Till We Meet Again

22/08/2024

This evening we met the healthiest, sickest companion, Brandy. Her greeting, was ardent and we felt most welcome in her home. Thankfully, Brandy had one of her best days, and while it sometimes lends itself to second guessing/questioning, we're so very thankful that you had the opportunity to spend quality time together with Brandy. We're extremely sorry for your loss of Brandy...know that you made the best decision, the best decision in Brandy's interest. ~until you meet again~❤️

14/08/2024

It is never easy to reach out to us... to confront the thought that it may be time to part ways with your beloved, but it is so essential to recognize that it is a gift to allow your companion to pass, peacefully, at home, with their dignity intact. While no one of us wants to "play G*d," you are your companion's advocate, you know them best, you are their person... the one who will not ask them to suffer. Today, we witnessed, as Mia passed peacefully, in her bed, in her home, surrounded by her loved ones... it was the right decision, not the easy decision, but the right one. You, you from the beginning on her 49th day…gave her, her very best life. Thank you.
~until you meet again~❤️

11/07/2024

This evening, we arrived home after several days away and I was struck by the appearance of our dear Sansa. She happily greeted us, welcomed us in her usual enthusiastic way, but it was obvious, to me, her appearance had changed. She had aged. This month Sansa will turn 12 years of age. She is a rescue, we welcomed her approximately 2 years ago and have appreciated and treasured every moment together with her. Tonight, as I observed her, the change in her appearance, the ever so slight
look of weariness that I had not seen before in her eyes, I was reminded of how often I have said to owners... "while it may not feel like it today, you have been blessed to have had "x" number of years together." It does not feel like that to me at all. I want nothing more than another 10 years! A chance to make her second half, equal to the half in which we did not share together. While I know today is not the day, I have had my first glimpse, my first glimpse into what I see daily, but naively feel will not affect our family. Sansa, your commitment to our family, your desire to please, your need only to be loved... it will not go unnoticed nor unappreciated and yes, we will live each day as if it may be our last together.

25/06/2024

It requires a unique individual who, upon entering a shelter, falls in love with a 13, thirteen, year old pup! Especially when you are searching for your first dog. It is these individuals, the ones that adopt the elderly, the disabled, the abandoned, that are the true angels. You, you are remarkable in your ability to look past, age, deformities, behavioral issues, etc. Thank you. Thank you to those who love and provide for the discarded.
Know that you gave Sasha the best three years of her life. You provided her with love, peace, security, shelter...and when it was her time, you were not selfish, you allowed her to pass, with her dignity intact, in the comfort of her backyard, surrounded by love. ~until you meet again~

24/06/2024

Baci, "baci" in Italian means, "you kiss!" Baci could not have been more appropriately named... he welcomed us with kisses and he continued to give kisses until he fell asleep.
We acknowledge that euthanasia of a beloved pet is difficult, in fact we often espouse that it's one of the most, if not THE most difficult experience of one's life. However, it is a gift. A gift of love.
While I know that you swore there would never be another, our hope is that in time, you will again, open your heart to a pet, welcoming them as family for the duration that you're gifted.
Know that Baci will be waiting for you... ~until you meet again❤️

18/06/2024

Both of these lovelies were sadly left behind when their family had to move. While not litter mates, these two are two peas in a pod and while they do not have to be adopted together, they do love one another!
Chance is approximately 2 years old, neutered and up to date on all of his shots. Chance is extremely friendly and exceptionally playful and outgoing!
Chelsea is approximately a year old, chatty, and only wants to be by your side.
If you're interested in meeting one, or both, of these lovelies, please be in touch.

13/06/2024

Gia...

“Time to go home.”
“Time to go home, Gia.”
The words whispered by her owner, Deb, as she guided her pup of 15 years off to sleep for the last time.

Honest always ??—I always thought that Stacey and I somehow did something special to make this process beautiful. But alas—it’s not us. It was never us…we are just regular, everyday people.

Truly everything that happens during in-home euthanasia…it is special, and it is beautiful. But it turns out that the owners are what makes it special and the owners are what makes it beautiful. The owners (caregivers, parents) doing perhaps one of the hardest things in the world….guiding their dog off to sleep ~one last time~.

But tonight, the statement, no— really a question:
“Time to go home Gia.”

And when Gia's mom, Deb, looked at me and wondered, “I tell her that all the time…but I don’t know where home is. And if you know where it is, please let me know”

But Gia was home
This is the gift…
This is how it is all supposed to happen.

What does home look like...
You’re whole, you’re safe, you’re without worry.
You’re surrounded by every loved one you want to be near.
And home is a meeting place.
Or a lookout…to watch over those who are soon to arrive home.
Definitely no tears….except tears of joy—those will always be ok(ay)
When you get “home” it will be filled with people and animals who never imagined something so beautiful could exist. But no worries—everyone will be welcomed

Ed Sheeran said--
And I've not seen the roaring fields in so long,
I know I've grown,
But I can't wait to go home

“And I can’t wait to come home”

~until you meet again~

24/05/2024

It wasn't until we met Daisy and learned that she had met her human "behind bars" that we were enlightened to programs such as Prison Pups N Pals. Daisy, she was an inmate. Loved and trained by inmates participating in the program. Each day, inmates journaled their experiences with their foster...a journal that is sent along with each of the fosters when they are adopted into their forever homes. Daisy's fostering may have begun in prison, but her forever home was without bars and while she may not have been a fan of other dogs, she loved all humans! Thank you Prison N Pups for giving Daisy a chance and thank you to her human for welcoming her into her home... her forever home. ~until you meet again~

Prison Pups N Pals is a program we take great pride in at Halifax Humane Society. In this program we work with the Tomoka Correctional Institute to t

21/05/2024

Culturally, grief is universal. The pain of loss is not unique to any one group, race, culture nor religion. It is not tempered by wealth nor poverty...it is grief. It is pain. It is sadness. It is hurt.
Today, Junge passed, peacefully, with his family present and we were witness to their rituals. It was both heart warming and heart breaking to watch the intimacy as they covered Junge in a white shawl, prayed, placed dog treats, human sweets, flowers, hand-written notes of affection and coins upon Junge. While these rituals are not familiar to us, the grief was... Please know that you gave Junge a gift and that we believe you will meet again as perhaps you may believe as well. ❤️

18/05/2024

Loki was clearly adored, well-loved and family. He was especially revered by his younger, human sibling. Loki's, 6 year old, human sibling spoke so often of Loki that childcare teachers had to ask his parents if he indeed had an older brother. The reality was, to him, he did have an older brother... and when it came time to say goodbye to his brother, instead of feeling sorry for himself, he felt sorry for Loki, who would not get to see him daily! We believe that yes, Loki is going to miss you, but that he will be watching, faithfully, over you and your family...until you meet again.

16/05/2024

"...we shared a moment that will last 'til the end..." Tessa, as she rested on her patio, the sun shining on her face, Time, for a moment, stood still. The birds went quiet as the breeze picked up, rustling the leaves, a gentle sound welcoming Tessa onto her next journey. It was a brief pause before the chorus of birds returned to song, the world unfrozen from it's pause, returned to "normalcy." Tessa and her humans, they did share a moment that will last ~until they meet again~❤️

13/05/2024

It is a day we never, ever, want to have to think about...yet, it's a day that will, and does, come for all of us. It is a gift to relieve suffering, to allow them to pass with their dignity intact. A gift, to be in their home, surrounded by those who love them most, passing peacefully in their sleep. Not an easy gift, but a gift. Having witnessed so many, as they relax in the arms/laps of their human...I wish that we could all be so fortunate. To those who have felt the loss, my heart goes out to you and my hope is that you're comforted knowing...you will meet again~❤️

27/04/2024

Many of us, we rescue, we adopt, we welcome and embrace the discarded, the unwanted, the no longer useful. These companions, they give us their everything. They, with time, accept us into their hearts, they trust us and they love us unconditionally. Sadly, we don't always, almost never, have enough time with these souls who are so appreciative of a place to call their own, a home, where they're treated with the love and the respect that they deserve. Often, our time together with them is limited, we're never ready to let them go, but it's essential to remember the love that you have given them...the quality of life you have provided, is a gift. I believe that some of the very best are on loan to us. We're blessed to have them in our lives, no matter the duration and we need to remind ourselves that we gave them more than they've ever had and everything that they deserved. ~until we meet again~❤️

21/04/2024

Looking forward to hanging with these Lovies tomorrow, Sunday, noon until 2 PM.
A foster of cats for Centerville Pet Rescue brought in a cat, Maya, and declared that she had renamed her Maya in honor of Maya Angelou's quote "Have enough courage to trust love one more time and always one more time."
May we find within our hearts the courage to trust love one more time and may we open our homes to one of these deserving cats.

13/04/2024

Flopsy. Flopsy definitely established who she wanted her humans to be. She began showing up as they tended to their garden, watching, following and flopping at every opportunity for a back scratch! When she was welcomed into their home, she made it HER home. She easily acclimated to being an indoor cat and was especially fond of overseeing her human as she quilted blankets...often lying on the quilts while her human was "backing" the quilt. Today, when it was time to gift Flopsy a dignified, peaceful passing, she was at home, resting on a quilt of squares saved from previous quilts she had overseen the creating of. Today, Flopsy was returned to the garden from which she emerged to continue to watch, from afar, as quilts are continued to be made. ~until you meet again~❤️

11/04/2024

For anyone looking to add to their family...what a fantastic addition Ajax would be!!! He checks ALL of the boxes... good with dogs, kids, housebroken and crate trained! He apparently doesn't even seem to mind the resident cat!!! We were fortunate to adopt Sansa from Charlie's Crusaders and could not be happier with our gem of a girl!

Our Pet of the Week is from Charlie’s Crusaders!
Ajax is a sweet 1.5-yr-old pit mix. He is a velcro boy with puppy energy and a boxer bounce! Ajax has quickly learned sit, leave it, drop it, take it, stay, and heel. He loves kids and other dogs and can’t be bothered with the 20-yr old cat in his home. His favorite thing to do is snuggle on your lap. Ajax is crate-trained and potty-trained.

If interested in adopting please go to charliescrusaders.org and fill out an application.
Charlie’s Crusader Kennel License #17584
Fostered in Leesport, PA 19533

27/03/2024

As a young woman, what is it to entrust your safety, your protection, to your dog? When you establish that kind of trust, you are truly bonded. You, unconditionally love, fully trusting the instincts of the other. Bolt fulfilled his promise to protect you...you fulfilled your promise to allow him to pass with his dignity intact. Your bond, your connection, your love for one another was palpable. May Bolt, once again, be with you in some form. ~until you meet again~❤️

20/03/2024

"...Oh you must've been a beautiful baby
'Cause baby look at you now..."
Baby was more than beautiful... she was a cornerstone, your companion for twenty, 20, years. It was bittersweet to watch her fall asleep, in your arms, resting ever so peacefully, her paws crossed in prayer.
"...And baby, baby
May our love always remain
And baby, baby
Let no one ever take my place in your heart again..."
May Baby forever live in your heart.
~until you meet again~❤️

08/03/2024

Grief. Grief is universal... transcending ethnic, cultural and language barriers. Grief, is recognizable by all...a shared sorrow that knows no exemption nor immunity. Tonight, as they spoke their native language to Ace, while it was indecipherable to us, it was evident that they were speaking of both love and unbearable grief. Their grief was palpable, despite their words being foreign to Mark and I. May you know the gift that you gave Ace... his best fifteen years, and, in his time, his peaceful passing. Thank you for allowing us to be there for you, your family and for Ace.
~until you meet again~❤️

07/03/2024

When we, selflessly, open our hearts to a rescue, we often have no idea what to expect. The only certainty is, that we have love to share and, that we want to share it with one most deserving...a rescue. Tonight, as Sweet Pea peacefully passed, her story was shared... while she was thought to be much younger at the time of adoption, she turned out to be a senior girl who did not have nearly as much time with her family as she should have! However, she lived her best senior years and was clearly a well-loved girl!!! Thank you for opening your hearts to a rescue and thank you for, when it was her time, allowing her the gift of passing peacefully, at home. May she be running and well, chasing cats (my apologies to all my feline friends)! ~until you meet again~❤️

21/02/2024

A question that I am frequently asked when scheduling is... are there any dietary restrictions? NO. NO! If your pet still has an appetite, indulge them! There are no longer "forbidden" foods and so if it's cheeseburgers, french fries, pizza, steak, chocolate, ice cream, etc...indulge them!!! Today, we were pleased to learn that Ruby had a full belly of french fries, a counter surfed cheeseburger, donuts and treat after treat! Thank you for rescuing Ruby off the streets of Philadelphia and for giving her, her very best life. ~until you meet again~❤️

21/02/2024

Every time I volunteer at Centerville Pet Rescue I subject myself to falling in love!!! Tonight, tonight I met Bob.
Bob, such an ordinary name for such an extraordinary guy!!!
Bob is extremely affectionate, loving and is a pure joy to be with. He is obviously a sharped dressed man, debonair and always so formal looking in his tuxedo!!! He's sure to charm anyone and everyone. He certainly has stolen my heart!
Come meet Bob! He's an older cat, approximately 6 years old, and honestly, will make an amazing addition to your household!!!
If we didn't already have...well, no need to count, but if we didn't have our current clowder, Bob would be a welcome addition.

20/02/2024

A bouncing, jumping oreo... that was Mylo from the beginning of his journey with his forever family. Mylo was in every Christmas photo, every homecoming/prom photo, present for all of the milestones that he celebrated with his family over the past ten years. Ten years was not long enough, infinity wouldn't be long enough, but when Mylo succumbed to his cancer the second time around, you did not ask him to suffer, you allowed him to pass, peacefully in his home, in the sun, surrounded by all of his family. ~until you meet again~❤️

19/02/2024

Tomorrow, when you leave for work and your window sill sits empty, please know that your beloved, JJ, will forever be watching over you. As you attend PSU home games, continue to "bring" JJ along with you! Even to THON!!! JJ in his innate PSU self, white with blue eyes, enjoyed his best life socializing and always being present for the Nittany Lion's second half! ~until you meet again~❤️

16/02/2024

Elly, with her head in her human's lap, enjoying oreo after oreo and even double stuffed oreos, was a beautiful sight. As Elly's human reminisced about their times together and of the children's fondest memories of her, it could not have been more peaceful nor more genuine. Elly was well loved and had a great life. When she was no longer able to do the things she enjoyed most, her family made the excruciating decision to gift her peace. Not an easy decision, but a selfless one. The right one. ~until you meet again~❤️