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.

• 

  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)
• 

  Bingo – Memorial

  Age: 16

  Bingo was an adorable Westie/Schnauzer mix. His was mostly blind and deaf, but a very sweet dog! He loved to eat and sleep! He was in end stage kidney failure so we did our best keeping him comfortable. After 3 months of loving him, his body started declining fast. On August 11th, we said goodbye and he went to the Rainbow Bridge. Sweet dreams sweet Bingo..

• 

  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 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

• 

  Buddy – Memorial

  Age: 13

  Yesterday, our volunteer Susan alerted us that Buddy was having difficulty breathing. Emily went upstairs, had one look at him, and immediately took him to our vet. The vet did a few tests on him and concluded that he had become oxygen-dependent and was rapidly declining. We made the extremely difficult, but selfless decision to let him go so that he did not suffer any longer. The wonderful veterinarian technicians at Kentlands comforted him as he crossed to the other side.
  Buddy would have been with us for a full year on March 23rd. A kind woman had noticed him in the local cat colony that she was helping to feed. It was clear that he was a senior kitty because he was much slower than the other cats and seemed as if he had a myriad of health issues; so she thought it best to foster him for a little while until she found someone who could care for him in his golden years.
  We are so grateful that this sweet boy ended up with us; albeit for a short while. Buddy was one of the most ‘lovey’ cats we have ever had the privilege of caring for!! He wasn’t very cuddly but he thoroughly enjoyed being in the same room with you and just listening to you talk to him. He would walk over to you, flop over on his side to show his belly, and would roll around on the floor as a way to tell you that he loves you and would like a few pets. And if you knew Buddy, you know that one of the major joys in his life was FOOD (A Churu treat would hate to see him coming!!!).
  One of Buddy’s favorite places to be was at the end of Sher’s bed. It’s heartbreaking not seeing him there and not seeing him waiting in the hallway for his lunch to be served; but we take comfort in knowing that he is now pain-free and enjoying an endless supply of food and sunbeams to lay in, up in the sky .
  We’ll miss you forever, Buddy. Thank you for filling our lives with so much love.