Circle of Light

A client has passed on a beautiful way to honor the passing of our furry friends and critter companions.  The Inversos, members of the Hedgehog Welfare Society, informed us of the Circle of Light, a worldwide memorial that is held every month on the night of the full moon.  To take part in this beautiful tribute, light a candle and spend a few minutes quietly thinking about, meditating on, or praying for those special pets who have gone. 

Bassie Czerwinski 

Our sweet Bassie (Bassett Hound/Lab Mix) passed away at home on Wednesday April 23, 2008 at the age of 8 (owned by Michelle, Knollwood's Office Manager). He was the love of our lives and a great companion. Basssie was very sweet and did not have a mean bone in his body. Bassie loved to play with his sister Sadie (German Shepherd) and most of all, his brother Gizmo aka Mo (Shih Tzu). Bassie and Mo would play fight and chase each other up and down the hallway while Sadie was the referee. Bassie was very laid back most of the time. He had those basset hound eyes which made him look like he was sad even when he was happy. We would like to take this opportunity to thank Dr. Mitchell, Dr. Boudreaux and Dr. Papacek for all of the great care they gave our precious boy. I would like to thank my co-workers and clients for their kind words during this difficult time and last but not least, I would like to thank All Paws Pet Cremation for being so caring.

Bassie, we love you and miss you very much. Until we meet again, you will always be in our hearts.

Mark, Michelle, Brittany, Katie and Cory Czerwinski

Angel Harrison

Angel was with Mary Helen and Dennis from December 1996 until December 2007.  She will be missed greatly and loved always.

Tessa Sanders
June 26, 1997 - April 2, 2008

Draw a circle, not a heart, around the one you love,
because a heart can break,
but a circle goes on forever.
 -Author unknown

Loving encircled forever in the heart of Brenda Sanders

UACHX UCD Wagontale Heavens to Betty CD RAE OA NAJ AXP
OJP CGC NDD WORKING DOG RL2 CSL2F (6 legs toward RAE2)
BG# 15738

Thibideaux Mitchell

Tibby acted like a little trouper right up to the end, never letting us know that he wasn't feeling well or acting as if he had liver cancer.  Twenty-four hours after he began seizuring uncontrollably, we let him rest.  He went to the light with the squeaky ball his foster Mom gave him, wrapped in the blankie the rescue group made for him.

Many thanks to Colonel Potter's Cairn Rescue group for letting me have this wonderful little dog,  and to Foster Mom Terri, who loved him from the moment he came into her West Virginia home.  Tibby packed a lot of living into the five short months he shared with me.

Dr. Mitchell

Tibby's passing is just heartbreaking, but my solace is that he probably had the best time of his life with you!  Little guy is playing at the Rainbow Bridge with very happy memories.   Thank you for taking him into your life and home.

I just want you to know because of Tibby,  I kept a check on your hospital website and read most of the newsletters, which led me to research more about probiotics and other things which are giving the guys here a better life.
 
He has touched a lot of lives in so many ways - Carolyn who rescued him in Indianapolis was so taken by him, that after she picked him up - she  officially applied to foster too - and now has her own foster.   Life is a swirl of circles connecting us all in little ways and leaving a legacy.

He led of life of grace, he was always so appreciative of just being with the guys!  I have great memories of the first day he ran down the hall with his ball "playing" with my gang.... he was so happy just to play.   Just ran up and down the hall - never letting me throw it - just running up and down the hall with the others chasing their toys.

Tibby's foster mom, Terri

Jacob Meuris

Dr. Mitchell & Knollwood Staff,

On Sunday we let our beloved Jacob go to be with Katie. His breathing had gotten worse over the last couple of weeks, and this past weekend, he seemed to be "gurgling" when he breathed. He tired quickly on his little walks and lost much of his interest in chasing the tennis ball or visiting his canine neighbors at the fence. It was getting increasingly difficult to "hide" his herbal meds in his food. On Saturday night, he seemed very uncomfortable, panting and finding it hard to relax. Sunday morning, after an uncomfortable night, we made the difficult decision to take him to the emergency clinic rather than make him suffer through another day.

Even though we knew we were doing the right thing for Jacob, it was such a difficult decision for us to make. Losing Katie and Jacob within 8 months has been tough, to say the least. Our home has not been without a dog for many, many years, and the hole in our hearts they have left behind is undeniable.

We will welcome new "babies" into our home, but we will never forget those who have left us.

Thank you for the compassionate care and concern you all showed Jacob during his struggles over the last several months. I'm sure he is much happier now being "bossed around" by Katie again!

Love,
Sharon & Jim Meuris

Sandy Bermier

In memory of my Sandy - From the moment I brought her home from God's Little Acres Sanctuary, she was always at my side.  She had been abused, so we had a special bond.  When her back legs became weaker, she fought the good fight to remain by my side.  But then I had to let her go.  She will remain in my heart forever.

Anne Bermier

Sofia Mitchell

Sofia is now running fast and free, no longer held back by her miserably deformed arthritic elbows, painful stiff hips, incontinence, and chronic skin disease.  She collapsed and died in my arms on Tuesday evening, August 28th, about 10pm.   It was very quick and she didn't suffer - a few tail thumps when I whispered her name, and she was gone.
 
During her five years with us, Sofia's life was graced and comforted by the assistance of numerous veterinarians and other health care professionals.
I'd like to thank those who offered expert acupuncture and herbal assistance:
Dr. Gary Allen, Albuquerque, New Mexico
Dr. Linda Boggie, Overussel, Netherlands
Dr. Mona Boudreaux, Wonder Lake, Illinois
Dr. Lynelle Graham, University of Minnesota College of Veterinary Medicine
Dr. Eric Hartman, Seattle, Washington
Dr. Steve Marsden, Edmonton, Canada
And my students in the 2005, 2006, and 2007 Chicago Herbal Course for Veterinarians.

I am very grateful to those who offered physical therapy ideas for Sofia's comfort:
Dr. Jean Pitcairn, New Bedford, Massachussetts
Dr. Share Siwek, Skokie, Illinois.
 
I owe a great debt to Sofia's orthopedic specialist, a compassionate and dedicated surgeon and pioneer researcher in human and animal joint replacement, Dr. Tom Turner, Berwyn, Illinois.
 
Sofia's chronic skin issues were greatly improved by the advice and assistance of Nina Pregont of Natural Expressions, West Dundee, Illinois, who helped me develop a raw diet for Sofia.
 
My colleague, Dr. Mary Papacek, kept me grounded in routine veterinary care for Sofia, and helped keep her bladder infections diagnosed and under control.
 
Many, many clients at Knollwood Hospital for Pets knew of Sofia's health issues and frequently asked about her well-being. It was very comforting to me to know that so many of you cared about her.  Special thanks must go to Hooch's "mom," who taught me how to remove Mastiff drool from walls and ceilings without removing the paint!
 
All of my staff at Knollwood participated in Sofia's care, making sure that she was walked, played with, petted, and admired.  Some succumbed to her shameless begging at lunchtime, and many were amazed by the quantity of drool she could produce when she even thought that someone might be taking a lunch break.  Chani, Nikki, and Katie provided caring "home away from home" care for Sofia, making sure that she got all of her medications and her special diet, when I was away lecturing.
 
The Big Girl is very much missed.....
Dr. Mitchell

Katie Meuris

Katie's picture's been on the Celebrations page since right after her 12th birthday, May 17th. Sadly, in the space of 11 days, we went from celebrating to saying goodbye.  Katie finally told us it was time to go on May 28th. The attached pictures with her "Birthday Bunny" were taken just a few days before.

Three months later, we still miss her terribly, but feel her spirit and presence in our lives daily. This little golden girl left her paw prints on the hearts of everyone she met.

Thanks again to Dr. Mitchell and the entire staff at Knollwood for everything you did for Katie.

Mom Sharon, Dad Jim and Brother Jacob

Cloe Goles

Today, Monday August 20th, our little Cloe peacefully passed away in my arms.
I would like to thank Dr. Mitchell and Dr. Papacek for all of your love and concern during Cloe's illness. Also your staff is awesome, they are very compassionate.
 
Thank you again,
Gail Goles and Family

Popcorn and Rainbow

Popcorn, age 13, and his mother, Rainbow, almost 17, were laid to rest on April 23, beside each other in the home cemetery in Wayne, where they join the rest of their lab family: Chamois, Cacao, Licorice, and Wrangler.

Besides earning obedience & hunting titles, Rainbow had earned numerous master level titles in AKC, NADAC, NCDA, UKC, & USDAA styles of agility and was awarded “Top Labrador Retriever” for 3 years in AKC agility.

Besides earning AKC & UKC UD’s and hunting titles, Popcorn also earned master level titles in AKC, NADAC, UKC, & USDAA styles of agility.  He had earned a placement in the first run, AKC State Championship trial to help Illinois take 1^st place!  Popcorn was selected to produce a litter of puppies for the Support Dogs in St. Louis, where all 12 puppies were accepted into the program, and were trained & placed in homes as support dogs!  On his 10^th birthday, Popcorn earned the elusive MACH agility title!  In 2006, Popcorn continued to earn 3 more titles in preferred agility!

Both labs will truly be missed, but leave an indelible imprint upon Marietta’s heart!

Duke
August 1993 - April 26,2007

We adopted Dukey on the 15th of August in 1996. For the remainder of his life we would celebrate the 15th of August as both the anniversary of the day we brought him home and as his birthday.

For three of us, Dukey was our first dog. Dukey's first year with us was really exciting as we discovered that in many ways he was just like us. Who knew that dogs sneezed or sigh just like humans do. Dukey very quickly became more than just a pet, but a family member who was an important part of the family for the next ten years. After being very sick for three weeks, Dukey passed away on Thursday, April 26,2007.

Like any dog, Dukey liked to eat.  His favorite foods were carrots and Beggin' Strips.  Like other dogs, he loved bones.  The one thing he loved was going for walks.

Dukey's passing away has left a giant void and emptiness in our home and our hearts.  He will always be in our hearts and memories.  We will all be waiting for him at the Rainbow Bridge.

Ralph, Marge, Michael and Leslie

Trina Mayr
March 15, 1993 – January 9, 2007

Trina was a very special girl
I have never known a bitch dog to be quite so opinionated
It was her way or ‘her way’ and that was that

Trina’s velvet ears were her trademark
And she loved it anytime someone would rub them

After realizing that her sister Chinook was not going away
Trina decided it was o.k. to share her yard and teach her ‘dog-dom’
She thoroughly enjoyed her weekly swimming time with Chinook

Trina enjoyed her life to the fullest
And has now passed on to her eternal rest

Trina’s spirit will always be with us
We were blessed to have had the chance to share our lives with her
And life as we knew it will never be the same without her

Hercules and Gretchen Kaczmarek

Mom and Dad will always remember their departed angels, Hercules and Gretchen.

Juanita Conley

Juanita wasn't necessarily a Knollwood patient, but she was part of the extended Knollwood family.  Dr. Boudreaux treated Juanita when she practiced in Albuquerque, New Mexico.  Mom Cheryl had this to say:

"Juanita slipped away from us in her sleep at the age of 12 1/2.  Dr. Boudreaux helped us care for her at a time when she developed idiopathic epilepsy and was very caring and supportive of us, the human owners, as well.  In fact, we credit Dr. Boudreaux with saving her life.

Tiny girl, you were the light of our life and you are missed.  Mommy and Daddy love you.”

D.J. Neville
January 23, 1991 - October 26, 2006

No tree, no wreath, no garland,
No candles burning bright.
No presents wrapped beneath a tree
No D.J.'s shining light.

No happy children laughing,
No joyful sounds to hear,
This is a somber season
Without my girl, so dear.

If there really is a Santa Claus
Please bring around your sleigh,
Take all my hugs and kisses
And be with her today.

Please tell her that I love her,
Be certain that she knows
Without her here, there is no cheer
My sorrow only grows.

And tell her that I'm sorry,
For everything we'll miss
For the times I let her down
Then seal it with a kiss.

If once more I could hold her,
If only she could see
How much she added to my life,
How much she meant to me.

For now there is a sadness
Without my girl, so sweet
Until the day, when once again,
At Rainbow Bridge, we'll meet.

Baby Girl Noxon
October 21, 1989 - November 28, 2006

Baby Girl was our beautiful princess till her last day.  Tom and I adopted Baby Girl a few months after we got married.  We had 16 years to love her and to be loved by her.  We miss you and will love you forever.

Doris and Tom Noxon

Jackie Mattlage
August 5, 1995 - April 11th, 2006

Attached are pictures of our beloved Jackie, a retired racing Greyhound.  Jackie was almost 11 when she died.  She was my first dog and though Scott had many dogs, mainly Collies, he fell in love with the Greyhound. 

We love Drs. Mitchell and Boudreaux.  They are everything you want in a vet.  We were referred to them by the Midwest Greyhound Association because of their level of care, especially for the physically and emotionally sensitive Greyhound.  Jackie also loved them.  She was treated like a princess and Dr. Mitchell was the only one who called her “Girlfriend.”  That was precious.  We also believe that because of the care and love we got from Knollwood Hospital for Pets, Jackie lived 2 years longer than she might have and for that we are grateful.

Though she is gone she is not forgotten and one day in the future we hope to invite another tired old racer back into our lives. 

Connie and Scott Mattlage

Mandy Wright

This picture of Mandy enjoying her frisbee was taken last summer, on June 28, 2005.  Mandy died on December 6, 2005, at 15 1/2 years old.

Shamrock Vom Steinig Tal
July 29, 1994 - May 16, 2006

Titles: U-CD, U-ACHX, CD, TD, NAJ, OA, AX, NAC, NJC, NGC, OAC, CL3-R, CL3-F

Pictured at left as a puppy, adolescent, and a senior at 11 years, 10 months old.

Her "mom" had these meaningful words to say: "She was worth it ALL!"

Maggie

This is just a note to say thank you for all you have done thru the years.  You were there for puppy Maggie & when she ate weird things.  You helped her when she was in pain.  It was comforting she had caring friends around her to help at the end of her life.  It helps to know everything that could be done was done.

Ted and Toni Rojek

Abbey

Abbey was a happy dog right until the end.  What a trooper!  We are still so amazed at how hard she fought the cancer.  We feel very blessed and lucky to have had her in our lives for 11 short years!  We miss her so much!!

Dave and Patti Hehr

Oreo

03/02/89 - 01/30/06

I WILL MISS

I will miss the sound of toenails against the hardwood floor; And the prettiest, furry face that I did so adore.

I will miss your little giraffe paws, spotted beige and brown; How you hated when we touched them when you were lying down.

I will miss the sweetest freckle face that brought us such delight; And the softest, velvet, devil ears pulled back or held upright.

I will miss your tangled “matties” and straggly little “foofs” ;And the sound of happy barking as we’d mimic your woof-woofs.

I will miss those tiny “teefies” and your cold, wet, shiny nose; Or the way you’d bite the sprinkler and wrestle with the hose.

I will miss all the fun we had playing “doggie volleyball”;  On hind legs as your snoot you’d tap balloons that wouldn’t fall.

I will miss our romps to the kiddie park and foamy car rides; Just to watch the children’s face as you’d go up and down the slide.

I will miss the way you’d bite the shovel lending your support; We’d gather mounds of fallen snow to build a baby girl fort.

I will miss the autumns spent with you, leaves raked into a pile; Scattered our work everywhere, running crazy as we’d smile.

I will miss the way you’d run to get a ball so we could play; You were always there beside me, each and every day.

I will miss the many songs written exclusively for you; I think you rather liked them, my little “girwie woo.”

I will miss my very special friend and need to try to start; To fill the gaping emptiness and mend my broken heart.

I will miss your gentle ways and long for your sweet love; I pray that you’re at peace Oreo, in heaven up above.

What I would give to hold you and have one last “Girwie” kiss; Your presence in my life, forever, I will miss.

Lorie Brady

Bear

"He is my friend, my partner, my defender.  I am his life, his love, his leader.  He is mine to the last beat of his heart.  I owe it to him to be worthy of such devotion..."

Why Dogs Don't Live As Long As People...

Being a veterinarian, I had been called to examine a ten-year-oldish Wolfhound named Belker. The dog's owners, Ron, his wife Lisa,and their little boy, Shane, were all very much attached to Belker, and they were hoping for a miracle. I examined Belker and found he was dying of cancer. I told the family there were no miracles left for Belker, and offered to perform the euthanasia procedure for the old dog in their home. As we made arrangements, Ron and Lisa told me they thought it would be good if four-year-old Shane could observe the procedure. They felt as though Shane might learn something from the experience.

The next day, I felt the familiar catch in my throat as Belker's family surrounded him. Shane seemed so calm, petting the old dog for the last time, that I wondered if he understood what was going on. Within a few minutes, Belker slipped peacefully away. The little boy seemed to accept Belker's transition without any difficulty or confusion. We sat together for a while after Belker's death, wondering aloud about the sad fact that animal lives are shorter than human lives.Shane, who had been listening quietly, piped up, "I know why." Startled, we all turned to him. What came out of his mouth next stunned me. I'd never heard a more comforting explanation. He said,"People are born so that they can learn how to live a good life -- like loving everybody all the time and being nice, right?" The four-year-old continued, "Well, dogs already know how to do that, so they don't have to stay as long."

Live simply.  Love generously.  Care deeply.  Speak kindly.  Leave the rest to God.

07/07/88 - 03/25/02

Poster dog for the triple pelvic osteotomy, Max was one of Dr. Mitchell's devoted acupuncture patients.  Sweet, gentle, happy, but focused, he was always first in line for a treat and then another one.  Here he is perfecting his performance for the Senior Dog Olympics Master Begging Competition.

Angel

Bandit

Jim and John

Dusty

On May 13, 2005, our beloved boy went over the Rainbow Bridge after months of battling many different problems despite all the efforts of Knollwood Hospital and his many veterinarians. He never barked, but our house is deafening without him in it. Even though I still cry quite often due to missing him so, I keep in mind that he was ours for 7 wonderful years and we feel blessed for that.  His brother, Spike who is almost blind, misses him also since Dusty was always his eyes. We know he is in a better place where there is no pain and look forward to meeting him at the Rainbow Bridge someday. Until that day, he will remain in our hearts and in the wonderful memories he gave us.

Patty LeBeau

Lynn Wilson

Rosie

Although my heart is aching, it is filled with so many wonderful memories of this amazing creature who never judged me, was always by my side through thick and thin, and filled my life with unconditional love.  Sydney misses her sister very much and we are all doing our best to cope.  I know we will be all right, it just takes time.

Laurie, Billy, and Sydney Fleck