Jasper was senior boy who was picked up as a stray He attained the status of Permanent Foster, and he wore it proudly. Permanent Fosters are those Scotties whose medical, sometimes behavioral, issues deem them unadoptable. They become cherished family members as if they had been in their foster homes since puppyhood.
Jazzy battled liver disease, as well as a crippling birth defect that rendered his hind legs stiff and his mobility challenged. In spite of it all, he never complained. In the ten months that he lived with us, Jazzy never barked; he never made a sound. He taught us valuable lessons. When you stumble and fall, get right back up and trudge on. Be thankful for what you have – regular meals, treats, love, soft beds, friends – and don’t dwell on your shortcomings.
When Jazzy let us know that it was time, we helped him cross the Rainbow Bridge. We miss his quiet presence here, but are forever grateful that he let us love him for a little while. There is comfort in knowing that Jazzy is running at the Bridge on healthy legs. Rest in peace, Jazz. The Fredericks of Fosterburg will see you again!
Bo entered our lives in August 2015. He was a stray hanging around a Phillips 66 station and picked up by some kind souls. We were able to locate his owners but to personal circumstances, they were no longer able to care for him. Our gain - - Bo was hard of hearing; didn’t see well and would have a seizure every 2 weeks or so. He always got along with others but the most important thing to him was his food and treats. He wouldn’t hesitate to let us know if we were falling behind schedule. He was uncomfortable being handled or petted but blessed our lives with his sweet presence.
As I held him in my arms in his final moments, he rested his head on my face and softly snored - - his final gift to me as I gave my final gift to him. We love you Bo.
My sweet Duncan, 9-1/2 years old, crossed over the Rainbow Bridge on Saturday, January 19, at home with his brother, Hamish. Duncan was a wonderful example of the breed we all love so well.
He had a zest for life, loved chasing rabbits and the occasional crow, kitty or creature foolish enough to venture into “his” yard. He loved any person he met and had a wonderful disposition, always happy and up for an adventure.
Maggie Mae came to our family in 2010. Her name in her foster home was Sweet Pea but we decided to change it to Maggie Mae, but she really was a sweet pea.
She was a quiet girl but she loved deeply. When she first came to visit to see if she wanted to adopt us as we were grieving the loss of a previous Scottie, she came
over to show her acceptance and love by burying her head in my leg. We knew right then and there that she approved of us and was home to stay. She will be missed.
Gracie-Girl arrived here a sad and confused little girl. Originally rescued from a puppy mill and then placed with an owner who died, no one else in the family wanted her. However with typical Scottie fortitude, Gracie soon knew she was home with us. Home consisted of cuddling on a king-size bed, running loose in the yard with her Westie “brother’ and never missing a meal. And the never missing a meal part, was one of the most important things to Gracie!
We often joked that Gracie would eat rocks if we let her! She loved go lay under the Christmas tree when it was up and always had to go look for a toy to carry when she went outside. She left us far too soon, but her memory is always in our hearts.
Diva came to live with us 2-1/2 years ago. She had lost her owner of 11-1/2 years and was understandably distraught, especially since nine months earlier her pack of four Scotties had been broken up due to the owner’s illness. We had adopted one of that pack, Diva’s 9-year-old daughter Deedle, who was adjusting but still anxious. When we learned Diva was available we jumped at the opportunity to reunite them. They very quickly re-acclimated to each other and became inseparable. They coordinated everything they did – lying in the same position side by side sometimes, mirror images nose-to-nose at others. They “marched” together through the house with near-military precision.
Diva was very bright, disproving the adage about not teaching an old dog new tricks. She threw herself into new games with gusto. She’d retrieve a plastic canister, rolling it with her nose. She would tease me by stopping short where I could not quite reach it and wait for her treat. I’d say “bring it” and she’d nudge it a bit. I’d repeat and she’d nudge it a little less. By the third or fourth time, she was just delicately touching without moving it and looking at me for her treat. She added her own mischievous twists to every game we played, sometimes teasing Deedle by reversing direction when they were running through the play tunnels.
The photo is the first time Diva commandeered my chair when I left for something. Deedle had been doing it regularly and Diva was still a relative newcomer, learning the ways of her new household. She was sitting there when I returned looking proud as a peacock. After that, there were always two dogs in my chair when I returned.
Nothing lasts forever, and Diva’s age and Cushings disease finally caught up with her. It was a wonderful couple of years, all too short but great for all four of us.
In November, 2011, Beamer found his way into our home at a time when we needed him most. We had lost our Scottie boy, Duffy, to cancer and our Scottie girl, Pepper, was in a depression refusing to leave her bed or eat.
Beamer had been wandering the streets of Arkansas, was picked up by Animal Control, and eventually he made his way to STLSTR via Pilots for Paws. I requested to foster a Scottie from STLSTR and he was the healer of Pepper’s depression. They bonded immediately and four days later, he became a member of our family.
Beamer was a companion, entertainer, “arooo”er, and loved his toys. His special toy was a stuffed Scottie, named Hamish McBeth. He had a ritual each evening of carrying him back and forth from the bedroom, through the family room, dining room, and back to bedroom before settling with his chin on Hamish in the family room. Occasionally, he would hide him. At bedtime, he wanted to take him to bed but instead of getting Hamish, sometimes he just sat down, looking at me, waiting for me to go find him. He knew where he was but wanted me to get him.
A game that Beamer developed was to carry Hamish up on my bed, ease him toward the edge a little at a time, nose him off and then look to me to pick up Hamish for him. This would happen two or three times and then he would settle down to sleep.
No matter where I was in the house, Beamer was close by. Since he was a talker, he frequently came to me saying, “Arooo” and we had a dialog between the two of us. He loved his human sister, Vicki Frazier, and always greeted her at the door with “Arooo”.
The first time I saw him, when he looked up at me with those “beam”ing eyes, I knew his name had to be “Beamer”. The loss of my sweet boy with his funny antics and his ever- present companionship has left a Huge Hole that I hope can eventually be filled with the same joy he gave me
We met Dylan in February 2017 at the local chain pet-food store. Gracie ignored him completely. He was busy smelling everything, but everyone remained calm and cool. A good omen. Later when Mike was ready to let go, he brought Dylan over, and released the leash. Gracie barked and sniffed. Snorfed (sneezed) at him then we all went outside. The omen was correct. Dylan and Gracie played and ran and went crazy. We came inside and the zoomies started. They had a party as Mike prepared himself - I felt so badly for him. After he left, Dylan looked for him, but Gracie kept saying “Let’s play!!! Chase me! Yer never gonna catch me!! Nah nah nee poo poo” They ignored me all night, had nummy dindins and continued their antics. At bedtime, Dylly Doodles went right up the ramp to my bed, just like he’d done it for years. After a few days the familiarity wore them down. They settled in and would rest on the couch together - only touching for moments - just like brother and sister.
We had a year and 7 months with Dylly-Doo. He was a fun little man. Loved to lie on his back on my lap and have his belly rubbed, He gave lots of kisses to me and lots of fun to Gracie. She looks for him in the garage..:I saw him go in there, but he didn’t come back out, He must be hiding!”
We fell in love instantly with our Half Pint Lacie. Lacie was the second best PFL (Pesky Florida Lizard) eradicator that there ever was. She was a joy and a blessing! Our time together was way too short. But there never is enough time together, is there? We miss her terribly. Rest peacefully my precious little girl and know you will always be in my heart. Until we meet again…….Don’t cry because it’s over. Smile because it happened.
Morrison loved looking out of the window. My daughter and he was very close. She would take him for walks and he would get so excited when she showed up, he would buck and kick like a donkey. He had a sweet, soft personality and was loved by everyone that met him. If we all had a heart like Morrison had, this world would be a better place. We love you and miss you Mr. Morrison/ Morrie. Thank you STL Scottish Terrier Rescue for bringing him into my life.
Angel, a little rescue Westie girl, was a true terrier. She possessed those deep, pleading chocolate brown eyes, behind which she whittled together her latest plan to dig under the fence and finally ensnare the evil black squirrel who so blatantly tested her authority.
There was no end to the amount of trouble in which she’d gleefully partake, knowing the power her adorable expression possessed to melt away any possible discipline awaiting her latest misbehavior.
And she was right. It was impossible to hold her antics against her, for your admiration of that gleeful character held instant forgiveness. She was brave and trusting, loving and sincere.
We never knew her life story to the point of her rescue, it didn’t matter. It was the here-and-now in which she paved her happy life, capturing admirers as she passed along the way.
I love my Angel and I do so miss her. Her challenges proved only to make your admiration of that noble will all the more deeply held. It is far more quiet and less “busy” today, and though her spot will eventually be physically acquired, Angel will always claim her own personal corner in my heart - one from which she will never escape!
“She is so affectionate and full of puppy kisses. I can’t imagine life without her.” Those were the words I used to describe Cami on the STL Scottie Rescue calendar picture. I cut that picture out of the calendar and she was my “calendar girl” every month after that. Cami-whammy (my nickname for her) or Camibobami (foster nickname) was energetic and lively. She would get so excited when we were getting ready for her daily walks that she could hardly stop long enough to put her harness on. She was a quick hunter and could snatch a mole out of the ground quickly. When she first came into our home I didn’t think she was going to work out. She had some potty issues and was people possessive, growling at her sister if she got near. I was ready to give up after the first week and I’m so glad I didn’t because she became my heart. She overcame all her issues and we were soon in love with her. She taught me that kisses can fix almost anything. Wherever “Daddy” was Cami would always be near. I loved sitting on my recliner watching TV with her snuggled next to me and her head on my leg. A couple of days ago I loaded the dish washer and cried because my little Cami didn’t come to pre-wash the dishes (which was one of her jobs). While my heart is breaking that she crossed the rainbow bridge due to lymphoma, she will always be in my heart. To quote William Shakespeare, “It’s better to have loved and lost then never to have loved at all.” I miss my little baby girl.
Haggis came to me from the St. Louis Scottie Rescue in 2013. He had been caged most of his life, used as a stud dog and not treated well. He was afraid to come through a door held open for him; had no understanding of coming when called, or that someone might want to pet him. He cringed from petting attempts, would hide under a table but would finally stop, if cornered, and wait to be picked up. Once picked up and petted, you could tell he liked it.
Not long after I got Haggis, we took in another rescue dog, a lively three-year-old foxhound we named Homer. We like to think he taught Haggis what it’s like to really be a dog. Haggis started coming around. He learned doors were never going to hit him again, that humans only wanted to love him and he learned to really want to cuddle with his owner on a couch. It may be that he became slightly deaf as he aged as he hardly ever responded to a person’s voice, but he would come to a bell ringing. And he sure knew when it was time to eat or when the popcorn popped (of course he got a little). And he always liked running after thrown toys. He liked riding around the yard on our golf cart, going for a walk on a leash and riding in cars.
In his last year, we began to realize something was wrong, as he showed signs of apathy. We learned he had PLE, or protein-losing enteropathy. Our vet put him on a strict no-fat diet for his last two months and he improved back to his peppie self. But then, on the morning of Feb. 3 he ate breakfast as usual and went out with Homer in the yard to do his thing. He came in and laid down as usual by the breakfast table. But within a few minutes it was evident something was wrong. The doctor said they could take measures to alleviate the crisis, but even then his time would be limited. So we made the final decision. Haggis was peacefully euthanized Feb. 3, 2018. We have his paw print framed in plastic. He was 12 years old.
Kenzie came into our life as “Dixie” in October of 2014. She was found in the woods of Kentucky, and was so tiny when we came to pick her up at Vicki’s in St. Louis.
That small little Scottie had a fighting spirit. She would spend hours upon hours trying to catch geckos in our yard, running back and forth as they would scamper in and out of the stone work.
Kenzie never got over her dislike of other dogs. She never barked at them when we would cross paths but rather ignore them as we don’t think she thought they even deserved her attention!
She was however, the sweetest girl to all humans including our 20plus nieces and nephews.
She will be truly missed by all those whoever had had the pleasure of meeting this Southern Belle.
I lost my dearest friend on the 15 of January and I miss her so much. Her name was Molly and I have had her for eleven years. She was such a good dog and loved everyone but about four years ago she was diagnosed with IBD and with age the disease progressively got worse until eventually I knew it was time to say my goodbyes to Molly-she is now free from her suffering.
Daisy was a 9-yr-old breeder release from a puppy mill when I adopted her on July 4, 2010. Everyone who met Daisy said she was the sweetest dog! She loved running around and playing with her Westie “brother” Radar, acting a lot younger than her years! She was very social, and liked meeting humans and other dogs. She maintained her stash of toys in my office, and especially liked killing the squeak out of them! I will miss her so very much.
We lost our sweet boy, Flynn, after being with us for almost 7 years. He was such a special boy and loved by everyone he met, human and non-human (well, 2 non-humans at the park who didn’t particularly care for him and vice versa). On our walks, everyone would stop and want to pet him and always commented on how handsome he was. He truly was and a personality to go along with it. Will never forget Christmas a few years back when we decided to eat breakfast and then do gifts. I had his stocking under the tree. As we’re getting breakfast ready, he comes flying through the kitchen toting his stocking, he just couldn’t wait for the goodies inside. We loved him so much and miss him even more. We always commented that he was the best “bud” anyone could ever ask for. Thank you STLSTR for letting us be his “furever” home.
Memorial Day 2010, I drove with Max to St Louis to be interviewed and accepted and welcomed into the STLSTR family and entrusted with the care of a gorgeous feisty Scottie girl. As we headed home to Michigan, with our new girl now named after CH Miss Mercedes Roundtree our Sadie blossomed and bloomed into a wonderful Scottie lass, with love and time, she grew secure, arrogant, and loving.
Although reclusive to strangers…she opened up to those within her private domain. She preferred the finer things, the tailored lawns, softer fleeces, and warming baths. And yes we indulged her. She has been our princess. My feisty fat pawed girl is my heart…2017 has been a cruel year…Her wings were ready….Our hearts were not.
There is some comfort in knowing that Murphy’s last days were his best. He was clean, living in air conditioned comfort, and resting in a soft bed until it was time to cross the Bridge. That time was all too brief. Rest in peace and run free, Murphy.
A brave lass who arrived in rescue when her mom could no longer care for her. Sadly, she was diagnosed with TCC. Lievy is now running pain free, waiting at the gate for all who loved her.
When you want to say fun loving little Scottie…that was Ivey. Those big black eyes would watch you and you wondered just what she was thinking. One minute she would be just relaxing and the next…up and going. She loved those outdoor creatures and there was nothing like chasing a squirrel to make her day. In the evening it was dinner time and next…time to play catch with dad with the ball. The whole time doing her talk and she sure could talk. The evening wasn’t complete until she jumped on the couch; curled up against you; and now time to sleep. Oh, how I do miss those big black eyes.
He was my little buddy and went with me everywhere. He was not a lap dog but he was never too far from me. I shuffled around and he moved with me everywhere. I liked that so much. I’m very saddened and lost and miss him so.
Our laidback boy who just wanted to be where his “people” were – snuggling on the couch, in the yard or even wearing a crown or jewelry at our great niece’s tea parties. We will miss him dearly.
Pepper was a beautiful silver brindle girl who joined our family via STLSTR when she was 7 yrs. old. She bonded quickly with our nine year old Scottie boy, Duffy, although each had been an “only child” up to that time. She grieved terribly when she lost her sidekick, Duffy, to bone cancer two years later. Recovery for her came in the form of Beamer adopted one week later, also from STLSTR.
Pepper enjoyed attending Scottie functions being with other Scotties and with people. She was known for her “Scottitude” at the St. Louis Scottish Terrier Fun Matches because sometimes she would willingly walk in the parade and at other times there was no way she was going to participate.
My first Scottie to “Arooo”, Pepper welcomed visitors that way. Basically, she was a quiet girl unless she saw a squirrel or bunny rabbit and then she was off on a chase. I was amazed at how fast she could run with her little short legs but the squirrels and bunnies always away.
Not a snuggler, Pepper enjoyed sitting on her Dad’s lap where she could look out the bay window. After he passed, she was always near me. No matter what room I was in, she showed up to join me and curl up for nap. Just shy of her 15th birthday, she succumbed to inoperable liver cancer only one month after I found out she had it. I’ll always be thankful for the 8 years that she was a part of our family. My heart still hurts from losing her. I’ll never forget my Pepper girl. She was a very special Scottie.
Bear Kelly was a loving, playful and gentle creature who welcomed all types of creatures into his far too short life. I was deeply blessed by being able to adopt him. Everyone who ever met him loved his big burly self. In his short time with me he helped me walk on uneven surfaces and even learned to alert me when my blood sugar dropped dangerously low. He would stick his big nose on my cheek and poke at me until I woke up when my blood sugar would drop. He was an amazing boy. Colleen Kelly
Sammie (formerly Eeyore) came to us at the advanced age of 15 & extra fluffy, ready to call our family hers. She melted our hearts from the minute we first saw this plus sized gal! We only had her in our lives for a short year and eight months but oh how she fit right in just as if she had always been a part of our family. She got to enjoy so many things Daily Walks, Travel, Camping, Canoeing, She loved life and it loved her back. I miss seeing her sitting in my garden staring into the pond enjoying watching the fish and frogs, sniffing the flowers and catching whiffs off the breeze. I am grateful that we got to be her forever family even though it was only for a short time it was a joyful time watching her enjoy her life. She was a Joy & a Blessing from the first day to the last! Our lives have been forever changed … for the better!
When Issabelle Ivy came into our two Scottie home as a 9 ½ year old foster, it only took a day to know that we needed her more than she needed us. Izzy had been raised in a loving family, but circumstances made it necessary to re-home her. It was our great privilege to become her new family, and Izzy never missed a beat in the transition. She was royalty. Soon everyone who met her knew that she was “ Queen “ Issabelle, and her daily requirements were baby carrots when the refrigerator door opened and tummy rubs on demand. That beautiful face and her funny operatic singing blessed our days and made us laugh.
Izzy’s only vice was her love of “worm jerky” found on her daily walks. A 2015 diagnosis of TCC did not change our Izzy. She adapted to diapers and meds, all in Izzy style. Curious, confident to the end, Izzy made her goal – her 14th birthday – and shortly after, heaven gained a sweet Scottie angel. We miss her every day and are forever grateful to have known this special girl, Issabelle Ivy.
Emma was picked up by Animal Control after days of wandering along a walking and biking trail without food, water and shelter, apparently abandoned by her owner. After STLSTR learned about her, rescue volunteer Jack Hess picked her up. She was in poor physical condition and understandably fearful. After taking Emma for medical treatment and then foster care, Jack told wife Rita about the sad case. Aware potential adopters might hold back due to Emma’s health issues, Rita was adamant: “We have to take her.” Besides being malnourished, Emma was deaf because of ear infections left untreated and 19 teeth had to be removed for lack of dental care. Sadly, there also was evidence of physical and emotional abuse. Rita nursed her back to good health and gave her reassurance that she was safe from harm. Most of all, she showed her there was love in the world. Emma emerged from her self-protection shell and blossomed into a happy, beautiful girl. In late 2016, Emma’s health began to decline amid signs of dementia. Despite the best efforts of the family Vet and Purdue’s medical experts, her decline couldn’t be reversed. The heart-breaking, but merciful, decision was made to halt her suffering Emma left behind Rita, Jack, Oliver and Zoe to mourn her passing while clinging to memories of happy times during nearly 5 years she was with them.
Appearances don’t make the dog. Underneath Barney’s rough exterior, he had a heart of gold. Sadly for him, he spent most of his life with an owner who could not afford proper care and so things that needed to be dealt with were neglected. He came to our house in May 2015 and while we dealt with skin issues and itchies, it became more apparent that he would be a permanent foster in the rescue organization. Barney always wanted to play ball but, most of all, he wanted to be “my boy”. Only the vets saw his “bad” side and the vet tech used to ask him when he arrived if he was “wearing his crabby pants”. His kidney disease escalated last fall and today it became apparent that we could no longer treat it. This house won’t be the same without our gentle giant - - we will miss you Barney.
For our first experience with fostering Scotties for STLSTR, we welcomed 6 year old Lucy and her 3 year old daughter, Lola, whose owner had entered a nursing home. Lucy was a high energy and self-possessed beautiful dog who totally dominated her sweet daughter, not to mention, our own good- tempered older Scottie. Lola, as she was known then, had been a swimmer puppy, and probably unsellable by the owner/breeder. She had crooked little back legs which didn’t stop her for a minute. We soon saw that neither girl would miss the other if separated, in fact, it would be best.
One day into our foster experience is all it took for Lola to win our hearts, something she did for all 5 1/2 years that we were privileged to share our home with her. We “failed” at fostering and renamed her Lorna. We believe that Lorna used her charm offensive to win over the man of the family first, leaping into his lap and laying her head on his leg, at every opportunity. She used this relentless desire for love to change attitudes and lives. Lorna was a girl on a mission! The grumpy, aloof security guard she encountered on her evening walks was converted by Lorna power.
She particularly loved little children, but watch out for those kisses! Always attuned to the people of the house, Lorna could understand words even when spelled! WALK, TREAT, and POPCORN were guaranteed to elicit barks and happy dancing galore. We are pretty sure she could tell time, and would intently stare until the humans came to their senses and kept to the schedule. A devastating diagnosis of lymphoma did not change her. Three weeks after the diagnosis, she decided her job here was done, and it was time for the Rainbow Bridge, where she is waiting for us. We so miss this little crooked-legged little girl. She was the beating heart of our home.
