Chief ~ 2013

I adopted Chief (originally his name was Rex) in March 2002 from TAGS. After almost 11 years together, he was diagnosed with degenerative myelopathy. The progression of the disease was so fast! It broke my heart to see him struggle to walk, when just earlier in the year he was still chasing (and catching) skunks. Over the Christmas holidays of 2012, we knew we couldn't watch him suffer anymore.

My beloved Chief, I miss you so. Oh the adventures we had together and the heart attacks you almost gave me, with you chasing deer and coyotes, or getting out of your crate and running through the San Francisco airport. We taught you to play hockey, tennis and golf; when you pulled me on my in-line skates, it was like water-skiing. In return, you warmed our bed each night and our hearts every day. And by standing with your front paws on the window sill and barking ferociously, you surely saved our lives from the letter carrier you thought was trying to break in to kill us. :) We hope we have set you free so that you can soar again as you used to.

Thank you to TAGS for such a special friend, since Chief was always more to us than just a dog.
Elaine & Brian

Sasha ~ January 2013

We had the privilege of adopting Sasha from TAGS in August 2012. Over the first few weeks, we took her to our cottage and worked on her recall, always affixing a loud 'bear bell' to her collar to know where she was and call her back to us should that bell fade. We started off on a small island where we knew she would be safe. When she got the hang of it, we took her on many beautiful hikes through the forests of Lake of Bays. When we would call her and whistle, she would come back, tearing over the stumps and rocks, a grey and white streak so joyful to discover all the smells and sounds nature had to offer.

Sasha smiled at everyone she met. She loved people about as much as she loved dogs and would approach every person as if they were a long lost friend - tail wagging with a big, wide smile, and her long tongue lolling out! Our children would rush home from school, eager to see their big friend and proud to be responsible for her afternoon outdoor break.

In the all too short time we had Sasha in our lives, we fell in love with her gentle and sweet nature. She would wait by the front door until each of us was home. At the day's end she would go from room to room, checking to see if her family was safe before settling down for the night. She was equally attentive when we would wake up, greeting each of us before even considering her morning walk.

How can we make sense of the cancer that grew so rapidly inside her? How do we accept that we will never stroke her heavy, soft, coat and see its beautiful shades of grey, white and brown? Or smell that 'doggie smell' after a romp in the mud or snow? We are learning to slowly and steadily, say goodbye to our wonderful friend.

"There is a beginning and an ending for everything that is alive. In between is living." To all the wonderful and dedicated people at TAGs who gave us our dear girl, Sasha, thank you for allowing us to be part of the 'in between'.
Smallbridge Family

Charlotte ~ Nov. 15, 1994 - Dec. 28, 2011

Paw prints in the snow, on our driveway, A memory of a life that lived so long. Never to be forgot; such a character. Fickleness and independence, goodness and mischief embraced by a pink bow. Such was Charlotte. "Lottie!" sometimes shouted in a haughty accent, scripted her title, her 'Madame' days! She made us laugh. Her furrowed face always straight, if not superior; in charge of us, mere humans. So many years passed before she could roam free, unleashed. Those first 5 years! She'd dash beyond reach…somewhere out of sight in the brush following her twitching nose. Exasperation on our faces, Charlotte ignoring us until too long had passed, then she'd decide….call it quits and sidle back to us, avoiding eye contact as she decided to be leashed. Today, I peered again into the snow…there…..those paw prints in the snow! Tears falling, recalling latter years. She, earned her freedom on the trails, trekking so many miles in Long Sault, Stephen's Gulch, our Creek across the street, allowed to be with Shadow, with Mitchy…unleashed. There… quietly imprinted, her same pawprints on the driveway, layered now by freshly fallen snow, but not forgotten.…still in my mind and heart. Her pawprints in the snow. What an adventurer! So many miles under those sturdy, muscled legs, A little tomboy girl, Charlotte, yet sometimes cradled in our arms for every clap of thunder. Friend of Mitchy, Shadow, Buster, Sterling, Gucci, Kody, Molly, King, Abby and so many more. She's ready at last to join her brother Mitchy, sister Shadow, ready to cut corners race her dearest ones…..and meet Tigger for the first time! And now here on earth? I see them yet again in my heart those pawprints in the snow…,our special little dog, Charlotte. A pall of sadness mixed with joy I see her still. But look! At Heaven's Gate I see she hesitates, With all her agility regained She leaps into The arms of God.
Yvonne & Paul Dodgson

Otis ~ May 2011

We spotted Otis on the TAG website back in April 2003. It was the "amazing race" to get to the Petsmart and take a look. I remember when we got there, there were other people interested, but I had our vet phone number, references and I was ready to fight for this little guy. My mother who had previously said that she would never own another dog or love another, immediately fell in love with him. I remember the dog behaviour lessons and his special personality. His special personality later helped us through my mother's Alzheimer's disease. He knew that she was failing and would sit quietly on her knee. If she moved away from the house, he would bark loudly to let me know. At other times, he was so spunky and is heart was so big, he gave freely of all his love. Yes, we spoiled Otis. He had a playpen for lounging on our front porch; a stroller because he would rather ride than walk sometimes and he would ride in a trailer attached to my bike several days a week. He was our baby! He was a great listener and was always there good times and bad. He turned 14 years old on May 1, 2011, and he rummaged through the gift bag for a new squeaky toy. Otis had more squeaky toys than any other dog we know and he would play by the hour with them. A few weeks ago, I noticed that he was tiring more easily and had a cough. After several trips to the vet, he had various antibiotics, x-rays, bloodwork, he was not getting better. On Saturday night, I slept outside with Otis to help him breathe easier. On Monday morning, he gazed into my eyes and let me know he was leaving. I will never forget the bond or attachment that I had with Otis. He gave so much more than we were ever able to give him. A huge thank you to TAGS for allowing us to take care of Otis and for letting him come stay with us for so many years. We will miss him dearly every single day and in our house, Otis's memories will live on forever.
Marg Trottman-Graham

Gentle Ben ~ May 12, 2011

We spotted Gentle Ben on the TAGS website and there was something about his sweet face that appealed to us. After inquiring and finding out more about him, we went to see him and fell in love at first sight. Sure, he had his silly and sometimes annoying habits, such as having to bark at anything that moved, whether it was a squirrel, a vehicle, a kid on a skateboard or a bird, but that is what made him Ben. He wasn't young, maybe eight years old, and we knew that his chances of adoption at that age were slim, so we took a chance. In February, he started having some health problems, so we took him to the vet in March and it was discovered that he had advanced stomach and bowel cancer. We were able to keep him going for a little while, but soon his suffering became too great and we had to make that decision that all pet lovers dread. Ben passed away on May 12, 2011. We will always remember what he brought to our lives. Thanks to TAGS for giving us the opportunity to know and to love our Benny-Boy.
Ron and Kathi

Cookie ~ September 28, 1999 to March 5, 2011

My beloved Cookie passed away on March 5, 2011. I adopted Cookie through TAGS in 2000. Cookie was an obedient, loyal and oh so very loving a companion. She was sweet natured and gentle. At first she did not like other animals near her, but as time went by she learned to tolerate, then play with other dogs. She had health problems over the years, but none that we couldn't deal with. Then, in April 2008, my sweet girl was diagnosed with cancer. She was given 5 to 11 months to live. We gave her chemo and she responded very well and had no further problems until last year and she was then diagnosed with a liver tumor. There was nothing more to do. She wasn't in pain, but she was up and down with symptoms until she was too weak to go on. I am very grateful for the time I had with Cookie. I loved her very much and we spent so much time together. I have wonderful memories of our 11 years together and I will cherish them forever. She was a much loved part of my family and I miss her so very much.

Justice

Our old boy Justice passed away on Monday June the 21st 2010, he will be very much missed by his hole family :( we want to thank TAGS for saving him on Christmas eve from being put down and then giving us the chance to adopt him, and love him. Justice was a part of our family for a long time and will always be in our hearts :) now he will be happy in heaven with his girl Baya, puppy and brother Debo :)
 
We miss you already and Love you so much.
 
R.I.P. Justice Cook

Max

Six years ago we adopted Max, a purebred yellow lab, from Animal Guardian. It is with great sadness that we report that Max passed away on April 23rd, 2010 at approximately 1115 am. Max had a good life with us these last 6 years. He went RV-ing, swimming, camping, and canoeing, although in this instance I think he dog paddled. As far as swimming went, he liked to be able to see the shore and in later life wore a doggie lifejacket that had handles. He truly was portable. Max was never lonely and was never left alone. He enriched our lives with his unconditional love as much as we loved him. We will miss him.
 
Dennis Brocklebank
Jill Carter
Sean Carter-Roncetti

Keisha

MY BEST FRIEND

My Darling Keisha you closed your eyes today
As I was holding you in my arms
Such an overwhelming ache in my heart
I  think will never go
For me it was  love at first sight
You were so shy and afraid when we met
But you  felt my love
 And I received so much more love back
You always brought great joy to me
Such a gentle loving beautiful friend
You always stayed close by me
Always giving me so much love
I will always have such beautiful memories
My sweet darling
The time we had  was not nearly enough
Go play in the doggy park my darling
Have no more pain as you run
You will be so missed by your Family and  Friends
You will always be in my heart my darling
I will miss you for ever
My Darling Darling  Gentle Keisha
Till we meet again

In Memory of my Keisha
Born Jan 4th 1997 - Died March 31st 2010

Cosmo McCaul ~ December 09, 1998 to February 11, 2010

The summer of 1999 was a memorable one for our family. We had just come back from visiting with friends who had bought a yellow lab puppy. We fell in love with the breed right there and then and by the end of the weekend were determined to have a yellow lab to call our own. The problem was that the cost of a yellow lab from a breeder was very dear and we thought perhaps we could find one at an animal rescue facility and would not only save some money but would help a dog in need. Now you might be thinking that we were callous in being concerned with the cost of the dog and not the love that a dog would give us. However, with three young children, a mortgage and all the other bills that come with raising a family, money was tight. Fifteen hundred dollars for a dog was not in our budget. So I began calling around. I was told that the place to find a yellow lab if there was one to be had at all would be at a placed called TAGS. I called and left a message that we wanted a yellow lab that was at least six months old and house broken, no preference for age or sex. TAGS called me back and told us that a nine month old yellow lab named Cosmo would be able to be seen at the Whitby Petsmart that very day. We hurried over to see this dog. One look in those big beautiful brown eyes and I was hooked. After what seems like ages, but was only a matter of a few weeks, we brought Cosmo home to stay. He became integrated into our lives very quickly. He had to be the centre of attention, was very affectionate, was very protective and oh so loyal. He greeted us every time we came into the house as if he had not seen us for years even if had only been 5 minutes. He was the "bestest dog in the world". Oh and about the fifteen hundred dollars we could not afford to spend... well over the years Cosmo had lots of health issues, tore his cruciate ligament (knee) which required a plate to be surgically implanted, had a broken tooth removed, a growth on his leg and one on his side removed as well as an assortment of skin rashes and ear infections... that fifteen hundred dollars grew to well over ten thousand dollars before I stopped counting, Cosmo was only four years old by then. Oh but he was worth every penny, every hair that he shed, every mess that he made. We loved our dog and gave our hearts and our home to him for more than 10 years. In return, he gave us unbridled and unconditional love. He brought us joy, friendship, taught us about trust, made us laugh when we were sad and simply taught us to enjoy life. It was with great sadness that we bade farewell to our beautiful boy on February 11, 2010. We thank him for all that he brought us in the time that we had with him and we miss him oh so much. Go sweetly into the night our beloved Cosmo. Rest in peace.

Love Mommy and Daddy, Lynn, Mike and Josh

MaggieMae ~ February 27, 2009

Farewell, Maggie May...
It is with a sad heart that I say a final goodbye to Maggie May, as she died on Thursday, February 26th after a short and sudden illness. Some of my fondest TAGS memories are of Maggie. She and I came into the program around the same time in January '03. All of Maggie's new puppies quickly found their forever homes, but Maggie was still waiting.

As it turns out, her foster home ended up being her forever home, and I know she could not have been more loved than she was with her foster mom, Sandra. She often told me about the things this funny little dog would do. Maggie liked to sleep under the blankets, but not for too long because she would get too hot. She also liked to steal toys from her fellow foster dogs and then taunt them with the toys to initiate a game of keep away. I always thought that Maggie was a bit a of a clown - I know she loved the attention.

I know that what many people saw when they looked at her was a stockily built, brindle coloured "pit-bull type" of dog, but I always saw a charismatic, vivacious, energetic, spunky, sweet, wiggly, and lovable dog that truly had a zest for life. I remember the sheer joy on her face as she ran around the dog park heedless of obstacles like benches or trees. She had such an expressive face that it was easy to tell when she was happy. She was misunderstood by some I'm sure, but those of us who knew her, loved her, and we feel her loss. Maggie May, you will be remembered, and you will be missed.

Clifford - December 8th, 2008

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Clifford as a tragic accident on Monday December the 8th 2008. Our lives were enriched by knowing him. The first time we looked into his big brown eyes we knew our home was to be his also.

He accepted our love and gave all his love back to us. He trusted us and we trusted him back. With everything that he endured before he was rescued, we honestly feel was completely forgotten and he was appreciative of the second chance he had been given. The time we had with him was far to short but he will always be remembered, missed and deeply loved. We believe he is still with us we just can`t see him. We would like to thank everyone at Tags for allowing us to make him part of our family. A special thanks to Kathy, Lorna, Alan and Mary Jane for seeing what we saw in those eyes. Rest in peace our sweet, special boy.

Wendy, Ty, Ayres, Cory, Apollo and Harley

Maxwell Buddy Cooke

This was the name my Dad gave his new dog. I worked at T.A.G.S. volunteering on Sundays I loved walking the dogs and bonding with them because I knew I couldn't have a dog of my own because we are all so allergic. The summer of 2001 my grandmother passed away which left my grandfather living alone in a lonely apartment in Scarborough. So I looked for a companion for him to go on walks with and spend his lonely nights with. One Sunday I saw a loud playful HUGE dog named Max. I took him on a walk to get him out of the cage for a bit and I noticed outside of the cage he was a gentle sweet dog. But again HUGE! I thought he would pull the lead, he didn't. I thought he would bark and lunge at every dog that went by, he didn't. So I started to bond and I thought he would be perfect for my Grandpa. When my Dad came to pick me up that day I told him to come in for a minute to see this wonderful candidate. As soon as my dad saw him he was in love. I said, "So Dad is he good enough for Grandpa?" "Nope." My dad replied. My face dropped I had fallen in love with him and now I had to say goodbye. "He's coming home with us!" My Dad said. That was it. That's all it took. He came for a visit to our home a few days later and never left. That was November 2001. It's now June 2008 and this past Sunday June 1st 2008, Max passed away laying in his favourite spot in our living room under my Grandfathers feet (who moved in with us 2001). Max has given us so many wonderful memories and its a huge part of our lives missing. The past 2 years were hard for this gentle giant because he had a tumour in his left front leg and had 1% muscle in both his hind legs. The day he died he couldn't get up to eat or go outside. He just gave us the look and we new it was time. He gave my Mom one last kiss and went just and quietly as he came. My beautiful "Bubbies". Lauren Cooke
Maxwell Buddy Cooke Unknown - June 1 2008.

Charlie - June 4th 2007.

On a sunny day in July 2004 little did we know but our lives were to change forever! On the 16th of July my wife ventured into Petsmart while I did my boy toy thing and went into Future Shop to check out computer stuff. A short while later my wife told me I had to come and see this wonderful dog that was up for adoption from a group named TAGS. I was skeptical as we had lost another dog a few moths previously, and we were still grieving. I couldn’t overcome her enthusiasm, so I followed her back to Petsmart to meet the most sad looking and wonderful Dalmatian I had ever seen. Needless to say we filled out the adoption papers on the spot and Charlie (female) soon became an integral part of our family. A couple of days later I saw Charlie baring her teeth at me when I came in the room. I was a little apprehensive at that point, wondering what we had taken on. That is, till I realized that she was smiling at me. I had never seen a dog do this before and was amazed. I came to love that smile as did my wife and family. When I got home she would be wagging her tail furiously and smiling her greeting. Charlie soon lost the “pet” status and became our little girl. Needless to say she thrived in the attention and showered us with all of her love and devotion. What more could we ask! Sometimes even seasoned pet owners such as us are taken back by a certain bond that can be created. This existed with Charlie. I have never had such an attachment with a pet before and likely never will again. When we were sad, she was there. When we were down, she was there. When we were sick, she was there. And all that she asked in return was that we loved her back, which we did. It was therefore heartbreak to our family to say that we lost Charlie on June 4th 2007 after a prolonged fight with arthritis. We were heartbroken when we first discovered the problem about a year ago but we vowed to make her life as comfortable as possible and to give her the love that she had shown us all these years and she now rightly deserved. After all she was our little girl! We eliminated the use of stairs for her and gave her every comfort possible for those sore days. However recently we saw that she was having a lot of difficulty getting up and would stumble. After consultation with Dr. Hoogers at the Ritson Rd. Veterinary Clinic we were forced to say our final goodbyes. She passed quietly in my arms with my wife at her side. We will miss our little girl but are comforted in the fact that she knew she was loved as she loved us. We will be together again………. Thank you the wonderful volunteers at T.A.G.S. and especially to Kathy. Without you we would have never have had this amazing opportunity to share our lives with such a special girl. Russ & Debbie Niles

Trixie - August 15, 2006

Today is a sad day for our volunteers as we say goodbye to one of our dear foster dogs Trixie. When Trixie came to our program she was constantly overlooked, finally after a time, it was felt that Trixie was so attached to her foster family that she would remain a "permanent foster dog". Very suddenly Trixie started having seizures. We did our best to help her, we loved her, however after a week of constant medical care, Trixie passed away on the morning of Aug 15/06.

Every dog that comes into our lives touches a part of our hearts. The older dogs especially get overlooked and yet they have so much love to give.

Wondering how we could Honour the memory of this little dog, we have started a new funding program, appropriately named "The Trixie Fund". This fund will be used to assist senior dogs in need, whether they are in our program or not, any senior dog that needs help will be assisted through this fund.

Sadly, we have seen a number of previously adopted TAGS dogs pass away this year. Many of these dogs were adopted by our own volunteers. We shall never forget them and while there is pain in our hearts now, there will always be another dog needing help.

So as you read this, please give your dog a hug & a kiss in honour of Trixie.You are in our hearts Trixie - now and forever.

The TAGS Volunteers

Griffin - Sept.22.2005

To the best Boober in the whole wide world!! No cat will ever compare. You cheered us up when we were sad, you calmed us down when we were tense, you always loved us more than yourself, For this we thank you a billion times over. We'll always remember your special kisses and nuzzles.... they were truly heart warming. Anyone who ever met you always said," I've never known a cat to be so loving." WE MISS YOU SOOOOOOOOO MUCH!!!!!!!!!!
Love Mummy and Daddy

Ralph

Sadly, Ralph, a beloved dog by his adoptive family and all who knew him passed away of liver cancer. Ralph had been adopted through the T.A.G.S. program on May 19, 2002 when he was approximately 4 years old.  He will be greatly missed by all.

Duncan - Aug 30th 2001 to Feb. 27th 2005

Our Beloved Dog was taken from us suddenly by a hit and run. He was full of life and energy. He will be sadly missed by his family esp. Sheri who shares the same birthday and his buddies Zac & Cooter, and favorite neighbour Donnie who visited him everyday. A special thank you goes out to the passerby who kindly stopped , wrapped him in blankets and check his tags to contact us. Who ever you are THANK YOU! DUNCAN (a.k.a Dunkie,dunkaroos & Ducttape) I never got to say goodbye if your listening. Camping will never be the same I love you and you will always be in our hearts. XOX

Mandy - May 1st, 2004

Our loving and gentle Siberian Husky "Mandy" who passed away so quickly and unexpectedly on the early morning of May 1st, 2004. Mandy was adopted through the T.A.G.S. program 2 years ago and has brought so much joy into our lives and has been a tremendous companion to our Golden Retriever "Shiloh". She will be so sadly missed by us and all those who had come to know her. We will never forget you.

Linda, Alan, Garth, Nash, 
The Cats and of course Shiloh

Toby - September 1st, 2003

Toby, a senior Siberian Husky mix, passed away on September 1, 2003. Toby was in the T.A.G.S. program for some time and was adopted by his loving foster home. His new adoptive parents loved him very much and Toby was very thankful to have a great home to call his own for the remainder of his life. Toby spent a total of over a year and a half with his new family. The family wishes to thank T.A.G.S. for allowing them to have Toby become such an important part of their family.Toby a.k.a. "Northern" will be greatly missed.

Darlene, Mike and Kobe, Sasha and Toby forever in our hearts

Riley

Sadly, Riley, a one year old Wire Haired Pointer Mix, had stomach cancer and was unable to undergo surgery. Riley had been previously abandoned at a kennel, she was a playful dog who loved people and dogs.

Sadly, two dogs were euthanized at a local animal services facility in April, 2003. Blue, was a male Labrador & Collie mix, approximately 8 months old with black & white colouring. Buster was a male Pitbull mix, approximately 2 years old with fawn & white colouring. Both dogs were very sweet but unfortunately the stress of being in the shelter for approximately 3 months finally took it's toll.  Please remember the importance of Adopting and Fostering.  Far too many dogs are placed in the unfortunate situation of life or death...they depend on people to show them the much needed love and attention that all animals deserve.

Guinness - March 18th

It’s been said that dogs are the biggest con men in human history. They drop into your life, re-arrange your daily schedule, steal the food off your plate, pee in your living room, and then leave you smiling about it in the end. Guinness re-arranged our lives two years ago when we adopted her from TAGS. This past February, shortly into her ninth year, she developed a backache that, despite two operations, lead to paralysis. By the time she passed away on March 18th, Guinness had spent almost two weeks in hospital - more than enough time for this sweet-natured, brown-eyed Beagle cross to win the hearts of the veterinary staff that cared for her. As saddened as we are about the loss of our little friend, we can’t help but smile a little. Despite her condition, Guinness managed to steal a few more hearts along the way. She will be missed terribly.

Goodbye buddy. Yvan & Jacinthe

Friday Pancake - March 17th, 2003

My little fighter, Friday Pancake, bid us a farewell on March 17, 2003.  He lives within my heart now and always will.

Friday had many friends and admirers in the short time that we knew him - beginning with you, Paula, when you saved his life last spring after spotting him wandering dangerously close to the streetcar tracks on Queen West. I will always be grateful to you for gathering him up and calling me at the Humane Society right away. I am a better person for knowing and loving sweet Friday. Unfortunately, Friday had been diagnosed with congestive heart failure and it was not expected that he would live more than a year. So, 8 months ago, he found a permanent home with me and my family. Things had gotten worse over the last couple months but I kept hoping and even expecting him to be with us for longer - you always seem to want more time - there is never enough time with the ones you love. I took him to the vet after work on Monday - thought maybe they could give him some other pill but... It was clear to us, for a number of reasons, that he had been mistreated in his past. We were so happy to give him the love he deserved and to watch him gain confidence and find happiness with us. He was 10+ years old but no matter how old a dog gets, they always carry with them a little inner puppy. For Friday,  it was an obsession with ropes! He loved ropes - it became a tradition for me to bring him home a rope toy from the pet store every couple weeks. He had quite a collection at the end and they always seemed to wind up on his favourite chair in the living room - where they still are. Because, maybe, the next foster dog will love ropes too...
Marna & Family

Soldier - January 30th, 2003.

To a great little buddy. You were always there for us no matter what, especially for Darryl at a time in his life when he needed you most. Under his arm for hours letting all his tears soak into your furry back. Thanks for being there little dude. We miss you so much and will never forget you. January 30th, 2003.
Mom and Dad, Rocky and Sable.

Ebony - December, 2002.

Back in April of 1991, T.A.G.S. adopted out a beautiful 6 month old Labrador & Siberian Husky Cross named Ebony to a wonderful and loving family. Sadly, Ebony died in December, 2002 of a tumor located on her spleen. Ebony has left behind many wonderful memories. The family has thanked The Animal Guardian Society for allowing them the privilege of spending the past twelve years with this wonderful dog. Everyone at T.A.G.S. sends the family their condolences and would like to thank them for giving a great little puppy a second chance, so many years ago.

Tyler - November 6th, 2002

Sadly, a beautiful dog that was diagnosed with cancer, was unable to survive to see happier days. The stray dog, named Tyler, was picked up by the Animal Control in Oshawa. They worked hard on raising funds for critical tests that were performed to properly diagnose the growth on his leg. Unfortunately, Tyler's prognosis came back very poor and he had to be euthanized on Wednesday, November 6th, 2002. All funds that were raised for Tyler, will be appropriately used for other animals in similar circumstances. It seems that Tyler, a Boxer and Hound mix, had lived a short and difficult life...he is no longer in any discomfort. Everyone who met him will always remember this brave and loving dog.

It is with great sadness that we pass along news of a tragedy in our agility community. On her way home from yesterday's (October 6/02) Rat Pack trial, our friend Pat Thomas was killed in an accident near Bolton. She was travelling with Sparky, her Papillon. Pat was well-known among agility competitors in southern Ontario. She was an instrumental member of the Nationals Host Committee, and was responsible for staging the Opening Ceremonies at the event. Pat operated Brooklin Kennels just north of Whitby, Ontario. Kathryn, Lane and Teddy The Agility Farm Blackstock, Ontario Note: Miraculously, the dog "Sparky" is doing well.

Brytni - September 4th, 2002

Brytni, who was adopted many years ago through T.A.G.S. sadly just past away on September 4th, 2002. She was a beautiful dog who had a tough start in life, but thanks to the family who adopted her, she was able to live her last ten and a half years very well taken care of in a loving home. Brytni had been diagnosed with Cushings disease. Her family will always remember how brave & heroic she was throughout her life and even until the very end.  She will be greatly missed by all who knew her. Her family is left with many great memories of Brytni. Below is a picture of Brytni, taken only two weeks before her death.

Benjamin - May 31st, 2002

Sadly, a dog passed away at the Oshawa Animal Services on Friday, May 31st, 2002. This dog, a senior collie mix named Benjamin, was found in a ditch a few days prior and it was obvious that he was in a great deal of pain and would require immediate surgery.  T.A.G.S. managed to find a donor on very short notice who was willing to fund the necessary surgery. However, due to the Animal Services policies, the animal was required to finish a 72 hour stay at the shelter before being released. As an unfortunate result, this brave dog was left to suffer in pain until he passed away. Benjamin's death was unnecessary. We owe it to Benjamin to make certain that this type of situation does not happen again. 

McLellan, Patricia (nee Bonner)

It is with deep sadness that we annouce the death of Patricia, age 64, on Sunday April 28th, 2002 at Lakeridge Health Oshawa, with her loving children at her side. Predeceased by her beloved husband Douglas. Devoted mother of son Brett, daughter Tracy and son-in-law Claus. Cherished companion of Don Blight. Adoring grandmother of Taylor and Maya. Loving sister of Betty (Jake), Pearl (Bobby), James (Mary), and Illene (Robert) and sister-in-law of Jean. Patricia will be missed by her nieces and nephews and their children, as well as her beloved pets. Funeral services will be held on Wednesday, May 1, at St. George's Anglican Church, 51 Centre St. S. (at Bagot), Oshawa, at 2 p.m. A memorial celebration of Patricia's life will follow at the Oshawa Golf Club, 160 Alexandra, at 3:30 p.m. The family is profoundly grateful to the doctors and nursing staff at Lakeridge Health Oshawa Oncology departments for the high quality of tender care Patricia received. Donations to the Cancer Centre at Lakeridge Health Oshawa or to T.A.G.S. Animal Rescue Service would be greatly appreciated.

As printed in Whitby-Oshawa This Week newspaper, Wedneday, May 1st, 2002.