Jasmine
We adopted Jasmine (re-named to Jersey) from Midwest Animal Rescue in 2013, and fell in love with her immediately. She was quite the hound dog and loved our family just as much as we loved her. She always looked forward to her walks around the lake, going for a ride in the fishing boat, and snuggle time. She was a loyal lover and once she got to know you would nudge your hand when she wanted some pets. Jersey was diagnosed with protein loss nephropathy, Lyme disease with possible Lyme nephritis in August 2016. Jersey's disease was very progressive and we made the difficult decision to let Jersey to pass on to the Rainbow bridge in December 2016. We will always have a special place in our hearts for our Jersey girl and while our time with her was too short, we have the many adventures, laughs, and memories that will last us forever. We will always love and miss you hound dog.

Jaxson
He was the sweetest, most gentle dog we've ever had. When we first brought him home, we were advised he did not pass his "cat test" however, I feel that deep down he wanted to be a cat given his love of kitty cat toys. He loved to find his place on one of our boys' beds or curled up on the couch only taking up his one cushion...for a dog of his stature, this was quite impressive! He had the quirkiest head tilt when he'd hear the words, "want to go for a...." or "cookie", loved to come wake us up in the morning with his silly growls, groans and sniffs and had a tendency to scare anyone with his bark albeit he was nothing more than a cupcake in a big German Shepherd body. Then his eyes got milkier, he could no longer hear when we called him and his hips started to sag until his body just finally gave out. Id like to think he persevered because he had life left but being the noble one, we know he persevered only for us. We had to let Jax go on July 9th and it wasn’t at all easy for us but it was what he and his frail body needed. Many kind thanks to MARS and all the folks who find homes for these loving animals. I'm a firm believer that rescues are the best and when the time is right, we plan to make another visit to help give another dog they're forever home. Blessings, Tracy, Steve, Reece and Nick Hawkenson

Jewel
Sweet Jewel is now watching over us and waiting for her owners at the bridge.... Jewel changed our lives. I fell in love with her the first time I laid eyes on her and fought hard for months to be able to adopt her. She was wanted by other families as well, but I was lucky to be the one who got to spend the last few years of her life with her. She had a low grade cancer that we kept at bay for 2 years and 9 months. She was the most amazing soul. I will never regret out time with her. She actually saved my life one time. I had a GI bleed and couldn't make it up the stairs, but she heard me mumbling and barked till my husband woke up and found me. She will always, always be in our hearts. I am looking forward to meeting her at the bridge someday, and in the meantime. I know she is playing and free from all the mean pain. She deserves everything good. She was always so good to us.

Josephine
This is a difficult email to write. But, I will stay positive, because I know that Josephine's is very much a success story. Josephine (our sweet Fifi, as we often called her) came to us as a foster pet. Our first - and so far, only. We instantly fell in love with her. Her back story wasn't good, they never are. She was a very sick girl when she came into our lives. That was the first moment we learned of her strength and resilience. On the brink of death, we provided as much love and support as we could, along with some great medical care. And, slowly, she got better. Way better. She was slow to trust people, and who could blame her. But, with each passing day, we got to see more of her awesome personality, and beautiful spirit emerge. Before long, we were her pack. She was fiercely protective, and never wanted to be more than a few steps from us at any time. She was always, calm...cool. collected - but watching everything around her, and taking it in. For 6 years she was a focal point in our family. She traveled with us, walked every morning (rain or shine!) with my husband before work, she spent endless hours helping us in the backyard, and greeted each of us every time we walked through the door. She was perfect. Then, when she stopped eating her food, and wouldn't eat even treats. We took her in and got the worst news you can possibly get. Hemangiosarcoma. She had likely been experiencing pain and symptoms for a while, but she was so strong - she never wanted us to know. On Monday, October 27th, a wonderful vet came out to the house and Josephine was able to lay in her favorite spot and drift peacefully away at home. She was so strong. We are relieved for her, no more pain. She was loved until the very end. I can't believe how much we miss her. Thank you MARS for rescuing this beautiful girl and bringing her into our lives. We are eternally grateful. Goodbye, Sweet Josephine. Elizabeth Pickerill