Knollwood Hospital for Pets

Quincy Kuselias
12/14/99 - 4/13/10

Today we said goodbye to our faithful companion of 10+ wonderful years. As you know, Quincy has always been a special part of our family. He was a spoiled puppy who had quite the reality check after the girls were born. He still remained a crucial part of our day to day living and always was there to happpily greet us after a long day. I am eternally grateful for his loyalness, his human like qualities, his gentleness and his lack of interest in rodents and reptiles. (phew). He even made "non-dog people" love him.

His early years were full of energy (and emergency vet visits) but his health failed quickly over the last few weeks. He was diagnosed with acute, chronic hepatitis last month which we got under control by medications and he was feeling well. Last Friday after starting to limp we took him back to the Vet and he was given an anti-inflammatory medication which didn't seem to help. After a series of x-rays yesterday, we found out that he not only had severe hip displasia, but also a tumor on his spine. Within 12 hours he went from limping to not being able to move. He's at peace now and will be buried at the Pet Cemetary 1 mile away from our home which will make for a nice family bike ride this summer. He will always be close.

Ella asked if there was a computer in heaven so we could ichat wth Quince. If it was only that easy... but he will always be in our hearts and in our prayers.

Love to all. xo
Paula & Chris

Goatie Pants

Emmett, or as he preferred to be called, Goatie Pants, was born on February 14 and was adopted in the late summer that same year. He passed into Spirit on December 23 2009 with his humans, Tami and Mike, by his side after a year plus struggle with cancer.

Goatie was a very sweet boy who loved cheek rubs and long snuggles in his chair or on the floor. He also had a fiery side, not having issues with growling, lunging and sometimes biting the offender who would be trying to get him to cooperate in a situation that did not have his approval. Activities that involved being picked up, like fluids or being brushed, were serious offenses that must be dealt with accordingly.

He was smart, beautiful and a friend to all Lagomorphs who knew him. There are many nicknames that described him well. Sweet-Grumpy Goats and GoatieSattva were used often, whereas Ba-Bee Goats and Love Lamb are cherished favorites and described his personality very well.

Goatie Pants never cared too much for toys or chewing and would occasionally become a nuisance to him. In these situations, he would very purposely toss them out of his way. He did, however, like to snuggle with his stuffed animal that accompanied him in his chair. On the flip side, if someone or something angered him, it was common to see his stuffed companions getting "beat up" by biting, scrabbling and sometimes getting thrown off the chair.

Ba-Bee Goats showed his spunk and his ability to make his humans smile right up to his last days, even when it took a lot of effort to move around. His silly antics included chewing on the hairdryer cord after his bottom bath, grabbing and throwing aside a tissue momma used to wipe his chin after a meal of pellet/pumpkin mush, and even stealing a piece of Romaine lettuce from a bunny much stronger and bigger than him.

And smile we did and will continue to do in honor of you, our sweet little Love Lamb Emmett.

Frances
1998 - July 16, 2008

Frances, or Franny as she preferred to be called, stomped her way into our life in early 2006 after living in a classroom for a year and then in a garage for the next 6 years.

She had such a great attitude about life and was always sweet. We say she stomped her way into our lives because she is the only bunny we know who stomped her back legs when she was excited about something, most often food. It always made us smile!! Franny was also a fearless bunny, except when it came to slippery floors. You could not get this little girl to hop on a uncarpeted floor.

We were heartbroken and shocked when we learned of her cancer. Thanks to Dr. Mitchell, we were able to spend 3 more quality-filled weeks with our little angel before she passed on. Franny passed away at home with her momma at her side reassuring her during her final moments in this life.

		K.C. Mitchell-Gottlob It is with great sadness that I share today with you that my dear, gentle, and sweet spotted friend was laid to rest. K.C. now rests among lush ivy, Impatients and St. Francis in our back yard underneath a gorgeous Southern Magnolia tree. When I first saw K.C. in July of 2001, I could barely look at him without streaming tears. K.C., then an adult dog, needed a new home & became a part of our family. Many great times were had over the years. "Dals" often get a bad label of aggressive/hyper behavior, but if K.C. ever exhibited any, it was only due to sheer excitement of kids around and pending slumber parties. We were sure that for several years, he did, in fact, think he was a teenage girl as he was first in line for Nellie’s room and her pillows. Over the last two years, K.C.’s health declined from spinal issues, to hips, to kidneys, eyes and ears. As horrible as this decision was to make and how hard it is to endure, it was time for him to cross that Rainbow Bridge and be free of his pain. K.C. was under the care of several veterinarians in both the Sacramento area and the Chicago area. Many thanks to Dr. Reagor, Dr. Hart, and Dr. Biesiadecki of Reagor Pet Hospital, Dr. Faber & staff of Animal Vision Center, and to my sister - Dr. Mitchell - and her staff at Knollwood Hospital for Pets. We all appreciate the love and care that you all showed. Kristin and the Gottlob family

CH Meirleac's Heaven Can Wait, RN, CGC "Belinda"
7/1/92 - 1/6/09

In January, bleak and cold
With no relief in sight
Belinda spent her last day here
And took with her my light.

A part of me is missing now
I am no longer whole
How can you ever say good-bye
To one who shared your soul?

Heaven couldn't wait this time
I had to let her go
I held her till her final breath
Because I loved her so.

My sorrow must be put aside
What's best for her prevails
For her new life at Rainbow Bridge
And all that it entails.

Barnaby, and D.J. too
Have met with her today
With all the other angel dogs
To guide her on her way.

She now is free of aches and pains
She runs and romps and plays
Peace and comfort fill her nights
And laughter fills her days.

She's acting silly once again
As Barnaby reports
She pounces on him playfully
She frolics, she cavorts.

She'll wait for me at Rainbow Bridge
Where we will reunite
For when my earthly days are done
I'll join her in that light.

She was my little Champion
At home or in a show
She rallied till the very end
With her special inner glow.

Her memory lives on in me
Although we are apart
A legacy of love and joy
Forever in my heart.

by JoAnn Neville

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

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. 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

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

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.

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

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.

	Diane Mumbower

	Angel
	My dearest Angel left this earth in November 2005, after struggling to survive kidney failure for the last year of her precious life. She spent her first twelve years in California with my mom, spoiled and sassy. The last five were spent with me in Chicago, where she made me feel life was worth living if maybe I could make this one small creature feel happy and truly loved. Funny how the cards were turned, she was the one that made me feel happy and loved. In her last few months, she enjoyed sitting in the garden, basking in the sunshine, smelling the flowers and lying in the grass. This is where I spread her ashes.... and let her spirit be free. Rest in peace, my sweet Angel.
	Ellen Richter

	Bandit
	"A small, bright light has gone out." Born October 21, 1995, Bandit came to live with us on December 21, 1995, wrapped in one of John's sweatshirts. I can still recall his small head popping up and out for that first hello. The runt of his litter, this little toy fox terrier was always full of spunk and character in spite of his smaller frame. He got himself into so many mishaps through the years that we used to say he must be part feline, with such an abundance of lives to keep him going. Despite his various health and medical issues, there were countless times we felt so extremely fortunate that he came to be with us and his energy and spirit kept on because he was such a strong little fighter. On February 24, 2006, Bandit lost one final fight. He spent the last few hours of his short, precious life, cuddled next to his "Dad" once again in one of John's sweatshirts. We now feel confident that he has been restored to that spunky little puppy that first came to us, running and playing in an eternal meadow. We celebrate his life, but we'll miss him dearly.
	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