NorCal Sheltie Rescue, Inc.
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NorCal Sheltie Rescue, Inc. - Waiting at the Rainbow Bridge
The Rainbow Bridge
Inspired by a Norse legend
By the edge of a woods, at the foot of a Hill,
Is a lush, green meadow where time stands still.
Where the friends of man and woman do run,
When their time on earth is over and done.
For here, between this world and the next,
Is a place where each beloved creature finds rest.
On this golden land, they wait and they play,
Till the Rainbow Bridge they cross over one day.
No more do they suffer, in pain or in sadness,
For here they are whole, their lives filled with gladness.
Their limbs are restored, their health renewed,
Their bodies have healed, with strength imbued.
They romp through the grass, without even a care,
Until one day they start, and sniff at the air.
All ears prick forward, eyes dart front and back,
Then all of a sudden, one breaks from the pack.
For just at that instant, their eyes have met;
Together again, both person and pet.
So they run to each other, these friends from long past,
The time of their parting is over at last.
The sadness they felt while they were apart,
Has turned into joy once more in each heart.
They embrace with a love that will last forever,
And then, side-by-side, they cross over together.
Inspired by a Norse legend
By the edge of a woods, at the foot of a Hill,
Is a lush, green meadow where time stands still.
Where the friends of man and woman do run,
When their time on earth is over and done.
For here, between this world and the next,
Is a place where each beloved creature finds rest.
On this golden land, they wait and they play,
Till the Rainbow Bridge they cross over one day.
No more do they suffer, in pain or in sadness,
For here they are whole, their lives filled with gladness.
Their limbs are restored, their health renewed,
Their bodies have healed, with strength imbued.
They romp through the grass, without even a care,
Until one day they start, and sniff at the air.
All ears prick forward, eyes dart front and back,
Then all of a sudden, one breaks from the pack.
For just at that instant, their eyes have met;
Together again, both person and pet.
So they run to each other, these friends from long past,
The time of their parting is over at last.
The sadness they felt while they were apart,
Has turned into joy once more in each heart.
They embrace with a love that will last forever,
And then, side-by-side, they cross over together.
2024 to Present
Daisy came to us through Sheltie Rescue in 2018 at the age of 9. My mother adopter her and when had tome into memory care in January 2020 we took Daisy into our family. Sadly she passed away in June of 2023 at the age of 14 ½. Daisy loved to p lay and was a great retriever. She really bonded with my husband who really loved her.
Diane
Diane
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Daisy
Posted: January 2024
Posted: January 2024
Georgie (left), came to into my life first and two months later Maddie (right) joined our family. Within 15 minutes they had bonded. Maddie was emaciated at 12 pounds, and sensing this, he encouraged her to eat with him, side by side. She soon gained weight and became healthy. Georgie took her under his paws, teaching her to potty outside instead of using the pee pads she had used in her previous life. Maddie adored him, flirting and playing and always staying close by.
Georgie was a vocal Sheltie. His daily walks consisted of barking at grazing cows and two Collies who lived around the corner – a Sheltie’s dream come true! He used to wake me up every morning and would bark every night at bedtime, my Sheltie alarm clock.
He was a brave little soldier as medical issues arose. I miss both Georgie and Maddie and take comfort in knowing that they are waiting together at the Rainbow Bridge.
Sandi V.L.
Georgie was a vocal Sheltie. His daily walks consisted of barking at grazing cows and two Collies who lived around the corner – a Sheltie’s dream come true! He used to wake me up every morning and would bark every night at bedtime, my Sheltie alarm clock.
He was a brave little soldier as medical issues arose. I miss both Georgie and Maddie and take comfort in knowing that they are waiting together at the Rainbow Bridge.
Sandi V.L.
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Georgie & Maddie
(A Sheltie Love Story)
Posted: March 2024
(A Sheltie Love Story)
Posted: March 2024
We adopted Sarah when she was nine years old and lost her when she was twelve. She was an amazing Sheltie, very intelligent, she became a very loving family member. Sarah will always be remembered in our hearts.
Wanda & John
Wanda & John
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Sarah
Posted: April 2024
Posted: April 2024
MY LITTLE ANGEL
How did I get so lucky? I wasn’t looking for a dog but this sweet, stoic, trusting, loving angel came to stay awhile and bring more love to my life. Buddy was old, soon diagnosed in kidney failure, in desperate need of a comfy place for an old dog to stay, and where he could also have his best friend, geriatric Bonnie here with him.
Buddy had a stoic manner, no drama ever, and accepted what was going on. He was deeply affectionate, often coming up to me to get hugs and pets. Never any pushiness, just showed up. I knew what he wanted.
In spite of all that was ‘wrong’ with this place for him, he adjusted and within a month, he was a ward of NorCal Sheltie Rescue and I was a Forever Foster for both him and Bonnie. I could not bear the thought of moving them again so it was easy to sign up. He and Bonnie had the kitchen and dining areas as their ‘spaces’ and spent most of their time on beds set up for them. The other dogs were free to mingle.
Almost always touching as they rested and slept, the sight of them brought me peace and contentment. They were not “outside” dogs and I had to remind them of their heritage living and working in awful weather whenever the ‘Humboldt Mist’ seemed intolerable but it was time to go out and do their stuff!
Buddy left us about a month ago, after an increasing problem with chronic nose bleeds which didn’t go away with a cursory round of antibiotics and topicals, so we concluded it was likely a tumor. We let him go one afternoon when symptoms were increasing and for the first time, he looked unhappy and stressed.
It was tough to see him go. We had fallen in love and he did so well for so long (March 2022) that we began to think he was immortal. I worried about Bonnie losing her Buddy but she soon began engaging with the others. She can’t help but be missing him but, like he was, she is a resilient and happy dog.
Thank you, Buddy, for stopping by. You were the best.
Thank you, NorCal Sheltie Rescue, especially Gale Ann and Teresa, for their support and encouragement as I had my first adventures with Shelties. The two of them together were the most precious gift ever. And, thank you to Maureen, a vet tech at the clinic where I go, who needed to find a place for her parents’ dogs, after they could no longer stay there. She trusted me to keep them safe and well and she gave me a lot of support.
~ Jean ~
How did I get so lucky? I wasn’t looking for a dog but this sweet, stoic, trusting, loving angel came to stay awhile and bring more love to my life. Buddy was old, soon diagnosed in kidney failure, in desperate need of a comfy place for an old dog to stay, and where he could also have his best friend, geriatric Bonnie here with him.
Buddy had a stoic manner, no drama ever, and accepted what was going on. He was deeply affectionate, often coming up to me to get hugs and pets. Never any pushiness, just showed up. I knew what he wanted.
In spite of all that was ‘wrong’ with this place for him, he adjusted and within a month, he was a ward of NorCal Sheltie Rescue and I was a Forever Foster for both him and Bonnie. I could not bear the thought of moving them again so it was easy to sign up. He and Bonnie had the kitchen and dining areas as their ‘spaces’ and spent most of their time on beds set up for them. The other dogs were free to mingle.
Almost always touching as they rested and slept, the sight of them brought me peace and contentment. They were not “outside” dogs and I had to remind them of their heritage living and working in awful weather whenever the ‘Humboldt Mist’ seemed intolerable but it was time to go out and do their stuff!
Buddy left us about a month ago, after an increasing problem with chronic nose bleeds which didn’t go away with a cursory round of antibiotics and topicals, so we concluded it was likely a tumor. We let him go one afternoon when symptoms were increasing and for the first time, he looked unhappy and stressed.
It was tough to see him go. We had fallen in love and he did so well for so long (March 2022) that we began to think he was immortal. I worried about Bonnie losing her Buddy but she soon began engaging with the others. She can’t help but be missing him but, like he was, she is a resilient and happy dog.
Thank you, Buddy, for stopping by. You were the best.
Thank you, NorCal Sheltie Rescue, especially Gale Ann and Teresa, for their support and encouragement as I had my first adventures with Shelties. The two of them together were the most precious gift ever. And, thank you to Maureen, a vet tech at the clinic where I go, who needed to find a place for her parents’ dogs, after they could no longer stay there. She trusted me to keep them safe and well and she gave me a lot of support.
~ Jean ~
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Buddy
11/08/2008 - 08/24/2024
11/08/2008 - 08/24/2024
Boomer arrived in March 2022 when he was 12. He came to us with periodic seizures, liver disease, stage 4 dental disease (on a scale of 1–5) and pretty advanced arthritis. Always a gentle soul, Boomer, gave unconditional love and took all his meds easily in pill pockets. Monthly Adequan injections for his poor hips helped him immensely and contributed to him living a long life without intolerable pain.
Rest well, little friend. You were amazing, especially considering all of your health issues. You are missed a lot.
~ Paula ~
Rest well, little friend. You were amazing, especially considering all of your health issues. You are missed a lot.
~ Paula ~
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Boomer
05/17/2010 - 08/22/2024
05/17/2010 - 08/22/2024
Bonded with Buddy, Bonnie was in pretty good shape for a 14 year old geriatric girl. She had bladder stones a few years ago so she was on a prescription diet. She adapted well to her new long-term caregiver, Jean. Being able to stay with Buddy made the transition easier for both.
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Bonnie
Posted: 3/22/25
Posted: 3/22/25
My constant companion since Christmas 2013 especially since we lost my husband, Lee, in 2014. The neighborhood will notice Cody is missing as he was so admired for his gentle manner during our walks. He was 15 years 8 months old -- my 12th sheltie! With a hole in my heart I flipped through his photos to find a portrait shot for the Rainbow Bridge.
Blessings and love to you, Luanne
Blessings and love to you, Luanne
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Cody
Posted: 3/22/25
Posted: 3/22/25
Gone too soon, Laddie was full of joy and love. He was Tex’s constant shadow while he worked around our place in Lincoln. He loved traveling with us in our RV to archery competitions around the country. Just a great dog and wonderful companion.
We miss him a LOT. Linda & Tex
We miss him a LOT. Linda & Tex
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Laddie
Posted: 6/03/25
Posted: 6/03/25
My husband Steve and I adopted Chase from you in 2012. I wanted to let you know that he passed away in August 2024. Our hearts are broken, but he has been sick with cancer and it was time for him to gain his angel wings. He was truly the best little dog and companion we ever could have dreamt of. I don’t know if I ever told you, but prior to adopting Chase we had struggled with infertility and could not have children. Chase filled that void for us more than we ever thought possible. We went onto adopt two children whom Chase grew very close too as well. He will be dearly missed and we will be forever grateful to you for making him a part of our family.
Laura & Steve
Laura & Steve
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Chase
Posted: 6/03/25
Posted: 6/03/25
It is with great sadness that I must tell you that Pandi crossed over to the Rainbow Bridge.
She had a couple of teeth extracted 5 months ago, and then last week, I noticed some swelling on her cheek. The vet put her on antibiotics for a week in preparation to remove a molar that appeared to be the culprit. When the vet put her under anesthesia, she found that it wasn’t the tooth but an aggressive, untreatable tumor in her jaw. I asked the vet not to wake her up while rushing back to the vet's office so I could be there with Pandi to help her to the Rainbow Bridge, which she did peacefully.
I am completely heartbroken but am comforted knowing that I gave her the BEST last 8 of her 14.5 years. She will be sorely missed by the many people she touched, and I will be forever grateful to her for giving me such joy and companionship (she never left my side and always ensured I was properly herded ;-).
Wendi
She had a couple of teeth extracted 5 months ago, and then last week, I noticed some swelling on her cheek. The vet put her on antibiotics for a week in preparation to remove a molar that appeared to be the culprit. When the vet put her under anesthesia, she found that it wasn’t the tooth but an aggressive, untreatable tumor in her jaw. I asked the vet not to wake her up while rushing back to the vet's office so I could be there with Pandi to help her to the Rainbow Bridge, which she did peacefully.
I am completely heartbroken but am comforted knowing that I gave her the BEST last 8 of her 14.5 years. She will be sorely missed by the many people she touched, and I will be forever grateful to her for giving me such joy and companionship (she never left my side and always ensured I was properly herded ;-).
Wendi
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Pandi
Posted: 6/03/25
Posted: 6/03/25
Nicky went to doggie heaven with a warm loving veterinarian who does home euthanasia and provides the owner with so much care and support. Her name is Carrie Nagel DVM. Since there are no words to say to express the sadness, I will just say that Nicky appreciated all the support from his people on FB who donated to help him with his many health challenges. Taking in senior dogs is heartbreaking work, but somebody has to do it-everybody will take a puppy. The journey is always fraught and difficult physically and emotionally but still we have to do it. Since Nicky was such a sweet, kind soul, there is no doubt he will be an angel in doggie heaven and watch over everyone who has ever cared for and donated to help him. Nicky brought me such love and joy when he was well, so I took care of him until the painful and difficult end.
Nicky was my light. I love you, Nicky!
Rhonda S. aka “Mommy”
Nicky was my light. I love you, Nicky!
Rhonda S. aka “Mommy”
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Snickers aka "Nicky"
Posted: 6/03/25
Posted: 6/03/25
Annie had metastatic neoplasia and it had gone into her lungs. My head told me that it was time to say goodbye to my sweet girl but my heart said, "No, I'm not ready yet". Are we ever ready? Annie told me that it was okay and she was ready. She knew how much Sean & I loved her. I am so blessed to have had her as my faithful friend and companion. I may have rescued her in 2016 but she saved my life. I am so grateful to NorCal Sheltie Rescue for letting me adopt her.
Sincerely, Pat
Sincerely, Pat
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Annie
Posted: 6/03/25
Posted: 6/03/25
We want to let our friends know that our beautiful dog Fallan passed away from pneumonia and cancer. We had no idea she was even sick and it happened within three days of her showing any signs of trauma. We took her to our vet Monday morning for an examination and we then had to rush her to the vet hospital on Monday afternoon. In a manner of just hours (even after spending several hours in an oxygen chamber) she was gone from our lives forever. Fallan was a rescue Sheltie who spent eight wonderful years as part of our family. She was to celebrate her 14th birthday in May 2025. We are so very devastated with our loss and we will greatly miss having her with us. May Fallan rest in peace.
Marty & Gail
Marty & Gail
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Fallen
Posted: 6/03/25
Posted: 6/03/25