Kate, March 2013

There is something missing in my home,
I feel it every night.
I know it will take time and strength,
Before things feel quite right.

You have brought such laughter to my home,
And richness to my days...
A constant friend through joy or loss,
With gentle loving ways.

Companion, pal, and confidant,
A friend I will not forget...
You will live for always in my heart,
My Sweet Forever Kate.

Our Kate is missed by Jane and Steve and all of us at WROC.

SNOWBALL-(1993-2013) 

For 20 years we have loved, cared for, nurtured and raised this lovable Westie, Sir Snowball McGruff (his AKC name) 3/23/2013 he went to the Rainbow Bridge and can run, jump and play to his hearts content. My Cousin is a DVM in Indiana and he told us.."The last great act of love we can show our boy is to let him go and love him enough to want him to have had a quality of life". Snowball was ready but unable to communicate it to us. Snowball has been an absolutely wonderful part of our family.  He leaves us with wonderful memories.
 

Lola, March 2013

L ove

O ne of a kind

L oyal

A dorable

Lola was the light of my life. She was only with us for a short time but she showered us with enough love and life lessons to last a lifetime. She was precious! I don't know how I'm going to live without her. Lola was my purpose and a most rare and precious gift.  Her story & life touched so many people. I'm humbled and overwhelmed by how many became so endeared to her. Lola, we LOVE you so, so very much! I will see you in everything beautiful and magical until we meet again.  Laura & Rafael

Runi, February 2013

It is with the heaviest heart, ever, that I write that my precious girl lost her battle with Renal Disease.  She was in the hospital for five days, I visited her every day, held her, walked a little, talked a lot, sat with her in the sunshine, even drove her around in the car (probably her favorite thing).  She was a little worse every day and yesterday her vet came out to the car to report that her electrolytes were 'all over the place' which indicated her kidneys were shutting down and she was afraid she'd expire over night......probably in a lot of pain 'til her heart stopped.  I couldn't let that happen......I love her too much for her to suffer, so decided to let her go.  

She's only 7 yrs 8 mos old......but in that short time she gave me so much love and dedication, unconditional.  I've cried into her fur so many times and she was always there for me.....!  She was my life, my world, my heartbeat and I miss her so much  Patt

Avalinea, May 16, 2006 - February 4, 2013

In loving memory of Avalinea

Every day was full of light, every day was bright

She was so much more than just a dog, she was family

She will be very missed by her brother Tyler, her Nana & Papa and her Mommy

The Nagy Family

Lindy, January 2013

My friends, please don't mourn for me
I'm still here, though you don't see.
I'm right by your side each night and day
and within your heart I long to stay

Our Lindy was loved by Carol Ann & Howard.  She left us far too soon.  She is missed by all of us. 

  




Bentley, January 2013

We are devastated to let you know Bentley lost his battle with cancer on Wednesday.  What a precious perfect gift he was. 

He's gone to find Kate, we're sure!!!!!  He was beautiful and so loved.........Marilynne and Ken

Rick, January 2013

Although we may not be together in the way we used to be,

We are still connected by a cord no eye can see.

So whenever you need to find me, we're never far apart

If you look beyond the Rainbow and listen with your heart.

Our lovely senior Rick was adopted by Carol & Tom.  He lived a wonderful rest of his life with them and is missed by all of us.

Skye, January 2013

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of our dear Skye as she arrived at the “Rainbow Bridge” early this afternoon.  This is the eleventh time that we watch one of our dogs travel there & Skye was the third in less than 14 months. 
 
Skye came into our family on September 20, 2002 when we rescued her as part of the West Highland White Terrier Club of California’s “Westie Rescue.”  From the very start Skye was Linda’s pride and joy.  They were inseparable, particularly when Linda was recuperating from the transplant surgery in 2005.  Skye was the leader of the pack and was so gracious to every little dog that came into our home either as we rescue, foster or adoptee over the past 10+ years.  Just recently, she had been alerting Jim when Linda was having a few episodes of low blood sugar .  Skye was the sweetest dog and our remaining two, Chappy and Sugar Cookie are in “missing man formation” looking for their alpha.
 
In September we took Skye in for a well-dog checkup when the Dr. Myers found a mass in her bladder.  On October 8th she had the tumor removed and biopsied.  The results came back as Transitional Cell Carcinoma, which we later found out that this type of cancer was common among the Westie breed.  We consulted a wonderful oncologist at the Veterinary Cancer Group in Tustin.  Skye started a regiment of chemotherapy, which she had completed three and was scheduled for a fourth on the 17th of this month.  When we heard the prognosis we decided to let Skye make the journey to the “Rainbow Bridge,” where by the way, Linda’s dad (a.k.a. Peapa) is in charge.  Skye went very peacefully while lying on a couch between the two of us.  There were plenty of tears as we said our goodbyes.  The two of us will miss Skye dearly and the love that she gave us these past 10+ years.  All of our love,  Linda & Jim

Corky, December 2012

Last Friday December 28th, at 12 noon, Corky, our little 10 year-old Westie crossed the Rainbow Bridge to doggie Heaven.  At about the same time, a friend called to tell us that she had just seen a rainbow from a park where she was walking her dog.  Since that time, there is a big void in our hearts and sadness everywhere we go.  Corky touched so many people and taught us so much about love, patience and selflessness.  He was the most well-behaved and obedient dog we have ever known.  He loved being around people and got along well with both dogs and cats.  He was always ready to be petted and asked for it by scratching us with his paws.  Corky's favorite spot was at the top of the family room sofa.  Sometimes when we sat on the sofa, he would put his head on our shoulder and kept it there for a long while.  He would always sleep on our bed and snuggle against one of us.  On occasion, he would have vivid dreams and hearing him bark in his dream was such a treat.  Sadly, Corky's life was cut short and he succumbed to a rare type of cancer that had quickly spread to vital organs and compressed his spinal cord, causing him to become paralyzed.  He could no longer jump on the sofa or wag his tail and this was a difficult thing to watch. We are comforted that he is no longer suffering and will cherish his memory.  We hope that his memory will live on through donations that we will make to help other Westies with cancer or other medical problems.  Mahmoud and Peri

Penny Grace, November 2012

I am at peace, my soul's at rest
There is no need for tears.
For with your love I was so blessed
For my last special years.

Ann and Larry are very special people and we are so happy to know them.  They wanted to rescue an older dog and they opened their home and their hearts to our Penny.  Rest in peace sweet girl.

Rudy, November 2012

Hailey, "Hailey's Luck", South Australia, December 3, 1999-August 10, 2012

It is with enormous sadness, that I report the passing of our beautiful Hailey. Hailey passed peacefully in the arms of her human parents at 9.35 am on Friday August 10 2012. The clouds parted and the sun came out as she passed.....of course she wouldn’t of had it any other way.

She passed away wrapped in her favourite pink blanket and with her two favourite toys. Hailey was the typical feisty Westie girl that loved to run and chase balls and hunt the occasional rat or lizard, up until she was 11 ½ yrs old when she was struck with the rare disease of Neosporosis. This disease took the use of her back legs , but she refused to let it take her determination and fighting spirit. Her determination and courage struck many around the world and is reflected in the love and support she receives in return.  Hailey is a face of dogs with disabilities and a face for courage, spirit and determination. Hailey continues to be a face for raising awareness and funds for Westie Rescue.  Thank you for sharing your wonderful life and spirit with the world. Rest in peace beautiful girl. xx  Matt & Jules

Bailey, June 2012

Warm light coming from far below,
Twinkling, sparkling is the candle's glow.
All is well up on the ridge,
The place we know as Rainbow Bridge.

Our babies sleeping in heaven's light,
Tended by candles in the night.
Peaceful dreams be theirs to keep,
As they slumber in this night so deep.

Hearts on earth that miss them so,
Take comfort in the candle's glow.
Watching for them in skies above,
Bound eternally by a cord of love.

Bailey was adored by Cathy, David, and Baxter and he is greatly missed.

Dodger - June 22, 2012

The odds were stacked against this sweet boy, yet love and compassion took over when Daine and John welcomed Dodger into their life. 

Dodger touched so many hearts around the country and brought many people together, forming long lasting relationships amongst men and women that adore the breed. 

Yet nothing is more painful than releasing one of our own to the bridge.  Daine and John, we love you, admire you and are so grateful that you shared Dodger with us.  You made us feel like he was “one of our own”.  Love Karen and Kay

Andy, May 2012

To our family and friends, I write with a heavy heart that the Mayor of dog park and the Concierge of Life, our Andy boy, has changed his post up to Rainbow Bridge in heaven wagging his tail at every passerby.  
 
At the age of 3 years old we adopted Andy from Westie Rescue and brought home this perfect dog.  The first night together when I sat down, he jumped up on the couch, landed on my lap, let out a big sigh and looked up at me.   And that was our routine for the rest of his life when we were home at night for the next 8 years.  Who knew that Westies were lap dogs, but Andy sure was!!!  Anyone who has met Andy thought he was a great dog.  His purpose in life was to wag his tail at all living beings and bring smiles to their faces. On the very rare occasion that I would have to scold Andy for something, he would just look up at me and still wag his tail.  I could never get angry or upset with him.  What a good life lesson!  He knew how to work the crowd too!  Andy figured out if he sat on his broad rear end and lift his front paws at you and look at you with those big deep brown almond shaped eyes that he would get some love and attention by pats to his head.   Mind you, this was not for food, just for attention and it was self taught! 
 
Andy was a wonderful brother having to tolerant two sisters in his life, Reilly, the wild one, and now Kenzie who loved being near him.  In his younger years he played with both of them until he'd let them know he had enough!  I could go on and on about what a great dog Andy has been but most of you already know.... On Friday when Andy's health changed drastically and my heart was breaking I asked Jon why do we put ourselves through this.  He gave me the perfect answer, "Because we love them and they love us".  We will always love our Andy Boy, AB, Andy bo-ou-oy....and we will love another Westie again, take care of them and give them the best life we are capable of giving. With love for our boy, Tammy, Jon  & Kenzie

Rascal, May 2012

High up in the courts of heaven today
a little dog angel waits;
with the other angels he shall play,
and wave to me from the gates.
He shall run through the meadows, slowing only for a glance,
wagging his tail while he lives his eternal dance.

My heart is aching the loss of my boy, he brought me life, he brought me so much joy.

Until we meet again sweet Rascal.  Forever in our hearts.

Michael & Sandra

Munchkin, May 2012
We had to make the difficult decision to have our little Munchkin put to sleep late this afternoon.  We rescued Munchkin on Oct. 14, 2005 from the Orange County Animal Shelter.  Linda rushed to the shelter in 5:00 traffic because a "pure bred" Westie was in the shelter. Linda went to the shelter's office to sign the paperwork while Jim waited for the handlers to bring the dog to him.  When the dog finally arrived and he took one look at her and said, "that is not a Westie, that's a Munchkin."  From that point on we called her Munchkin.   Because she did not fit the standard for a Westie she was difficult to adopt, so after a couple of months we once again failed "fostering 101" & adopted her.  
 
After we returned home with no Munchkin, our other three: Skye, Chappy and Cookie wandered around the house in missing-man-formation looking for their little buddy.  To us Munchkin was one of a kind and her passing over the Rainbow Bridge today has left a void in our household.  Love to you all, Jim & Linda 
 

Willie, January 2012

Willie our senior Westie crossed over the Rainbow Bridge today.  We adopted Willie 4 years ago when his loving owner Maggie passed.   Willie came to us at 10 years old and was full of love.   He quickly became part of our family and was there when we rescued his new sister Carly (Bonnie) from the "Fortunate 15" in 2010.  Being around his young brother Cody who is 6 and his young sister Carly who is 3 kept Willie feeling young.  He loved getting in the car every morning and taking his brother Dominic to school and having all his classmates seeing him sitting in the car.  

Willie was overcome today with his fight against cancer and we helped him cross over peacefully to once again be with Maggie and not feeling anymore pain.  Willie gave us unconditional love these past 4 years.   I will miss him greeting me at the door everyday coming home from work.   I will miss watching him laying on the patio in the sunshine or laying together on the couch with him.  Getting kisses from him was a special treat.   You will be greatly missed Willie.   Thank you for being part of our lives for the past 4 years.  Paul - Connie - Dominic

Bella Wortman 1995-2011

Bella, Today we picked up your ashes and the pain of losing you hit us again like a tidal wave. Nothing has been the same in our house in your absence. We have received condolences from near and far and many people have said how lucky you were to have a family like us. What they don't realize is how lucky we were to have you in our lives.

Never before have either of us experienced such a caring, empathetic and intuitive dog. You cared for us every bit as much as we cared for you, and without you, our home will always feel a little bit emptier. We will miss you forever, our beloved dog-ter. 

Amanda and Kevin Wortman

Lacey, September 2011

Our sweet Lacey gave us such joy
She was so much fun and never coy,

Big kisses she gave to everyone
Her love was boundless and never done.

She is remembered in our hearts always
She brightened all of our days.

Farewell to our very special girl, we miss you very much...

Patti, Kay & Dan

Mabel, May 2011

Mabel was a beautiful sweet Westie.  She had a wonderful life with a family that adored her.  

She was loved for 14 years by Jenny, Stan, Jack & Eli. 

She is missed very much.

Mollie, April 2011

Mollie collapsed yesterday morning. Doctor Dalem was on staff and helped to her to sleep.  I was with her the entire time.  I do hope her spirit knew her Mom was holding her when she left this world. I was blessed to have her 16, 1/2 years.

Mollie will always be forever loved and will never be forgotten...Lisa
 
 

Roxy, February 2011

On the day I lost you, it rained. 

through the day and also the night. torrential and gusty as I lay in bed, I could hear the drops pounding the tile

I thought for a moment it might break through on the bed, and soak us and I didn’t care I almost hoped it would and take away the salty burn of tears maybe I would wash away with the house along with the pain of remembering

your loving eyes, your head on my shoulder as you were older
the time you escaped from the park and we found you home
in the driveway legs prone, panting, waiting “What took you?” feeding you soft serve from my mouth

The day we brought you home and we sang ..Roxanne…in the car
as you climbed your way up to a warm spot between my neck and the headrest.  your gentle kisses

I don’t know how to do life without you.  Ann & Larry

Lexie, December 2010

Here is my sweet Lexie. She lived form Nov 2000-Dec 2010. 

Lexie was a spiritual dog. She picked up on everything, saw things we did not understand and mothered everything. particularly all my other Westies.  She raised Lola and was very good with Pinkie too.  There are more than a few times when the unbelievable happened with her.  She was truly the sweetest dog I ever owned.  Lindsay

 

Frank Dugan, September 2010

 In loving memory of Frank Dugan, lover of Westies, a spiritual man,  artist and  owner of the fabulous Westie Luke.  He trusted WROC with his most prized possession, Luke. 

Luke now resides and is loved by very good friends of WROC, Mark & Barbara and Tommy & Jordie.

Bradley, August 9, 2010

Bradley, our quirky little rescue who touched many lives.  

He loved his carriage rides in the park and basking in the warm California sun. 

He was such a brave little Westie.  He reminds us of why we rescue. 

He was loved very much and is greatly missed.

Dusty, June 1, 2010 

Dusty, age 15, 4/16/95-6/1/10

Passed away from TCC (transitional cell carcinoma) Bladder cancer.

"The Greatest Dog in the World"

Our beloved Doodlebug.

Rosemary, Mike, and Radar

It is with a sad heart that I write you today.

Our little Zach died this morning of heart failure.

Thank you for the opportunity to have him to love and be a part

of our family.

Charise

Sweet, sweet Bailey.....that is how she was from the minute we picked her up as a puppy.  We have had many dogs in our lifetime, but we always called Bailey our perfect dog, because she was.  She never went through a puppy stage, just wanted to please and love us.  It's like she knew that was her job and she did it to perfection. 

When she was diagnosed with cancer, we were devastated.  Bailey would not give up though.  We were blessed with two more Christmases with her after the doctors only gave her months to live. 

When we adopted our Westie, Cailey, I feel like she knew she could let go.  Cailey would take care of us now.  Bailey....we miss you so much.  Cailey....you are our lifesaver.  You make us laugh everyday.
 

I am a thousand winds that blow,

I am the diamond glints on snow.

I am the sunlight on ripened grain,

I am the gentle autumns's rain.

When you awaken in the morning hush,

I am the swift uplifting rush.

of quiet birds in circled flight,

I am the stars that shine at night.

Please do not cry for me,

In your hearts I will always be.

Perry, we will miss you so, tap, tap, tap at the refrigerator door.  You were the most amazing little rescue dog.  With heavy hearts, Kay, Dan, Karen, Toni

Our sweet Heather crossed the bridge yesterday morning.  Though Heather’s progress was short lived, we believe she did it for us.  She gave us the greatest gift all by showing us a glimpse of her Westie ways, her sweet demeanor when pills weren’t involved, and her love of gentle belly rubs.  She was the sweetest animal imaginable who shared our home and our hearts for two very short weeks.  As she made her final journey, we held her close and our tears soaked her head.  She was loved and cared for as if she had been our own for 17 years.  No matter how much time we are given with our pets, it will never be enough.  Heather was not just an old rescue dog.  She was “our” dog.  We are comforted that Heather died knowing she was wanted and loved. We miss her terribly, Karen & Kay

I lost my best friend this year.  I miss him more then words can say. 

8:50 am July 25th, 2009, 10 minutes before we were to leave for the 
vet to make that horrible decision Murfee gave me one more gift, he spared me from having to make that decision.

And took his last breath at home in my arms next to my heart.

Always with me,
Mommy

Our darling Hannah crossed the bridge today,

Life will not be the same without her sweet way.

She was such a joy to be around,

The most wonderful Westie spirit to be found!

Farewell sweet Hannah, you will be sorely missed by Dick & Pat and all of us at WROC.  You truly touched our hearts.

On May 24, 2009, our precious Kelsey left us for the Rainbow Bridge. He was sent to us via airplane in June, 1995 and he came out of his crate giving us kisses and wagging his tail.  During the almost 14 years he graced our lives, he never stopped giving kisses and wagging his tail. Everyone who came in contact with him couldn’t help but smile, as he was very social and had a magnetic personality. 

He was a fighter and proved it by coming through 3 cancer surgeries and chemotherapy in the last year he was with us.  Each time, he bounced back and was his strong and happy self. When he finally couldn’t fight anymore, he let us know, but even then he was reluctant to leave. Our life was so much better for having our wonderful Kelsey in it and he is greatly missed.  Ronna & Ted

Reilly, a beautiful little pup adopted in 2004, sadly left us today in the early prime of her life.  Reilly suddenly and inexplicably took ill, and although her Mom and Dad and so many wonderful doctors did everything they could, she quietly passed away today in the arms of her loving family. She crossed over the Rainbow Bridge, tail wagging and looking for her toys and fellow playmates.

Reilly was always quite a character, from when she was just a wee puppy to her grown up years, and although a bit smaller than most of her Westie cousins, she never yielded in making sure they all knew she was the Alpha Dog/Head of House.

She lived a happy life with her adopted Westie brother Andy playing with him every chance he would allow and enjoyed so much fun with him and all their friends at the Rancho Bernardo Dog Park, Dog Beach at Coronado, neighborhood walks with Andy, and in backyard BBQ’s. Reilly was such the party girl sharing her toys with all of our friends at our parties and events.

She will be missed dearly, remembered and cherished forever, and will always remain in our hearts, our lives, and our memories.  Thanks to our many special friends for being so kind to Reilly all these years and allowing her to be a small part of your lives.   Tammy & Jon

 Wesley, March 2009

Every day of the 18 years Wesley and I were together he made me smile and taught me how wonderful West Highland Terriers are. There are dogs and then there are Westies who are more like "People of Fur".

I was fortunate to have him come into my life and I'll never forget how wonderful he was.  Robert

I remember her sitting on the side of her bum like Westies do with her head tilted and that quizzical look on her face.  Everyone loved her in such a short time, she ruled the house.  Love Marilynne, Ken & Bentley

We will all miss you, sweet Kate.  You were a very special rescue girl who touched so many people.  You are the reason that WROC began this extraordinary journey.

XOXO Kay and Karen

She was my inspiration on much of the art and crafts that I did.  

She was such a special girl! 

Thank you. 

Joy

It doesn't matter that she was ready or that she was 15 years old

and I had known this was coming  for some time.  

She will always hold a very special place in my heart. 

Nancy

Sophie, September 2008
Sophie, oh Sophie
My heart aches for you
My precious little girl
Sophie, oh Sophie
I miss your Westie howl, your little wroo..roo…roo
I miss you my sweetie pie…my sweet pea
My precious little girl…my baby
Sophie, oh Sophie
I knew it was you…that white butterfly that followed me on a hike
I know you are in the stars that watch over me in the sky at night
My precious, precious little girl…my angel






Cappuccino, September 2008
I miss the wagging little tail;

I miss the plaintive, pleading wail;

I miss the wistful loving glance;

I miss the circling welcome-dance.

Denise and Art

MSTie, March 2008

Today, March 5, 2009, marks the 1st anniversary of MSTie’s crossing the Rainbow Bridge to unite with her sister Nestle – I’m sure they are both happily romping together, enjoying all the blessings of the Lord and an existence without pain or suffering, only pure joy.   MSTie was a very special pup and I was so lucky to have shared my home with her during the best years of her life.  Joan