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Knollwood Hospital for Pets |
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Mon, Tues, Thurs, Fri 9am to 7pm | Sat 9am to 2pm | Closed Weds and Sun |
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Special pets allow us to remember the good times we shared with them, even as we mourn their passing. If you have a special pet you'd like to memorialize on this page, send a picture and your tribute to postmaster@knollwoodhospitalforpets.com. |
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. |
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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. |
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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
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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 |
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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 |
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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
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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 1st 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 10th 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! |
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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 |
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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.” |
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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 |
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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 |
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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. |
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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!" |
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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 |
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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 |
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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 |
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"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. |
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Diane Mumbower |
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Max LeRoi
Tyrebeider |
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. |
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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. |
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Ellen Richter |
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"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. |
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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. |
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Ripley |
In memory of my beloved Ripley. He
brought love, light & happiness to my life and made my world a
much better place to be. How blessed I was to have him by my
side. He is kept
close in my thoughts and my heart and though he is
missed so much, I know there will come a time when we
will be reunited. |
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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 |
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