Brandie (formerly Brittney) crosses the Rainbow Bridge

Some of you may remember Brittney, a 9 yr old Senior that was adopted over a year ago. We were so thrilled for this old lady and she went to the most perfect home. We were all saddened to receive this note from her parents this week, but will be forever indebited to this wonderful family for seeing the beauty in a grey face!

A week before we picked up Brandie, we weren't even sure if we would be getting her. A bad reaction to medication for arthritis pain relief had led to a perforated ulcer and a blood transfusion. We thought, privately, that even if we did get her we were looking at a very short time with her. Nothing could have been further from the truth.

From the moment Brandie (formerly Brittney) walked into our house, grabbed the tug toy and tossed it in the air, settled comfortably *right* next to daddy (never an inch in between the two!), I knew she had some good times left in her. In the more than a year we had together, she happily went on rides, hung out at the dog park - she loved meeting new people - and took walks around our property. She learned to love carrots and apples and blueberries. Healthy snacks were just fine for this girl! Everyone who met her loved her. She charmed her way into all our hearts, and we miss her.

We're very thankful to Big Dogs for giving this 9 years young, sweet girl a chance at a happy ending.

RIP Bruce

Bruce the Bullmastiff was originally picked up as a stray and was found wandering with a Chihuahua. He won the shelter staff over with his charms and when his stray hold was up they contacted BDHPI for assistance because they knew this guy deserved a chance. He was transported from Idaho Falls to Pleasant Grove, UT where he quickly warmed his way into the hearts of his foster family! He was a great big goofball who got along with everyone he met.

One day Bruce started limping so we took him to the vet for x-rays and we soon found out that our lovable giant had Osteosarcoma. Knowing that his time with us would be limited, we made him a permanent foster in our program and for 2 months he has been getting loved and spoiled by the Hollingshead family.

Unfortunately, the dreaded day finally arrived when the pain became too much and he could hardly get up anymore. Bruce was surrounded by people who loved him and peacefully crossed over the rainbow bridge on Wednesday.

To honor his memory, a family friend carved Bruce's face onto wood which will soon be stained with his collar attached to it as well. Our hearts our broken to lose this special boy but we will always remember his fighting spirit and loving ways!

BDHPI Bar Crawl this weekend in Denver, CO

Join us Saturday October 30th for our Big Dogs Bar Crawl, an evening of eating and drinking, trivia and games, drink specials, a silent auction and more! ~^~

Reserve your tickets online today! ~^~ See below for details... Hope to see you there!

WHAT: Big Dogs Bar Crawl

WHEN: Saturday, October 30th 2010 from 6-10pm

WHERE: The Irish Hound in Cherry Creek North, 575 St Paul St, Denver, CO


BAR CRAWL DETAILS:

Silent auction - a great place to pick up something special for your dog(s), yourself or to give as holiday gifts!

Trivia and other games will be available for those who want to play
Drink specials with giant breed themes

Guests must be at least 21 years of age with a valid ID to attend

Tickets are $17/each or $30/pair, and include two drink tickets per person
Venue info online at http://www.irishhounddenver.com/
RESERVE YOUR TICKETS NOW!

Go to bigdogshugepaws.com/donate and make sure to include your name (and your guest's name) in the "special instructions for the seller" space on the page after where you enter your donation amount and payment info.

Questions? Please contact Renee at Renee@BigDogsHugePaws.com. We can't wait to see you at our Big Dogs Bar Crawl!

Howl-O-Ween! Come see us in Boulder, CO on Saturday

Howl-O-Ween is fast approaching… and you're invited to our Big Dogs Costume Party!

What: Big Dogs Costume Party and Photo Shoot!

When: Saturday, October 23, 2010 1:00 PM - 5:00 PM

Where: Only Natural Pet Store
2100 28th Street #1C
Boulder, CO 80301
(303) 449-5069

Join us for fun, photos and to show off your best dressed pets in our costume contest at Only Natural Pet Store in Boulder on Saturday, October 23rd from 1-5pm!

Costume Party Event Details:

* GREAT PHOTO OPP! Photographer Samantha Grey will have a staging area set up for mini-sessions with your pet. She's waiving her sitting fee so bring your pet(s), their favorite toy(s) and treats and smile for the camera!

* BRING YOUR DOGS, BIG AND SMALL! Well-behaved dogs of all breeds, ages and sizes are welcome and encouraged to attend with their humans.

Please pray for Jessie, a BDHPI Alum

Some you may remember beautiful Jessie the Saint...we were very sad to receive this update from her family and ask that you please keep them in your thoughts as they battle her cancer:


Our dear Jessie who we adopted last April sadly will be leaving us in a month or so. Just three months after adopting her, dear Jessie became ill; within a couple of weeks she was diagnosed with Stage 4 Lymphoma. She immediately began Chemo treatment at CSU Vet Hospital and went into a full remission in just a matter of days. She has been happy and healthy over the last few months but just yesterday, when she went back for her 5th round of Chemo, we were informed that the lymphoma has returned. We love and appreciate Jessie so much and will see her through to her final journey. She will be missed dearly by her family…..Cynthia, Scott, Bailey and Ollie.

Thanks again for all you do and giving us the opportunity to share in life with Jessie…so short, but so sweet.

Miss Havoc

Hi!

I am Havoc (please don't let my name scare you...I promise I don't create Havoc, it's just what they call me!)

I am 8 years young, and in my humble opinion, am in great shape! I am fit and strong. I've got years left in me!

While I like to play with other dogs, I am pretty mellow. They also tell me I am very Motherly- to both kids and other dogs. What can I say, I just like to keep the peace and make sure everyone is having a good time!

I am thankful to BDHPI for taking me in when many other wouldn't. I am thankful to my foster parents for loving me so ( they are really nice!). BUT, I really do want a family of my own. I want my own last name....your last name. I want to belong. Is that too much to ask?

I beg that you take another look at my picture. Don't pass me by for that younger dog (who, btw, will probably eat your shoes and couch!) Seniors need love to. I just hope someone out there feels the same way as I do.

Love,

Havoc the Smiling St. Bernard

What does your dog do while you are at work?

Do you ever wonder what your dogs do while you are gone during the day? Since I started working from home 3 x per week, I have a found solved a few questions my husband and I always have had...

1. Who shreds the paper and q-tips from the trash?
Answer: Cocker Spaniel who was just caught neck deep in the trash, with torn up tissues everywhere.

2. Who keeps carrying random things onto the deck?
Answer: Mastiff who was just caught red handed, heading out the dog door with a dish towel

3. Who keeps messing up our bed?
Answer: Above said Mastiff, evident in this picture I took as soon as I walked by our bedroom en route to the kitchen for a glass of water.

What things in your house are not as you left them when you return home each night?

Reserve txs now for BDHPI Bar Crawl!

WHAT: Big Dogs Bar Crawl (a night out with fellow big dog lovers, to benefit BDHP)

WHEN: Saturday, October 30th 2010 from 6-10pm

WHERE: The Irish Hound in Cherry Creek North, 575 St Paul St, Denver, CO


BAR CRAWL DETAILS:

Silent auction - a great place to pick up something special for your dog(s), yourself or to give as holiday gifts!

Trivia and other games will be available for those who want to play

Drink specials with giant breed themes

Guests must be at least 21 years of age with a valid ID to attend

Tickets are $17/each or $30/pair, and include food (taco bar!) and two drink tickets

Venue info online at http://www.irishhounddenver.com/

RESERVE YOUR TICKETS NOW!

Go to bigdogshugepaws.com/donate and make sure to include your name (and your guest's name) in the "special instructions for the seller" space on the page after where you enter your donation amount and payment info.

Questions? Please contact Renee at Renee@BigDogsHugePaws.com

Sweet Claire

Claire the beautiful Newfoundland was recently adopted by a wonderful family from Canada who drove all the way here to adopt her! On their way home they made a 3 day stop at Cannon Beach in Portland, where it is evident that Sweet Claire is enjoying her new family!