The Frosted Faces

Page 3

Enjoy scrolling through all of our Frosted Face senior animals who have benefit from our mission at Frosted Faces Foundation.  They are listed in order of date of rescue, including those that have passed. If you have been following a certain Frosted Face's story and would like to know how he/she is doing, please email us at info@frostedfacesfoundation.org. Frosted Faces who still need families are listed under Available Frosted Faces. You can also help fund the care of a Frosted Face by registering as his/her monthly sponsoring Fan.  

Lucy

Acquired from:  Los Angeles Animal Care Control: Downey
Age upon Rescue: 15
Date of Rescue: June 4th, 2015
Date of Passing: July 4th, 2015
Family: Lori Arsenault

Tribute: My heart melted when I first saw Lucy (fka Baby) at the shelter. I believed she should come into our family and I was so happy when we were chosen. At 16 years of age I knew she wouldn’t be with us more than a year or so, but I did not expect 3-short weeks. In that little time my husband and I both had our bonding moments with her, like her first attempt to give me a kiss with her funny little jaw or the time she just laid her head on my chest and sighed. How could anyone not love her?

She gave us a few scares in the time we had her, but we still recognized her will and so desperately wanted to give her something to live for. We saw her getting weaker and prayed we still might get to do that for her. Although her seizures seemed to be under control for the last week we saw her getting weaker and needing more help. Lucy would fall and we would have to help her get back up and then we noticed her breathing was becoming heavy and labored. The last few days I was hand feeding her and poor old lady was doing face and butt plants into her water bowl.

For one little time she was mine and I loved her with my whole heart. Lucy you are safe forever now and soon a new dog will need me, but you will be in my heart forever and ever.

Harley

Acquired from:  Los Angeles Animal Care Control: Downey
Age upon Rescue: 14
Date of Rescue: June 4th, 2015
Date of Passing: July 16th, 2015
Family: Anthony & Mary Savoia
Tribute: It's amazing how hard you can fall in love with somebody in just 6 weeks. When Harley arrived it was as if he had given up. His spirit was broken. But, within a couple days his tail started wagging again and he was enjoying life! He had something to live for. He had a family that loved him. We knew that even though his spirit was healed, his body was still broken. So, we made the most of the time we had. Every day was a gift. Even today... we stopped at Fiesta one last time. We sat at the waters edge, just enjoying our last moments together. Somebody came by and said "He's beautiful!" And he was. When it was time to go, I wasn't ready. But, somehow Harley knew, so he got up and walked to the car. He was ready to go. At the vets, I really wanted to run out the door, take him home and smother him in kisses for a couple more days. I really wanted to be selfish. But, I couldn't do that. I had to tell him it was okay to go. RIP my sweet Harley.

'If love alone could have kept you here, you would have lived forever.'

Jax

Acquired from: Harbor Animal Shelter
Age upon Rescue: 12
Date of Rescue: June 4th, 2015
Date of Passing: September 24th, 2017
Family: Marisa Salas
Fans: Noelle Forbes
Tribute: Yesterday, I had to say goodbye to my sweet handsome boy, Jax. I am heartbroken. 💔 His health had been declining this past month - a month ago I found a mass on his gums that would randomly bleed & sometimes hard to stop, a week ago he started peeing blood which Dr. Lantrip is sure it was a mass in this area causing the bleeding. This was just too much for him to handle. So I held his paw, smothered him with hugs & kisses, told him how much he was loved & how handsome he was and let him go. 😢 Jax was my first FF, so I have him to thank for bringing me together with this amazingly wonderful rescue FFF. Thank you Kelly & Andy for doing what you do and thank you to his monthly sponsor(s). He was on medications from day 1 and they helped him tremendously.

He was the sweetest boy, who loved his walks, to take long deep naps, all food, belly rubs & had a thing for small fluffy dogs. I will miss kissing his smooshy face each day & the way he greeted me each time when I got home with tail wagging & lots of head nudging. He would lean into you to be petted almost to the point of knocking you over. I will miss his deep soulful eyes peeking at me over the ottoman. He loved to have his ears rubbed & would give out a long deep sigh when you started. I will miss the way he would do his "jiggy Jax" (a small jumping jesture) when it was time to eat along with his deep, loud mooing to let you know to hurry.

He was a wonderful addition to my family, my granddaughter adored him, my other FF Katy loved him, he got along with everyone & everyone who met Jax loved him. He was just a sweet soul. I will miss you beyond words my sweet lovely boy. I hope you are running, sniffing & peeing on everything. I love you Jaxson. 

JoJo

Acquired from: Los Angeles Animal Care Control: Baldwin Park
Age upon Rescue: 10
Date of Rescue: June 10th, 2015
Date of Passing: July 12th, 2018
Family: Gail Shirley
Fans: Kim Salt, Rhonda Morin
Tribute: On Thursday, July 12th, 2018 we fulfilled our promise to 13 year old JoJo.

We rescued JoJo from Baldwin Park Shelter on June 10th, 2015. The one thing I want to say is that when one makes her dogs a priority as Gail does, the loss is overwhelming and she could use so much love and gratitude for giving JoJo gentle, personalized attention over the last three years.

"My sweetest-of-sweets JoJo crossed the Rainbow Bridge Thursday, July 12th. He left this world as I sang him lullabies (something that always calmed him) and, with it, his pain and physical vulnerability. The loss I feel is unbearable.

When JoJo was rescued from the shelter by Frosted Faces Foundation, I gave him his freedom ride! This little boy had a very large personal space bubble and defense mechanism against the world. After joining our family, over time JoJo began letting down his guard, eventually loving and trusting in ways that feel too intimate to describe. I loved the way his ears popped up whenever he heard my voice. He’d sleep in his “den” (his private space) whenever I had to leave the house, and upon my return he’d hop and leap, so excited that Mommy would soon pick him up. JoJo cuddled like no other . . . in my lap, on the couch next to me, under the covers where he slept with me every night. He always had to be touching and loved being touched. When we’d go to bed, JoJo would circle and plop his little behind right up next to me, then move slightly and plop it down again, and then one more time. It always took three tries to get his position just right, perfectly up next to me, a ritual we enjoyed for so long. JoJo had a bad heart. His CHF progressed rapidly over the past 2-1/2 weeks. I know it was the right thing to do, I know he’s now free of his discomfort and limitations, and yet . . .

Run like the wind, my boy. Mommy will always love you."

Thank you, Gail Shirley, for all the love and kindness and you share. Thank you to Rhonda Morin and Kim Salt for being JoJo's dedicated monthly sponsoring Fans.

Morty

Acquired from: Long Beach Animal Care Services
Age upon Rescue: 15
Date of Rescue: June 10th, 2015
Date of Passing: June 14th, 2019
Family: Jenna Larson
Fans: Ryan Rubin, Mary Arkwright, Emil
Tribute: I'm not sure how to write this and I think I'm still in shock, Immortal Mort is gone.

Morty was rescued by FFF 4 years and 5 days ago at the age of 15 years old, found as a stray in Long Beach with 3 rotten teeth and a broken jaw. I remember Kelly sending me his picture and I knew he was mine. Gail transported him from the shelter and FFF got him the vet care he desperately needed-which was a lot. He was underweight, un-neutered and cryptorchid, and his jaw was disintegrated from his rotten teeth. They ended up removing the remaining teeth he had and the portion of jaw, which is how he came to have his crooked face and tongue that always stuck out. Judy and others transported him to me in Slo and there we started our lives together.

Morty was in so much pain, untrusting, and scared. He didn't want to be touched, wouldn't eat, wasn't potty trained, barked...but then he changed. He decided I was his person- I was the only person who could pick him up or touch him without getting "bit" (no teeth), he slept with me every night, and howled when I left the room or was out of his sight. He became the best, worst dog I ever had. He was picky about people, hated being diapered but never fully potty trained, he had separation anxiety...and I loved him.

Morty was the absolute best cuddler-people, dogs, cats-he didn't care as long as they were warm. He was always the first one to welcome a new dog into the house and was amazing with 10+ fosters. He changed his behavior with people and began to crave attention from anyone, not just me. He was the best traveler I have ever met and would sleep in the car for 10 hours in his car seat or hang out in his backpack all day. He loved warmth, he would wear a sweater even if it was 80 out and his favorite activities were napping in the sun or in front of the fireplace.

Morty spent 4 Christmases, Birthdays, Easters, Halloweens, etc. with me. He was always a good sport about dressing up and posing for pictures. He was crowned Prom King and raised $1,800 for FFF this year. He had multiple professional photo shoots, attended many different fundraising events, he "ran" in the Weiner Dog Races, he tried a million different foods, the list goes on.

I feel like people keep telling me I was a good mom, but the truth is he was a good dog. He might not have been perfect to some people, but the reason he got to experience so many things and meet so many people and animals is because he was so easy going and confident. He was perfect to me.

His health had been slowly declining over the past 6 months or so and he became so skinny (but he never stopped eating!!) The vets assumed it must be cancer, but he kept on. I REALLY wanted him to make it to his 19th Birthday and 4th Frostiversary which was on June 10, 2019 and he did, I'm sure he stayed around just for me. Yesterday, his temperature was low and his gums were pale. The vet said that his heart rate was unbelievably slow and that he was passing naturally, to avoid suffering we decided to let him go. He had one last meal of dog and cat treats and Frosty Paws ice cream. After the medications were given, his heart was still beating for about 10 seconds-she said he really was Immortal-and then he was gone.

My heart is broken and my life feels empty. I am so grateful for the last four years but it wasn't enough. Morty was alive for 19 years on this Earth and I only got to know him for 4. I can't believe we missed out on all that time together but I know we made the most of the time we did have.

Morty was famous, people who had never met him knew who he was. He was one of the official greeters of the FFF lobby and his picture hangs in one of the little dog rooms. He was the reason I decided to work with hospice dogs and eventually led me to my career at FFF. I know that I am not the only one who misses him and that he will be remembered but that doesn't make this any easier. Mort, Schmort, Mortimus Prime, Immortal Mort...I love you and my life will never be the same 💔
 

Nona

Acquired from: Orange County Animal Care & Control
Age upon Rescue: 10
Date of Rescue: June 10th, 2015
Date of Passing: December 31st, 2017
Family: April Smith
Fans: Lisa Switzer
Tribute: On the morning of December 31st, 2017 we fulfilled our promise to Nona at the age of 12 years old.

A week earlier Nona was diagnosed with what looked like a mast cell tumor with fingers on or near a lymph node causing edema. Steroids tamed the inflammation, but on the terrible morning of the 31st, Nona was rushed to South Temecula Veterinary Hospital and Pet Hotel where her body was stiff, she was unresponsive, and her temperature was rising even with hours of treatment from 106.5 to beyond. It could've been the spread of cancer, a seizure, the vet suggested these were also clinical signs for a perforated intestines, but we could not help Nona and had to let her go.

We rescued Nona from OC Animal Care on June 10th, 2015 after she came in as a very skittish stray that transformed into a confident companion.

Her mom shares, "Nona came to me a broken, an untrusting old dog. She could barely walk, needed help to go outside and wasn’t interested in becoming friends. Little by little her body healed and her personality began to come out.

I loved posting updates, especially the first time I saw her prance down the hall. It wasn’t long before she was running all over, following me around with ranch chores, and bossing everyone around. Nona quickly became the queen bee and whatever Nona wanted, Nona got. The other dogs knew to stay off Nona’s favorite bed, or she would set them straight.

Pretty soon Nona and I had a routine. Every morning she would come into the bathroom as I was getting ready for work. She would nudge my leg until I gave her hugs and kisses and told her she was Mommy’s favorite and she was special and the best angel ever. She wouldn’t leave me alone until I did this. That’s what I miss the most.

Nona was one tough, resilient soul, living through more than any dog should have to. She had to have a lump removed, an eye removed, and through it all she was strong and beautiful. I feel robbed for losing her too soon, but so thankful we found each other. I loved her more than anything and buried her under a beautiful tree next to Freckles. She loved being out there and I know she is running free now without pain."

Thank you to April Smith who stepped up for Nona and helped her to blossom! She certainly lived a life of a deserving, loved Frosted Face. Thank you to Lisa Switzer for being Nona's dedicated monthly sponsoring Fan.

Thurman

Acquired from: Apple Valley Animal Services
Age upon Rescue: 10
Date of Rescue: June 12th, 2015
Date of Passing:October 4th, 2015
Family: Bob & Debbie Adams
Fans: Kellie Mascis Nelson
Tribute: Today has been beyond a VERY SAD day for us, we had to say goodbye to our SWEET SWEET Thurman. We took him to the ER last night and he had to be carried in. He was later, after many tests, diagnosed with Lymphoma in the final stages and was in pain. It all happened so fast and we were told there was nothing that could be done, so we had to let him go. SWEET Thurman was with us for less than 4 months, but the LOVE he gave and that we have for him would fill a lifetime.

Thurman was given so many happy experiences in such a short amount of time with Bob & Debbie, and goodness knows they would never admit he was dying. They just kept right along living and loving!

We would like to share the videos of their time spent together here.

Thurman on a Walk with Gabbie: https://youtu.be/0amzAXhdGTI

Thurman Learning to Swim: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WKEUAoex-KI

Thurman & Gabbie on Vacation under the Umbrella on the Beach: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y9UmuTvj7pU

Thurman in a Life Jacket: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vVm-gJopQ5I

Thurman Visits Dad at Work: https://youtu.be/ys7FIgKX2iE

Petunia

Acquired from: Los Angeles Animal Care Control: Downey
Age upon Rescue: 8
Date of Rescue: June 25th, 2015
Date of Passing: August 30th, 2018
Family: Todd Curtis & Holly Nadin
Fans: Lisa Switzer, Christine Perrino
Tribute: On Thursday, August 30th, 11 year old Petunia passed unexpectedly at home with her parents at her side. The cause remains unknown, but we know Petunia had the biggest medical battle of her life this year and there could have been an underlying disease.

We rescued Petunia, formerly Libby, from Downey Shelter on June 25th, 2015. She was itty bitty, very thin, and had a horrendous skin condition. Petunia battled her skin issues for almost all of her days. It wasn't until herparents had a consult with San Diego Bay Animal Hospital that her skin finally seem more managed. We and her parents were grateful for the improvement, and they continued to drive an hour one way just for Petunia to be able to follow up with her trusted vets. She became a favorite there and we got a lot of cute behind the scenes photos off staff posing with the little hippo.

In this last year Petunia developed a horrendous abscess near a mammary gland and nearly died from sepsis as the infection spread quickly. We pursued a terribly risky surgery to remove the source of infection and she survived!

Most notably, Petunia was perfectly balanced and playful. We enjoyed countless videos of her wrestling with her friends! She was always happy and her parents mention, "She was the best tempermented and happiest dog I’ve ever known. Her personality was as big as the dog she loved to play with."

Upon Petunia's passing, her family drove her body that familiar hour all of the way down to San Diego Bay Animal Hospital for the staff to lovingly handle her remains and say goodbye. "She loved them, and they loved her," her mom reflects.

Thank you to Todd Curtis and Holly Nadin for going the extra miles for a dog we all loved so much. Also, thank you for donating so much of Petunia's care without that expectation. Thank you to Lisa Switzer and Christine Perrino for being Petunia's dedicated monthly sponsoring Fans.

Brock

Acquired from: Los Angeles East Valley Animal Shelter
Age upon Rescue: 10
Date of Rescue: June 27th, 2015
Date of Passing: January 22nd, 2016
Family: Toni Vanston
Fans: Shiloh Corbet
Tribute: Shelter volunteer, Toni Vanston, had fallen in love with him and wanted to be his Forever Foster! This morning, with no warning, she discovered he had passed away in his sleep and Toni called HQ so upset over her Brock. Toni said, "He was totally fine yesterday. Ate well. Enjoyed his walk. I wonder what happened. Just when he was getting comfortable around here too. He put on good weight. He went too soon I will miss him. I really loved him."

We are glad we could get you to smile, Brock. Fly high.

Margo

Acquired from: San Diego Animal Services- Bonita
Age upon Rescue: 10
Date of Rescue: June 27th, 2015
Date of Passing: February 3rd, 2021
Family: Douglas Moore
Fans: Lisa Switzer
Tribute: On February 3rd, Doug, Nadia, and Adam fulfilled their promise to Frosted Face Margo.

"I am heartbroken to have to let you know that we lost Margo, aka 'Ms. Margo,' aka 'Warbeast' on Wednesday We loved her beyond life

After almost 3 years of heart conditions, 2.5 years of congestive heart failure, a year or so of mammary cancer and then recurrent bouts of pancreatitis her little body full of LOVE and Zest for life gave up

No words could ever express how much she meant to us the last 5 years, and almost 7 months. First she lived with dad and then when he had to go into a care home, Adam and I. She won my heart over completely about 3 days after she came into our lives in July of 2015, and I walked in our front door and she jumped up all excited and threw herself down in front of me, belly up for rubs and kisses She had decided I was ok

Fly High Angel Margo Lee Moore Your absence is excruciating

Margo Lee Moore 2004/05/06? to February 3rd 2021 ."
 

Queenie

Acquired from:  San Diego Animal Services- Bonita
Age upon Rescue: 10
Date of Rescue: June 27th, 2015
Date of Passing: July 16th, 2020
Family: John & Jean Gabaldo
Fans: Gina Consolo
Tribute: On July 16th we fulfilled our promise to Queenie.

Her family shares,
"It seems like yesterday that we drove to Stevens Point
to pick up Queenie from Kelly. From the car ride home on,
Queenie was attached to Jean, wherever Jean was is where
Queenie wanted to be. She loved to sit on laps and if she was in
a good mood she would let Buddy jump and share.

Queenie really didn't like the feel of Wisconsin grass under her feet. A
quick dash onto the grass to go potty and head right back to
the house for a post potty treat. Snow? Forget about it! Many
times I shoveled out a spot on the grass for her to go! She
never cared for toys and really never played with them, once
and awhile she did like to play, "Can I bite your hand?" One
of her favorite things was to sit on top of the sofa and look
out the bay window barking at anything that dared to cross
the yard. She was always up for a trip to DQ.

This past March we found out that she had a tumor on her liver,
she had good days and not so good. Most of the time her
tail was up and always was interested in a bowl of Lucky
Charms! On July 16th Queenie said good bye to us, We
were honored to be part of life these last 5 years."

Bella

Acquired from: Los Angeles East Valley Shelter
Age upon Rescue: 13
Date of Rescue: July 4th, 2015
Date of Passing: April 1st, 2018
Family: Peter & Diana Maldonado
Fans: Angela Wilder, Bonnie Sposato
Tribute: On Sunday, April 1st, we fulfilled our promise to Bella at the age of 15 years old.

We rescued Bella, formerly Penny, on July 4th, 2015 from East Valley Shelter in Los Angeles after she was surrendered by her owner. We told her all the fireworks were in honor of her new beginning. A video of the heartbreaking moment was recorded: https://www.facebook.com/OfficialMollyChance/videos/10153371171402348/

On Saturday she went in for a standard exam and diagnostics because she was looking increasingly emaciated. We knew her SDMA levels were elevated in previous labs and that renal disease was looming. What we discovered was that Bella coincidentally had a pyomtera, so her family brought her down to San Diego to pursue a reasonably priced surgery at San Diego Bay Animal Hospital right away.

Upon evaluation, her labs looked okay but Dr. Lantrip relayed that with what X-rays showed, it was unbelievable Bella was still able to walk the little that she could. Her arthritis was terribly severe and causing the atrophy we were seeing. It was advised that if we were a "normal client" or a personal dog, euthanasia would absolutely be recommended over a pyometra surgery. This honesty means a lot to us from a vet we work with often and trust immensely.

Why wasn't Bella spayed? That guilt stalks us quietly, while we are not sure necessarily. Bella always had bad, but treated arthritis since she was surrendered at the ripe age of 13 years old. 13, being a good old age for a shepherd, we deferred the surgery to make sure she would thrive. Once we realized she wasn't going anywhere fast, she was already 14, and the same conversation came up. Why do a preventative procedure on a 14 year old shepherd? We don't have a good answer here, or the right one. There is peace in knowing the severity of Bella's arthritis from a professional's perspective and that it may have been her opportunity for a healthy body with wings simultaneously.

Her doting mom shares, "This morning we had to say goodbye to our sweet Bella bear. I am terribly heartbroken. This was unexpected and I'm still a bit in shock of what's gone on in the last 24 hrs. It was the most difficult and heartbreaking decision to make.

My sweet Bella bear became our forever baby July 5th, 2015. She was used to sleeping outside and it took hours to get her come inside to sleep for the night. Once she knew that she was suppose to be inside with us, she never wanted to go back outside unless there was food involved.

She learned to get along with her kitty siblings too. Summer bbqs and weekend breakfasts were her favorite. There was always bacon or hot dogs waiting for her. She is going to be terribly terribly missed. Walking through the door will never be the same. She always lifted her head and wagged her tail (while still lying down😄) whenever I walked in. My mornings won't be the same either. She was always waiting at the bottom of the stairs for me at 5:30am.

She has crossed the rainbow bridge to join our non Frosted Face Spartacus and all her Frosted Face friends. She will always have a very special place in my heart. Run free my sweet Bella. I love you my sweet Bella bear."

Thank you to Peter and Diana Maldonado for being a true family for Bella. You changed her life! Thank you to Angela Wilder and Bonnie Sposato for being her dedicated monthly sponsoring Fans.

Diamond

Acquired from: Los Angeles Animal Care Control: Carson
Age upon Rescue: 12
Date of Rescue: July 9th, 2015
Date of Passing: April 17th, 2017
Family: James & Stacey Dowdell
Fans: Theresa Mulligan Rosenthal
Tribute: "I don't know if I ever told you, my first dog that I had when I wasn't a kid I wanted a rottweiler so I got one at 16 for my birthday. Her name was Sierra and was the sweetest thing. When I grew up and got married I left her with my grandparents and my uncle because she was the family dog.

She got sick with cancer at 10 years old. She couldn't see because of it and we did chemo, but it didn't work. One day it became clear it was time and my uncle didn't tell me, and he took her to put her down, which really upset me because I wanted to be there. What's worse, I found out he didn't even stay in the room with her which crushed me.

I always wanted to foster and finally after my brother died I decided to do it because it helped me heal and I always chose rotties in memory of my Sierra."

Sierra's legacy lived on in the late Frosted Face Skylar, and now in Diamond.

Stacey reflects, "Driving to the vet confirmed what I already knew, she loves car rides and loves sitting up enjoying them, and she couldn't this time. She kept lifting her head up trying, but she couldn't lift the rest of her body and that made me so sad. I sat with her cradled in my lap and played 'somewhere over the rainbow' and 'what a wonderful world' by the late Hawaiian singer Israel kamakawiwo'ole because he has such a calming voice and beautiful songs.

I told her how much she was loved and how good she was. She licked my face and I kissed her back and held her until she was gone and stayed awhile after. I cried and I can't stop crying, but I know she is out of that body that held her back from a lot of the things she enjoyed. My heart misses her but I know it was the right thing."

Pepsi

Acquired from: Redlands Animal Shelter
Age upon Rescue: 15
Date of Rescue: July 20th, 2015
Date of Passing: April 25th, 2017
Family: Hope Gaggero
Fans: Joni Duke
Tribute:  She had been purchased for a little girl at Christmas as a puppy, and relinquished to the shelter when the little girl grew up and moved out.

Pepsi's Forever Foster Family committed to her sight unseen and although she was a little nipper and pretty independent, man did they do right by her. She went on vacations, walks, trips to the dog park, they gave her the space when she needed it, and honored her behavior by letting her be the only dog when they could have taken on another. It was Pepsi's time to be treated like the gift that she was, and we are so impressed by her family that let it be so.

Her mom shared, "I want to thank you for allowing the pleasure for loving little Pepsi. She wasn't sweet in the common use of the word, but I know by her actions and her constantly being under my feet she loved me back. I respected her "quirks" and spunk and we fell in love.

I wish to thank San Diego Bay Animal Hospital for their kindness to both her and me. Their generous hearts are very appreciated.

Please forgive my typing and misspelling, my eyes are filled with tears.

Thank you with all my heart.

Pepsi's mom."

Merlin

Acquired from: Los Angeles Animal Care Control: Carson
Age upon Rescue: 10
Date of Rescue: July 21st, 2015
Date of Passing: August 14th, 2017
Family: Jeff & Jenn Fieldhack
Fans: Jana Deaton, Jill Dyche
Tribute: This past weekend Merlin contracted a terrible infection in his back left leg. After a couple of days of hospitalization, his family took him home to spend time with him awaiting the culture results. His leg ruptured, festered, and his quality of life began to diminish. The culture showed we were dealing with an infection resistant to everything, MRSP. The suggestion was to amputate his leg, but at the age of 12 years old Merlin was already nearly immobile and the vets suspect the infection was something secondary to cancer.

His family spent one more good day with him and today they let him go.

Jenn shares this important message,

"We said goodbye to Merlin today. We're so thankful to have enjoyed his company, gain his trust & give him a happy ending. Thanks to the support of Frosted Faces Foundation & all they do to rescue dogs & cats everyday, dogs like Merlin get that chance. But not all companion animals do. About 6.5 million companion animals enter U.S. shelters every year & approximately 3.5 million shelter animals are euthanized. Turn the sadness into action. It's worth every day of it. It's not about your loss but about giving these animals a good home. Adopt don't shop. Rescue. Foster."

We rescued Merlin on July 21st, 2015 from Carson shelter. Here is a video of Merlin at the shelter after being surrendered by his owners: https://www.facebook.com/savingcarsonshelterdogs/videos/452888111550495/

Thank you to his previous Forever Foster Family, Maureen Hevener, for stepping up for Merlin when he had few options. Thank you to Jeff and Jenn Fieldhack for being a class act. You made sacrifices and a commitment through the unexpected so that Merlin would know family through the end. 

You better plow down those gates of heaven like you did your baby gates, Merls! You earned a spot! We love you.

Sweety

Acquired from: Coachella Valley Shelter
Age upon Rescue: 15
Date of Rescue: July 22nd, 2015
Date of Passing: July 23rd, 2015
Family: Andrea Dangerfield
Fans: Emily Elliott
Tribute: She was confiscated from her owner's home and they had cruelty charges pending.  Poor Sweety from Coachella was whimpering & whining all through the night and suffered from a disease where she was unable to express her bladder causing her to not be able to walk and it was very painful. The little girl never rested, never put her head down for a second or stopped panting. As much as we wanted to show her Family, it was more necessary that we offered her peace. 

Dogs live in the moment and when you look at this picture knowing Sweety's forever foster mom, Andrea Dangerfield, was lovingly draped over her when she was put to sleep and relieved of the pain, you have to know this is a last moment that is worth the efforts of rescuing a hospice dog. We will not forget you, Sweety. 

Indie

Acquired from: Los Angeles Animal Care Control: Downey
Age upon Rescue: 14
Date of Rescue: July 23rd, 2015
Date of Passing: February 26th, 2017
Family: Lynne Christmas
Fans: Lisa Switzer
Tribute: He was growly in his kennel and didn't stand a chance of exit, and we learned that he was simply uncomfortable and scared, but actually a nice guy!

His mom loved him the moment she saw him and could not resist. We will always remember her frequent mention of how she just had to "squish his little face." Lynne sacrificed sleeping in before work to walk one more dog of a different pace, as her three "littes" are quite fast! Indie was incontinent, so she laid down tarps, pee pads, and did a lot of laundry. We kept Indie mobile on a handful of pain medications, and frequent rounds of antibiotics to treat the site of his urethrostomy we did early last year.

Tonight words were a struggle, as his mom expressed, "Dear sweet Indie. You will never be forgotten. You will remain in my heart forever. Missing you."

Meli

Acquired from: San Bernardino City Shelter
Age upon Rescue: 10
Date of Rescue: July 24th, 2015
Date of Passing: November 3rd, 2022
Family: Tara Luckau
Fans: Belinda Racasa, Rachel Frederick

Tribute: On November 3rd, Tara fulfilled her promise to Frosted Face Meli.

Tara shared,

"My sweet girl Meli (aka Star) crossed the rainbow bridge last month. It hit me harder than I expected - I loved that furry ball of anxiety and emotional baggage. Meli spent the last nearly 7.5 years with me, so since that’s quite a few years in FF World, here are some highlights from her life with me.

She started her time as a Frosted Face with the removal of 277 ticks. Once she shed her tick load, I waited a bit to allow her personality to start to peek through before choosing her new name. She wholly embodied her name - it’s a Hawaiian word for ‘honey’, and I chose it because of her color, natural sweetness, and tendency to stick to me (which happened to remain true to the end). She was terrified of EVERYthing. Literal step-by-step, she worked up to tolerating a 'walk' to the neighbor's driveway (took 2 months), then to taking a walk around the block (4 months), to actually enjoying walks and the car rides that took her to new walking routes (7 months).

Once we got her that little bit more confident, and once we established her trust in me, she had all kinds of fun little adventures! Long weekend trips to Santa Barbara, Camarillo, Crestline (near Big Bear / Arrowhead), and Alpine, camping trips around SoCal, annual trips to Tucson, AZ for Christmas breaks, tiny hikes here/there/everywhere, a long move from San Diego to Los Angeles, a short easy move from Los Angeles back to San Diego.

Her best friend (after me) was Trazodone, though she didn’t know it. I suppose she thought her best friend (after me) was cheese. She was the subject of professional artwork by a couple of my professional artist friends. She tolerated my snuggles and sometimes (rarely) snuggled back. She was welcomed to human friends’ houses for holidays and occasions.

She was a sunbather and could often be seen facing into the sunshine, blinking into a nap. She was confused by cats. Also squirrels. She did that adorable froggy leg thing, which I called her ‘pork chop butt’ (I’m vegetarian - I don’t actually know what pork chops look like, but I imagine they look like her frog butt, because I’m also a herpetologist and I DO know what frog butts look like, and it’s not that). She ate my comforter - from INSIDE her kennel. She loved bully sticks (wish I learned that before the comforter incident).

Eventually, she learned that squeaky toys were kinda fun, but there were only 2 that she figured out how to squeak. She got to try fresh raw venison and fresh beef bone with marrow, courtesy of a hunter and farm-owning friend. She was honestly the least smart dog I’ve ever met, and when I told other dog-lovers this, they doubted me heavily … until they met her. But she more than made up for this with the amount of love and sweetness she held.

She had a habit of sitting down DIRECTLY in front of you, and staring straight up at you - not at your face, but directly into your eyes with her big seal pup eyes. And that was her “please-pet-me-or-else-the-universe-may-slurp-down-into-an-endless-black-hole-of-nothingness” face. It was VERY effective. She was also very effective at forcefully nosing your arm as the not-so-subtle hint that you were failing at your petting job.

It’s been over a month since she left, and I still cry over her regularly. I suspect I always will. She was a special little girl, and I’m grateful to FF for rescuing her all those years ago, and supporting me in my efforts to give her the very best I could. I hope she found as much confidence and peace as her little anxiety-filled body was capable of.

To my little Smelly-Meli, Pupperoni, Sweet-Face, Pupperschnoodle, Meli-Moo ... thank you for letting me love you."

Shadow

Acquired from: Devore Animal Shelter
Age upon Rescue: 10
Date of Rescue: July 29th, 2015
Date of Passing: November 7th, 2016
Family: Kristina Lindsey
Fans: Tracey Thompson, Laurie Roberts Fine Art
Tribute: Today is a very sad day.

She was such a little trooper and kept pulling through all the health struggles she had from the neuropathy, the episode of bloat last spring, and a few months of racing heart beats. She just kept looking more frail and was getting thinner even though she was eating roast chicken, canned KD and AD for the past couple of months.

We will miss our little Shadow. I gave her the nickname Princess a few months ago alter the bloat since she was such a stoic and charmed little pup. She kept hanging in there for us.

We will miss her greatly and we are better for having had her in our lives the past year and half.

BB

Acquired from: Lancaster Shelter
Age upon Rescue: 12
Date of Rescue: August 2nd, 2015
Date of Passing: October 20th, 2015
Family: Patricia Allem
Fans: Lisa Switzer
Triibute: We Fulfilled our promise to 12 year old BB yesterday by letting her go with dignity. We rescued BB from Lancaster Shelter on August 2nd, 2015 after she was surrendered there by her owners.

Her Forever Foster Family, Patricia Allem, writes in tribute:

"Yesterday BB crossed the Rainbow Bridge. BB was an unbelievable lovable and loving goof ball. I only had BB a little more than a couple of months but it felt like a lifetime because that’s how much I loved her.

She had quirky and unstable walking, was deaf (but learned 3 hand signals very quickly); had a multitude of medical issues and continued to develop more infections. Through all of this she was such a happy go lucky dog.

She’s unlike any other dog I’ve ever had. BB only barked a few times but when she did she was so cute and so proud of herself! She was very brave and didn’t want me to know how much pain she was in.

When I sat with Dr. Van Maele by BB’s side when she was putting her to sleep, I knew it was my last act of love for BB. Her face was so very peaceful. She looked like a different dog. I never got to see this face before. She’s with her Frosted Face sister, KD, now up in heaven and I know they will be watching over me and running free and having fun.

Thank you Kelly and Andy for your huge hearts and all the love you give. Thank you for allowing me to give BB a safe and happy home filled with love the last few months of her life. BB will never be forgotten."

Much love to you over there passing days, Patricia. We know in the beginning you never intended to suffer so much heartache and yet you keep on for dogs like BB. Thank you Lisa Switzer for being BB's dedicated sponsoring Fan. <3

We love you, BB. Rest in peace beautiful girl.

Bear

Acquired from: Long Beach Animal Services
Age upon Rescue: 11
Date of Rescue: August 6th, 2015
Date of Passing: August 19th, 2017
Family: Jesse Marans
Fans: Angela Gunnett
Tribute: Dedicated volunteer from Long Beach Shelter, Jesse, saw Bear languishing in his kennel and wanted to be his advocate with our help. As the rescue chant goes, "Fostering saves lives," and it did in Bear's case.

Bear struggled with a vestibular episode earlier this year, and as of late, seemed mentally dull and lost mobility. His dad works in the veterinary field, and recognized that although he has been and would carry Bear through hell and high water, Bear had no quality of life anymore.

Jesse shares, "I keep going in and out of not believing he's gone and then being really sad. My friends have been amazing and helped me pack up things and have been trying to keep me distracted.

I cannot thank you enough for putting him in my life. He has changed my life in more ways than I can describe. It's going to be incredibly hard to come home and not have him there, but his memories will always be there to keep me smiling.

He got me through a very tough year and I will forever be gracious to you and him. I've learned so much from him in the past two years and cannot wait to spread that wisdom to the animals I will treat during and after vet school.

Rose

Acquired from: Orange County Animal Care & Control
Age upon Rescue: 10
Date of Rescue: August 7th, 2015
Date of Passing: June 22nd, 2016
Family: Shawnie & Eric Adams
Fans: Amy Pierce
Tribute: Frosted Faces Families,

I have sad news. On Wednesday, we helped Rose cross the Rainbow Bridge. We took her in to Mohnacky Vet in Carlsbad Wednesday morning, and after several tests and discussions with the doctor, Kelly, and a lovely Mohnacky advisor, we decided it was better to say goodbye to Rose. She was in diabetic ketosis, had an unknown infection, and had lost her will to keep going with us.

Rose joined our family in September 2015 after she had vacations at HQ with Kelly and Andy and with Kelly Marquez and Brent. Kelly and Brent are amazing with dog diabetes and taught us how to monitor and give Rose her insulin. We were never able to stabilize her levels, and it took its toll on sweet Rose.

Rose was the sweetest dog I've ever met. Even though she was blind, she quickly made herself at home in the house and the backyard. She walked gingerly swinging her head back and forth like Stevie Wonder and never bumped into anything hard to hurt herself. Silly girl! She was safe and content in her new family.
I will miss most how she joined our two other dogs in running to the front door every night to greet me when I got home from work. Watch out for her whip tail! She taught my husband that pitties can be sweet, loving, charming, and snuggly. She sounded like a grumbly bear when you snuggled with her. She taught our aloof little terrier that it's more fun to be sweet to your pack than to growl and lay by yourself. She taught our special needs pug that it's nice to snuggle with the big dog.

Reba

Acquired from: Harbor Animal Shelter
Age upon Rescue: 9
Date of Rescue: August 20th, 2015
Date of Passing: March 23rd, 2019
Family: Cheryl Coston
Fans: Gail Shirley
Tribute: On Saturday, March 23rd, we fulfilled our promise to 11 year old Reba.

Reba was rushed in because she suddenly lost function of her hind legs and was panting in a great deal of pain. X-rays showed degeneration in the left hip joint and not the right. It was suspected to be cancer because we would typically see this in both hips, and these lesions looked like synovial cells, possibly osteosarcoma.

There was a pathological fracture at the head of femur and due to the excruciating pain Reba was showing, there was little that could be done to offer quality days moving forward.

I still remember wanting to spring Reba so badly from the shelter. Asking around for weeks to find a foster for this plain, sweet girl. Cheryl was truly her saving grace by volunteering her heart and home.

"Our Reba crossed the Rainbow Bridge. Frosted Faces Foundation saved her from a shelter where she was dumped back in 2015. 
I believe we won the forever foster lotto in August 2015 when she came to live with us on our little ranch.

She fell in love with our life my husband and the tractor. Reba had a very nice and easy, yet eventful, last 3 1/2 years with us.

It’s always hard to say goodbye, but we are grateful for the times we shared. I personally feel blessed to have had the opportunity to give her love and joy when she felt thrown away.

Reba will always be here with us and I know I will have a huge welcome party for me when I join my fur family over the Rainbow Bridge.

Rest and chase all the tractors you can now my friend. We love and miss you. 
Thank you, Frosted Faces, for all you do."
 

Samuel

Acquired from: Los Angeles East Valley Animal Shelter
Age upon Rescue: 10
Date of Rescue: August 20th, 2015
Date of Passing: April 25th, 2019
Family: Ed & Lindy Kalpakoff
Fans: Chris Fenner, Julie McCall
Tribute: On Thursday, April 25th, we fulfilled our promise to Samuel.

"This is so hard for me. I can't find the words through all my tears. Thursday night we lost our boy Samuel. He was such a BIG presence in our house and has left a HUGE hole in our hearts. We brought him home almost 4 years ago, and he bonded with our 2 girls Mitzi & Bella. Wherever Sam was, you'd find the girls cuddled up with him. We lost our girls one by one, so for a year and a half, Sam was our only child.

We took him to parks, lakes, and he shared a special bond with his dad, Ed! We found out in January that he had a huge spenic mass which would eventually rupture, and because he had a lot of other things going on, we couldn't put him through a major surgery. He lived well beyond what our vet thought he would and enjoyed his walks up until the night before he passed. We found him a sister in March and it brought back a little pep in his step.

We still can't believe he is gone. We knew what would happen, and that it was coming soon, but we still could not prepare ourselves for it. It happened sudden and fast.

The last few days have been a blur and we are starting to feel a little better talking about the wonderful memories we shared with him. We are taking his sister Penny to his favorite park Sunday morning and it will be bittersweet, as it will be our first walk without him.

We are going to say a prayer for him at the lake. When we get his ashes back, we are going to spread some of them at this park. Thank you all so much for helping us get through this. Sam you will always be in our hearts."

Sage

Acquired from:  Los Angeles Animal Care Control: Downey
Age upon Rescue: 13
Date of Rescue: August 23rd, 2015
Date of Passing: December 15th, 2015
Family: Sheila & Lino Vitale
Fans: Kimberly Bonk, Lesley Howe, Reyna Bojorquez
Tribute: She could not stand and cried to moved. Once she was up, she was up though! The late Lexi's Forever Fosters, Lino and Sheila Vitale, stepped up to the plate and were overjoyed to add another shepherd to their Family.

You have to know how special Lino and Sheila are. Some would ask, "How could Sage have a good quality of life being so immobile?" It must be said, these guys worked their asses off to give her everything. FFF donated a helpemup harness to get her to her feet and monthly pain meds, but they brushed her every night before supper, they cleaned up Sage and the floors when she went potty laying down, and they laid rugs for her to stand more easily. Sage stayed at Headquarters for two weeks while Lino and Sheila traveled, and we know Sage was their baby. They checked in on her every day, and we almost felt inadequate compared to all of the things that they wanted for her- and we thought we ran an accommodating home!

There is no doubt that Sage was surrendered because she was too difficult for her previous owners to handle, but if you met her you would know she was bright, so gentle, and full of life. Other dogs loved Sage too! They protected her, slept near her, and groomed her.

Recently Sage deteriorated where she became almost listless on her pain meds, and depressed because she would not truly stay on her feet anymore and life was not fun, probably painful. The Vitale's brought her to Family Animal Hospital and Doc agreed it was time.

Lino reflects, "She went in peace and knew she was loved. She was surrounded by her family. Us!!"

Cheers to A-mazing Forever Fosters. Cheers to allowing a senior dog to leave this world loved and with dignity. This is a love story we don't ever want to forget. We love you Sage and you will be missed dearly. 

Esme

Acquired from: Los Angeles Animal Care Control: Downey
Age upon Rescue: 12
Date of Rescue: August 23rd, 2015
Date of Passing: August 23rd, 2017
Family: Jennifer Simkins
Fans: Judith Ann Johnson
Tribute: Yesterday was Esme's second Frostiversary, two years from her date of rescue from Downey Shelter, her 14th birthday.

Coincidentally, yesterday Esme was also having trouble breathing. Her worried mom rushed her to the Orange Tustin Animal Hospital where they did an X-ray that showed her trachea had collapsed entirely, and there was a mass on her very enlarged loud heart. We were advised that a surgery to repair her trachea would be not be reasonable with her current conditionand that we should let her go. We devastatingly agreed.

When we rescued Esme two years ago she was hairless from a fungal infection and neither of her back legs worked. Her hips were shattered, likely from being hit by a car. In her mom's good care, and after surgery to remove significant mammary masses, Esme healed and gained the strength to walk and became furry and fiery! She was a seemingly young Frosted Face intended to outlive them all.

Her mom reflects,
"Today is Esme's second Frostiversary. Today is also the day that I lost my beautiful, sweet, feisty girl. I was not ready for this. Today her trachea collapsed and she could not breathe. Actually, I couldn't breathe watching her either. I am heartbroken and in complete shock.

She came to me a physically broken little dog. Her personality was huge but her little body just didn't have it in her to continue. She squawked at the doctor and kicked her little feet as they put the needle in her little leg. That little girl's spirit was much bigger than that little broken body. Her spine was fused together from when she was paralyzed. She had an enlarged heart, a possible mass by her lungs and a collapsed trachea.

Run free sweet girl, you are now free from the confines of that old body. I love you to the moon Essie bear.

PeeWee

Acquired from: Los Angeles Animal Care Control: Downey
Age upon Rescue: 10
Date of Rescue: August 29th, 2015
Date of Passing: September 3rd, 2015
Family: Patrick & Jessica Walsh
Fans: Erin Tavaglione, Judith Johnson, and Tanya Nielson
Tribute: There is absolutely no doubt in my mind that he was surrendered on the simple basis that he urinated allover constantly.  

We noticed that he struggled to urinate upon rescue. We invested in diagnostics and the grand surgery of removing his stones and bladder tumors which proved to be Transitional Cell Carcinoma. After trial and error of medication and fancy foods to treat violent vomiting and a lack of appetite for a week post surgery, we drew new bloodwork that showed that his BUN had skyrocketed to over 240 and that his kidneys were failing. The toxins in his body were building up causing him to feel very ill. We are a hopeful bunch and even as we approached our appointment today we wanted to consider dieresis. We were assured that it would not buy much time, but if we needed a few more days it was an option, but the prognosis was poor.

Let me tell you, we gave him the most beautiful last day yesterday with the help of some fluids and injections to pep him up. We didn't need one more day and PeeWee couldn't have asked for a better one.  

PeeWee had a Family that eagerly wanted him the moment they saw his picture in the shelter. Patrick and Jessica Walsh corresponded with us each day at Headquarters to check in on him, they called the vets for the "what else can we do?" conversations, they drove quite a distance for him more than once to make sure that he was seen by the doctors that knew and loved him, and most valuably they knew when it was time to say goodbye in spite of the fact that they hardly had enough time to love him.

Fred

Acquired from: Los Angeles Animal Care Control: Carson
Age upon Rescue: 15
Date of Rescue: September 4th, 2015
Date of Passing: February 1st, 2016
Family: Jennifer Bennink & Mike Ziegelbauer
Fans: Darby Hall, Joe and Renee Dalo, Judith Johnson
Tribute: He was surrendered because he was "too old."

Last night his mom and dad came home to him looking very ill. We rushed him to San Diego Bay Animal Hospital and ran in-house bloodwork, diagnosing him with Immune-Mediated Hemolytic Anemia in Dogs (IMHA). Treatment was straight forward, he had a 50% chance of turn around with a possible blood transfusion- but after just being diagnosed with MRSA in his skull and being hospitalized for unknown reasons causing him liver failure two weeks ago, we acknowledged the call for a peaceful ending.

Fred's Forever Foster writes:

"We lost our Frosted Fred. Our hearts are broken that we couldn't make him better. From the get go he battled blindness, deafness, surgery, infections, not eating and sickness. Through it all, Fred was always such a stoic and independent little dude. He had a harumphy 'I can do it myself!" attitude that was both charming and sad as I'm sure it spoke to his awful beginnings. Still, he tolerated our cuddles and let us hold him for at least 5 minute increments before squirming away with his cute little fluffy butt facing our way. 

We had some good times: sniffing seaweed at the beach, strolling around Calumet Park meeting new pups, relaxing with the family, eating his favorite foods and building blanket nests all over the house. Wish we could have given him a thousand more good days but in the end we are happy to have shared our lives with him and to have had the time we did. 

We are very grateful for Kelly and the Frosted Faces family. Truly an amazing bunch of people. Thank you for your love and support and for making Fred, Frosted. He will be forever remembered with love. 💗"

Nino

Acquired from: Orange County Animal Care & Control
Age upon Rescue: 10
Date of Rescue: September 15th, 2015
Date of Passing: June 4th, 2022
Family: Kelly Saltern & Shannon Catalano
Fans: Lisa Switzer

Tribute: On June 4th, Kelly and Shannon fulfilled their promise to Frosted Face Nino. He was our 5th longest living Frosted Face!

"Early in the morning on Sat June 4th Niño had a seizure that could not be controlled by medication and ultimately he had to be put to sleep. We had him for almost 7 years and words and pictures and videos can’t fully express what an amazing little guy he was

He had the most sweet and gentle nature, not a mean bone in his body. He was also completely blind. He never stopped amazing me over the years with his intelligence and his ability to adapt to new surroundings with absolutely no eyesight. Whenever we see the pictures and videos of all the animals at the shelters who need a home, our hearts break for them.

To be abandoned by people you love into a loud and scary shelter, surrounded completely by strangers and totally at their mercy, well it must be one of the most terrifying and empty feelings. And for Niño (and all the blind animals) there’s the added factor of everything is pitch black. It’s something I can’t even imagine. But these animals are still so loving and trusting. It’s something I’ll probably never be able to understand.

I’m so thankful that Niño’s video came across my Facebook page. He reaches his paw out, that’s when I knew I had to get him. He was meant to be part of our family. His favorite thing was being close to his humans and his furry brothers and sisters. I’ve included a bunch of those pics, him doing his favorite thing……cuddling He did the stairs totally on his own. I didn’t even think it would be possible so I never taught him. Well it was one of many examples of him teaching me

Thank you so much to Frosted Faces Foundation for getting Niño out of the shelter. He had so much life left to live and I’m so grateful that I got to be part of it.

Niño……I love and miss you so much."
 

Luck

Acquired from: Los Angeles Animal Care Control: Baldwin Park
Age upon Rescue: 8
Date of Rescue: September 20th, 2015
Date of Passing: November 12th, 2015
Family: Aislinn Nichol
Fans: Wendy Arrington
Tribute: When I started this short journey in September I was not looking for a foster dog. However, I just can’t help myself and am constantly torturing myself by looking at all of the poor dogs that need homes on all different types of rescue pages.

When I stumbled upon Frosted Faces I called and spoke with Kelly to inquire about who might need a home..because what’s the harm in just asking, right? When she told me about Luck I was immediately interested, but it wasn’t until I saw his picture/video on the Facebook page that I knew I had to have him. I just couldn’t stop thinking about those big brown eyes.

I feel so fortunate to have been able to have had Luck in my life for the short time that I did. He was one of the kindest, gentlest animals that I have known and was always so appreciative of everything and anything. He got along with absolutely everyone- two legged and four legged alike.

Taking on a dog with a prognosis like his I had almost no expectations. I had no idea what the future would be like and I knew that nothing was certain, especially time. Getting him I had one goal- that when his time did come I wanted him to feel loved.. and he most certainly was. Though his physical issues were always apparent, it was when he lost the sparkle in his eye that I fell in love with, that I knew there was really no decision to make- he had made it for us.

He was such a special dog and I loved him very dearly. He is very missed.

Benji

Acquired from: Los Angeles Animal Care Control: Baldwin Park
Age upon Rescue: 12
Date of Rescue: September 20th, 2015
Date of Passing: April 21st, 2016
Family: Elaine Byrnes
Fans: Lisa Switzer, Kathy Conrad
Tribute: We rescued Benji on September 20th, 2015 after he had been networked as the 9 year old dog surrendered with a heavy chain around his neck to Carson Shelter. Benji was, by far, the most evidenced neglected dog we have ever rescued. He was matted, had long finger nails, and his medical needs were clearly ignored. Most sadly, he was incredibly sensitive to touch. Over the course of the last several months, he was loved by a real family, was vetted, went on walks, chewed on bones, and got groomed.

Benji's mom writes:
"What a difficult week this has been for so many of us. With a heart that is utterly shattered, I want to let you know that beloved little Benji went to Rainbow Bridge last night. When he came to us, the medical screening showed elevated kidney levels. But he seemed “normal” and hope against hope, I put it out of my mind.

Benji had so much to learn about being a dog. During our time together he learned that he would be touched, gently and with warm hands that longed to hold him. At first he allowed me to pet his back and sides, then I got to hold his ears and give scritches. Finally he was happy to have his chest and head loved at the same time. But coming up to sit next to me on the sofa wasn’t an option; he would sit on the floor, often resting his head on my feet. Ben would find his way from the kitchen to my feet in the living room, then put his damp little muzzle against my ankles. If an ear scritch or pet didn’t come quickly enough, he would face-butt again. He also learned that treats were dispensed in this location at least half the time.

While he loved spending time next to Lola, our resident Welcome Wagon Wonder Girl, he started staying in the kitchen, especially if I was moving about the house. Of course he chose to be in the middle of any activity by choosing to stay in an entry to the kitchen that was maybe 3’ wide. During our time together I’ve learned to take VERY long steps often carrying laundry, trash, etc., without so much as a fur-swish.

The kitchen was a favorite place, I’m sure, because he loved loved to eat. No matter what variety, flavor or type of food, he was always ready. But since Lola is exactly the same, she would often try to finish Ben’s while he was still eating. This sweet little peanut would always move so she could have complete access…of course, Mom intervened, but he was never cross with her. On Tuesday evening I had to go to Costco and got the one remaining roasted chicken. As soon as I came in the door, Benji was at attention and trying to sniff out where that delicious aroma was located. OMD, he loved, loved, loved the bites I was feeding him. Seriously, he almost danced between mouthfuls anxiously awaiting more of this delectable “whatever Mom is giving me.” I was thrilled to see him so happy and excited.

But…on Thursday morning I woke up to an ominous odor that I remember so well from FF Ziva’s renal failure. Benji had diarrhea and vomited during the early morning hours and it was the same color, texture and foul smell – I tried not to even go there…NO, he cannot leave!!!! We haven’t done 1% of what I promised we’d do together. It didn’t matter, Benji’s time with me was over, and I knew this.

Yesterday I had to clean him before going to work, and for the first time he allowed me to hold him. It was so bittersweet because I knew it meant he was too sick or tired to protest. Then he fell asleep against my chest and I cried. This sweet little baby gave me the gift I most treasure of our time together. Just the sweetness of being able to hold and love him.

The other gift I realize now is that of time. We had no time, but the sweet babies in shelters have even less. To know that I waited months between Ziva leaving and adopting Benji makes me a little sad – yes, I was honoring my emotional well-being, but at what cost? Please do not have unkind thoughts if I have a new FF very soon. I am not replacing anyone, but just doing a heart remodel – there must be another addition.

Thank you Kelly and Andy...and Mary Savoia for being his first Foster Mommy, and Benji's Fans Lisa Switzer and Kathy Conrad.

Dotty

Acquired from: Hope for Paws
Age upon Rescue: 11
Date of Rescue: September 26th, 2015
Date of Passing: January 7th, 2020
Family: Bob & Victoria Conway
Fans: Tom Handsaker
Tribute: On January 7th, we fulfilled our promise to 14 year old Dotty.

Dotty came to us from Hope For Paws after an exciting trapping was recorded on video which can be seen here:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eTefb14BUBI

Dotty was a ranch girl by day, who was queen of the toys, and slept beside her parents' bed. Her parents were patient with her and offered her the very best medical care. In the end, she was struggling to walk even on four different medications and they decided that the kind thing to do was to let her be pain free.

"Dotty passed. It was very peaceful. I held her tight. So thankful you and Andy got her. I don’t think we would have found her if she didn’t come thru FFF. We feel lucky we got to be her guardians and family."

Diego

Acquired from: Los Angeles Animal Care Control: Carson
Age upon Rescue: 10
Date of Rescue: September 27th, 2015
Date of Passing: December 15th, 2019
Family: Johnny Quinonez
Fans: David Clark
Tribute: On December 15th we fulfilled our promise to Diego.

We are a senior-based rescue and as soon as he arrived at the vet after being rescued, we realized his stiff gait was caused by a torn ACL and fractured hip. He had been aged at 10 years old, but the vets thought he was closer to 5 or 6 years old. Our first Frosted Faker! We invested in our first big ortho surgery for Diego doing an FHO and TPLO.

Now way back when we only pulled dogs with Forever Fosters in place. Johnny was young and renting in LA, a recipe stereotypical for only a short term commitment. We took a leap of faith knowing that any surrender on Johnny's part made Diego part of our already big pack. We are just so impressed by Diego and Johnny's love story of devotion.

Johnny went above and beyond for Diego! He moved to a new state, bought a home, and his pit went with him! Earlier this month Johnny noticed Diego declining meals and acting lethargic. A fast scan and bloodwork revealed that he had a large liver mass and very low RBC count. We treated him palliatively to buy him some time with his dad, but inevitably Diego was suffering and after he was able to enjoy a couple good last meals we had to let him go.

"Add up all the times through 1539 days of you faking not hearing me, faked being asleep so you wouldn’t have to go for a walk, faked hating your food to get something better, and fake cried to get your blankets fluffed, and above all faked your frosted face so that I could have you for 1539 days. Multiply that by infinity, that’s how much you will be missed and furever loved.”

Sunshine

Acquired from: Los Angeles Animal Care Control: Carson
Age upon Rescue: 10
Date of Rescue: October 1st, 2015
Date of Passing: October 9th, 2017
Family: Jim & Suzanne Wagner
Fans: Cherylynn Miykeilah Roberts
Tribute: Sunshine touched our lives in such a deep yet quiet kind of a way that's hard to describe. He was just there, quiet and often in the background, being happy, and always looking for me and happy to get some love and attention in between long naps. How do you describe a perfect restful peaceful day - nothing happens to mention yet it's quietly the best day ever. That was Sunshine

Brandy

Acquired from: Los Angeles Animal Care Control: Lancaster
Age upon Rescue: 9
Date of Rescue: October 7th, 2015
Date of Passing: February 7th, 2018
Family: Patrick & Jessica Walsh
Fans: Erin Tavaglione, Judith Ann Johnson, Tanya Nielsen
Tribute: On February 7th, 2018 Brandy passed away at the age of 11 years old.

We rescued Brandy on October 7th, 2015 from Lancaster Shelter after she was surrendered by her owners. Yesterday she had a number of seizures of which we could not control and euthanasia was recommended.

Her mom shares,
"We lost our Brandy girl today. She had our whole hearts from the moment she came into our lives. She was always the happiest girl no matter what life and old age brought her, and boy could she stare a hole right through you until you gave her a biscuit.

Lately she had needed a lot more attention and had become a pretty big part of my everyday routine and I’m not quite sure how I’m going to fill that void. Thank you Frosted Faces Foundation for all that you do and for bringing us this beautiful soul. We will miss you old lady."

Thank you to Patrick & Jessica Walsh for being such gentle, accommodating parents to Brandy. She was lucky to have you. Thank you to Erin Tavaglione, Tanya Nielsen, and Judith Johnson for being her dedicated monthly sponsoring Fans.

King Foxy

Acquired from: Los Angeles West Valley Animal Shelter
Age upon Rescue: 10
Date of Rescue: October 7th, 2015
Date of Passing: June 1st, 2020
Family: Sofiaan & Shelly Fraval
Fans: Judith Ann Johnson, Judy Sharp
Tribute: On June 1st we fulfilled our promise to King Foxy.

The poor little man struggled with collapsing trachea and then some form of bronchitis or fibrosis for which we managed intermittent infection and kept him on medication.

His family moved a few times, always including him, and enjoyed him to the fullest.

"We are heartbroken... our sweet little Foxy (King Foxy) passed away yesterday in his sleep. We loved him dearly and we miss him so so much. He was an adorable little fluffball with bright eyes, a bushy tail, and the most loving heart.

Sleep well little king... you were such a good boy and we will miss you always. 💔"

Millie

Acquired from: Riverside Animal Services
Age upon Rescue: 10
Date of Rescue: October 16th, 2015
Date of Passing: July 5th, 2018
Family: Kristi Palmer
Fans: Kathy Conrad, Kellie Nelson
Tribute: On Thursday, July 5th, we fulfilled our promise to 12 year old Millie.

We rescued Millie from Riverside Shelter on October 16th, 2015 after multiple extensions and finally a forced exit date. Upon arrival and when still a foster-based rescue we learned that her vision made it hard for her to trust other animals and people. She actually flew out of a temp foster's window while they were at work, and they came home to find her head stuck under the fence! Imagine that call! "I am digging Millie out from under my fence, please come help!"

Millie needed a special family. Not one that just didn't have any other animals or many people, but also one who was patient. I can confidently say that Millie struck gold when Kristi agreed to be her mom. So many dogs like Millie end up euthanized in the shelter, living in boarding long term, or even euthanized by their rescue lacking resources. We started FFF with a mission and promise to develop solutions for animals like Millie, to not take the easy way out, and from then until now and forever forward we stay focused on those intentions.

Millie's mom writes,

"I’d like to tell you a story...In November, 2015, I was asked by Frosted Faces Foundation to Forever Foster a dog. Not just any dog, but an over bred, over weight, blind, 10 year old pit bull. But wait! There’s more! She is anxious, afraid, dog reactive, doesn’t like cats, can break out of a crate, AND is a flight risk as she broke through the current foster's window and got stuck trying to dig herself under the fence! Who doesn’t want THAT dog?? Of course, I said “yes please!”

It took time and patience but I earned her trust (I was also loaned the Alcatraz crate) lol. She was known as Millie but I called her Mildred. She was a cantankerous old lady sometimes and that seemed a fitting name. She didn’t like many people...but when she loved you, she loved you with everything she had...forever. She also loved eating (sometimes I think she liked it more than me). She was in essence, my mini me. She snuggled like no bodies business and would nudge you with her nose to keep petting her until she fell asleep.

Mildred went on many road trips with me for work. She became a hotel snob of sorts. More than any of these things, she was my best friend. My “beautiful girl”. Over the past two months, she has been steadily losing weight. A few weeks ago she was diagnosed with renal failure. I stayed home with her and cooked her chicken and gave her subq fluids.

Last night she couldn’t get comfortable and vomited constantly through this morning. My strong girl was stumbling when she walked and could no longer get up in bed with me without help. She was tired. Her friends at VCA Valley Animal Medical Center & Emergency Hospital met us at the door and we had a room with cheeseburgers, music, and people coming in to love on her. I can’t thank them enough for all that they did for Millie over the past two and a half years. Mildred left her tired body and went to a place with unlimited cheeseburgers and no more pain.

She has left a hole in my heart that no one can fill. Rest easy sweet girl...collars off..you are so loved."

Kristi Palmer, "thank you" is not sufficient in this circumstance. You altered your entire life for Millie, you gave her the best, you made her a priority, and there are few like you out there. We are sending so much love your way. Thank you to Kathy Conrad and Kellie Nelson for being Millie's dedicated monthly sponsoring Fans.

Shilo

Acquired from: Los Angeles Animal Care Control: Carson
Age upon Rescue: 14
Date of Rescue: October 19th, 2015
Date of Passing: July 1st, 2016
Family: Bert & Kris Wood
Fans: Judith Traub, Judith Johnson, Lori Powers, Hazel Casillas, Lisa Switzer, Amy Seals, Debbie DeLaCruz
Tribute: Oh my...not what I thought we were doing today. It is with an exceptionally broken and heavy heart that I share with you that we had to let Shilo cross the rainbow bridge this morning.

I can't stop crying or second guessing myself about so many choices I made for him.
He was such a booger, a character, a love bug, stubborn, entertaining, hilarious, he was a fighter and wanted to be loved.
His breathing has always been an issue and when we got up today he had been laying outside on the cold pavement breathing with great difficulty and coughing. He was very weak, didn't eat any breakfast and barely drank anything. His inhaler and oxygen treatment didn't help with the breathing and the 106 degree temperature was the icing on the cake. I was able to be with him and stroke all the beautiful hair he has grown since being loved.

It's bitter sweet to know he had a great life these last months...playing in the water, eating horse poo, rolling in the green grass, being loved beyond belief, but it sure doesn't make me miss the little guy any less!
Go breath deep breaths of fresh air, fill your tummy with pizza until it hurts, and run around without pain my little munchkin!"
 

Otis

Acquired from: North Central LA Animal Shelter
Age upon Rescue: 10
Date of Rescue: October 24th, 2015
Date of Passing: July 28th, 2018
Family: Bob & Debbie Adams
Fans: Nancy Semrow, Teena Deering
Tribute: On Saturday, July 28th, we fulfilled our promise to 12 year old Otis.

We rescued Otis, formerly Hank, on October 24th, 2015. We participated in a fundraiser called Race for the Rescues and the goal was to have all the attending dogs rescued or adopted by the end of the day. Chubby and old, he was overlooked. Well we made him ours and nearly immediately Bob & Debbie agreed to be his Forever Fosters. This year Otis battled congestive heart failure and a splenic mass, but the adventures continued.

They tell his story, 
"I was hoping that a couple of days would help me to come up with words worthy of my Sweet boy Otis, but the truth is there are no words worthy. 🐾🐾

We lost our sweet boy Otis Saturday. 😔 He was my super sweet, NEVER mean, best boy. He told me he was tired and ready to go. He had the most expressive face, and his always happy face was sad, and I listened to him tell me with his face, "It’s ok mom, I need to go."😭

We got Otis November 1st 2015, we drove to Salem, Oregon. With my beautiful late beagle Gabbie, and brought this Sweet Fur Face home, he has been RVing, boating (2 different boats) camping on an island in the middle of the Columbia River multiple times, hotels at the coast, Beach houses ... if we left he went with us (except to Maui).

We always took a toy with us for my boy, and of course a bed. He had tent beds, RV beds, boat beds ....

There is the first photo I saw with Otis' face between the seats of Kelly’s SUV and that was all I needed to see❤️."

Thank you to Bob and Debbie Taylor-Adams for being a positive example of spending quality time with your dogs and enjoying the moments. Thank you to Nancy Semrow for being Otis' dedicated monthly sponsoring Fan.

Jay Jay

Acquired from:  Los Angeles Animal Care Control: Baldwin Park
Age upon Rescue: 18
Date of Rescue: October 25th, 2015
Date of Passing: February 20th, 2016
Family: Jenna Larson
Fans: Debbie DeLaCruz, Krista Hogan, Karen Terra, Kristi Palmer, and Judith Traub
Tribute: Today I let my dog Jay Jay go. I say “my dog” because to me he wasn’t just a foster that I had for 3 ½ months. He was my dog and a part of my family.

It was hard from the very beginning and I changed many of my daily habits to cater to him but if I had to choose all over again, I would take him in every time. I don’t know who his family was for the first eighteen years of his life but we were his family at the end when it was important.

Last night he ate a McDonald’s happy meal and the whole family slept together on the floor with him. Today he ate bacon and cheese and stinky dog foods for breakfast (yum!). I held him in my arms as he fell asleep and took his last breath and gave him one last kiss goodbye.

I am 23 years old, only five years older than Jay Jay, and I am sad that we weren’t together for more of those years. He is the first dog I have ever had to put down and I can’t explain to you what a hard process it has been. There was no one to tell me if it was the right time or not. I may never know if I made the right decision; if I waited too long or let him go too soon. What I do know is that he took a piece of my heart with him today that I will never be getting back. I know that he was loved unconditionally. I know that I miss him more than I ever thought possible. And I know that he has made a huge impact on my life. I love you Jay Jay and I always will."

Miss Queenie Bee

Acquired from: North Central LA Animal Shelter
Age upon Rescue: 10
Date of Rescue: October 29th, 2015
Date of Passing: September 8th, 2016
Family: Lynne Christmas
Fans: Brook Miller, Linda Murphy
Tribute: Our beautiful precious Miss Queenie Bee passed over the rainbow bridge this morning and we are heartbroken. Her dementia had been progressing rapidly and she had suffered several small seizures. We had been hand feeding her for several weeks as it seemed like she had forgotten how to eat and needed the food placed in her mouth. However she would still join the dogs greeting me at the door and would occasionally still do her bunny hops down the steps and along the street.

This morning she woke up at 5:45 and immediately went in to a massive seizure - loud barking, trying to bite, moving around erratically and totally out of control. I held her but it did not help and she was still barking loudly and moving/trying to bite when we arrived at VCA North Coast Animal Hospital the vet close to our home. They took her through to the back and medicated her and it sounded as if she was quieter however she broke through the meds and was barking in the back as we left.

After speaking with Kelly we decided it was her time to pass over the rainbow bridge and I went back to the vet to be with her. She was still agitated and barking when I arrived so the decision was confirmed. She looked so peaceful and beautiful when she passed it was so hard to leave her.

Rest in peace dear dear Miss Queenie Bee, we will always love you and miss you. We will miss your bunny hops and the way you would jump on Toby's back when you wanted to play. The way you would push your head into my hand when I was petting you was absolutely adorable.Thank you for loving us and giving us such amazing joy."

Daisy

Acquired from: Bohdi Veterinary Clinic
Age upon Rescue: 13
Date of Rescue: November 5th, 2015
Date of Passing: January 2nd, 2018
Family: Martine Moran & Scott Lyse
Fans: Karol Elwood
Tribute: 

We rescued Daisy on November 5th, 2015 after she was surrendered to Bodhi Animal Hospital for euthanasia unnecessarily. We placed her with a loving family and earlier this year had to rehome at no fault of her own. On Tuesday, January 2nd, Daisy's body said she was all done.

Her mom reflects, "I faced the dilemma that each one of us does at some point, and decided that having her here one even more day was selfish...was not about her, and so it was time.

The whole night before last, Daisy and I snuggled on the couch; she was sleeping, with the exception of two short restless episodes, and I barely slept. I held her tight and I caressed her, going over so many memories made in such a short time...too short.

Just when I think I have no more tears, my heart cracks a little more and there I am again, bawling like a baby. I'll sure miss this little rickety girl, with her crab-like walk, her occasional hop up a step, her occasional run, and that silly little bark. I think I'll miss most the times that she would just be standing in a room, looking around like she was trying to figure out what was going on, see me, jump just a little with surprise/relief/happiness, and come running the two or three feet to me so I could pick her up ❤️❤️❤️

I'm so glad to be a part of this family. I've shed more tears since I've joined you, but have had so many more smiles, so much happiness seeing all of you with all your sweeties. Please give all of them a little smooch from me and Daisy. We lost a beloved member of our little family yesterday, and my heart is broken. In the 10 1/2 months Daisy was with us, she wiggled her way deep into my heart, where I guess she'll always be.

Daisy was my knitting muse and model, and my constant lap girl. I'm not sure that Remy or Lola has noticed her absence, but I'm reminded of it every few minutes.

Loving a senior dog is easy in many ways, and so painful in others...watching them fade away, watching them lose their light, letting them go. Daisy is not my first senior, and she won't be my last and, although I've loved all my pets dearly and have grieved for them all deeply, she and Rubie will always hold special places in my heart."

Thank you to Scott Lyse and Martine Moran for writing Daisy's last chapters and making them full of love. Thank you to Karol Elwood for being Daisy's dedicated monthly sponsoring Fan.

Rosie

Acquired from: Riverside Animal Shelter
Age upon Rescue: 15
Date of Rescue: November 7th, 2015
Date of Passing: April 20th, 2016
Family: Eve Henderson
Fans: Lisa Switzer
Tribute: Early this April morning, my beautiful Frosted Face Rosie left this earth and went to fly with the angels. Something inside went wrong so completely that even a dead-of-night trip to the emergency room couldn’t fix it.

This 15-year old cattle dog with huge brown eyes and a soft red-and-white coat limped into my life in November and took up residence in my heart and my home and my pack like she had been here before. Length of stay had nothing to do with depth of love. I loved her like I’d known her all her life.

I loved her funny walk on her pogo stick back legs, her quiet watchfulness, her special smell, her goofy food dance. She’d go into that bunny hop over breakfast, supper, treats, and Frosted Mini Wheats. Sometimes she’d get a nearly toothless grip on the Mini Wheats teaspoon and not let go, and that was one tough argument to win. She made any and every pillow look luxurious the way she burrowed into the softness, but her pink blanket was her favorite at night time, and it will always be Rosie’s blanket.

Everything hurt her, her shoulders, her legs, her back. She’d flinch at a light touch and then shake it off. She couldn’t hear much, but she’d jump up and leave the room if I coughed and she’d nearly launch whenever the dryer buzzer went off.

Rosie was half whisper, half will. She had used up so much of herself by the time she came to me that she was a whisper of who she used to be. It was will that kept her going, sheer, one-paw-after-the-other will, refusal to stay down, quiet doggedness to keep at it. By the end, though, she was all whisper. The will had run its course, and whatever got her last night hammered her hard.

She knew it before I did. I held her as she floated away without fuss, my Whisper Rosie, right up past my wet face, through the door and into the moon-lit night sky, and I hardly heard her leave. I felt it, though. Good girl, Rosie, what a beautiful girl. I love you. Oh how I’m going to miss you. Save me a spot, Rosie. When my turn comes, if I can work it, I’ll float your way with a whole box of Frosted Mini Wheats. So collar off, Rosie. Sleep sweet, little love. All done.

Sophie

Acquired from: Los Angeles Animal Care Control: Lancaster
Age upon Rescue: 12
Date of Rescue: November 9th, 2015
Date of Passing: May 15th, 2018
Family: Lynnette & Carla Masella
Fans: Allison Landa, Megan O'Brien, Julie May
Tribute: We call them Frosted Fakers and say that someone got their ages wrong along the way- until suddenly, they're gone. We fulfilled our promise to 14 year old Sophie on Tuesday, May 15th when she had suddenly become immobile and was struggling to breathe.

We rescued Sophie on November 9th, 2015 from Lancaster Shelter. Her family was actually supposed to end up with Frosted Face Millie, but she proved to not want to live with other dogs, so we asked them to choose another while we found Mills another family. They chose Sophie, straight out of Lancaster Shelter. The deal was that we would cover medical expenses as an incentive to them choosing a senior dog. It was fate for Sophie, while she looked and acted like a puppy, the shelter aged her at 12 years old and she had a giant mass in her armpit.

We removed the mass and she went on to live a life of chewing on bones, digging in gopher holes, getting groomed professionally, and sleeping on the couch. Maybe once she had a small scare where we hospitalized her for pancreatitis in the last 2 and a half years, but we were still counting on her to be one of the longest living Frosted Faces.

Last week she went to Pets R Us Veterinary Hospital for symptoms of a UTI. When she arrived she seemed to have an odd gait as if she tweaked her back in the car, so we ran a senior panel and did abdominal and lower body X-rays. Her mom said she was very anxious on the ride. Labs showed an elevated SDMA, which we all know by now means the beginning signs of renal disease. They discovered a mass on her liver, and she had a raging UTI. We cultured her urine to be sure were were treating with the right antibiotics. The vet started her on steroids and other pain medication for the new spinal discomfort. The next morning Sophie could not use her hind end at all and was not eating. By the fourth day none of her legs were working, she was still not eating or going potty, and was crying out in pain. Her moms took her to the vet that day and they relayed that on top of all of these quick changes, Sophie was also struggling to breathe. We had to let her go, and the vet advised that she may even pass on her own if we didn't choose euthanasia that day.

This was terribly heartbreaking mostly because it was sudden, the end was traumatic for all parties including Sophie, and we don't know what happened. We thought it was a UTI, then maybe even an abrupt injury in the car that would heal, but to totally lose our puppy-girl unexpectedly is so sad.

Sophie's moms are buying a white rose bush this weekend to memorialize her for their yard. Thank you to Lynnette Deann and Carla Masella for being the reason Sophie knew family, play, and relief in the end. You have been a caring, supportive part of FFF for so long. Thank you to Allison Landa, Megan O'Brien, and Julie Vokal May for being her dedicated monthly sponsoring Fans.

Lily

Acquired from: Los Angeles Animal Care Control: Lancaster
Age upon Rescue: 10
Date of Rescue: November 14th, 2015
Date of Passing: November 16th, 2015
Family: Kelly & Andy Smisek
Tribute: We rescued Lily from Lancaster Shelter on November 14th, 2015.  She was scared, chubby, and found comfort in burrowing herself under pillows or laying pressed into my chest.  We lost her far too soon.

We took 10 year old Lily from Lancaster Shelter into San Diego Bay Animal Hospital the morning after her rescue for a standard shelter exit exam and a senior panel. She scavenged into a bag of nom noms on the way there, like good little doxies do, and she scurried into the vet with more confidence than we knew she had in her. We watched as doc carefully listened to her heart where he discovered she had a 4/6 heart murmur, checked her joints, looked in her ears and eyes, felt her tummy and checked her teeth. He was impressed that our little chunk looked so well. The techs took her in back to get blood and urine, and brought her back out to me.

She seemed limp, and yes sometimes the pups we bring in are just like that, but not Lily. I quickly ran her back inside and asked if she had been given a sedative for lab work. She hadn't. They spun the blood in house and did X-rays quickly which showed she was not in congestive heart failure. Lily's gums had turned white and she was tummy-gasping for air in pain. They swiftly did an ultrasound which revealed she had a large mass in her abdomen.

Bloodwork showed she had 19% hematocrit and 53,000 white blood cell count. She was one percent away from needing a blood transfusion and her WBC should be 10,000, so we knew she had a terrible infection. Doc guesses that her mass was a large cancerous uterine mass that had become terribly infected and her activity and stress of being at the vet flared up the symptoms.

They tried to stabilize her with oxygen and fluids, but we were asked to consider euthanasia as a blood transfusion or exploratory surgery in her condition would never make sense. After an honest effort, Lily was not showing signs of stabilization, so I held her little kankled chubby feet, pressed my lips against her head, and let her go. We lost Lily on November 16th, 2015.

We gave her one GREAT day out of the shelter at Headquarters. She watched a movie on my chest last night as I stroked her longs soft ears, and Andy made her a fort out of couch pillows before he left for work this morning. She got a warm respectable bath, ate yummy wet food which motivated her to creep out of any burrowed hiding spot, and Lily got to breathe fresh beach air.

We are still pretty numb and heartbroken. We notified the potential Forever Fosters, whose applications came pouring in for our sweet girl upon rescue, and they are all opting to move forward to save another life. Thank you to Susan Vermett for being Lily's Fan and generously agreeing to continue to donate in her memory.

Rest in peace gentle Lily. We love you.

Nellie

Acquired from: Coachella Valley Animal Shelter
Age upon Rescue: 16
Date of Rescue: November 14th, 2015
Date of Passing: December 30th, 2017
Family: Alaina Kenworthy
Fans: Gayle Dockham
Tribute: On December 30th, 2017 we fulfilled our promise to 18 year old Nellie.

We rescued Nellie on November 14th, 2015 from Coachella Valley Shelter. She was probably in the worst condition of any of our Frosted Faces to date, but man she had THE best attitude. Her mouth was rotting and infected all of the way to her eyeball. We did dental surgery, and cultured, cleaned and closed up her eye. Recently Nellie has been battling what we thought was a minor infection in her mouth (she has no teeth left), which we cultured and treated. The tissue raged and after biopsy, it became evident we were dealing with a fast developing oral cancer. The decision to resort to euthanasia for Nellie was as dramatic and heartbreaking as her rescue. Her mind was still bright, but the cancer was eating away at her face so that she was bleeding constantly and made eating difficult.

Her mom shares,
"My little Muppet is gone.

Nellie came to visit me last night. She said that the cancer is gone and she's no longer in pain. Nellie was like a toddler, you always had to keep an eye on her. So now that she's not around I find myself thinking 'oh no, where's Nellie?' then remembering she's gone. It's weird how you find a routine with life and and now since I don't have to make sure to cut her food up into little pieces, or wipe her feet when she comes in, or clean up her mouth every few hours.

I am happy that she is no longer suffering but I miss her so much. She was the happiest little dog, she would do this little pitter patter dance when preparing her food followed by a enthusiastic bark to get me to hurry up, she would scratch on the glass to tell me she was done outside and to let her inside, she would hog the covers and snuggle tight whenever she could.

I love this [last] picture of us and I will always love her. Run free, my little muppet. Momma loves you so much and 2 years was not enough time with you."

Thank you to Alaina Kenworthy for being the committed family every shelter dog deserves. Your selflessness was endless. Thank you to Gayle Perry Dockham for being Nellie's dedicated monthly sponsoring Fan.

Mackenzie

Acquired from: Los Angeles Animal Care Control: Downey
Age upon Rescue: 12
Date of Rescue: November 16th, 2015
Date of Passing: February 15th, 2016
Family: Laura Wright
Fans: Gretchen Stewart-Disch, Terry Aoyagi, Carol Chappell
Tribute: Said goodbye to my Li'l Mack today. She had been slowly but steadily declining and although it was hard, the kindest thing to do was to not let her suffer.

I picked Mackenzie up on my birthday November 29. I remember seeing her shelter post and had felt a strange connection to her. She was actually supposed to go to another foster but fate had her come here.

I wasn't sure what to expect. I have fostered deaf dogs and blind dogs but not deaf and blind dogs.

The CowDogs can be tough on fosters but they accepted her right away. Like they knew she was supposed to be here. They would be her eyes and ears.

She surprised me. She learned to navigate around the house and would find her way to the dog door when she wanted to go out. Always taking very cautious steps as she wanted to feel everything around her. She was tenacious and wanted to do things herself. She would make a little grunt in protest when I would pick her up to carry her around.

As I would watch her explore outside in her dark and quiet little world, feeling around with her little paws and stopping to smell things here and there, I wondered what her life was like before she came here? what she was like as a bouncy little puppy? was she someone's puppy? did she have someone that loved and cared for her? why was she left behind at the shelter? was it just because she was old? deaf? blind?

Li'l Mack your time with us was short but I hope we made it comfortable for you. I will miss hearing your little bells- the ones I had to put on your collar so I could find you. I am happy to know you spent your last days smelling flowers and enjoying the fresh air. I am happy to know you had a warm bed to rest your little head and good food to eat.

Thank you for reminding me to be present and enjoy the beautiful things, the little things that no money can buy. I hope you know that you were loved!"

Eli

Acquired from: San Bernardino City
Age upon Rescue: 10
Date of Rescue: November 17th, 2015
Date of Passing: November 20th, 2017
Family: Sharon Smith
Fans: Denise Ashley, Lois Chisholm, Dana Fier
Tribute: 

It was with great pleasure for two years to care for Eli. Everyday he was happy, waged his tail and smiled. This guy had so many friends in the neighborhood.

He was never any trouble. Ever.

He was a cuddler, treat lover, sweater wearing kind of guy. My guy.

He loved to eat and I loved to prepare his food. When we started his meditation plan for enlarged heart, and seizures, he gobbled his pills as if they were treats. He made me smile several times a day.

His favorite spot was next to me on the sofa. Then it was on me. He’d lay on my chest and I’d talk to him while petting his side. He loved attention. He loved to follow me. Everywhere. Up the stairs. Down the stairs. To the bathroom.

When his time came. It was fast. Unexpected. I thought he’d get a shot and we’d be home. That wasn’t the case.

I can assure you that as he laid on my chest and I spoke to him his energy was released and he went peacefully in my arms. I was totally unprepared.

Due to the Holiday week I decided it would be best to hold off with the news.

I want to thank Kelly and Andy for trusting me with Eli. Margo Pisa for helping me when I needed it. All the girls behind the scenes that have helped with the medical. A special thank you to Eli’s sponsors, Dr Ennis at Village Vet, and Westlake Village Animal Hospital for working with FFF.

Eli had many friends on FB and I’m going to miss that. I met some wonderful friends here too.

When I get overcome with grief I calm myself with deep breath, and go back to my intention when I first got involved with FF, “ to be of service”.

I hope to be of service in the future, and am very proud and humbled to be a part of this community.

Buddy Boy

Acquired from: Orange County Animal Care & Control
Age upon Rescue: 10
Date of Rescue: November 19th, 2015
Date of Passing: August 15th, 2018
Family: Jim Ito & Melanie Granfors
Fans: Dana Paradise, Susan Thomas, Carolyn Wheat, Connie Oakley
Tribute: On Wednesday, August 15th, we fulfilled our promise to Buddy at the age of 12 years old.

We rescued Buddy on November 19th, 2015 from OC Shelter. His mom tells his story not missing a beat.

"The third time was a charm for our Buddy Boy. First he was rescued and frosted, then went to a loving home in 2015.
He recovered from his shelter trauma, recovered from a splenectomy, and seemingly adapted to a life with kindness instead of cruelty.

But as he aged, he became grumpy & unpredictable. His family wanted to euthanize, but in disagreement, FFF took Buddy back into their care.

What they saw was a lovable, complex, challenging ol’ guy — who definitely deserved another chance at being cherished and loved until the time was right.

The day we got the Bud-ster was the day we learned the meaning of total and complete commitment — whatever it takes.

We will never, ever get over him. Sure, he is one of many past and future Frosted Faces we have loved and will love ridiculously.
But our experience with him, and the sacrifices we made on his behalf, are exactly what’s meant in the FFF mantra: 'If not you, then who?'

Our Buddy Boy is a symbol of what it takes to be a FF family: commitment, hard work, patience, advocacy, compassion, and complete devotion to giving elderly dogs every possible chance to spend their last days cherished and comfortable and safe.

This perfectly named dog absolutely defined loyalty and devotion. No buddy could ever have been more committed to following me. It was the most endearing and flattering feeling to see him muscle up, stumble around obstacles and do whatever it took to get lodged beside me, wherever I went.
Buddy, indeed. And while he was unable to meet new people without scaring the heck outta them, we adjusted. We’ve had very few visitors for the last 16 months. And we didn’t mind a bit.

We knew it would eventually be difficult to control his pain, and that his grouchiness could hinder us from being able to handle him. We just grew more committed to making every day count, and realizing that the sacrifices were worth it in the effort to erase his past and eventually let him go with only a heaven-on-earth life to remember.

With the help of our beloved vet team, Dr. Rose and Taylor, we let him go as he lounged on the back porch. The time was right.
To our departed Buddy Boy: We will never get over you. And that is a good and wonderful way to live life."

Jim Ito and Melanie Granfors, you have no idea how much Buddy's story means to me and that you were able to write his ending. We don't make excuses, we find solutions that benefit the Frosted Faces. You were Buddy's advocates and one of few solutions to allow him to live his whole natural life comfortably. Thank you from down deep. Thank you to Dana Paradise, Susan Thomas, and Carolyn Wheat for being Buddy's dedicated monthly sponsoring Fans.

Hazel

Acquired from: North Central Animal Shelter- LA
Age upon Rescue: 10
Date of Rescue: November 27th, 2015
Date of Passing: July 8th, 2016
Family: Caprice Burnett
Fans: Janet Horn
Tribute: After being hospitalized yesterday from bloat, Hazel went home seemingly in recovery. Later on she was showing signs of neurological dysfunction, such as pacing and turning to the right, and then she had grand mal seizures. Following the high of thinking she was out of the woods, this is devastating and sudden. Caprice says, "Lots of loves and squeezes for Mabes [today]," who is positively missing her sister.

We rescued Hazel (right) and Mabel without a Forever Foster initially, so they resided at Headquarters for quite some time! They accompanied us to a grant acceptance ceremony where they were loved up by all of SITE Southern California and stayed in a luxurious hotel for a weekend, they had QUITE an adventure in San Francisco for a week, frequented Fiesta Island, and then the magnificent Caprice came along and said she would love them both forever.

Caprice shares:
"I lost my Hazel this morning. We all reach out to these dogs, knowing that our time together can be so short.

The heart is heavy, as it is with the passing of all those we love, but the satisfaction of knowing that we provide a safe and loving home for them during the final stage of their life is so rewarding.

I will miss seeing her excited tail wag as she attempted to follow the hustle and bustle of the rest of the pack, hearing the coming of the zombie apocalypse as she wheezed and groaned while gnawing on a bone, and trying to make sure I didn't lose a finger when handing out a treat.

A tuft of her hair has been placed with that of my 15-yr old Minnie that I lost as a senior, my Magaliscious kitty that I lost to cancer, and my ever so beloved ferret, Archie. When I retire and relocate, they will be place under a brand new rose bush to bloom forever.
BOWR-ROWR-ROWR. RIP my Hazwee."