In Loving Memory - Home - Maltese Rescue California

Home - In Loving Memory

Last night, I received a heart breaking call about a special needs dog I fostered. Had passed away. His name was Beethoven and I want to share his story with you. Beethoven’s remarkable journey proves that sometimes in rescue miracles happen. The things I have seen as a volunteer can be heart breaking. But, when I least expect it comes a marvel of a dog who renews my conviction in how vitally important it is to being a foster parent for a rescue.

I’d like you to meet Beethoven. A loving, sweet and gentle soul who came to Maltese Rescue California after his owner passed away. Bay-Bay was first taken in by the neighbors who cared for him until it became too difficult for them to do so.

When MRC got the call we stepped in and rallied around this ten year old little guy, who wanted so much to be loved and just have his own permanent place to belong.
Where he could live out his remaining days, playing with other dogs, having a warm and safe bed to sleep in and treated with the respect and dignity he deserved.

Bay-Bay as he was affectionately known was welcomed with open arms into our rescue. No matter how long it would take, he was going to stay with me in my home.

You see, Bay-Bay was a special needs dog that was diagnosed with cushings disease. Bay-Bay didn't let that stop him. He was full of life and made every second count. His adorable little waddle of a walk made me laugh. His "Well I’m waiting." Or, “Are we going to play now?” looks along with that cute tilt of his head always made me smile.

He loved sitting up on his back legs and waving his front paws up and down really fast as he’d bark alerting me that he was hungry. He loved going for walks, car rides, cuddling and being rocked in your arms while getting tummy rubs.

He loved teasing me, by running away from me whenever I’d go to pick him up. It became our own private game of tag. And when he thought I had enough he would come over and sit next to me and then climb up into my lap. We would play our little game of tag until one of us would get tired.

I knew in my heart that it would take an extraordinary couple to adopt Bay-Bay because of his special needs. On Saturday, July 19th, 2014 Bay-Bay’s dreams came true. An amazing couple opened their hearts and home and adopted him from our rescue. As I kissed Bay-Bay on the top of the head and told him how happy and proud I was of him, my heart was breaking at having to say goodbye.

I realized at that moment our time together was priceless and that our rescue really is all about second chances.

Beethoven my Bay-Bay. . . "I’m so glad we had our time together, just to have a laugh and play our special game of tag. Seems we just got started and before you know it. Comes the time we have to say so long. Run with the angels little man, you’re one awesome dude! Thank You and I love you Bay-Bay. PAWS UP!"

Terri Farrell - Active foster parent and volunteer for MRC

My beloved Zues - He passed away after giving it all he had. It’s a huge loss for sure – never will be another one quite like him. My heart is broken. Thanks old man for almost 13 years of love and wonderfulness. You gave it all you had angel face. Now it’s time to rest.

Arianna Eisenberg - Proud foster parent for MRC

In Memory of Little White Dove

In 2001 my first rescue Maltese joined our family. Dovie’s life had been pretty bleak in her first 3 years, living in a small crate without human affection. Little 6 lb. Dovie was originally purchased from a Texas breeder by an elderly California lady as a breeding dog to earn money on the sale of her puppies. Dovie had a litter of 4 puppies, 3 females and 1 male when a person broke into the house and stole all 3 of her 3 week old female puppies. The owner was desperate for money and asked me to purchase Dovie and her son. To get these 2 dogs out of a deplorable living environment, this was done.

When Dovie arrived at our home, she was severely matted to the skin to the point where she could not move her ears or tail due to entrapment in matted, dirty hair. Dovie and I formed an immediate bond. She followed me everywhere I went. Dove was my constant companion showering me with her love and devotion. At this point I could not entertain the thought of finding an adoptive home for Little White Dove so she became our family dog.

Over the years Dovie’s affection and devotion never waned. She went on all of our RV trips and accompanied us to family gatherings. Holiday celebrations always included Dovie. Dovie’s main function in our home was that of a Maltese Rescue Ambassador, greeting prospective adoptive families and demonstrating the love and companionship of a rescue dog. Many times adoptive families asked if Dovie was available for adoption or they told us that Dovie was exactly the type of dog they were seeking.

This past summer Dovie’s health began a steady decline with her hearing gone, intermittent times of confusion, getting lost in our yard, and trouble breathing so we knew the inevitable was near. On December 13th I said “Goodbye” to Little White Dove who was a love of my life and my very first rescue Maltese. May Sweet Little White Dove rest in peace!

Judy and Richard Crowe