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.

• 

  AJ – Memorial

  Age: 14

  AJ was found on the streets in Virginia in horrible condition. He was matted so terribly that it had caused sores and bruises all over his body. His mouth was seriously infected, his toe nails turned into his pads causing infection and he was scared and hungry! Likely due to all of the horrors he had to face he could sometimes have behavioral issues. While trying to adapt to life with people again, AJ lost his first adoptive home, and didn’t do well in his first foster home.

  Our sweet Aj is now at peace.
  Despite all of our efforts, it became clear that his little body was fighting too hard, and we couldn’t let him suffer any longer. It was the kindest and most loving decision to let him go before his condition worsened, but it doesn’t make the heartbreak any easier. (Dec 2, 2024)

• 

  Bella – Memorial

  Age: 17

  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.

  Our hearts are hurting tonight.. we had to say goodbye to our mama Bella. She was doing well right up until she wasn’t. 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. (Oct 2, 2024)
• 

  Skye – Memorial

  Age: 15

  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)

• 

  Ashley – Forever Foster-Memorial

  Age: 12

  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)