Abner: On 16 March 2024, we bid farewell to our sweet, tiny Abner.  16-year-old Abner came to Leashes End from Prince George’s County Shelter on 03 October 2023, weighing under 5lbs! But his personality was huge … and he was a demanding, little chatterbox! Abner had a few health problems, including a respiratory infection, a large ulceration of his left eye, and a dislocated patella. Ultimately, it was liver disease that did poor Abner in. During his brief life at Leashes End, Abner slept next to my head at night … one of my Yorkie bookends. Initially, Walter claimed the other side of my head and later Milton took Walter’s place. Sadly, no one can fill Abner’s place. Abner was a favorite among staff and volunteers alike, especially Jane and Michele. But Jane was Abner’s favorite person in the whole world and he departed this world cradled in her arms … his favorite snuggle position. Thank you, Jane.  RIP, Abner.  Z”L … may your memory be a blessing.

Allie: On 01 December 2021, I said goodbye to my precious Allie-Oops and closed the book on an era. Allie was my last remaining Maltese. I adopted her from the Hesperia, CA shelter in 2016 with the help of Dawn and Don Lierman (Maltese & More Rescue). Allie had been dumped there at the age of 11 by puppy mill breeders who had squeezed all that they could from her tiny body and had no more need for her. She lived a vibrant life with us … first in California and then in Maryland as a Leashes End dog. Many who only got to know her recently will scarcely recognize her in the video. But Allie made the very most of her second chance at life. Sadly, her severe arthritis is evident even in these active scenes. We simply could not overcome the damage done to her body during her decade plus as a puppy mill breeder. Allie loved to play, though she was always more of a prankster than anything else. No one would ever accuse this crabby, snarly girl of being … sweet. But if she let you into her inner circle, you could clearly see that under her rough and tumble exterior, she actually was sweet. And a coffee thief! She’d been stealing my coffee since 2016!  Ultimately, pain management failed to keep pace with Allie’s arthritic limbs. She was increasingly uncomfortable and constantly in pain. She had all but lost her ability to move independently and was beginning to lose her dignity as well. Following discussions with my vet, I made the very difficult decision to let her go. Allie had some rotisserie chicken for breakfast before accompanying me to Dunkin Donuts where we shared a cup of coffee and a grilled cheese sandwich before heading to the vet. Allie went peacefully in my arms.  RIP, Allie. Z”L May your memory forever be a blessing.

Archie: “Little Man,” you spent less than a month with us, but touched us all in a short amount of time. I knew you didn’t have long when you came here. I only wish it could have been longer … I wish we could have turned back time for you.  We welcomed 19-year-old, Little Man Archie (formerly Flash) into Leashes End on October 25th and said goodbye on November 21st. He was completely blind in one eye and partially blind in the other. He also had terrible arthritis, a grade 3 heart murmur, and significant renal failure. Because of his renal failure, Little Man had a hard time digesting food and was, consequently, way too skinny. We did our best to fatten him up a bit.  In spite of all his ailments, Archie had an outsized spirit. He loved to get around and learned the lay of the house in no time. He hung out with the pack and had had a pretty good final month, sleeping in soft warm beds (and my embrace), eating chicken and pretty much anything else he wanted, and enjoying a peaceful home life.  Sadly, his body couldn’t keep up with his spirit. It failed him on the night of 20/21 November. We had to let him go. And he went peacefully. Find the Leashes End folks on the other side, Little Man!

Azor (Gonzo): 10-year-old Gonzo joined the Leashes End family in March 2024. He was privately rehomed by a loving family who could no longer handle his extensive veterinary needs and three human babies under the age of three! Gonzo had already undergone two spinal surgeries when he came to us.  What we didn’t realize was that Gonzo was in late stage, metastatic  lymphoma.  He had one terrific week with us, and then his situation deteriorated.  His demise came shockingly swiftly. We just had to let him go. Such a sweet pup, loved my own. Rest in peace, gonzo.

Betty: RIP, Sweet Betty Boop. Betty joined the Leashes End family on 29 January 2022.  While picking up hospice Yorkie Mickey, I came across sweet Betty (Bertha) … another senior Yorkie (at least 12 years old).  Betty was heart worm positive, so she was not up for adoption. But the shelter allowed her to come home with me and Mickey because I promised to get her the best treatment available. In addition to being HW+, Betty was practically blind … but as sweet as can be.  Betty ate like a Mastiff and beat all odds, coming through her heart worm treatment like a champ!  Sadly, in July, 2022, Betty suffered multiple organ failure that had nothing to do with her heart.  Oh, poor Betty.  Run free, Sweetheart.

Blue:  In June, 2022, I helped 17-year-old Blue cross over.  Blue’s health & comfort had been deteriorating for some time.  Despite our best efforts… medication, laser therapy, acupuncture, and more, he just couldn’t cheat old age.I loved this grumpy, judgy, old fellow so much.   Blue had been with me since March 2020.  He had ended up in the Baltimore County Shelter when his human passed away … and that’s just no place for a completely deaf, mostly blind, arthritic gentleman of a certain age with extreme emotional issues. Blue was never shy about demanding his share of my pizza or pasta. He also loved rump rubs and wasn’t shy about pressing into you to get them.  He could always be counted on to greet me at the door after work… and gave me an earful if I was late. I’m grateful for the time I had with him.  I will miss him dearly.  Z”L, May Blue’s memory be a blessing.

Bo Jangles:  Our sweet 15-year-old Bo Jangles passed in his sleep sometime after midnight on 23 June 2023.Our veterinarian had detected low levels of inflammation, likely indicative of cancer.  And it looks like Mina knew all along! But we didn’t understand that her persistent licking of Bo’s back was a medical alert.  Bo joined the Leashes End family in late March 2023, accompanied by a bonded senior lady named Mina.  Both pups had had been dumped at the Allegany County Shelter in the dead of night!  Bo was a blind & deaf chonker (possible Shih Tzu) & Mina is a 12-year-old brindle mix. Mina & Bo were as bonded as could be! Mina spent the night after Bo passed sleeping on my pillow by my head.  FOACASMD.org had pulled these pups from the shelter and asked us if we would give them a home.  Bo was a classic senior: he spent most of the day snoozing with relief and food/water intermissions to break up the marathon napping.  Mina is very alert and active and loves romping with the pack! She sticks extra close to me now and I’ve also noticed her spreading her protective aegis over our other senior dogs.  RIP, Bo.  May your memory be a blessing.

Bronx:  On the evening of 5 September 2021, we made the painful decision to let Bronx go.  His situation was deteriorating quickly, he was clearly in pain, and his prospects for recovery were really non-existent.  He was such a special boy, all of us are reeling today from his loss.  We knew that Bronx’s time was short.  He came to us precisely because his cancer was so advanced.  Bronx’s lymphoma had metastasized and his whole body was riddled with swollen glands and masses. The growths in his lungs made it difficult for him to breath.  The swollen glands in his throat prevented him from swallowing.  His legs swelled like balloons and his belly was red with inflammation.  For a few days, we managed to push back with pain medication and steroids. But our success was short-lived.  The cancer won. Bronx was a gentle spirit.  He loved being petted and could peer deep into you with his wise, soulful eyes.  He rarely missed a walk, even with his swollen painful legs.  He LOVED to eat and we fed him the best foods ever.  He got along great with the other dogs and cats.  He enjoyed ice cream and peanut butter.  Oh, how I wish we could have pushed back on the cancer longer.  This place is sadder for his absence.  But at least Bronx is at peace. RIP Bronx, my love.  Z”L May your memory forever be a blessing.

Buddha: In late October, 2022, our precious 21-year-old Buddha passed. I held him close, in my arms, through his final hours. He had suffered an apparent stroke yesterday and simply couldn’t recover. Buddha has been an integral pillar of our lives since January 18th, 2018, when we welcomed him into the Leashes End family! Buddha came to us from a family that could no longer care for his increasing special needs. Honestly, Buddha came to us as a hospice case and we could hardly believe his longevity. Buddha suffered from advanced heart disease, fainting spells, an enlarged prostate, an old eye injury, a neck injury, and other ailments typical of a dog his age. Since seeing our cardiologist, Buddha’s health improved tremendously, but as you can imagine we always took life one day at a time. Buddha was a lover … he loved people, cats, and young dogs! He was a snazzy dresser, rarely seen without his signature t-shirt, sweater, or bow tie. He enjoyed life to the fullest, sprinting around the yard like a pup and flirting with other cats & dogs. And what a terrific snuggler! Without a doubt, Leashes End will never be the same without our Buddha. Run free! Z”L. Hug your pets close. Our time together is much too short.

Bug: Weighing in at under 4lbs, 13-year-old Bug was frail and tiny.  When Bug joined us in November 2022, she was still a feisty little girl despite having suffered from both kidney and liver disease. Notably, she would sit on her heels and demand food whenever a human sat down to eat!  Over the months, she began to slow down and we had to assist her with eating and eliminating. She had what appeared to be a really good day on 09 February 2023 despite all her ailments.  She snuggled in Alex’s arms that afternoon; ate a hearty roast chicken dinner; enjoyed a Pupperoni snack before bed; exchanged some “your momma was a Poodle” insults with Walter in bed; then slept with her tiny head on my shoulder and pillow.  But when I went to wake her the next morning, she had passed in her sleep sometime in the early hours of 10 February.  Bug came to us from the Maryland SPCA in Baltimore where she had been surrendered by construction workers who had found her roaming the streets as a stray!  Bug leaves an outsized hole in our hearts and home.  RIP Little Bug. May your memory be a blessing, Z”L.

Buster: It was with the heaviest of hearts that we made the painful decision to help Buster across the Rainbow Bridge on August 3rd, 2018. He and Kelley had forged the closest and most loving of bonds since his joining us in December, 2016. Although only 8 years old, Buster suffered from severe cardiac disease, a crippled back leg, and an emotional disorder akin to PTSD, after having been mauled by a larger dog. In spite of his health issues, Buster was content at Leashes End and most importantly he knew he was loved.  He hung out in the kitchen awaiting all kinds of delicious treats; napped under the coffee table; kept Kelley company in the garden while she tended her flowers; and never ever let a sneeze or toilet flush go by without giving the hapless maker of those noises a good scolding. Sweet Buster, RIP.  We’ll miss your feisty antics.

Ceci:   Ceci passed away suddenly in late July 2019, following a week of abnormally intense and frequent seizures.  She was a tiny, toothless 14-year-old Maltese with a tremendous heart. The last of a line, Ceci was Kitty’s granddaughter and Soofi’s daughter. Ceci came to us in April, 2015 after her owner (my Aunt Haydee Geyer) passed away from cancer. It wasn’t long before we realized that Ceci had serious health issues of her own: congestive heart failure brought on by pulmonary hypertension put Ceci in the animal Critical Care Unit for a week! Through medication, diet, and exercise, Ceci beat the odds and went on to live 5+ fabulous years at Leashes End… years of romping through bushes and rolling in dirt, Ceci’s favorites! Ceci firmly believed that pretty top knots look best adorned with brush, brambles, and grass stains! RIP, Ceci My Love!  We will miss you forever!

Chancellor:  On 04 December 2023, we said goodbye to our beloved 16-year-old Chancellor. Chan had been in decline for a while.  He had severe dementia, was totally deaf, and losing his eyesight.  By early December, he was very distressed, had significant balance and mobility challenges, and had stopped eating. We knew it was his time.  Chancellor had joined us in early August, 2021 as part of Leashes End’s perpetuity care program. He’d been the cherished member of a loving couple his whole life. But when his humans began getting on in age (early 90s & late 80s … and wheelchair bound) he needed help stretching his legs. He loved running around off leash and mastered the dog door within an hour of arriving! RIP Chancellor. May your memory be a blessing.  Z”L.

Chica: In early May 2023, we said goodbye to our charismatic, 14-year-old Boston Terrier Chica. Chica had developed a pea-sized bump on her rump. Aspirated cells indicated an inoperable mast cell tumor. We were hardly prepared for how aggressively it would grow. Within a month, the tumor had grown so large that it burst, leaving a painful wound, which we could not treat or keep clean. Sadly, we had no choice but to let Chica go. Chica had joined the Leashes End family in April, 2022 with her bonded “sister” Sadie Puggle (RIP). Now Chica and Sadie are together once more. Chica could be pushy about attention, treats, & scritches. She would sass you & talk back. She loved walks, lumbering along with the pack with her barrel-shaped body. She loved rolling in the grass, waving her legs aloft, grunting & snorting her delight. And she loved sleeping close in bed at night, even sharing my pillow, shamelessly snoring and farting the night away.  Toward the end, she slept by my side every night, and I held her close, flatulence and all. May her memory be a blessing, Z”L.

China:  19-year-old China joined the Leashes End family on January 5th, 2020.  She’s wa a super sweet spaniel/terrier mix.  She was so laid back … and had a novel way of sitting up like a person!  Poor China came to us emaciated but had put on 4lbs before she passed away unexpectedly.  She suffered from bronchitis (cough); kidney and liver disease; rotten teeth, and some damage to her lower spine, which caused lameness in her back legs and sadly incontinence. But China had a good appetite and a great attitude! She enjoyed running around the grounds, sniffing all the smells, exploring the bushes, and just LOVING life. China got sick very suddenly at the end of February 2020, with multiple organ failure and sepsis. She was suffering and her odds of recovery were very low. We decided the most humane course of action was to help her across the bridge.  RIP, Sweet China.  May your memory be a blessing.

Dixie: We lost sweet Dixie to a massive seizure on the night of April 21st, 2020.  Poor 15-year-old Dixie was a 7-pound Chihuahua who came to us in August 2016 on death’s door. She had belonged to a back yard breeder. When she became too old to produce any more litters, her owners squeezed a last $50 out of her by selling her on Craig’s List! Dixie was so ill she could scarcely stand, let alone walk. Her teeth were rotten; she had a large mammary tumor; she suffered from the worst case of endometriosis our vet had ever seen; her uterus was mangled from over-breeding; and her ears bore the holes and scars of a lifetime of fly bites from living outdoors. But following her surgeries and treatments, Dixie went on to live nearly four wonderful years at Leashes End. She loved to run around the grounds, hang out with the other dogs on plush beds, snuggle with her humans, and dine on excellent food and treats! Her coat filled in, she gained weight, and even the fur on her ears grew back! Dixie was the sweetest girl; she knew she was loved and treasured. RIP, Sweet Dixie. May your memory be a blessing.

Doobie:  Our sweet 18-year-old Doobie passed in his sleep in the early morning hours of Saturday, 01 July. Doobie developed a terrible upper respiratory infection, which was exacerbated by our recent poor air quality. He failed to respond to antibiotics, oxygen, or subcutaneous fluids. Kari held him through the night, comforting him as best she could. He passed surrounded by love.Doobie joined the Leashes End family on 16 January 2023. He was a sweet old fellow who loved running around our yard off leash. He had a good appetite and got along well with the other pets. Doobie had a grade 3 heart murmur, lameness in his hind legs, and a touch of senility. But he enjoyed sleeping on soft beds, eating good food, prancing around the other pets, and grumbling to himself. We will always love & miss you, Doobie Puggle. May your memory be a blessing, Z”L.

Dudley:  Dudley joined the Leashes End family is November, 2018 and passed away unexpectedly on the night of December 20, 2019 at the age of 14.  Caring Hearts Rescue in Fairfax, VA had pulled Dudley from a hoarding situation. Doe-eyed, gentle, & sweet, Dudley always sported a shy, friendly smile. Dudley would shuffle from paw to paw like a little kid whenever he was excited with anticipation for a walk or a treat.  He’d rub his head in his pillow each night before bed, offer me kisses, and revel in a short belly rub. He had the most boisterous bark, which was always comically out of synch with whatever the rest of the pack would be going on about.  He was the model for every lovable cartoon dog: fluffy, adorable, perfect. The void Dudley leaves in our home and hearts is enormous.  RIP, Duds, may your memory be a blessing.

Goldie: Formerly “Pippa,” passed away rather abruptly and unexpectedly in early March 2021 … about one year after joining our family at the outset of the global pandemic. Goldie’s prior owners surrendered her to the Montgomery County Shelter after what appears to have been a lifetime of neglect and probable abuse. But day by day she blossomed and grew at Leashes End. This happy, scrappy, free-spirited, 15-year-old wiggle butt loved good food, belly rubs, running around off leash, and barking her head off at the neighbors, deer, geese, and things we could only guess about… at all hours of the day and night.  Goldie enjoyed napping in the foyer and at night she always preferred sleeping in her own bed at the base of my nightstand. Timid and reluctant at first, by the end of her year with us, Goldie had gained confidence & trust. She would join me in bed for 20 minutes of belly rubs before heading back to her own bed for the night.  Goldie succumbed to renal failure, pancreatitis, and a tumor at the base of her heart … that we had no idea about. Goldie, my wiggly happy girl, I will miss you so much.

Hershey:  Our resilient, little Hershey passed away 23 Feb 2023.  Such a fighter, Hershey had survived starvation, blindness, incontinence, brain damage, and dementia. Against all the odds, 17-year-old Hershey spent her last 13 months at Leashes End, working her way deep into our hearts. When Hershey joined the Leashes End family on 28 Jan 2022, she was starving and bony and suffering from severe emotional and neurological problems.  Within one month of her arrival, she had put on weight and filled out nicely. Even her hunched posture had started to relax. Hershey knew that she was safe and loved. She never missed a beat when it came to her goats’ milk, meals (she had a hollow leg!), or treats!  Perhaps the greatest gift we could give her was a spacious, fenced yard to pace around … her favorite pastime. Hershey was not really a cuddler, but in her last few weeks, she seemed to appreciate sleeping next to me in my bed during the early morning hours. Rest in peace, Hershey.  May your memory be a blessing, Z”L. 

Honeybear: On 08 February 2023, scarcely two weeks after welcoming our sweet, fat Dachshund Honeybear into the family, we had to put her to sleep.  When we promised to love her forever, we didn’t imagine that forever would be hospice short. Poor Honeybear had a large malignant, bleeding mass in the roof of her mouth and throat.  She also had a very large fistula. While surgery could have removed the tumor (which continued bleeding profusely all day) and repaired the fistula, the cancer had already to her lymphatic system. She would have had a best-bet life expectancy of about 90 days.  Additionally, with a severe heart murmur and being significantly overweight, Honeybear was not an ideal candidate for surgery.  We decided that letting her go would be the most humane option.  While she wasn’t with us long, Honeybear was loved every minute of her stay at Leashes End.  She enjoyed toddling around off leash in the front yard; she appreciated the soft wet food for breakfast and dinner; she took full advantage of the many soft, warm dog beds on the main floor during the day, making a point to showcase her glorious belly; and she would jump into my arms to be carried up to the bedroom at night. I held her through her last moments and feel certain that she knew she was loved.  RIP, Sweet Honeybear.  You and we were robbed and we miss you so much.  May your memory be a blessing, Z”L.

Jello: On 28 July 2023, I assisted our sweet 18-year-old Cocker Spaniel Jello across the bridge.  Despite all our efforts, Jello’s quality of life dropped precipitously over the last week in July.  Jello was miserable all the time and we realized that it was time to let him go. Jello had joined the Leashes End family in mid-May 2023. As is so often the case, Jello was privately rehomed by a family that could no longer care for him. In addition to Cushing’s and mobility issues, Jello had a bum eye and lots of lumps & bumps. Jello was such a good sport and always enjoyed forays into the front yard. On a rare occasion, he would even join the Leashes End choir for a bit of a howl-at-the-joggers concert! But mostly Jello enjoyed napping on the cool tiles of the kitchen, where he had carved out his own corner, during the day, and on a special cool pad on Risa’s bed at night, where he would revel in ear and neck scritches.  Jello was surrounded by love to the very end and we will miss him dearly. Run free, Jello.  May your memory be a blessing.

Jerry:   In late July, 2014, I learned of a frail senior Maltese in the Tampa area in desperate need of rescue.  Problem was, the good Samaritans who wanted to rescue him, couldn’t do so without a forever home lined up.  Asher just happened to be driving through that area at the time, so we volunteered. Within days Jerry had Asher (the cat person) wrapped around his little paw!  Poor Jerry was senile and skinny.  We fixed the latter soon enough, but Jerry remained endearingly mad as a hatter to the end.  We got to love Jerry for 13 months before he passed peacefully in his sleep.  He touched all our hearts with his antics and we will miss him forever! 

Leopold: In early November, 2023, we said goodbye to our sweet 18-year-old Leopold. He had only just joined the family on August 31st, which is too, too short a time.  You could lose yourself in his beautiful, huge brown eyes and stare for hours at his derpy tongue.  Leo had been languishing at the PG County Shelter, which is no place for a tiny, frail 18-year-old, particularly one with as many health issues as Leopold. Our vet told us from the beginning to just keep him comfortable for as long as we could. And if great food, fun walks, soft napping spots, and snuggling with me in bed at night counted, then we accomplished our mission. RIP, dear Leopold. May your memory be a blessing, Z”L.

Kitty:  Kitty is the inspiration who started it all!  Our first dog, Kitty was a 14-year-old blind Maltese with advanced diabetes and anorexia when she joined us in September of 2013.  She was also Soofi’s mother and Ceci’s grandmother.  It breaks my heart that we didn’t get Kitty sooner.  Her diabetes was so far advanced, we were unable to stabilize her glucose arc.  She passed away from complications, three months after coming home with us.  Right to the end, Kitty maintained her impish sense of humor…even during her insulin injections.  She has also been our only Maltese to play with toys.  She left us far too soon, but she left us with a mission.  If it hadn’t been for Kitty, there would be no Leashes End.

Max: Closing out a week of loss … first Jello, then Lucille… our foster mom Kelley let us know on Tuesday, 05 September 2023, that our chubby 18-year-old Chihuahua Max had passed away. Max had bronchitis and never recovered from the Canadian wildfire smoke … same as Doobie before him.  Max  had joined the Leashes End family on October 19th, 2017. He and his brother Sammy (RIP) had found themselves adopted and returned to the Baltimore County shelter twice over the past decade when their owners fell on hard times. These two characters marched right in to Leashes End and made themselves at home without missing a beat! Max (aka “The Sheriff”) was a policeman at heart and let all the other dogs (and neighborhood kids) know it: there would be no Shenanigans on his beat!  Max moved to Frederick County with Kelley as a forever foster in 2022.  Run free, Max; go find Sammy.  May your memory be a blessing.

Maximillian: In early December, 2022, I helped poor, little Maxi cross over after a valiant battle with pneumonia. 17-year-old Maxi joined the Leashes End family as a hospice case in late June, 2022.  Maxi’s octogenarian mom entrusted him to our care when she took on caring for her centenarian aunt. Taking care of both seniors was too much for Maxi’s mom!  Maxi had Cushing’s, severe dementia, and a suspected brain tumor. A fiercely independent pup, who shunned being held or cuddled, Maxi loved to march around the front yard, barking at ghosts only he could see.  Maxi disliked the dark and preferred to sleep alone on the main floor to joining the rest of us in the bedroom at night.  For six months, my bedtime routine included preparing a midnight bowl of food for Max and dimming (not extinguishing!) the living room lights before tucking him in. Going to bed  without performing this ritual hurt my heart. Run free now, Maximillian. We miss your antics.  Rest in peace, Z”L.

Minnie:  We lost our beloved, nutty 15-year-old Minnie Schnoodle in mid-November 2021. Minnie had significant neurological damage resulting from epilepsy and old age. We managed to bring her seizures under control with medication for several months. Then one night, shortly before midnight, Minnie suffered a massive grand mal from which she did not recover.  Minnie spent her days abuzz with energy. Neighbors will have seen her relentlessly pacing the front yard, especially the fence line. This was the greatest gift we could give her; with so much energy to burn, she hated being penned up inside. Minnie was also known for “getting stuck” behind chairs, boxes, open doors, under tables … and calling out frantically for human rescue! Problem solving was not Minnie’s forte. We nicknamed her Esther Williams for her uncanny knack of stomping and sloshing through EVERY water bowl. At night Minnie was my constant companion. She insisted on sleeping pressed up against my left side with her nose tucked into my armpit. And if I made the tactical error of rolling an inch to the right, she quickly stretched out to fill in the gap until I was left straddling the extreme edge of my own King sized bed!  Skinny Minnie never gained weight despite eating like a lion! (Eat your hearts out, Ladies!) Such an outsized spirit for such a tiny girl. Minnie, you’ve left a void that’s simply impossible to fill.  RIP Minnie. Z”L May your memory forever be a blessing.

Molly:  We had to say goodbye to our 21-year-old Puggle Molly 20 March 2023, a little over two years after welcoming her into our family.  Molly had been going strong right up to the end when she went into congestive heart failure. Molly came to us with a lifelong veterinary record, showing just how beloved she was until her human passed away in 2021.  Molly lived a great life with us … she loved going on walks, eating heartily, and napping in a bed by the kitchen pantry. She hopped up and down whenever she was excited. She truly had the energy of a puppy!  We will miss you forever, Molly Muggle. May your memory be a blessing, Z”L. 

Moose:  On the evening of 10 April 2023, we helped our precious 12-year-old Moose across the bridge.   Moose was my Big Baby.  He had an absolutely wretched life prior to rescue and I only hope that we were able to make it up to him in his final years at Leashes End.  Moose joined Leashes End on September 12, 2020. He had been languishing at the Raleigh Humane Society in West Virginia for months, after being turned in as a stray … for the umpteenth time in his life. Moose was incontinent as a result of an old back and hip injury, which also caused lameness in his back paws.  The orthopedic surgeon who treated Moose opined that someone shattered Moose’s lower spine and left hip with a baseball bat; probably the same someone who shot Moose with an air rifle, leaving a pellet lodged in his lung. By the time we let him go, Moose was barely ambulatory and was struggling to breathe due to pulmonary fibrosis. Despite all this, Moose was about the friendliest, most easy-going dog you could ever meet. He was calm and affable with the other dogs and cats. He shared a special friendship with tiny Mouse and never complained when tiny Walter sat on him as if he were a sofa!  He wore a perpetual good-natured smile and he LOVED chicken and treats.  But mostly, Moose loved being loved … he loved belonging to a family, getting to be an indoor dog, and especially getting to sleep in bed with his Mom and canine siblings at night. We will miss you forever, Moose. Rest In Peace and may your memory be a blessing, Z”L. 

Olive:  Olive Shih Tzu passed away in early November, 2022. The loss of our precious, 16-year-old Olive Shih Tzu is just devastating to all of us at Leashes End. She was our beloved “potato,” with her keen, one-eyed stare; her distinctive snorfle; and purposeful, bandy gait. We welcomed Olive into the Leashes End family on May 21, 2021 … but who can remember a time without her? Poor Olive was found wandering the streets of College Park, MD as a stray. Animal Control Officer Rebecca Bailey went above and beyond to ensure that Olive’s immediate needs were taken care of before transferring her to our care. She was mostly blind and mostly deaf but lived life at Leashes End to the fullest. She slept with me in bed at night, her vibrato snore rattling the rafters! Olive had a hearty appetite and loved to stomp around the grass. She was also an absolute joy to hold and cuddle. A longtime sufferer of kidney disease, Olive developed pulmonary hypertension.  Ultimately, we could not relieve her respiratory distress and felt compelled to let her cross the bridge. Run free, Olive Shih Tzu, Z”L. We will forever miss you.

Olive B:   In late November, 2023, our sweet Olive B passed peacefully in her sleep. Olive B had been with Leashes End for nearly a year.  She had joined us in late December 2022. So we kicked off 2023 with a new frosted face in our midst and ended the year saying goodbye to her. Extremely food-motivated, able to reach cat food on countertops, and with no problems barging through most pet gates, 15-year-old Olive B kept things lively!  In September 2023, Olive was diagnosed with Cushing’s. That explains why she slowed down a lot over the past few months of her life. We will miss this sweet girl.  RIP, Olive B, may your memory be a blessing. Z”L.

Pappy: At nearly 19-years-old, Pappy had the honor of being the oldest canine member of the Leashes End family. Pappy’s family surrendered him along with two other senior dogs to Montgomery County Animal Services prior to moving to Florida in late 2017. Pappy fit right in at Leashes End and formed an instant bond with Asher. He enjoyed sleeping in high places such as the back cushions of the couch or atop a pillow above our heads in bed.  He had the sweetest disposition and cuddled right up to everyone he met! Pappy developed severe glaucoma and subsequent blindness early in 2018 but kept trucking along with the pack. In November, 2018, however, Pappy stopped eating. It turns out he had developed a bleeding ulcer, possibly as a result of cancer. We decided to help him cross the bridge, rather than allow him to suffer.  Pappy spent his final days, hours, and minutes surrounded by friends and family who loved him very, very much.  RIP, Sweet Pappy. 

Parker: On 10 March 2022, we said goodbye to our dear Parker. At nearly 17 years old, Parker lived most of his life enveloped in Kelley’s love. A joker through and through, Parker bonded instantly with Quincy (RIP). They were inseparable, it seems even in death. Parker loved treats, lounging, wrestling with Quincy, and goading on the other dogs with his lazy barking from the couch. A gentle soul, Parker suffered from herniated discs in his back, which limited his mobility. Over the past few months, Parker slowed down a little more each day. Towards the end Kelley carried him on walks so he could enjoy the early spring weather. Run free now, Parker. May your memory be a blessing. Our home is not the same without you.

Quincy: On 28 February 2022, we sadly and unexpectedly said goodbye to our tiny, toothless, Quincy. Weighing in under 5lbs, back in 2015 Quincy found himself wandering the mean streets of Orange County, CA. Each morning Quincy cleared the property of uninvited deer; admonished all passersby who crossed in front of our yard without written authorization; and scolded anyone he thought may be committing a violation of any kind. Quincy loved to be carried & cuddled. Suddenly, Q was not feeling himself. Turns out Quincy was bleeding internally from a large, malignant tumor on his spleen. The prognosis was not promising. Kelley made the difficult decision to help him across the bridge. He spent nearly every moment of his life over the past six years in Kelley’s company and she was there for him every step of the way right to the end. We will miss you terribly, Quincy. May your memory be a blessing.

Roscoe: Wait! Don’t cry!  Roscoe is fine… he got adopted by a wonderful family in Charlottesville, VA!  Roscoe came to Leashes End in early May 2023 as a hospice case.  FOACASMD.org pulled Roscoe from the Allegany County shelter. Roscoe needed life-saving surgery to correct a perineal hernia. While he was originally assessed to be a senior (due to his pain and infirmity) he was re-assessed post-op to be a much younger dog with a new Leash on life.  Roscoe was so rejuvenated, he needed to go to a loving home to live out his many, many years to come.  And FOACASMD.org found it!  We will forever be grateful to all who donated toward Roscoe’s hugely expensive surgery to include FOACASMD’s donors!  We miss Roscoe but could not be happier for him and his happily ever after.

Rufus: We were all pretty devastated by Papillon Rufus’ passing on 25 September 2023. His sudden illness came out of nowhere and shocked us all.  Rufus developed a severe case of pneumonia, from which  he was unable to recover.  We were caught off guard because he was fine the previous day …he never showed any signs of illness, such as coughing or lethargy … until his condition was critical.  We spent the day with Rufus at Metropolitan Animal Hospital’s ER to no avail. At around 9pm, we made the difficult decision to let him go.  Rufus’ post-mortem panel showed the cause of his illness to be Mycoplasma. Rufus joined the Leashes End Family on 11 August.  His caregiver had been suffering from dementia and neglecting both herself & Rufus.  She was moved to a care facility while Rufus ended up at the shelter. Poor Rufus was in rough shape physically & emotionally when he arrived. But it didn’t take him long to blossom here.  At 16 years old, Rufus was whimsical in behavior, prancing around and barking at ghosts, and comical in appearance, with endearing, oversized ears.   I really miss his antics. Rest in peace, Rufus. May your memory be a blessing.

Sadie: In the very early hours of 18 December 2022, I helped Sweet Sadie cross over.  Sadie developed a weakness in her hind legs earlier in the month.  Despite treating her first with NSAIDs and later steroids, her condition deteriorated. Suspecting Intervertebral Disc Disease (IVDD), we scheduled a neurology consult.  Sadly, Sadie didn’t make it to her appointment.  One insidious symptom of IVDD is urinary incontinence. Sadie was unable to eliminate on her own and grew increasingly resistant to having her bladder expressed even with the help of muscle relaxants & heavy duty pain meds.  By early Sunday, Sadie was in extreme discomfort & distress. 16-year-old Sadie and and her bonded sister Chica joined the Leashes End family in April, 2022.  These two lovely pups had gotten stuck in traffic at the Montgomery County Animal Services shelter for six weeks! Neither private adopters nor local shelters wanted these two girls.  So we took them!  Following a much-needed dental & the excision of a volley-ball-sized tumor from her hip, Sadie was unstoppable!  She NEVER missed a walk and especially loved hiking with Resident Staffer Kari.  That is until her legs failed her.  Sadie had the most beautiful and expressive faces. Losing Sadie is agonizing.  We will miss her forever.  Z”L, Sadie.  May your memory be a blessing and May you blaze many green trails in doggy heaven.

Sammy: RIP Sweet Sammy Noodles. On September 27, 2021, after a perfect day in the park with Kelley… after barking all evening at foxes in the back yard (his favorite!) … and after settling into bed with Kelley & his canine & feline brothers & sisters, poor Sammy crossed over. He went peacefully & naturally, surrounded by those who loved him most. Although Sammy had beaten kidney disease (thanks to Kelley’s administration of twice daily subcutaneous fluids), his passing was quite unexpected. We’re all still shocked and deeply saddened.  13-year-old Sammy and his 14-year-old brother Max joined the Leashes End family on October 19th, 2017. Sammy and Max had found themselves adopted and returned to the Baltimore County shelter twice over the past decade when their owners fell on hard times. These two characters marched right in to Leashes End and made themselves at home without missing a beat! Sammy was a cuddler, a kisser (French kisses are his favorite), and never passed up an opportunity to bilk a human for treats and scritches. Sammy loved toys and would frequently carry one around. RIP Sammy. Z”L May your memory forever be a blessing.

Sheldon: Devoted is the first word that comes to mind when I think of “My Dope,” as we affectionately called Sheldon. He was so lovingly devoted to me from the first day he set foot in this home. Sheldon was a pushy 16-year-old Westie and just as cute as they come! He joined the Leashes End family in early December 2018 when his aging humans could no longer take care of him. Sheldon was the most straight-shooting dog you could ever meet. Whatever he was thinking he let you know with intense facial expressions and a booming bark. He followed me around during the day, slept on my feet at night, and simply would never take no for an answer about sharing my pizza. He LOVED gnawing on squeaky toys, giving the cats a hard time, and having his belly rubbed.  Sheldon passed away on 1 September 2020 from complications associated with his renal failure. He remained pretty active right up to his passing. And I stayed right by his side, holding him close to the very end.  Sheldon leaves an outsized void in this home and in our hearts. Oh, Sheldon, we miss you so much and always will. RIP, Dope. May your memory be a blessing. Z”L.

Smokey: In February 2024 we had to say goodbye to our beloved Smokey. Smokey had developed a fast moving metastatic cancer.  Smokey joined the Leashes End family in mid-April, 2023 when his owners were facing an eviction if they didn’t get remove from the home. Our Smokey, it seems had a bad rap for fighting with the neighbors’ dogs! Smokey was stunning 15-year-old Dachshund-Yorkie. He was quite the chatter box and a great singer. He loved romps across our nearly 3-acre yard, climbing cat trees and borrowing cat treats. His close friend Trina will certainly miss her morning howling buddy, and our home will not be the same with out him. We miss you Smokey. RIP. May your memory be a blessing, Z”L.

Spencer: Spencer, aka Papa Puggles, aka Gramps passed away In early November, 2022. This precious guy joined the Leashes End family on 3 September 2021 after sitting at the shelter for over a month with no takers. Spencer enjoyed romping around the grounds, approved of soft beds, and absolutely LOVED food, especially goats’ milk! Spencer was a lumpy old man with a fierce underbite who figured out how to liberate plates of food off the coffee table!  Despite his size he was always gentle. He was also deaf, suffered from kidney disease, and herniated the discs in his lower back. I’m happy to report that his passage was peaceful and pain-free. We’ll see you on the other side, Papa. Z”L. Hug your pets close. Our time together is much too short.

Soofi: Soofi, My Beloved, I will never cease grieving your loss. Soofi was sweet to the core. She never growled, bit, or even barked in anger. She had no concept of malice.  She was a treat hound for sure, but she was a pure soul.  Loving, jovial, plump, perfect! Soofi was also one of the last living links to my Aunt Haydee. Haydee asked me to take care of Soofi on November 10, 2013 as she battled an aggressive cancer that would eventually take her life. It was Haydee who charged me with establishing a Rescue. Soofi lived a full life, first with my aunt and later with me. She was 15-years-old and had recently been diagnosed with Cushing’s Disease. Cushing’s is treatable, so Soofi’s rapid deterioration and untimely passing caught us off guard. But Soofi had an adverse reaction to the Vetoryl prescribed to treat her Cushing’s, resulting in an Addisonian crisis, for which she received treatment at the pet ER. Sadly, and contrary to all expectations, Soofi expired mere hours after her discharge. Our Internist suspects a blood clot in her lungs (a common side effect of all this) was the culprit. Poor Soofi passed while napping on my chest in front of our fire place. She was one of a kind and I will miss her forever. RIP, Sweet Soofi.

Stella:  Our feisty 16-year-old Stella had an apparent stroke during the night of 20-21 September 2020. Her passing took us by surprise and we are just grateful that it was quick and peaceful.  Stella joined the Leashes End family in March 2019. Her mouth had been neglected for so long, her teeth were so rotten, that the vet feared some extractions would cause her jaw to deteriorate! She came to us nearly blind with nuclear sclerosis and limping from a luxating patella. And she was so matted from head-to-toe, it took three days to clear them. But none of that slowed her down.  Stella bounced back quickly from her surgery and acclimated to life at Leashes End in no time. She was such a spitfire, always the first to run barking out the door at neighbors walking down the street.  She was a perfect fit with the rest of our high-energy Chihuahua hooligans!  Yet for all that, if you could catch up to her, she’d reward you with sweet nose kisses. But just for a minute! Then she’d squirm to be put down so she could run off and chase someone!  RIP, Sweet Stella. I will miss your sweet, tiny furor. May your memory be a blessing for this house and all who knew and loved you. Z”L.

Tessa: 16-year-old Tessa crossed the Rainbow Bridge in November, 2022 after having lived out her Happily-Ever-After with the nicest family in Beltsville, MD. Tessa came to live at Leashes End in November 2017! She ended up at the Montgomery County Shelter for a second time in eight years a hot mess! Poor Tessa was emaciated, matted, and severely anemic. After three months, it became clear that Tessa needed a home where she could be an only dog. And boy oh boy did she luck out! Two retired sisters took her into their hearts and home … Beckie and Sherri are the loveliest people and the best part is that Tessa had two moms and and no canine competitors! Tessa loved walking with Beckie, and using their doggie door to access their gorgeous yard on her own … but never before noon. Apparently, our diva Tessa liked to sleep in. Z”L, Sweet Tessa!

Toby:  On March 7, 2020,  I bid farewell to a cherished family member. I helped an ailing companion cross the bridge to eternal peace. Toby came to us on Christmas Eve 2018, after his family refused to pick him up from the shelter where he had been turned in as a stray. I think we all figured this would be a hospice case. A 21-year-old dog?! That’s ancient by any standard! And Toby wasn’t just ancient, he was a hot mess! House with a Heart‘s K9 Medical Miracle Fund helped cover his vet bills, including cardiology for an enlarged heart, dental surgery, and senior panel. And Lori Whitehurst visited him often. We will always be beyond grateful!!! Toby surprised us all when he kept on living! Past 6 months, past a year … incredible! He had a fiercely independent spirit and was happiest when left to pace around the front yard on his own. Boy did he give Kelley hell on grooming days! He could make a colossal mess out of a food bowl in seconds flat! And cuddles? Not so fast! Hands off!! But he loved a good game of tag or just following me around. Toby developed a small growth on his neck, which turned out to be a mast cell tumor; it rapidly grew and spread. Because of his age and underlying health conditions, Toby was not a good candidate for surgery. Slowly, he began to fade. He lost his energy and began sleeping a lot. He lost his eyesight, but could still navigate fairly well using his other senses. But then he started losing his balance, and finally his appetite… even for fish sticks, his favorite. It was getting hard to discern any joy for living in this once vibrant pup. I decided it was time to let him go. He had made it well into his 22nd year!  RIP, Toby.  We will always miss your spirit.

Truman: Rest in Peace, Truman.  May your memory be a blessing, Z”L. On the morning of 01 August 2023, we bid farewell to our beloved Truman Shih Tzu.  We had been closely monitoring him as his energy faded.  Truman went peacefully in his sleep, in bed with Kari, wrapped in her arms. Truman joined the Leashes End family in March, 2022 when House with a Heart put out an appeal to place him in sanctuary. Deaf & mostly blind, Truman was a quiet fellow who just wanted to snuggle. He was super active and silly at night, which was also when he would find his appetite! His favorite was tilapia or chicken nuggets.  And a meal just wasn’t a meal until Truman had trudged through it and kicked over some bowls for a strike or to pick up a spare.  Truman was the perfect snoozy senior and we will miss him forever.  

Walter: In February 2024 Walter passed away. We opened our hearts & home to scrawny and bossy old Walt. He was found crossing a busy road in Bowie, MD.  Amongst being a busy body and always complaining to the “manager on duty”. Walter loved cuddles, Treats, and Kari’s paw licking meals. Walt Never thought of himself as small and even with his arthritis, he was very adamant on being as independent as he could be. Walter’s lively energy could fill a room. And for that reason he will truly be missed. RIP Walt; may your memory be a blessing. Z”L.