pierre in March, and now seven months later, we were losing our Joe Bean.
To this day, I cry because his life was cut short through neglect. He was such a sweet, loving boy who deserved more time in a home that loved him.We still miss you, Joey, and wish that we could have given you more time-Love- Renee, Drew, and Gracie
I give this donation in Memory of my Beloved Booker.
- Renee Filippucci-Kotz
My Dear Sweet Little Seymour
Last night I lost you, precious little one. You have brought so much happiness to me in the last six months and two days. I know that you feel the same. We have bonded like no other. I will see you again, and I know that.
Here from Ecclesiastes 3.19-21:
" For what happens to the sons of men also happens to animals; one thing befalls them; as one dies, so dies the other. Surely, they all have one breath; man has no advantage over animals, for all is vanity. All go to one place. All are from the dust, and all return to dust.
Sweet Seymour, Mommy loves you so very much. You have been a blessing to my life, and I will always cherish your wonderful self. I love you. Until we meet again, my special little guy.
-Mom 7/1/2005
Betty Perdue Bailey
Mrs. Bailey, 78, of Spinnaker Bay Dr., Sherrills Ford, passed away on Thursday, January 19, 2006. Born October 4, 1927, in Bluewell, WV, she was the daughter of the late Lewis Hampton and Leona Blanche Richardson Perdue. Mrs. Bailey was a retired registered nurse for the Methodist Home at Asbury Care Center of Charlotte. She was an avid NASCAR Racing fan and Dale Ernhardt fan. Mrs. Bailey also enjoyed lake activities, country music, and volunteering at the Lake Norman Regional Medical Center. She is survived by her daughters, Shelia Dillon and husband Bob, of Mooresville, Brenda Bailey of Charlotte and Rose Bailey and Jay Lesemann, of Huntersville; six grandchildren; and very close friends at Spinnaker Bay and the Methodist Home. A memorial service was held at the Calvin-Cook Funeral Home Chapel in Mooresville, with Rev. Don Horton officiating. Memorials may be made to the Schnauzer Rescue of the Carolinas in her name.
IF MILLER COULD SPEAK
I hope news of my passing made nobody sad
Even though my time on earth was really painful and bad.
I am now in a place, I never dreamt could exist.
It is filled with God's love and heavenly bliss.
I romp through fields of green rather than confined to a cage,
Near a crystal blue lake that smells of rosemary and sage.
The best part of all is this wonderful man of light
Who came to see me when I first arrived.
His name is, Jesus; and he is full of love.
He is the son of our creator, up here, above.
He showed me affection, that I never knew before.
He also plays ball with me; this man I adore.
He explained that my suffering, while in the world
Was meant so that dog fighting rings might be furled.
I was told that my pain touched many people's lives;
People that I never knew while I was alive.
I am so happy that I might be part of a change,
Even if it had to come though such suffering and pain.
Please fight for the others to be happy and free
'Til the day they arrive here to play along with me.
Make them stop the carnage before it's too late.
Help my brothers find happiness outside of heaven's gate.
Thank you for caring, though you never knew me.
I can't wait to meet you when your lives cease to be.
I'll be waiting in the meadow where beautiful flowers grow.
Just look for the giant Schnauzer with his heart all a glow.
By someone who loved him.
Heidi Tyler was a standard rescue schnauzer that brightened the life of one of SRC's most active members, Katie Tyler of Charlotte, NC, for several years. Heidi passed suddenly in November 2004. Although she may not grace us with her presence here on earth, she dwells forever in the hearts of those that love her. She is now Katie's guardian angel and will never be far from her thoughts until they meet again. Donations in Heidi's memory have been made to SRC and are most appreciated.
Katie Tyler
It is with a broken heart that I send you this message to let you know that our sweet Sugar (SRC #20) left us this morning. She got up this morning very weak and with no interest in food (definitely a change for her!). At the vet, we discovered that she had a tumor on her spleen and was bleeding into her abdomen. She was listless yet very anxious and painful. Neil and I made the difficult decision to end her suffering as the prognosis was not good. We will sorely miss her, and we thank you for all that you did to bring her to us. Although she was with us only a short time, we were extremely blessed by her and hoped that somehow we made the last months of her life more pleasant. Thanks for all you do!
- Lora Beth & Neil Reece
In Loving Memory of Our Sweet Pepper Max (SRC #208)
Having Pepper arrive at our house was such a blessing. He was our newest, "Sweet Baby." Although he was older and had his ailments, he tried very hard to be as chipper and spry as he could be. Unless you knew him, you'd never know he was ill. We only had Pepper Max for a short time, but he worked his way into our hearts immediately. He was a wonderful little Schnauzer who was loved deeply and will be missed dearly.
- Kelly Thomas