Northern California Sheltie Rescue

NorCal Sheltie Rescue, Inc.

NorCal Sheltie Rescue, Inc. - Waiting at the Rainbow Bridge

The Rainbow Bridge

Inspired by a Norse legend

By the edge of a woods, at the foot of a Hill,

Is a lush, green meadow where time stands still.

Where the friends of man and woman do run,

When their time on earth is over and done.

For here, between this world and the next,

Is a place where each beloved creature finds rest.

On this golden land, they wait and they play,

Till the Rainbow Bridge they cross over one day.

No more do they suffer, in pain or in sadness,

For here they are whole, their lives filled with gladness.

Their limbs are restored, their health renewed,

Their bodies have healed, with strength imbued.

They romp through the grass, without even a care,

Until one day they start, and sniff at the air.

All ears prick forward, eyes dart front and back,

Then all of a sudden, one breaks from the pack.

For just at that instant, their eyes have met;

Together again, both person and pet.

So they run to each other, these friends from long past,

The time of their parting is over at last.

The sadness they felt while they were apart,

Has turned into joy once more in each heart.

They embrace with a love that will last forever,

And then, side-by-side, they cross over… together.

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Lady came into Sheltie Rescue when her owner could no longer take care of her. Lady was a kind soul who loved to go for walks and meet up with other dogs. She was exceptional in that she would share her treats with other dogs. She lived a good life and passed away in July of 2017. Although Lady lived in her adopted home for just five years, she brought everyone in the family much joy. She will be forever missed.

Molly and Taelor

Lady
July 2017

It's been a little while, but we would like to honor Pepper on your Rainbow Bridge page I've been looking at pictures, and when I see him my heart still aches. He was with us for too short of a time. Never-the-less, he stole our hearts, in the way Shelties always manage to do, and I wish I could give him just one more hug!

~Debra~

Pepper
September 2017

Shane
August 2017

I knew something was up with Shane when he didn't want to eat for a few days. After the usual diagnostics, including an abdominal ultrasound and detailed blood work, he was diagnosed with large cell lymphoma in his liver and spleen. It came on fast since his prior blood work was done 3 months prior with no red flags. He was put on medication to help his appetite and to make him feel better. That didn't last long, so a few weeks after his diagnosis we were making that final sad trip to the vet's office.

Shane was a lovely, reticent, senior gentleman. He was easy to live with and enjoyed playing fetch with his long time companion, Chad. We miss him a lot.

~Gale Ann~

Some years back Chad and Shane were found running loose together in Sandy, Utah. Utah Sheltie Rescue took them in and found a motivated Roseville, CA couple who passed their pre-screening to adopt the pair. These folks drove up to Salt Lake to meet Chad & Shane and to bring them home to a good life until personal changes caught up with the couple making ongoing care of Chad & Shane impossible. We took the two boys in with the understanding that Chad & Shane wouldn't be split up. They were sweet loving additions to my life and home. They loved to play ball -- well, actually, they especially loved to bark while playing ball! Chad was my shadow, an affectionate, sweetly goofy boy. Shane was more reserved but he was very clear when it was time for food!

Amazing that they passed away within a month of one another. (See below for more on Shane.) They were probably litter mates so shared genetics may have played a role. I was blessed to have Chad & Shane in my life. Gale Ann

Chad
September 2017

Little Annie came in Sheltie Rescue with her mother, Princess II who as noted below has also died. Little Annie, who her foster mom believed was 15 at the time she died is reunited with her life-long companion, her mother, Princess II. Little Annie was a loving girl who would put her head on laps while patiently waiting to be petted.

Little Annie
December 2017

Princess II
December 2017

Princess II came to us with her daughter Princess Annie. At the time Princess was 13, very obese with poor skin/coat conditions, arthritis, and low thyroid. With her health issues addressed, Princess showed more energy and loved her new life with her daughter, Princess Annie, in the caring hands of foster mom, Claudia.

It is with a huge hole in my heart that I tell you that I let Princess Phoebe go to fly free. She touched so many lives at agility and herding and with my friends that she leaves a huge void. She will never be forgotten by my family and she was truly one of a kind as far as Rescues go. Fly free sweet Princess Phoebe and I will see you at the Bridge someday. Know that you were loved by us until the end. I will miss you forever!

Love, foster mom Karen

Phoebe
October 2018

Despite Leah’s advanced age of 13, when she went to live with Claudia her lab work came back normal with no serious health issues. Leah enjoyed several months of living a life of comfort and love with our all-star hospice foster mom, Claudia. Major organ failure came fast and now she’s at the Rainbow Bridge. A very sweet girl, we all enjoyed knowing Leah, even if for a brief time.

Leah
December 2018

My sweet Heidi Girl took great care of me. I adopted her Dec 30 2007 from the Sheltie Rescue in Elk Grove. She adapted to my medical conditions really well. She saved me so many times over 11 years and 23 days. Heidi rode in the car and on the train and bus with me. A sweet personality and I feel lost without her. She was 17 or 18 years old and a great dog. She always did well at the VA Outpatient Clinics. She was the best. I loved her dearly and miss her very much. Peace sweet child. ~Amy

Heidi
February 2019

Misty was quite a barker, but was just the sweetest, most wonderful dog. Most dogs can't be described as "sweet" but she truly was, and just fantastic with little kids. She didn't really like other dogs, but she really loved people. She was super playful, and loved to chase the ball and play with her toys. Almost a year ago, our daughter Annie died of breast cancer here in our home, and throughout her illness, Misty was the most fantastic service dog for Annie that you can imagine, and she really helped all of us in a very difficult situation.

We did want to say that we support and appreciate NorCal Sheltie Rescue very much, and really appreciate all the hard work that you do and have done over the years to make that happen. It is a great organization. Thank you so much for everything that you do.

Misty
February 2019

Mikka was a lovely senior girl who was well loved for the short time she was with Tom’s family. She died of renal failure but soldiered through like Shelties do, never letting on how sick she was until the very end. Now she’s healthy, happy and waiting for the family who loved her at the Rainbow Bridge.

Mikka
February 2019

In loving memory of our best friend, Fancy Pants, and most loyal and loving companion. Aug 22, 2006 - March 8, 2019

We were very fortunate and extremely blessed to have experienced a very special gift from NorCal Sheltie Rescue in 2013, our loving Sheltie, “Fancy Pants.”

It is with a sad heart and deep regret that we say goodbye to our “special girl” and beloved family member. We thank you, Fancy, for giving us your all and loving us unconditionally these past few years. We will miss you always……

Fancy Pants
March 2019

I am so sad to tell you that my sweet boy, Pendragon, passed over on Monday night. He was in pain from arthritis and could hardly move in the morning. He was down to 25 lbs and so thin you could feel all his bones. I held him in my arms as he peacefully went to sleep and told him I would see him on the other side. Still turn around waiting for him. Lots of tears. Thank you for letting me share these 6 years of his life. It's never enough This is my favorite picture of Pendragon. We had spent a wonderful day in the park and went up this little hill under a weeping willow tree. He sat and posed for me. I didn't even have to tell him. I miss him so much.

~Pat~

Pendragon
April 2019

Casey presented many challenges with behavior fears at times. His adopter, Jackie, never gave up on Casey She loved him unconditionally despite the many situations Casey presented. Adopted November 1, 2010 - died September 7, 2019.

RIP, beloved Casey!

Casey
September 2019

Buddy loved being with his foster mom, Claudia, and best friend, Izzy. Due to his failing vision Izzy took it upon herself to wait for him at the door so he could follow her outside. It was so endearing how she watched out for him.

Buddy
December 2019

Gala got to spend 3 years and 3 months with us and she was very happy. Big warm pillows in front of the wood burning stove in the winters and cool wood floors and lots of shady trees in the grass in the summer. Air-conditioning too! She was a very sweet girl. She played with the other dogs and would even chase a tennis ball in the grass. Her last few years were happy and she got to experience what it was like to have a real home. No regrets ! We took in an old broken down puppy mill sheltie that passed with only the good memories of her wonderful last 3 years.

Lucie & Frank

Gala
February 2020

Just want to let you know that Charles and I helped Skylar cross over Rainbow Bridge on Monday (2/24/2020). We adopted Skylar in 2008 after fostering him and his sheltie sister, Sydney. I know he and Sydney are playing chase in the clouds somewhere now. He would have been 15 in July but was diagnosed with liver cancer about 6 weeks ago and, in spite of our best efforts, was no longer enjoying life. We miss Skylar beyond measure but are so grateful to have known and cared for him these years. He really was an ambassador for the breed, a HUGE part of our lives and simply the best dog ever.

Marte & Charles

Skylar
February 2020

In August 2017, Penny came into NCSR’s special needs program after she had been abandoned at a local shelter. She had severe hair loss, horrible teeth and severe arthritis, but what a sweetheart! Penny was big of spirit and enchanted everyone who came into contact with her. In January 2020, just a few months shy of turning 16, her body finally gave out. Her long term foster caregivers, Bill & Denise, took Penny for her final ride where she was encompassed in their arms and love as she was released from her failing body. Now Penny waits patiently at the foot of the Rainbow Bridge for Bill and Denise to join her so they can cross to heaven together. NCSR can’t thank foster parents like Bill & Denise enough for the exemplary care and attention they give to these precious oldsters who come into our program. We couldn’t do it without our wonderful volunteers!

Penny
January 2020

Sadly, Lily went to the Rainbow Bridge on Wednesday (2/26/20) While I was hoping for a urinary tract infection, it turned out to be a large mass in her bladder so I held Lily as I let her go. She will be greatly missed, seeking the light, removing all birds from the airspace over the yard, chasing the squirrels and liking legs and feet of all she met, not to mention her mad ball retrieval skills.

Thank you for letting me adopt her.

Lily
February 2020

Christmas came joyfully to Dianna and Michael when they adopted Nigel in December of 2015. A special needs Sheltie, he suffered from congenital blindness, seizures, and an erratic gait. He was first rescued by Abbie, who recognized his lovely temperament and provided him with excellent vet care during his first year. Dianna and Michael opened their hearts to him, describing him as the “happiest Sheltie they’d ever known.” He lived each day to the fullest and never seemed to know he wasn’t healthy. Gone way too soon, but what a difference he made in many lives!

Nigel
March 2020

I regret to inform you that I had to euthanize my "Tessee," who I adopted as "Bessie" in January 2015. She had complications from the heartworm disease she suffered prior to coming to Sheltie Rescue. The vet I took her to thought she had a blood clot in her lungs. Tessee had a great life and even though she loved fruit and always went to the bathroom on concrete I loved her. Laura

Tessee
January 2020

Peaceful Pathways came today to help Flash to the Rainbow Bridge. It was a very emotional time particularly for my 19-year-old, who felt very attached to Flash, and for wife, Elizabeth, who is particularly empathetic towards animals. No question, fostering Special Need boys, Chip and Flash was a great experience for us; thanks to you for accepting us into the NorCal Rescue family on their behalf - Cheers, Roger

Flash
April 2020

Izzy came into our Special Needs program with a horribly infected ear and lots of other health conditions. All were cleared up while in foster care with Claudia except her kidney disease which, while managed with diet and medications, finally took her. Her foster mom, Claudia, kindly helped Izzy to the Rainbow Bridge.

Izzy
June 2020

Our sweet Panda came into our lives in November 2015. She was very spry with a fast gait for a senior dog (approximate age 9). Panda loved to go for walks to the park and along the ocean multiple times a day. She also was lucky enough to visit often with her nearby foster parents, Denise and Bill, and their Sheltie, Grace. Panda was always a very good traveler, so she went with us when we visited national parks; Yosemite, Zion, Bryce and Organ Pipe, along with numerous state parks. Sadly, Panda had multiple mini strokes in a short period and was guided to the Rainbow Bridge. Although we only had four and a half years with her, she will always be our little girl of sunshine. Panda will be dearly missed and forever loved. Thank you, NorCal Sheltie Rescue, and Denise and Bill for giving us the opportunity to have Panda in our lives.

~Sandi~

Panda
June 2020

I felt a need to tell you that Mia passed away April 1st. We were blessed to have her for 12 amazing years, however it is never long enough. . We are devastated and heartbroken. During gallbladder surgery pancreatic and liver cancer was found. We are beyond still grieving.

Sheltie blessings to you,
Keith and Sandy B.

Mia
April 2020

Harley was a very special senior boy fostered by Sandi. Harley had abdominal surgery early January 2020 ago to remove a tumor. We were told to expect the cancer to recur, which it did in December 2020 when he went very fast, just after playing tag and enjoying breakfast. His foster mom turned away for a moment or two and, bam, Harley was gone. We’re grateful he went to quickly. Now he’s waiting for his special people at the Rainbow Bridge.

Harley
December 2020

Mitzi was an outdoor dog for ten plus years until she came into NCSR’s Special Needs program. She needed house training, spaying, a major dental with multiple extractions and treatment of several long term, deep wounds caused by foxtails. Mitzi found her happiness in her forever foster home with Carole and Ted who very sadly helped her to the Rainbow Bridge when it was clear her spirit was ready to leave.

Mitzi
December 2020

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