Beatrice
Beatrice, our dear basset hound came into Midwest on a van with many other dogs of various sizes and types - all filthy dirty and newly freed from a puppy mill. Beatrice went from being a shy girl, watching life in the corner to a comical goofball in the middle of everything. Her favorite activity always involved cuddling - anywhere, anytime and with anyone. She was assumed to be ten when we rescued her. We always said that we pushed her “pause” button and that she wasn’t allowed to get any older. Funny thing is, it worked. Beatrice went on to live with us for almost six years. Last year she joined us on our move to AZ and got to enjoy warm winters and dining in outdoor restaurant patios. Two months ago our Bea started a slight cough and we discovered a very large thoracic tumor and oversized liver. However, she was happy and in no discomfort. We promised her no sad days. So when the last couple of days for her showed signs of a downturn and she started to look uncomfortable, we knew the hard day had come. This morning after ice cream for breakfast, Beatrice joined Tucker and all of the other dogs we have had that so blessed our lives. I can’t believe the big basset-sized hole she has left in our hearts. She gave us six years of unconditional love and joy. Thank you for what you do, because without Midwest, we would have missed out on the greatest basset who ever lived. Darren, Marlo, Maddy and Nick

Bernie Mac
Bernie "Mac" crossed the Rainbow Bridge on October 15th 2009. Mac loved everyone and everything! He loved playing with his human sibling and going to the dog park. He was in a loving foster home that was going to be adopting him when tragedy struck Mac and his family. Mac and his foster daddy had just returned from a long walk. Mac was relaxing on the couch when he heard his human sibling playing and having fun with the neighbor kids. Of course Mac didn't want to be left out of all of the fun and games so he pushed through the front door and started to run across the street. At the very same time that Mac decided to cross the street a vehicle was in a very big hurry to get somewhere as well. The vehicle was going 15 mph above the posted speed limit and hit Mac head on. Mac didn't have a chance! Maybe if the driver was going the posted speed limit Mac would have been able to walk away with some scraps and bruises maybe even a broken bone but not death. Mac will be greatly missed by his foster family and all of MARS! When you are driving and in a hurry PLEASE think about Mac and all of the millions of other animals and people who have lost their lives because of people who are in hurry to get somewhere! It REALLY is okay to be a couple minutes late! Thank you Mac from beinging the awesome dog that you were! Until we meet again.........

Blondie
Blondie was our foster for a year and a half, the last months of her long life. Despite her status as a senior and a refined elderly lady, she was spunky, spry and feisty. But above all she was loyal and devoted, mainly to me, her foster mom. During the eighteen months that she was with us, she only had two inquires from potential adopters. I was not so secretly happy that she continued to be passed over for younger dogs as that meant that she would have more time with us. Blondie’s energy belied her fourteen years of age. She never saw a squirrel that she didn’t want to chase, a kibble in one of our dogs’ dishes that she didn’t try to steal, or a space near or next to me on the couch, chair or bed that she didn’t want to jump up on to occupy before the others. She was my shadow that followed me wherever I went and lovingly gazed at me wherever I was and whatever I was doing. Blondie died July 31, 2017. The day before, she had unexpectedly suffered a seizure. Less than twenty-four hours after that episode, she was dead after suffering several more. As I held her in my arms as the second seizure overtook her, I knew that she was dying. I said my goodbyes to her, giving her one final kiss as I put her in the backseat of the car on her way to the vet. We know nothing about the first 13 years of her life, but know that the last eighteen months were filled with the love, comfort and attention that she deserved.

Bo
Sabin got his furever home with me, and resident cat, Ophelia, on May 5th, 2008. It is with a heavy heart and great sadness to share with you that Sabin passed away from cancer and surgical complications on Sept 9, 2014. The outpouring of support from family and friends only reflected what an amazing dog and best friend he was. Although our time together was too short, it was filled with amazing laughter and joy and created amazing memories. If/when another MARS alum joins my family, the dog will have big shoes to fill. MARS will always hold a special place in my heart for connecting me with my best friend. Some pics attached for your reference and enjoyment. Regards, Sheri Richter

Buck aka Prince
My four-legged best friend crossed the bridge. He suffered from degenerative myelopathy -- degeneration of the spine. I bring his boxed ashes outside where he used to lay and in the bedroom at night where he laid down to sleep. He was an unusually active dog, living his walks every day and throughout the winter months. He was kinda crazy too. Dennis and I are going to miss him so much after having him for so long. He was 12. We knew it was his time so we made that dreaded decision to let him go. He left this world peacefully. -- *Mary and Dennis Abel*