Memorials

Since House with a Heart opened in 2006, we have said good-bye to over ninety of our cherished residents. They will always remain in our hearts and we are eternally grateful for the time we had them in our lives. We find comfort in knowing we fulfilled our mission by providing them all with a loving home for the last years of their lives.  On this page we honor some of these special friends.

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  Skye – Memorial

  Age: 14

  Skye, the Scottie, was cared for and loved for many years.  Sadly, as her human grew older and ill, she was not able to provide the care that Skye needed.  Skye developed cancer in her lower jaw and was becoming more and more ill herself.  When her “Mom” was moved to Nursing Home care,  Skye was accepted into MASTER rescue.   Jeanne with MASTER needed a foster home for Skye and House with a Heart was happy to offer the loving care that Skye needed. We soon realized that Skye’s tumor was cancerous and needed to be removed immediately.  Skye had surgery to remove the tumor and part of her jaw and all of her teeth.   She came though the surgery like a Trooper and has been improving daily.  She is now part of the House with a Heart pack and we love her more each day.

  August 20, 2024: Our sweet baby girl Skye is at peace now. Despite everything we did to help her, her little body was just too tired, and we couldn’t let her suffer anymore. We fought so hard to give her every chance to get better, but it was time to let her rest.(August 20, 24)

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  Ashley – Forever Foster-Memorial

  Age: 11

  In late 2023 we learned about 10-year-old Ashley, who was with a German Shepherd Dog (GSD) rescue.  She was in foster care and the foster Mom had to work away from home 12 to 13 hours a day. Ashley had previously lost the use of her back legs. She also developed pressure sores.  Over time the sores worsened and would not heal.  The foster reached out to House with a Heart in hopes that we would be able to offer 24/7 care to Ashley.

   Since we knew our good friend Katie had a soft spot for GS dogs we collaborated with Katie to be Ashley’s foster Mom.  HWAH is providing Daycare during the week and when needed on weekends.  The GSD rescue agreed to allow Katie to foster for them with HWAH assisting to be sure it was a good fit.  As you can see, we have been able to get her into a wheelie cart and she is able to be mobile once again!

  It is with heavy hearts that we share the news of Ashley’s passing. Ashley had a great weekend with her foster mom, Katie, and on Monday evening, within minutes, she suddenly passed from what we suspect was a blood clot. (June 18, 2024)

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  Munchkin – Memorial

  Age: 16

  Munchkin came to HWAH when she was found as a stray kitty. Since Munchkin only had 3 legs we wanted a special home for her. When our volunteer Siggi lost her beloved cat of 19 years, Sweet Pea, she was looking to foster a cat that would sit on her lap and keep her company. Munchkin fit the bill and went to live with Siggi in 2010. She is a lively loveable girl that loves to sit atop her 3-tiered cat perch, in her bed in the front bay, or on the ledge of the back windows. She recently came back to live at HWAH and now enjoys time with the kitty pack.

  She was in kidney failure and once she completely stopped eating we knew the downfall would be slow and painful, so we let her go peacefully before she felt any worse. She is the last of our kitties and will be missed tremendously.

  Munchkin crossed the rainbow bridge on April 14th. Although Munchkin is no longer suffering and in pain, our hearts are hurting knowing we won’t hear her loud and hungry meows, her 3 legs thumping on the hardwood floor, and just knowing she’s upstairs in her favorite spot, relaxing in a beam of sun light.(April 14, 2024)

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  Winslo – Piper’s Pals – Memorial

  Age: 12

  Winslo (Winny) was found on the streets of Baltimore and turned into BARCS – Baltimore Animal Care and Rescue Shelter.  It was guesstimated that he was likely about 12 years old.  He was matted, dirty and had terribly infected eyes.   Jeanne with MASTER rescue learned of Winslo and his need for 24/7 care and a foster home that would be willing to deal with his fear of being picked up and having his face touched.  House with a Heart was eager to be the loving landing place for Mr. Winslo. Winny does have issues and fears about being picked up, he will try to snap….BUT…. if you are willing to sit on the floor with him he LOVES to be rubbed, and petted, and scratched all over – including his face, now that he is no longer in pain.  We can totally adapt to his not wanting to be held on a lap.  We are loving him just the way he is!!!

  Please light a candle for our sweet boy Winslo. We decided to let our precious boy go in peace this afternoon. We tried our best to give him the best quality of life and despite our efforts, he was tired and had very little quality of life. Our hearts are broken but we know he’s finally at peace, seeing all the wonders of the world with his beautiful eyes once again (March 29, 2024)
  

• 

  Bella

  Age: 16

  Bella and her two sons Hudson and Ciroc lost their home when their owner died. They were scheduled for euthanasia when someone called House with a Heart to see if we could take them. With just hours to spare, we made room for all three senior pups.

  Bella, who wass 16 years old was a mellow senior lady who was never far from her two sons. She was an attentive mom to her boys and has a sweet disposition with anyone who wants to spend time with her. Bella had an enlarged heart, dental disease and a bad cough.

  We noticed her breathing was a bit off, so we rushed her to the vet. X-rays showed a significant amount of fluid surrounding her lungs, which made it very difficult for her to breathe. Given how much she was struggling, we decided to end her suffering and to let her go peacefully.
  She had a great day though, and got lots of treats and chew bones, walked around in the wet grass and even enjoyed a bit of sun finally shining through the clouds. She spent time with her boys, sharing chew sticks and walking around outside together.
  This was a bit unexpected and sudden, considering how well she’s been doing and an “un-diagnosis” of bone cancer. But these last few weeks have been a blessing with her and we’re just glad she didn’t suffer for too long.