Dear Friend,

North Shore Animal League America regrets to inform you of the passing of our sweet and spotted canine friend, Lucky.

Lucky joined the Animal League’s Sponsor Program in 2006. He was suffering from urinary tract stones, liver inflammation and lower intestinal issues, which required lifelong care. He was also hearing impaired.

Though Lucky faced many health challenges, he always maintained a pleasant and happy attitude. His tail was always wagging and he never passed up love and affection. His inherently joyful nature made every day a beautiful day.

Only a short time ago, Lucky started developing large stage IV tumors, which required to be surgically removed. He had several surgeries, but had difficulty healing. He spent much of his time in and out of the Animal League’s Medical Center, but treated them more like social visits than doctor appointments, as he had many friends who were always happy to see him. Even in his final days, his tail never stopped happily wagging.

On February 19, 2011, Lucky passed away at home peacefully in his sleep.

The Animal League is forever grateful for Lucky’s family, friends and sponsors. Their love and support gave Lucky a very happy and full life. I know we all agree that having Lucky in our lives was a blessing. And though we will miss him deeply, we feel so very “lucky” to have known him.

Sincerely,
The Sponsor Team

Dear Valued Friend,

North Shore Animal League America regrets to inform you of the passing of our beloved and royal canine companion, King Fritz.

Fritz became a member of the Animal League’s Sponsor Program in 2006 when his owners passed away and he was left alone. Frightened and confused, the Animal League rescued Fritz from his unfortunate situation.

We found that Fritz had numerous health problems including, dental disease, severe arthritis, a dry eye condition and bladder stones. But it only took one look into his huge, sweet eyes to know that we would care for him forever. Not only was Fritz given all the medical care he needed, he was also given a new family to call his own.

As one of the most senior dogs in the Sponsor Program, Fritz was awarded the title of “King.” King Fritz was a very distinguished gentleman. His small frame showcased a handsome apricot-colored Pekinese coat, which was only rivaled by his particular brand of charm.

It comforts us to know that King Fritz led a full and happy life. He won the love of many people and enjoyed what each day had to offer. King Fritz was a little dog with a huge heart, and everyone who knew him will miss him dearly.

The Animal League would like to thank Fritz’s family, friends and Sponsors for caring for him so lovingly. We will remember our fuzzy friend forever, and we know that all of you will, too.

Sincerely,

The Sponsor Team

These photos of Lucky were taken on March 24th at North Shore Animal League America’s Tour For Life 2010 kick-off event!

January 2010 Update: Lucky’s foster mother Vivian reports that he is doing great. He never ceases to amaze her. When she was putting up the Christmas tree, Lucky managed to jump up on the couch and cuddle with her niece. He did this knowing quite well that he’s not allowed on the furniture. The moment Vivian gave him “that look” he quickly jumped off. Lucky often acts just like a kid and it fills us with great joy to know that he can benefit from a good quality of life thanks to your commitment to the Animal League’s vital Sponsor Program for animals with special needs.

February 2010 Update: Lucky is doing well. He has trained his foster mother’s fiancé to let him out every half hour when they are home. However, when he’s home alone, he can sleep for eight or ten hours straight without the need to be let outside. Obviously, this is one smart deaf dog! He also has figured out how to spit out his pill which they sometimes find elsewhere throughout the day.

March 2010 Update: No news is always good news for the Animal League’s special-needs pets. Lucky has been doing well and there is nothing eventful to report. Health wise, he’s doing fine. However, he must have a feeling that his foster mother will be going on vacation soon, because he is acting out and showing signs of not eating a lot and not wanting to go outside as much. And we know how much Lucky loves to play and run the course of the backyard any chance he can get.

SPONSOR ME!

Dear Friend and Sponsor,

With Thanksgiving quickly approaching,we are reminded to be grateful for all that we are so fortunate to have: our health,our loved ones, and of course, our pets. Life is so fragile and fleeting that we must remember to be thankful everyday for those who are dear.
It saddens us to inform you that we must say goodbye to a dear sponsor pet, Nina. Nina joined the Animal League’s Sponsor Program at only 6 months old. She had very weak ligaments in her legs, pneumonia and diabetes melitus. Sadly, Nina’s diabetes led to blindness, and eventually, she developed an ulcer in her eye which led to the loss of that eye. But through all the inconvenience, all the doctor visits and all her health troubles, Nina never failed to take into account what was important to her – her family and her life. Always a faithful friend and loyal companion, Nina was a wonderful dog and cherished pet. She loved her life, and we loved her in our lives.
The Animal League would like to send our deepest condolences to everyone who knew and loved Nina. We share in your grief. We are thankful to have known Nina – even for such a short spell – and to have had the opportunity to care for her for almost her entire life.
For all the wonderful animals, and the love they so selflessly give, weare truly thankful.
Sincerely,
The Sponsor Team

Dear Sponsor Pet Parent,

Over the years, North Shore Animal League America has been fortunate enough to rescue and care for many wonderful animals. Our Sponsor Program pets with special-needs are no exception. Because we care for them their entire lives, we build special bonds. We share in their joys and in their sorrows. And when one of them passes on, it affects us all.
It is with a broken heart that we write to you today to inform you that on June 24, 2009, our treasured Hurricane Charlie passed away. As his name suggests, Charlie came to us as part of the Hurricane Katrina rescue. Charlie had heartworms and an upper respiratory infection; but even worse, Charlie was in the late stages of kidney disease which required daily medication and special food. He also had some behavioral hurdles to overcome. Charlie seemed fearful of men and possessive of his food. The Animal League suspected possible physical abuse in Charlie’s past, as fear and worry are often common indicators. Charlie had a difficult beginning. Charlie was in the Animal League’s care for more than a year before a family inquired about him. They fell in love with his poignant story, and they fell in love with him. Hurricane Charlie started a new journey – rescued from Louisiana, nurtured in New York and then off to California with his adoptive family.
Lovingly known as Charlie Bear, he spent his days strolling on the beach and in the orchards, playing in the sand or searching for golf balls and being adored by his new family. Thanks to the patience and loving determination of his family, Charlie Bear was a changed dog. From love, his behavioral issues subsided and he learned to trust again.
Though Charlie’s early years were trying, his latter years were filled with love and adoration. Hurricane Charlie’s illness took him from our lives, but he forever lives in our hearts and his story will always grace the pages of North Shore Animal League America. We were blessed to have known him.
The Animal League would like to extend our deepest sympathy to his adoptive family, his Sponsors and to all who knew him. He will be greatly missed.

The Sponsor Team

Sponsor Program dog Lucky came to visit North Shore Animal League America during the 2009 Pet Adoptathon.  For a shy guy, he surprised us all when he proudly wore his special ”Sponsor Me” shirt and allowed photos, hugs and kisses from all!

SPONSOR ME!

Sponsor Program dog Lucky visited North Shore Animal League America during the 2009 Pet Adoptathon.  As usual, he attracted a lot of attention and petting and was on his best behavior.  Everyone that met him and heard about his medical condition knew that he was very ”lucky” to be a part of the Animal League’s life-saving Sponsor Program for special-needs pets.  Please become a part of Lucky’s life and sponsor him today!

SPONSOR ME!

Hurricane Charlie hasn’t let the passing of his favorite gift giving time of year get him down. While he truly loved sniffing around for wrapped presents and ringing in the New Year with some barks and tail-wagging with family members, he has gotten back to some of his other favorite activities with ease. Charlie’s family advised that their loveable canine has been scavenging for golf balls that are hit over the fence at a nearby miniature golf course. Even though it’s getting colder outside, he could spend hours sniffing around for stray golf balls with content.

In 2009, North Shore Animal League America will turn a very proud 65 years old – 65 wonderful years of rescuing, nurturing and adopting!  With the invaluable help of loyal friends and supporters like you, the Animal League is able to save nearly 20,000 lives each year.  The Animal League and all of the Sponsor Program pets would like to thank you for your life-saving monthly contributions.  Thanks to Sponsors like you, Charlie can receive the medical care he needs and deserves as well as enjoy the best quality of life in the comfort of a loving and safe home.  We are counting on your continued support in the New Year.  We look forward to a very happy and healthy New Year for you, Charlie and all of our beloved special-needs Sponsor Program pets!

Dear Valued Friend, 

Our furry, four-legged friends bring so much joy to our lives. Their wagging tails and bright eyes make us smile and their open hearts make us humble. They teach us patience, loyalty and unconditional love, and when they leave us, they take a part of us with them.  

It is with great sadness and loss that we inform you of the passing of our beloved Terrier mix, Benji. Benji came to the Animal League through long distance rescue efforts. After being a faithful pet for six years, he was given up because his chronic illnesses became too much of a burden for his owner. When the Animal League saw Benji’s sad but hopeful eyes, we knew we could make him happy again.  

Animal League Veterinarians diagnosed Benji with heartworm, an upper respiratory infection, diabetes, and cancer. But Benji found a new lease on life through our Sponsor Program and was placed in a loving foster home where he spent the rest of his days. 

It comforts us, and we hope it comforts you to know that Benji was a very happy dog. His days were spent being spoiled by his foster family who always showered him with love. He was the focus of everyone’s attention and adoration, and we think he knew it and reveled in it.  

The Animal League is very happy to have been able to help Benji have the happiest life possible. His absence may leave a frown on our longing faces, but his wonderful memory will leave a smile in our hearts forever. 

Sincerely, 

The Sponsor Team