Most people who post stories here are about rescued pets. This one is about a rescued owner.

My little guy Kirby – an energetic spunky Shih Tzu – was given to me by my parents when I got out of college.

I was in my twenties, and enjoying life like all twentysomethings do — however, after several brushes of not doing the right thing, not only with myself, but Kirby, one day I just woke up and stop.

Kirby was born in 1993 — and it would be 2002 before I totally calmed down.

I could say Kirby waited nine long years to have his owner be there, but it was like discovering this little jewel all over again since that day.

By 2007, Kirby was starting to go blind and develop arthritis. He even lived through the dog food poison scare that he almost became victim to.

This little guy was resiliant to the end. Three weeks ago he developed glaucoma — and badly. We put him on medication, and i was putting drops in his eye seven times a day.

Last Monday, I took him into the vet after he stopped eating, and we discovered the swelling in his went down, which was great news, but because the glaucoma stretched out the membrane, his eye was basically split into two (basically it herniated). That happened during the day while i was at work.

The doctor told me to either remove his eye, or put him to sleep. I didn’t want my little guy to go through removing a body part every time something failed – so we did it right then.

Kirby was 17.5 years old – I miss him so deeply. He was more than my pet – he saved me in more ways than I can count.

— Eric from Pflugerville, TX

Pepsi passed away at 3:30 pm eastern time Sunday

Pepsi passed away at 3:30 pm eastern time today. He was the most precious and joyful dog a family could have. He now joins Sprite and Griffen. The world is a less joyful place today. He was with us nearly 13 years. They were the best years. Until about 3 weeks ago, he had the energy of a puppy.

Pepsi welcomed Sprite and later Griffen into the family. If you read Rescuing Sprite, you know all about him. His tail was always wagging and he always had a smile on his face. He loved everyone and was so darn smart. Pepsi never left my side. Now he’s gone.
Thank you all. As I build the strength to pick up all his toys and his bowls, I wonder if these tears will ever go away.

I need to tend to my family now. Won’t be back for a while. Thank you all again.

Pepsi waiting for Mark to come home…

Pepsi begging Mark to take a little fetch break.

Pepsi excited for a trip in the car.

Doing what Pepsi does best…

Pepsi laying around the house…

Paling around with Sprite…

I want to tell my story about, truly Mans BEST friend. Barron was a 10-year old, one of a kind, German Shepperd Dog that I have ever had the pleasure to call a great friend. It was about 9-1/2 years ago that he was an unexpected gift from a rescue. We had to rescue him from a relative who fell on hard times and could not give him the proper love, home and training that he desperately needed and deserved. Full of intense energy, which German Shepeards are known for, I had to occupy this dog’s time with a lot of training and playful activity. One of those was catching a frisbee, and he loved it, and actually returned it to me. This was the start of a Man-Dog bond that was stronger then any glue. (I think my wife was a little jealous at times, :) We would go on endless walks through the park in our neighborhood and he would love to chase the squirrels in our backyard. He was the epitome of unconditional love and companionship that one would anyone hope for in a dog. We were truly blessed. I am saddened to say, this past Saturday (5-7-2011) we went on our last walk together. Has we returned inside the home, he collapsed, and had a seizures and/or a heart attack that caused him to die in my arms. Needless to say, this weekend has been filled with EXTREME grief for the whole family( with lots of tears shed, as a beloved pet has pasted to dog heaven.

I’ sharing my story of my friend you all of you, to help with the overwhelming grief and the healing process that comes with losing a beloved pet…

I love you Barron and I hope you have good days and restful nights in dog heaven…I hope to see you one day so we can continue our long walks together.

Rest in Peace my friend and my “Big Boy B”

— Matt from Lake Worth, FL

We adopted Xochi (Sojee) from a local greyhound rescue when she was four. How blessed we were to have her with us for seven years. She was the sweetest, silliest, and most loving, loyal hound ever! My friend through thick and thin.

I still see you leaping from the bedroom doorway to land, skidding on all four feet, in the middle of my bed–taking the sheets and comforter with you! I visited you today at your beautiful place on the mesa, buried by a standing stone. I thought of holding you yesterday as we said goodbye–my loving girl–trusting me ’til the end…

— Lisa from Albuquerque, NM

This is our newest rescue dog Sammy.  We got him from Florida Little Dog Rescue.  He was saved off of death row and was near death when they got him, his brother and mom.  He needed a blood transfusion because of flea induced anemia.  Our other dog Louis is a rescue from Golden Retriever Rescue.  Sammy received the blood transfusion from a golden retriever.  Kinda cool we think.  Dogs saving dogs, people saving dogs and dogs saving people.  They sure complete our lives!  Thanks for listening to our story.  :-)

— Cheryl from St. Petersburg, FL

I have the best dog. I inherited Lily from my daughter who felt an english bulldog puppy and a new premie son would be more than she could handle. So I thought bulldog = chunky lap dog, right? She loves to play and run and take care of me. She slowed down enough to nurse me through a very ugly ankle surgery in January.

Lily Monster, you are the BEST!!!

— Debbie from Lonejack, MO