Amber and Betsy, You will be missed!
Sandy
It is with a heavy heart we share with you that our beloved Shelter Mascot, “Sandy”, crossed over the Rainbow Bridge on April 23, 2006. “Sandy’s” story reflects how special a dog she was. On August 24, 2000 the Town of Union Dog Control Officer, Kevin Wheeler, brought this wonderful dog to our shelter as a stray, without any collar or tags. Both her breed mixture and age were guesses and estimates but she looked like a small Lab/Shep mix and was about 5 or 6 years old. She arrived at our shelter happy and tail wagging and interested in meeting all of us! After giving a responsible owner time to look for her and when no owner was located, we began the search for the best possible home for “our girl”. We all waved a tearful, sad goodbye to “Sandy” as she left us to be part of a terrific family on November 4, 2000.
On August 26, 2003 we were reunited with “Sandy” when her distraught family was unable to convince their new landlord to let “Sandy” live in the new apartment too! From that moment on we knew she was meant to live and work with us at the Front Street Dog Shelter! She became a wonderful ambassador for our Shelter and a great example of how wonderful shelter dogs can be! Her standard greeting was to lean against your leg or bow her head into your knees for you to pet her! She never had a bad day and was loving, gentle and happy to see all visitors! Her days were spent with families and children visiting at our shelter, helping us socialize the dogs in our adoption program, letting us use her as the “micro-chip dog” to show and talk to visitors about the benefits of micro-chipping and generally making our days brighter!
Her love and enjoyment of the company of other dogs made her extra special! Whether it was a 120lb dog or a 4lb puppy, she was always interested and happy to meet and play with them!
While it was a short time she was with us, she has left huge paw prints to fi ll and a very empty spot in our hearts. It helps us to know that she was greeted by and is with “Amber” and “Betsy” who crossed the Rainbow Bridge in 2003.
Those of you in the community who were fortunate to have met her will understand our feelings of sadness and loss. Those wishing to honor her may do so by taking some extra time to hug and play with your own dog, donate a toy/blanket or send a donation in her memory to help other dogs.
Amber and Betsy
***On February 24, 2003, our 11-year old, beloved friend "Betsy" crossed over the Rainbow Bridge. Through the years she has been a shining example of how wonderful a dog can be! "Betsy's" sunny disposition made her a favorite friend to adults and children of all ages. She was deeply loved by the shelter staff and her office companion "Amber", and she will be sadly missed by all whose lives she has touched. Friends wishing may honor her by spending time with their own pet or by making a contribution in her memory to the Front Street Dog Shelter, 110 Cutler Pond Road, Binghamton, New York 13905.***
Eight years ago a chance arrival changed our dog shelter forever. October, 18, 1994, was a cool fall day, blustery, but seasonal for the time of year. A large van chugged into the leaf-covered drive and came to rest in front of the massive garage doors. Swiftly, the Colesville Dog Control Officer emerged from the belly of the vehicle with an adult, reddish, jolly-looking Lab mix. Atop her head perched silly ears that looked like they could provide flight if angled correctly. Immediately, her gentle nature endeared her to Vicki and Deb and the rest of the shelter staff. She was so loving and affectionate; simply impossible to resist!
Over the next few days it became apparent that "Amber," as she was affectionately dubbed, was going to deliver a litter of pups. At dusk on Halloween night two beautiful puppies were born! For the next several weeks, Amber was an attentive, doting mother. Eventually, the day arrived when both pups found loving human homes to cherish them. Now it was Amber's turn! She was spayed at once and the search for the perfect new abode commenced! Of course, such a special soul required an exceptional home. Everyone agreed what a truly amazing spirit she possessed. In the meantime, Amber's days were kept full and vital. Diligently, she devoted much of her time taking trips to area retirement homes, psychiatric centers and schools. She brightened so many lives with her gentle personality and the adoring gaze of her soft, almond eyes. She obviously derived much delight from these encounters as well! Her time off the job was spent sprawling in the sunlight on the office floor, leaping up to happily greet every patron.
By May of 1995, the search for a new home for Amber officially ceased. Saying goodbye would have been too heart-wrenching, and Amber was clearly content with the prospect of sticking around as well.
After three years pulling a solo act as the shelter mascot, a friend came along.
Betsy, an adult Cockapoo arrived here at the shelter when her family was moving and couldn't take her along. Small and sweet, with thick, curly white fur, Betsy was attractive to many families visiting the shelter. However, with a medical problem causing uncontrollable urination there weren't many homes willing to accept little Betsy. Therefore, she became a long-time resident and spent many a day hanging out in the office with Amber, her new-found buddy. Surgery was scheduled and Betsy was able to be spayed and have her urinary problem corrected. However, at that point the staff, Amber and Betsy were all quite fond of one another. It was decided that she was too precious to uproot, so Betsy became a permanent member of the shelter staff and began going to lots of community programs with Amber. She was a hit! Everyone who met her fell instantly in love!
Ever since their arrival Amber and Betsy have been vital to the ongoing progress of the shelter. Everyone looks forward to dropping by with biscuits for a quick hello and pat on their little heads. We'd like to give them a big "Arf" of appreciation for all their continued years of community outreach and education, love and companionship!
