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.

• 

  Toby – Memorial

  Age: 17

  It’s an incredibly sad night at House with a Heart. We decided to let our precious Toby cross the rainbow bridge in peace today. Our hearts are shattered as we share this news. Toby’s little body has been physically declining for the past few months, and began rapidly declining during these past few days. He was no longer himself and his body could not handle it anymore.
  His last day on this earth was a good day. He was on as much pain medication as we could give him so he was very relaxed. All of the HWAH Team gave him so much love today. Sher, Susan, Karen, Jill, Kathy, Lori, and Klee gave him some kisses, snuggles, pets, and kind words. Klee and Lori were with him at the end and fed him a McDonald’s hamburger and he loved it. Then, he swiftly crossed to the other side.

  Toby is part Poodle, Havanese and Pomeranian! He’s the most handsome pup ever. He has a frozen rear leg, but that doesn’t stop him from jumping on the couch and snuggling in. While Toby is NOT a fan of thunderstorms (we have to cover his head up to keep him safe!), he does love to play with squeaky toys! He is very particular with his eating habits….meaning he needs to eat on a cutting board! We love this adorable boy.

  (And our deepest condolences to Toby’s mom and benefactor, Rebecca, who supported Toby all of these years (May 20, 2026)

• 

  Peanut – Memorial

  Age: 14

  This past Thursday, we had to say goodbye to our precious Peanut.
  That morning, we could see that Peanut was not feeling well. We immediately took him to our vet and they performed all tests on him. It was clear that his body was in the process of shutting down and we did not want our little Peanut to suffer any longer. Karen cuddled with him for a few hours while at the vet and then our wonderful volunteer, Chris, held him in her arms and whispered kind words to him as he crossed the rainbow bridge.
  Peanut was truly a character and had a very large presence for such a little guy. The Sanctuary already feels strange without him. Whenever he wanted to be let back in the house, wanted someone to pick him up for some cuddles (which was all the time) or simply wanted another resident to get out of his designated bed, he would ‘scream-bark’ at them! He was one of the most vocal pups we have ever cared for… he made his presence known to the world!!!
  We will miss you forever, Peanut. Thank you for bringing so much joy to our lives and for letting us love you. (Feb 5, 2026)
• 

  Tator Tot – Memorial

  Age: 16

  Tator was rescued by PetConnect Rescue.

  “Today was a hard loss for our sanctuary. We had to say goodbye to our Tator Tot. It was his time, he was struggling to breathe and it was the only gift we could give him.
  He came to us at the tender age of 8. Younger than what we normally took in, but we were only suppose to evaluate him to see why he was pooping and peeing in his crate. It’s because that’s all he ever knew. But as with all dogs that enter the sanctuary, it’s like Hotel California, they never leave.
  We fall in love so quickly. He was so scared that he would hide under any furniture he could find. And when he slowly started coming out, it was glorious. He knew he was now safe. I even took him home a couple times to spend with us at my house.
  But he had struggled with eye issues to the point he had to have both eyes removed. Even then, he adjusted. He struggled with pneumonia and we bought an oxygen tank for treatments. Then he had digestive issues that we finally got under control.
  We did everything we could to make his life comfortable. But his body was tired and we knew it was time. No matter if the decision is the right one, it’s still hard. RIP lil Tator Tot. You will always be loved and remembered.” (May 10, 2025)

   

• 

  Walter Montgomery / Our Rescue Angel Rebecca Warwick

  Rebecca has supported Toby and House with a Heart since we first met her. She is what we call a Rescue ANGEL!!!!

  Rebecca’s Heart Dog, Walter Montgomery:

  The esteemed gentledog Walter Montgomery got his wings on May 16, 2025 while peacefully resting in the arms of his mommy Rebecca Warwick. They were best friends and constant companions for twelve short years.

  Walter Montgomery was adopted by his mom from a Baltimore shelter in 2013 at the age of four. Although at the time he had major injuries and was never expected to walk again, his tail wagged constantly. His mom was smitten at first sight! With wonderful veterinary care and lots of love, Walter overcame all odds.

  Walter loved everything life offered, including years of physical therapy – “spa days” that became fun outings. Some other favorites were going for walks, sidewalk cafes, the water treadmill, car rides, staying at hotels, camp at Aunt Sher’s house, green veggies, pedicures, Frosty Paws, going to the office, shopping, and hair appointments with his mom, and even getting his teeth brushed.

  Walter lived the very best life. But more than anything else, he loved his mom and was always by her side, tail wagging, with unconditional love. And Mommy’s Baby Boy was loved and cherished more than anything in the world. He will always be in her heart. ❤️

  If you would like to donate in Honor of Walter Montgomery, please use this link:  Donation in memory / honor of Walter Montgomery

  To send Rebecca Warwick a card:
  5031 Dovewood Way, Knoxville, TN 37918

  Her email is :becce.warwick@gmail.com